FACE OF CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Kellco Custom Homes

TRACIE J. KELLEY, PRESIDENT & CEO, KELLCO CUSTOM HOMES, KELLCO REAL ESTATE AND ENERGY AIR, INC.

(from Showstopper! in March AY by Dwain Hebda)

In the luxury homes marketplace, it’s getting harder and harder to stand out with a residential creation that truly represents the pinnacle of design and function. That’s just the kind of challenge Tracie Kelley welcomes.

Kelley, president and CEO of KellCo Custom Homes, has built a stellar reputation for setting a high bar in the masterwork creations her company designs and builds. She maintains her status as one of Little Rock’s premier builders thanks to her drive to constantly improve and push the envelope.

Kelley and team’s latest effort, Hallan Estate, stretches the bounds of imagination when it comes to high end appointments, tasteful design and top-quality materials, which combine for the ultimate wow factor. Simply put, the highly anticipated and ultra-exclusive home represents the highest expression of the builder’s art.

Even at first glance, you know the place has few equals in the local market. The building’s exterior commands attention at once, having expertly paired multiple building materials into a symphony for the senses. Steel roofing and iron railings contrast the light granite shell, while just the right touch of wood lends warmth to the stunning profile.

Innovation and style abound throughout Hallan Estate, brought together in a way where form complements function. Inside, the appointments are second to none and brought together seamlessly to reflect modern design that’s still comfortable. Such craftsmanship comes at a cost, of course, but for Kelley high-end is the standard– she'll either build the very best or she won’t build it at all.

“It truly takes getting out of your comfort zone to make the unique happen,” she said. “I like to keep things stirred up. Who wants what everyone else has? Boring. Boring. Boring.”

In many homes, outdoor spaces are an afterthought; even in some luxury models, patios and other living areas can feel tacked on. Not so with KellCo Custom Homes, where the level of attention to detail and quality of design rivals lesser projects’ main living interiors.

“Exceptional designs have no boundaries,” Kelley said. “With so many folks working from home today, who wants to feel trapped inside? I decided to take these spaces to the next level and just go for it.”

The result is a collection of open spaces, entertainment patios, flex rooms, outdoor kitchens and in-ground pools softened by greenspaces. The precision of the landscaping is such that even hardscape has an architectural feel to it. As much as the interior has to offer, one can easily imagine Hallan Estate’s outdoor spaces to be the most-used and best-loved by its occupants.

To look upon a finished project such as Hallan Estate that has come together so beautifully, it’s easy to forget how much work, planning and coordination it takes to pull off such a project. The unforeseen happens on every build, large or small, and as Kelley noted, the bigger the prize, the steeper the climb.

“There will always be challenges to occur. It’s the nature of the beast,” she said. “Be nice to your builder, and trust their advice; a great builder is an expert who will do everything possible to keep calm through the chaos. It’s important that clients trust they hired the right builder and trust in our ability to execute, even through the chaos. And remember, sometimes it’s best to stay out of the kitchen until the final product is ready.”

Besides the quality of the finished product, it’s the personal attention and ownership Kelley takes in her projects that have endeared her to many satisfied clients. A tireless work ethic, a devotion to her craft and an intolerance for doublespeak are all personality traits familiar to those who know her. If you want to know what she thinks, simply ask, but be prepared to hear the truth.

“A builder should be someone who lives up to the client’s expectations while keeping it real,” she said. “I’m a builder who can guide you with stability and leadership — particularly in today’s market — and I’m a builder whose emotions don’t fluctuate like the price of lumber.”

With Hallan Estate, Kelley has crafted a new high point in an already storied career, but it’s a dangerous thing to call any creation of KellCo Custom Homes the pinnacle of the homebuilder’s craft. No matter how grand, how technically challenging, how energy efficient or how groundbreaking her latest project, there is always the opportunity to top it the next time out.