M K L C O N S T R U C T I O N C O R P O R AT I O N
The Dream
Builders
CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION EST. 1960
WHO WE ARE MKL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, “The Dream Builders”, is a family owned and operated company which has built a reputation for creating exceptional homes and properties in The Hamptons since 1960. Our founder and President, Maurice H. Kouffman settled in East Hampton in 1959 and has played a pivotal role in the development of the East End of Long Island, building such landmarks as the Eat Hampton House Hotel, and the East Hampton Movie Theater. Phillip D. Kouffman, Vice-Preseident and CEO is responsible for personally managing each MKL project and maintains close contact with all clients to assure that their requirements are met on time and on budget. All MKL Project Managers, craftsmen, and subcontractors are carefully chosen for their outstanding reputation, and have extensive experience in satisfying needs of the high-end clientele who live or invest in the Hamptons.
WHAT WE DO
• Build New Custom Homes • Create MKL Exclusive Copyrighted Designs • Home and Commercial Renovations • Speculative Building
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS: Real Estate Investments in The Hamptons have proven to be strong investments over time. If you wish to consider investing in real estate in The Hamptons, MKL CONSTRUCTION has the expertise to be your resource for building ”spec houses” either exclusively for your account or in partnership with others to reach a sound and profitable strategy. COMMERCIAL BUILDING: MKL’s expertise is by no means limited to residential construction. Among the many commercial buildings MKL has built are 66 Newtown Lane, part of the fashionable prime shopping area in East Hampton, and as mentioned above the East Hampton House Hotel, and East Hampton Cinema House. We invite you to contact us for a confidential consultation. For an appointment or additional information please call us at 631-324-9090 or visit us at www.mklconstruction.com. MKL is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders and Long Island Builders Institute.
MKL Construction Corporation We Build More Than Homes. We Build Relationships.
MKL, a three generation family-owned and operated company, has been creating exceptional homes and commercial properties for over half a century, satisfying the needs of discerning clientele who live or invest in the Hamptons. “We are confident that we will exceed your expectations, delivering the highest standard of excellence in an MKL home”. Phil Kouffman, Vice-President & CEO of MKL Construction Corporation MKL is a proud member of the National Association of Home Builders and Long Island Builders Institute.
Maurice H. Kouffman Founder & President
After settling in East Hampton in 1959, Maurice founded MKL Construction Corporation. As one of the Founders and “architects” of EL Al Israel Airlines, Maurice continued his visionary way of life, building some of East Hampton’s most iconic landmarks –The East Hampton Cinema, The East Hampton House, and fashionable 66 Newtown Lane. Maurice is a Lt. Colonel (ret.) in the United States Air Force. In addition to his contribution to El Al Airlines, he was awarded the Independence Medal, from the State of Israel.
Phillip D. Kouffman Vice-President & CEO
In 1977, Phil joined his Father overseeing day-to-day operations. Under his leadership, Phil spearheaded the company’s growth into high-end residential construction. Over the years, Phil has combined the art of managing each project with the ability to stay in constant communication with every client. The results are that MKL’s clients’ requirements are met, and projects are completed on-time and on budget.
Marcus J. Kouffman
Head of Construction In 2002, Marcus joined his Grandfather and Father at MKL. Having literally grown-up under the tutelage of the masters, Marcus is known for his intimate knowledge of the construction industry. As a trained carpenter with proficiency in all facets of construction, Marcus’s expertise ensures the success of each and every MKL project.
