Frampton Homes: Lifestyle-Driven Design in the Heart of Iowa
Written by: Eloise Goldman
Photography by: Jake Boyd. Cambria design shown: Whitendale™
Founded in 2005, Frampton Homes has become a trusted full-service builder of custom and model residences in Grimes, IA, and throughout the Des Moines suburbs. Justin Frampton began his career in siding and framing before venturing out on his own to establish the company. Nearly two decades later, Frampton Homes delivers 15 to 20 homes each year, pairing construction rigor with a client-first process to create spaces defined by quality, comfort, and style. The company remains proudly family-owned and run by a tight-knit four-person team.
Today, Justin is joined by his wife and co-owner, Dani, who began her career in real estate and now oversees operations and finances. Designer Allie Holmes guides clients through the design process, while project manager Aaron Nihart manages daily site progress with precision and care.
Building Around Daily Life
At Frampton Homes, every build begins with lifestyle. Justin takes time to understand how clients use their homes—whether they love to entertain, want to create a family gathering place, or are focused on making daily life easier. He uses that knowledge to match them with the right lot and floor plan. From there, Allie translates ideas into cohesive designs, often drawing from inspirational images clients provide. By uniting personalized layouts with a streamlined design process, Frampton Homes delivers residences that are both distinctive and functional—completed on time and to the highest standards.
A Cambria Connection
Frampton Homes’ path to Cambria runs through its longtime fabricator Fox Countertops, a Cambria Premier Partner. Since that introduction, the team has made Cambria a frequent choice for their homes, featuring a display tower in their showroom and specifying the product regularly.
The team realized quickly that Cambria stood out—valued for its tangible quality and a design range versatile enough to fit any project. “The quality of Cambria is something you can truly feel, and the designs are versatile enough to match any of our clients’ styles,” says Allie.
For homeowners, what resonates most is confidence. The team at Frampton Homes also connects with Cambria’s family-owned values. As a family business themselves, they see the same dedication to long-term relationships and trust.
Standout Projects Featuring Cambria
Clive Custom Home: This custom residence located in Clive, IA, features a light, airy palette. In the kitchen, Portrush® tops an oversized island and perimeter countertops. Its veining complements the navy cabinetry and golden finishes carried throughout the home, creating a cohesive color story.
Photography by: Vivid Vision Media. Cambria design shown: Portrush
Haley Model Home: This model showcases Frampton Homes’ classic aesthetic and builder’s craft. The kitchen features Whitendale™ across a chiseled-edge island, perimeter countertops, and a full-height backsplash, beautifully contrasting with the rich wood cabinetry. The same design extends to the bathroom counters and unique bathtub surround. “The Whitendale design stands out as something special, yet remains timeless enough that you’ll never want to replace it,” Allie notes.
Photography by: Jake Boyd. Cambria design shown: Whitendale
Upcoming Applications
Frampton Homes continues to evolve its process, staying focused on quality and a client-first experience from lot selection to final walkthrough. Looking ahead, the team is eager to explore new ways of working with Cambria’s designs and innovations.
Recently introduced to the Cambria Satin™ finish, Allie says: “It adds another layer of dimension that we are excited to use.” Darker tones are also on their radar: “Remington Brass™ and Remington Steel™ are gaining momentum among clients, and I envision putting them in powder baths, bars, and even fireplace surrounds for our future projects.”
Continuing the Craft
Looking ahead, Frampton Homes remains grounded in the philosophy that has guided them since 2005. The team is committed to building homes that balance quality, design innovation, and everyday function. It’s a process they’ve honed over nearly two decades—and one they plan to carry forward.
Get the Look
Explore the designs featured in this story.
Additional Partner Spotlights
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