What began as a partnership between industry veterans Murray Rice and Gaetan Richard has grown into one of Florida’s most respected shell construction firms. Now celebrating 20 years in business, Richard & Rice Construction continues to raise the bar in safety, quality, and efficiency — laying the groundwork for thousands of homes and structures across the state each year.
Headquartered in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the company was founded in 2004 with a straightforward mission: deliver consistent, high-quality results that empower homebuilders to succeed. That mission still drives them today. With multiple distinct shell construction divisions strategically located across the state, Richard & Rice now builds approximately 3,000 homes annually, covering everything from production-style residential to luxury custom homes and low-rise commercial buildings.
Top-ranked national builders and regional luxury custom homebuilders count on Richard & Rice not only for reliable craftsmanship but also for their deep expertise in value engineering. By helping clients optimize designs for cost-efficiency and performance, the company plays a key role in keeping complex projects both on schedule and on budget.
Behind the scenes, it’s a commitment to process and people that truly distinguishes the company. Its safety program has earned national recognition, driven by a low mod rate and a fully certified field team. In fact, all field superintendents hold OSHA 30 certifications, and every employee is certified in AED, CPR, and First Aid through the American Red Cross. These certifications, along with regular field training throughout the year, ensure crews are equipped, educated, and ready for the unexpected.
That same rigor extends to their approach to quality and cycle time — two areas where the company has also received industry awards. For Richard & Rice, speed and excellence aren’t tradeoffs, they’re benchmarks. By building repeatable systems and prioritizing precision, the team consistently delivers on both fronts without compromising one for the other.
Leadership credits much of this success to a culture rooted in integrity and accountability. From seasoned superintendents to the office support staff, everyone shares a commitment to doing the job right the first time. This shared mindset has fostered a strong sense of teamwork and pride across every level of the organization.
Now two decades in, Richard & Rice continues to evolve while staying true to its founding values. The company is actively expanding its presence, fine-tuning operations, and building long-term partnerships throughout Florida’s fast-growing construction landscape.