For more than two decades, Vykintas Genys has been redefining what it means to create a home. As founder and president of Genys Construction and GoToPros, he has built a reputation for designing and delivering high-end residential spaces that seamlessly blend artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. With a background in fine arts and architecture, Genys brings a unique perspective to construction—one that prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality.
Since establishing the company in 2004, he has cultivated a trusted team of professionals dedicated to bringing clients’ visions to life. At the heart of GoToPros is a philosophy centered on collaboration, precision, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Every project, from concept to completion, is designed to inspire, enrich, and elevate everyday living.
Here, Genys shares his insights on the evolving landscape of residential design, the importance of craftsmanship and how his team continues to push the boundaries of innovation in modern homebuilding.
Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?
I studied architecture in Lithuania before moving to the U.S. in 2002. With no professional experience, I took any opportunity I could find, starting as a construction helper. That hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the trade and, by 2004, I had started my own remodeling company.
Today, we design, build and remodel, focusing on high-end residential projects that blend architectural innovation with craftsmanship.
Give us a snapshot of your company.
GoToPros Industry is a high-end residential architecture and remodeling services firm that works on luxury home renovations, design-build solutions, and custom architectural design. Our mission is to create homes that are a seamless extension of their owners—combining innovative design, superior craftsmanship and personalized details.
Our target audience is high-net-worth individuals seeking unique, high-quality home transformations. Unique Value Proposition: We specialize in out-of-the-box architectural solutions, meticulous craftsmanship and creative problem-solving to deliver one-of-a-kind, investment-worthy living spaces.
Our key achievements are completed multi-million dollar renovations, recognized for innovative spatial planning and premium craftsmanship in Atlanta.
What trends are you seeing in the residential construction market today? How are they shaping the industry?
We only take on two or three projects a year, which allows us to focus on quality rather than trends. However, from experience, we see a growing push for energy efficiency, often driven by local building regulations.
On the other hand, clients prioritize quality materials and craftsmanship while seeking a balance between cost and innovation. Ultimately, every project depends on the client’s vision and values.
Are trends like sustainable and energy-efficient homes influencing building decisions today?
Yes, absolutely. Most clients want their homes to perform at the highest efficiency possible. That starts with a well-insulated building envelope—floors, walls, and ceilings—because energy efficiency isn’t just about the latest innovative systems; it’s about designing a structure that retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.
What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in the building trade today?
The shortage of skilled specialists is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. There’s more work than there are craftsmen capable of delivering high-quality results. If a trade doesn’t meet our standards, we voice our concerns—but often, they move on to another project rather than improving. Maintaining quality requires constant vigilance.
What does the labor pool look like? How are you attracting and retaining skilled workers for your projects?
As a general contracting firm, we subcontract all of our work. Over the years, we’ve curated a network of subcontractors whose values align with ours—quality, cost-efficiency and reliability.
Our relationships are built on mutual respect and long-term collaboration. If issues arise, we address them directly, which leads to continuous improvement rather than turnover.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in the residential construction sector?
Technology has streamlined project management and communication, making tracking progress and coordinating details easier. Most of my work—reviewing drawings, resolving issues, or consulting with my team—can now be done remotely. That level of efficiency was unheard of in the past.
How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new building materials and techniques?
We often design spaces we’ve never built, forcing us to research and innovate. When a client loves a unique idea, we figure out how to bring it to life. That process—finding the right materials, methods and craftsmen—is our best form of education. We also attend construction industry exhibits to stay updated on advancements, but our real learning comes from hands-on problem-solving.
What advice would you give to homeowners looking to embark on a new construction or renovation project?
Find a contractor you trust and can build a good working relationship with because he will be your unofficial roommate for the project’s duration. His work will be messy, loud, and disruptive and his crew will occasionally drive you crazy. But if he’s the right contractor, he’ll handle the challenges so you can enjoy your coffee peacefully, knowing the project is in good hands.
Can you share a story about a unique project you’ve worked on? What made it stand out?
We’ve remodeled many penthouses, which are unique by nature, but the most satisfying projects are the ones where we design something genuinely new.
One of our most incredible recent projects was a penthouse remodel featuring a custom-designed bar. The client wanted something extraordinary, so we proposed a coral-inspired design. He loved it and asked, “What will it be made of?”—to which we had no clue at the time.
It took us months to find the right craftsman—a Lithuanian artisan who proposed a material to achieve the desired look and durability. The bar was massive, built offsite over six months in multiple sections, then shipped and assembled by the same craftsman. The result? A stunning, unique bar showcasing the client’s liquor collection—an international effort.
What do you believe is the future of residential construction?
If we’re talking long-term, I believe modular construction will dominate. Customization will still play a role, but the industry will move toward more standardized, efficient building methods.
How are you preparing your business to meet those changes?
The strongest muscle we train is flexibility. Every project we take on challenges us beyond what we thought was possible, but we adapt and find solutions. The construction industry evolves, but it’s not always the strongest that survives—it’s the most adaptable.
One-on-One with… Vykintas Genys
Describe a typical day.
I wake up at 6 a.m. and jog with my two 70-pound mutts. After that, I do push ups, sit-ups and abs, followed by a shower, meditation and breakfast before heading to the office. During the day, I focus on the most critical tasks, handling issues with subcontractors, responding to client requests, and collaborating with the design team. Then, it’s another trip to the park with the dogs, dinner, catching up on world news and unwinding with a book before bed.
What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?
Ensure that everything moves forward—whether it’s design, construction or problem-solving—so that progress never stalls.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
My team. I love working with them. We face challenges, solve problems together and become stronger every time. Every project throws up something unexpected, but we tackle it as a team.
What was the best advice you ever received?
One of my first employers—when I was starting as a helper—told me to remember, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to fix it?”
What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?
“I don’t think I could have achieved this without you.”
