Residential design-build and construction consulting, led by Darius Heads.
Darius Heads
Darius grew up on job sites, learning construction under his father, who owned and operated Heads Custom Builders. He gained hands-on experience with framing, roofing, finishing and the many trades involved in building a home. It is a fourth-generation trade background, and father and son still collaborate on projects from time to time.
Before he started his own practice he studied architecture formally: a B.S. in Architecture from Prairie View A&M University in 2007, Cum Laude, then a Master of Architecture from the same program in 2009.
He founded HCB Designs in 2014 to bring that combination of design education and construction experience to residential work, including custom homes, additions, and whole-home renovations.
The HCB approach combines architectural education, professional design experience, and hands-on construction knowledge. In 2016, Darius built his own house from the ground up as an opportunity to deepen his understanding of the trades, and he continues to self-perform selected work on projects he manages. That construction experience informs how HCB approaches design — with drawings developed to be practical to price, permit, coordinate, and build.
He holds Associate AIA membership and the LEED Green Associate credential; he is not a licensed architect, and licensed architects and engineers are engaged whenever a project's scope calls for a stamp. HCB is intentionally owner-led, with Darius personally involved from the initial site visit through project completion.
Where he practiced before HCB.
For the first stretch of his career, Darius practiced in Austin — commercial construction management on fire stations, churches, nursing homes, and memory-care facilities. That work built his professional record: scheduling, trade coordination, and carrying large documents through permitting and construction on real, occupied buildings.
Austin is where he practiced. HCB Designs now serves Houston and the surrounding areas — and every current project is delivered there.
- B.S. Architecture, Prairie View A&M University (2007, Cum Laude)
- Master of Architecture, Prairie View A&M University (2009)
- Associate AIA
- LEED Green Associate
fourth-generation construction background; self-performed trade work on multiple projects
HCB Designs is a residential design-build firm that also provides construction consulting. Darius Heads holds Associate AIA membership and the LEED Green Associate credential; he is not a licensed architect. Licensed architects and engineers are engaged when a project requires a stamp.
Designed with construction in mind.
Good residential design starts with how a family lives, then responds to the site, the existing structure, and the budget. Because HCB can carry a project from design through construction, every drawing is tested against how it will be priced, permitted, and built. When another builder holds the contract, construction consulting keeps the owner's priorities and the design intent represented in the field. The goal is durable, thoughtful work with fewer surprises between the first sketch and the final walk-through.
Houston and surrounding areas. Projects outside the Houston area are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Homeowners planning to stay and invest in their homes. Builders who value clear, buildable drawings. Realtors and interior designers who need a reliable residential design and construction partner.