Building an ultra-luxury custom home often rivals the complexity of managing a commercial high-rise. Behind every dream estate in South Florida is a demanding process that requires expertise, foresight, and a dedicated advocate to safeguard the owner’s vision.
In this episode, host Rick Bell sits down with Rick Peña—founding principal of Prime Group Management and a seasoned owner’s representative with over 25 years of experience and a portfolio surpassing $1 billion.
Together, they explore the indispensable role of an Owner’s Rep in guiding complex projects from start to finish.
👉 If you’re planning your first luxury custom home—or simply want to understand what it takes—subscribe and share this episode with someone embarking on their dream build.
Highlights & Takeaways
• How to choose the right Owner’s Rep—and what traps to avoid
• Why today’s luxury estates are managed like large commercial projects
• The hidden challenges that can derail timelines (like windows, doors, or overseas shipments)
• How early planning and data-driven cost control save millions
• What makes trust, reputation, and repeat clients the true measure of success
• Why aligning architects and builders with the homeowner’s goals prevents costly redesigns and delays
• How selectivity in projects leads to higher service, stronger focus, and exceptional results
Connect with Rick Pena's Team
Prime Group Management, LLC: https://www.primegroupmanagement.com
Glossary of Terms
Owner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep): A consultant who represents the homeowner’s interests during the planning and construction process, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants.
OAC Meeting: Regular project meetings between the Owner, Architect, and Contractor
Change Order (CO): A formal amendment to the construction contract to account for changes in scope, cost, or time.
Submittals & RFIs: Documentation and requests used by contractors to confirm materials, details, or resolve uncertainties.
Design to Budget: A process ensuring design decisions align with the owner’s financial parameters from the start.
Listen & Subscribe
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH
🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com
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