Design for Life

elegant & environmental, custom & creative,

Our philosophy is based on a passion for the details,” says Building Concepts co-owner Kim Hochhalter. With her architect husband, Alan, the design team begins each home project by considering the home site, and how the environment can be enhanced within the design. With the beautiful custom model on 3676 Houkom Dr. E. in West Fargo, the back of the lot faces west, boasting established trees, and Alan has incorporated them into the gorgeous views from the home. The ground level patio snuggles into the shade trees. The open floor plan with corner windows allows natural light from the south and east into the entire home.

From the initial design meetings with Alan, a home design is created, incorporating all the details desired. “If there’s an heirloom hutch that needs to be in the dining area,” Kim says, “Alan will want to know so he can incorporate that piece into the planning of the room.” One of the benefits of dealing with an architect who has a passion for residential construction is the timeless beauty of the design. “Changing a paint color is easy,” Kim says. “But moving walls or changing out tile gets expensive.” It’s why Building Concepts’ designs are both loved and livable, years after completion.

Once a contract is signed, Kim takes over as the construction manager, assisted by their interior designer, Kristin Ditch. For all the color and design decisions, Kirsten and Kim provide as much or as little assistance as the owners wish; again, it is their choice.

Home Trends

“We attend international/national homebuilder shows and educational seminars, so we have access to the most current information,” Kim notes. Some trends she notes are in colors. White cabinets will be around for a while, she says, while the wall colors are still using shades of gray with white trim. Natural wood tones remain timeless and warm.

Another trend in home styles for younger homeowners is the combination of urban and eclectic. “They combine the disposable with vintage, to personalize their home, yet be flexible with their ever-changing style,” Kim says. “There’s also a lot of natural woods being used to blend with the white and add some warmth.” Carryover trends include an open style of home rather than small room boxes. The more open, with minimal hallways, the better to maximize the square footage, she explains.

The Model

A covered front porch with asymmetrical ledgestone columns opens to a large entry, complete with closet on the right. The moment you step into the home on Houkom Drive, the eyes are drawn to the natural, inviting and beautiful view of the established trees through the bank of windows along the entire back of the home. Alan’s design artfully incorporates the outdoor vista within the 3,808 finished square-foot home.

On the left of the foyer is a short hall to the guest bath, two bedrooms and an open staircase leading to the lower landing, patio space and garden level basement. Just ahead is the