Design-build · Newport Beach
We design it, build it, and know what it’s worth.
Custom homes, development, Class A public works, and brokerage under one roof, led by an engineer-builder who is on every job.
The firm
Most builders take a set of drawings and price it. We start earlier. Design, engineering, and cost are worked out together, so the house that gets drawn is the house that gets built, on budget, and worth more when it is done.
Featured · Development · For sale
1201 West Bay
A ground-up development of roughly 4,600 square feet on the Newport Beach peninsula, designed around harbor views, warm plaster, and walnut. Completed in 2026 and currently for sale.
Design first
Material, light, and proportion are decided before the first stud goes up.
Concept and space planning, architecture and engineering coordination, interior schemes, finish and fixture selection, and staging for market. Every detail below is from 1201 West Bay.
How we design
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01
Design
Design is the first trade on every job. We shape the plan, the materials, and the interiors alongside our architects and designers, then price it before it is drawn twice.
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02
Build
Licensed Class B general building. Luxury custom homes, ADUs, and multifamily under cost-plus or fixed-price contracts, with Jeff on site.
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03
Develop
Ground-up spec homes, SB9 splits, infill, and multifamily. We underwrite, entitle, and build our own projects, and we do it for investors.
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04
Engineer
Licensed Class A general engineering in the public right of way: curb and gutter, sidewalks and ADA ramps, sewer and water, Edison trenching, paving.
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05
Represent
Cefalia Real Estate is our brokerage. Lots for custom homes, off-market sourcing, and listings for the homes we build.
Selected work
Built on the Newport coast.
“Cefalia Development helped us with our home remodel, and we couldn’t be happier! Jeff and his team were reliable, honest and detail focused. We thoroughly enjoyed working with them and would highly recommend them to anyone looking!”
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Cefalia Development on many sales of their custom homes, and they consistently deliver exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and clear communication make the closing process smooth and efficient for our team. Cefalia Development sets a high standard for custom home building and is a trusted name in luxury construction. I absolutely recommend them to anyone that is looking to build a custom home!”
“We have worked with Cefalia Development for many years and they have always been very professional, detail oriented, and fair. They do great work and are easy to get a hold of and always very helpful. Would highly recommend.”
“Cefalia Development was simply amazing on my project. They were thorough in the their initial consultation and understood the scope and budget of my project. They then found the right suppliers of components and did and amazing job of completely my home improvement remodel! It was done on time which is so rare now days and within budget! I couldn’t be happier with them.”
“As a Tile Contractor we've done work for many home developers and general contractors over the 25+ years in the business. Cefalia Development is by far one of the best home developers in the local area. Owner Jeff Cefalia takes his time in making sure his client gets everything they want in their dream home and he is always there on the job making sure his crew and team get his clients projects done right the 1st time and on time. Incredible guy to work with and I personally would recommend Cefalia Development for your future remodel!”
“Great work and follow-up! Cefalia Development is a great organization, always prompt and extremely professional. I would recommend them to anyone needing construction/development services.”
Process
From site search to move-in.
- 01
Discovery and site criteria
Define goals, budget, preferred neighborhoods, and what the project needs to do.
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Land search and acquisition
Source on- and off-market lots, then run zoning and utility due diligence.
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Design and planning
Coordinate architecture, engineering, interiors, and site planning to match the vision and the budget.
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Build
Move straight into construction with Cefalia as your contractor. Transparent cost-plus model.
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Sell or move in
Whether you are building to live or to list, we manage the last mile with strategy and care.
Founder and principal
Jeff Cefalia
Jeff is the grandson of a general contractor and the son of a developer. He trained in mechanical and electrical engineering, holds Class A and Class B contractor licenses, and is a licensed real estate broker.
That combination means the person reviewing your design is the same person pricing it, building it, and, if you want, selling it. Jeff is hands-on in every job, from early feasibility through final walkthrough.
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