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MKL CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION A P R O F E S S I O N A L O R G A N I Z AT I O N W H O S E “ C O R E VA L U E S ” N E V E R G O O U T O F S T Y L E
While trends, practices, and individuals in the building industry are forever changing the Hampton’s landscape, one company and its unwavering commitment to their “core values”- excellence, quality, professionalism, efficiency, transparency, and indefatigable drive to exceed expectationsalong with its 53-year track record of financial stability, has earned it enduring success, admiration, and a reputation of integrity which is second to none. MKL Construction, is a three-generation family owned and operated corporation founded in 1960 by President, Maurice H. Kouffman, and in 1977, was joined by his Son, Phillip Kouffman,V.P. & CEO, and in 2002 by his Grandson, Marcus Kouffman, Head of Construction. MKL’s professional team consists of 15 full-time employees, and continues to expand.
a major factor in our thinking, and taken into account throughout the building process”. “When building with us, clients can expect to have a happy, positive, and rewarding experience”. In true fashion and consistent with MKL’s company motto: We Build More Than Homes. We Build Relationships, MKL is one of those rare companies that derives satisfaction not only from the “end” result of the shared achievement, but in the “way” they got there. MKL- a company that has been leading the way for over half a century- by staying true to their “core values”, and building for generations in the Hamptons- in a manner that in their and their clients’ thinking, never goes out of style.
The Dream
Builders
When asked about the key to his family’s building success, Phil is reminded of an advertisement he heard many years ago which always seemed to ring true to MKL- “we do business the old fashioned way-- we earn it”. “From our earliest conversations, we listen carefully to be able to understand and determine the client’s needs and desires, so we can educate and expertly guide them within their monetary parameters, to reach and even exceed, their goals and dreams”. “Getting value for our client’s investment is always
CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION EST. 1960
We Build More Than Homes. We Build Relationships.
631.324.9090 | www.mklconstruction.com
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MKL CONSTRUCTION CORP. THE HAMPTONS “GO-TO” BUILDERS
In a world that’s constantly changing, one thing has managed to stay the samethe natural beauty, allure, and unique cache of the Hamptons. Whether your family has lived on the desirable South Fork of the East-end, or you’re looking to invest or buy for the first time, one thing still rings true- building a home in the Hamptons is one of the best real estate investments you will ever make. For over half a century, people “in the know” have been turning to, and placing their confidence in the experts at MKL Construction when it comes to building custom homes, major renovations, and real estate investments, in the Hamptons.
motto, “We the majority brokers, and saying about
Build More Than Homes”. “We Build Relationships”. In fact, of MKL’s projects are through referrals from clients, real estate architects. To view some of the wonderful things people are MKL, you can go to their website: www.mklconstruction.com.
MKL’s clients take great comfort in Phil’s ability to walk them through the building process step-by-step, foreseeing any issues before they arise. MKL’s commitment to excellence, top-notch professional team, state-of-theart technology and monitoring systems, enable the organization to keep the client-architect-builder team fully informed throughout the project.
MKL, considered a pioneer at the time of its establishment in 1960, has become one of the Hampton’s most highly respected and well-known builders. Included in MKL’s portfolio of private residences and estates are several of East Hampton’s iconic landmarks, such as, the fashionable 66 Newtown Lane Complex and the East Hampton Movie Theater on Main Street.
Currently, MKL has numerous projects in choice locations ranging from South of the Highway in East Hampton to waterfront in Southampton. These projects encompass both new construction ( including tear-downs ) and major renovations, with several new projects scheduled to start in the Fall.
MKL Construction is family-owned and operated by the Kouffman Family, residents of East Hampton since 1959 when MKL’s Founder,Maurice H.Kouffman,first moved here.An appreciation for the inherent interplay of architecture, along with a passion for building,would lead MKL to build some of the most luxurious homes in the Hamptons.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that MKL’s future is a bright one. As we all know, when making such an important investment it’s essential to feel secure and confident that you’re in the hands of top-notch professionals- that’s exactly what you’ll get with MKL Construction Corporation as your builder.
