Gonyea Custom Homes: Turning Clients’ Visions into Homes that Stand the Test of Time

For over 35 years, Gonyea Custom Homes has been a staple in the Twin Cities’ home-building market, creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind homes that are as unique as the landscapes they are built on. Under the leadership of Jon Connolly, who has been with the company for 15 years, Gonyea Custom Homes has shifted its focus to bespoke luxury, forming a dedicated custom team that specializes in turning clients’ visions into reality.

Design-Centric and Custom-Driven Approach

Originally working in architecture and design, Connolly now serves as president, overseeing a team dedicated to crafting masterpieces tailored to the unique needs and preferences of their clients. “We wanted to get back to what brought us to the market—custom homes,” says Connolly. From lakefront properties to intricate lot splits, Gonyea Custom Homes specializes in custom builds that honor both the land and the client’s vision.

Each home is a testament to the company’s philosophy of blending architecture with personal style, allowing the characteristics of the site to influence the design while ensuring the finished product aligns perfectly with the homeowner’s desires.

Navigating Challenges with Expertise

Despite the rising costs of land and fluctuating interest rates, Gonyea Custom Homes continues to thrive in the luxury home market. As Connolly explains, the company’s focus on building strong relationships—with clients, employees, and subcontractors—has been key to navigating the challenges of today’s housing market. “The relationships we’ve built over 35 years are invaluable, and they allow us to continue delivering the highest quality of work,” he notes. This deep network of trusted partners ensures that Gonyea Custom Homes can handle any project, regardless of complexity.

Strategic Partnerships: The Cambria Connection

As part of their custom-focused strategy, Gonyea Custom Homes has cultivated a strong partnership with Cambria. The partnership is driven by a shared commitment to quality and customization. “In custom homes, people get to choose their value,” says Connolly, “and Cambria allows our clients to do just that with their wide range of designs.”

Cambria’s quartz surfaces offer both beauty and functionality, which is crucial in homes where design is a priority but practicality cannot be compromised. The durability, maintenance-free aspects, and the American-made quality of Cambria’s quartz products have made them a top choice for Gonyea Custom Homes. From bold patterns to soft, matte finishes, Cambria’s surfaces align perfectly with Gonyea’s design-forward approach.

Future-Focused Custom Craftsmanship

Looking ahead, Gonyea Custom Homes remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in custom home building. From innovative design solutions to maintaining strong relationships with suppliers like Cambria, its team is focused on creating homes that stand the test of time, both in terms of design and craftsmanship.

From the Designer’s Perspective

As an interior designer for Gonyea Custom Homes, Lauren Wynia’s focus begins with understanding how her clients live in their homes, especially in the kitchen, where she knows “real life happens.” From wine spills to kids painting on the countertops, she envisions spaces where families grow and make memories, and she prioritizes both form and function. Her approach is centered on creating thoughtful designs that feel cozy, functional, and timeless.

In one of her latest projects, she chose Cambria’s Everleigh in a matte finish to bring warmth and softness to the kitchen. She believes that Cambria’s durability and low maintenance make it an ideal choice for real-life moments. The surfaces not only offer beauty but withstand the test of everyday life.

For her, a kitchen is the heart of the home, where people come together. Whether through mixing textures and finishes or including thoughtful details like a pass-through scullery, Wynia ensures that the design supports how a family interacts in their most-used space. Cambria’s elegant designs, like Ironbridge with its subtle veining, help create a sense of luxury while maintaining practicality.

For Wynia, what sets Cambria apart is its commitment to quality and the unique art-like designs they create, designs she can’t find elsewhere. She appreciates the brand’s support, from expert, professional installations to having a market representative show her new designs. Cambria offers more than just surfaces—it offers peace of mind and the ability to design luxurious yet livable spaces.

Together, Cambria and Gonyea Custom Homes are making a lasting impression.