Inside the Build: An Interview with Geoff Kennedy, Co-Founder of Kennedy + Kenel

Are you dreaming of building your perfect home but don’t know where to start? Or maybe you have questions about the custom home building process? You’re in the right place!

Welcome to our latest Q & A blog post, where we take you behind the scenes of the custom home building industry!

With a deep passion for luxury home building and a commitment to quality craftsmanship, Geoff Kennedy has played a pivotal role in shaping homes that not only meet clients’ needs but also reflect their unique lifestyles. In this conversation, we’ll delve into his journey, the inspiration behind starting Kennedy + Kenel, and the trends currently transforming the custom home market.

Whether you’re a potential homeowner, a design enthusiast, or simply curious about what goes into creating a custom dream home, this interview reveals valuable insights. Join us as we explore the art and science of custom home building through the eyes of an industry leader in the Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville region of the GTA.

What do you love most about custom home building?

I love turning a client’s vision into reality and creating a home that’s truly unique to their lifestyle. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the final product and the client’s satisfaction.

What inspired you to start Kennedy + Kenel?

My inspiration to start Kennedy + Kenel came from a deep-rooted passion for high-quality craftsmanship and a desire to elevate the home-building experience. I wanted to create a company that not only focused on delivering exceptional quality in every detail but also offered clients a personalized, luxury experience that respects and reflects their vision.

By founding Kennedy + Kenel, I aimed to bridge the gap between premium craftsmanship and a unique, tailored journey, allowing clients to feel deeply connected to their home from the very start. Every home we build is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our clients' dreams.

Kennedy + Kennel builds primarily in the Hamilton, Oakville and Burlington area. What do you feel sets Kennedy + Kenel apart from other builders in this area?

Our attention to detail, dedication to quality, and commitment to making the building process as enjoyable and stress-free as possible really set us apart.

What is your favorite technology trend in high performance home building?

Smart home integration combined with energy-efficient materials is one of the most exciting trends right now in high-performance home building, enhancing sustainability without compromising luxury. Modern smart systems allow centralized control over lighting, heating, cooling, and security, so settings can be adapted based on user preferences to optimize energy use and convenience. Paired with advancements like high-performance insulation and energy-efficient windows, these homes are crafted for exceptional comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. This synergy between technology and materials creates luxurious homes that align with modern standards, providing a seamless, elevated living experience.

Are there any particular design trends you are passionate about?

I'm particularly passionate about biophilic design, which focuses on bringing natural elements like light, wood, and greenery into the home. This design approach creates a calming, harmonious environment by integrating nature-inspired elements that promote well-being and connection to the outdoors. I love how biophilic design uses large windows to maximize outside light, natural materials like wood and stone for warmth and texture, and strategically placed greenery to add vibrancy. It's about more than aesthetics; it’s a way to create spaces that feel refreshing and restorative, making a home feel like a true sanctuary.

I'm particularly passionate about biophilic design, which focuses on bringing natural elements like light, wood, and greenery into the home.

What is a unique request that you’ve received from a client for a custom home build?

Building a professional-grade recording studio inside a home was one of the most unique requests we’ve had! It presented an opportunity for us to explore the fundamentals of sound engineering and room design in order to optimize sound quality for the client as well as provide a balanced acoustic environment.

Can you share a memorable challenge you encountered on a project and how you overcame it?

On one project, we encountered unexpected soil conditions that complicated our original excavation plan. Instead of allowing this to delay the timeline, we quickly coordinated with our engineering team to assess the site and come up with a new approach. Together, we redesigned the foundation to suit the specific soil conditions, ensuring the structure’s stability while staying on track with the schedule. This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and collaboration, as it allowed us to overcome a significant challenge without compromising on quality or the project timeline.

This experience highlighted the importance of adaptability and collaboration, as it allowed us to overcome a significant challenge without compromising on quality or the project timeline.

What is your favorite milestone during a build?

My favorite milestone during a build is the drywall stage. At this point, the rough-ins are completed, and the rooms truly begin to take shape, giving a clear sense of the home's flow and layout. It’s an exciting phase because it signals that we're moving into the finishing stages, where all the details that bring character to the space will come to life. Walking through the project at this stage, I can envision the finished product and feel the anticipation build as we approach the final touches. This milestone brings the vision closer to reality for everyone involved.

What do you do to unwind after a busy project is completed?

After a busy project is completed, I love spending quality time with my wife and two young children. Coming home to them each day, sharing laughs, and relaxing together brings me so much joy and balance. No matter how intense a project has been, ending the day happily with them is what truly recharges me. They’re the heart of my life and a big part of why I’m passionate about my work, making every effort worth it.

What are some common misconceptions people have about custom home building?

A common misconception about custom home building is that it’s only for the ultra-wealthy and will take significantly longer than other construction types. In reality, with careful planning and a clear, collaborative approach, a custom build can be accessible to a range of budgets and efficiently managed within a reasonable timeline. Honest communication about budgeting and timelines is essential—it helps set realistic expectations and ensures the design aligns with both the client’s vision and financial considerations. By focusing on transparency and proactive project management, we create a personalized, high-quality home that reflects each client’s unique goals, making custom building a more achievable and streamlined option than many might realize.

As a leading expert in luxury home building, what has been the most rewarding part of your journey over the years?

The most rewarding part of my journey in luxury home building has been witnessing the lasting impact our homes have on the families who live in them. Each project is more than just a structure—it becomes a place where memories are made, families grow, and dreams come to life. We know this first hand because we stay in touch with past clients, and get to hear how their homes have enriched their lives and adapted to their evolving needs. Knowing that our work has a direct, positive influence on their daily experiences brings a deep sense of fulfillment, as we see our efforts creating a lasting foundation for their most cherished moments.

Knowing that our work has a direct, positive influence on their daily experiences brings a deep sense of fulfillment, as we see our efforts creating a lasting foundation for their most cherished moments.

If you were to build your own dream home, what features are your must haves?

For my dream home, I’d prioritize energy efficiency and practicality, with smart technologies throughout to enhance convenience and sustainability. A spacious kitchen and great room would be a must-have—a welcoming, open space for cooking and entertaining that brings everyone together. A dedicated home office would provide a focused and productive environment, while an amazing backyard would invite me outdoors, offering the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. And, for a touch of mystery, I’d love to incorporate a hidden door or two, adding character and intrigue. These elements would create a home that’s as functional and efficient as it is inviting and inspiring.