In 1977, Philip D.Kouffman,MKL’sV.P.& CEO,joined forces with his Father,overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company. A perfect team, with the combined knowledge of building and all things related to real estate (both are licensed Real Estate Brokers), Phil was able to spearhead the growth and expansion of the company’s highend residential construction,securing the solid and enviable position MKL holds today. Phil’s natural ease makes the enduring relationships he has with his clientseffortless. These relationships have extended to building for many of his clients’ children, and now, for their children’s children, reflecting their
631.324.9090 | www.mklconstruction.com
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MKL CONSTRUCTION CORP. THE HAMPTONS “GO-TO” BUILDERS
MKL is currently building some of the most exclusive Modern & Traditional homes in the Hamptons, all in prime locations, from South of the Highway in East Hampton to waterfront in Southampton. These projects encompass both new construction (including tear-downs) and major renovations, with several new projects having commenced in the Fall. At MKL, we approach every project with fresh and new ideas. Translating design and vision into exquisite masterpieces is of paramount importance to our team. Our successful and enduring relationships with architects from the Hamptons, NYC, as well as, internationally, has led to us building some of the most beautiful homes on the East-End, earning us the reputation as the Hampton’s “Go-To” Builders. At MKL Construction, we believe in the “team approach”. Our top-notch professional team plans, schedules and monitors every MKL project on a daily basis. Our seamless communication protocol keeps everyone informed every step of the way, throughout the building process. For over half a century, MKL’s track record for being knowledgeable, responsive, honest, straight-forward and accessible has been second to none. Our clients know that with MKL at the helm, their project will be well managed, properly supervised, and advance seamlessly.
Right now is a very exciting time to be building in the Hamptons, with MKL, leading the way. We are enthusiastic about 2014, and look forward to another ground-breaking year! We are sure you have questions about all the benefits that come with choosing us for your next project, so please give us a call. We will be happy to answer your questions, offer you the expert guidance needed, and arrange to meet with you so that your Hampton’s dream home becomes a reality: 631-324-9090. Let us show you all that MKL Construction has to offer. To view some of our client and professional testimonials, please be sure to visit our website: www.mklconstruction.com. Here’s to a great 2014!
631.324.9090 | www.mklconstruction.com
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MK L C O N S T RUCT I O N C ORP. B U I L D I N G D R E A M H O M E S I N T H E H A M P TO N S F O R O V E R H A L F A C E N T U RY For most, building or renovating a home will be one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, and one of the most important. There will be many decisions to make along the way- from finding the perfect property, choosing an architectural style, finalizing a budget, right down to selecting the color of the living room paint. But, the single most important choice comes at the very start: which builder will you use? For over half a century, homeowners on the East End have been placing their confidence in MKL Construction Corporation, a three-generation family-owned business. Since its establishment in 1960, by President, Maurice H. Kouffman, MKL has become one of the most well-known and highly respected builders of exclusive custom homes in the Hamptons. MKL’s portfolio includes not only private residences and estates, but many of East Hampton’s iconic landmarks, such as: The East Hampton Cinema, the fashionable 66 Newtown Lane complex, and the East Hampton House. When speaking with MKL’s V.P. and CEO, Phillip Kouffman (who by the
way, prefers if you call him Phil), he had this to say, “Every day is a gift”. “I consider myself lucky to wake up every day and do what I love. My passion for building has been with me since my childhood, as I learned everything I know from my Father”. “It gives me great pleasure now that it’s my turn, to teach and pass down the love for building to my own son, Marcus, who has taken on an important role in the family business”. He goes on to elaborate, “It’s great to be a builder right now, for several reasons- including, advances in technology”. (Currently, MKL is working on a number of projects in choice locations South of the Highway, waterfront in Southampton; from vacant land deals to new construction and major renovations, with several more scheduled to start in the Fall). “Cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art monitoring systems allow us to keep our clients updated on a daily basis with pictures and videos, enabling them to see the progress of their project, and to feel at ease, by knowing their project is being properly taken care of ”. “It’s also great being able to build more energy efficient homes, through the knowledge and use of the latest materials”.
