Sterling Custom Homes was founded in Austin, Texas, in 1989 by Duke McDowell. Before starting Sterling, Duke earned an engineering degree from Texas Tech University and served in leadership roles with prominent Texas homebuilding companies. His early construction experience shaped a lasting belief that there are no shortcuts to building well. That principle remains central to the Sterling standard today. For more than 35 years, Sterling has focused on luxury custom homes, careful planning, disciplined execution, and long-term homeowner relationships. The company philosophy is simple: a custom home should be thoughtfully planned, beautifully built, and deeply personal to the people who live there. Sterling’s process emphasizes lot analysis, design coordination, detailed specifications, transparent communication, and quality craftsmanship. The company builds throughout the Austin area and surrounding Hill Country, including Lakeway, Westlake Hills, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Horseshoe Bay, Barton Creek, Rough Hollow, Spanish Oaks, and other sought-after communities.