Phillip D. Kouffman,Vice-President & CEO One cannot help but be charmed by Phil’s natural ease, authenticity, and humility, along with his expert knowledge of building and construction, and everything related to real estate in the Hamptons. Phil has been a licensed R.E. Broker for over 30 years. Phil also knows that his clients look at their properties as investments, as well as homes. MKL takes pride in being able to give sound advice to help position their clients for the highest return on their investment. “What seems to be the biggest concern of your clients these days”, I ask. Phil replied simply- “time”. “Time is always an issue, as clients would like to be in their homes for summer. Time is also a factor when it comes to site walk-throughs”. “Most of our clients have crazy schedules, and may only be able to meet at 4:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Guess what- we’ll meet them then”. “This is very reassuring for them, and in our view, key in building a great relationship”.
As our conversation comes to a close, I ask Phil how he feels about the future. “MKL’s future is a bright one”. “There is a reason that 99% of our business has been referral-based. Just visit our website and you will see the many wonderful testimonials we’ve received over the years”. “We have clients who have built multiple homes with us and now, we’re building for their children”. “I believe that our longevity, expertise, and client care, are sure to keep us positioned as the “go-to” builders of the Hamptons, for generations to come”.
We Build More Than Homes. We Build Relationships.
631.324.9090 | www.mklconstruction.com
A Glass Half-Full: Wine Country Wine Cellars & Private Tasting Rooms January, 2013 By Nicole Barylski Hamptons.com
When thinking about the 60 or so wineries dotted across the North Fork and in the Hamptons, it should be no surprise that the inclusion of wine cellars is a “must have” feature on the rise in a ‘wine country’ home. It is no question that visiting one of the many East End wineries like Bedell Cellars, Martha Clara Vineyards, orPalmer Vineyards on the North Fork and Duck Walk Vineyards, Wolffer Estate Vineyards, orChanning Daughters Winery in the Hamptons is always a memorable time, many wine connoisseurs are taking advantage of the rising trend and enjoying the benefits of hosting their own wine tasting parties in a custom crafted wine cellar. Demand for wine cellars over the past few years is on the rise notes Phillip D. Kouffman, Vice President of MKL Construction. Typical clients spend $30,000 to $70,000, explains Kouffman, on a custom cellar with detailed paneling and climate control built to hold 1,000 to 2,000 bottles. MKL has designed a wide variety of wine cellars creating cellars that look like caves to cellars with stone walls and columns. More traditional wine cellar designs feature beautiful finished wood paneling. The location of the cellar also differs depending on the client. Some wine cellars are on the main floor while the majority are located on the lower level of the home. MKL had a client who wanted so showcase the wine cellar and installed a glass floor/ceiling above so guests could stand on the main floor and see right through to the wine cellar. Wine lovers looking for more room to grow their collection should start by setting a budget for the project. The most important feature to consider is creating the best climate controlled condition for the wine. A very detailed lighting plan and very thick insulated glass keep condensation at bay which, Kouffman says, “is a real disaster.” The rest of the decisions tend to be aesthetic like which material to use on the floor, typically tile or cement is used, sometimes wood, but definitely not carpet which absorbs moisture. If you can maintain a wine cellar and a collection to fill it, show it off. Mini-tasting rooms with comfortable seating within wine cellars are on the rise. This is a great option for people who entertain frequently and want an excuse to show off their wine collection. Wine cellars are no longer just for people with vintage or expensive wine collections. They are becoming the norm for people who like to regularly sit back and enjoy a glass of vino and have outgrown the under-counter wine refrigerators that hold a dozen or so bottles. If you are constantly adding to your collection, or plan to start one, a wine cellar should be on your “must have” home improvements list. Cheers! MKL Construction is a three generation family-owned and operated company, has been creating exceptional homes and commercial properties for over half a century, satisfying the needs of discerning clientele who live or invest in the Hamptons. For more information call 631-324-9090 or visit www.mklconstruction.com.
Selecting a Builder for Your Hamptons Home AUGUST 23, 2012 By Scott Adams Dans Paper
You’re finally ready to build your dream home in the Hamptons. You’ve fallen in love on your visits to the East End—summer parties and fun on the beach, the crisp days under blue skies in the fall, cozy dinners out on winter weekends, the pretty promise of spring— and now you’re going to establish your own home here. Or you’re already a resident, ready to undertake the next step: a move to a new property, into the home you’ve always envisioned, or renovations to the house you’re already in—to accommodate a growing family, or create that perfect space. It’s exciting and daunting. For most families, building or renovating a house will be one of the largest investments you will make, and the most important. There will be many decisions to make along the way, from finding the perfectproperty to choosing an architectural style and finalizing a budget, right down to selecting the color of the living room paint. But the single most important choice of all comes at the very start: Whichbuilder will you use? Price, while clearly important, is not the only factor to be weighed. Abuilder’s reputation, accessibility, communication and personal service are important factors, too. And local knowledge—of municipal zoning codes and other regulations that can affect your project—is also key. Where to begin embarking on the process of selecting the right builder? In the video below, Phil Kouffman, Vice President, MKL Construction Corporation will walk you through making the key decisions that are critical to a successful project—and a beautiful outcome.
Hamptons Builder Profile: Phillip D. Kouffman Of MKL Construction By Douglas Harrington - Hamptons.com
East Hampton - Although the profile of the Hamptons homeowner has changed over the years from New York Social Register old money to nouveau riche hedge fund managers to music industry rap royalty, one thing never changes, building a home in the Hamptons is probably one of the most stable real estate investments an individual can make. For many it is the dream of a lifetime and since 1960 MKL Construction Corporation, The Dream Builders, has been numbered among the elite of local Hampton builders. Third generation Hamptonians, the The Kouffman Family has had an impact on the landscape of the South Fork for over five decades - 92 year old founder and patriarch Maurice H. Kouffman came East in 1959 with an entrepreneurial dream that resulted in landmarks like the East Hampton House Motel and the East Hampton Movie Theater. The move to residential building was obvious as the cache of Hamptons seasonal home ownership exploded in the mid 20th Century and MKL’s footprint in the East End has resulted in some of the Hamptons’ most stunning mansions and estates. Joining the company in 1977 and carrying on the family’s dedication to quality construction, client satisfaction and innovative design, Maurice’s son Phillip D. Kouffman personally manages every aspect of every MKL project. Hamptons Builder An MKL project reflecting the ability of the company to seamlessly build into the topography of the property. (Courtesy Photo: MKL) “We have been around for a long time. We are hands on, I mean really hands on. I know intimately every detail on every job. That is the way I do business. Clients feel comfortable knowing they can deal with me directly and that I have the answers for them, that I am in complete control of the project. It is extremely important to our clients. You need to have a continuous dialogue throughout the process,” Kouffman explained. MKL Construction is an accredited member of both the National Association of Home Builders and the Long Island Builders Institute, but regarding the questions a client should ask a builder, Kouffman’s first response was that a client should ask for references, something that MKL is more than glad to share as reflected by the numerous testimonials in the company’s brochure and website. There is no better a testimonial than a returning customer and MKL has not only built numerous homes for the same clients, but they have built homes for numerous generations in the same family. “We have long term relationships with people,” Kouffman noted. “First of all, we love what we do, we always have. We have gained people’s confidences for a very long time. It is funny how things go in cycles. Right now I am building houses for clients I have built sometimes two houses for in the past. Every 10 years or so people are looking to upgrade or change the design. We always have a lot of people coming back and now their kids are coming to us to build them their first home in the Hamptons.” As important as it is for a client to ask the right questions of their builder, MKL believes that the builder needs to ask at least as many
questions of the home owner, “We ask them a litany of questions, frankly a couple of hundred questions. We ask them very detailed questions about style, size, finishes and amenities and so on. We try and hone in on to what they think they want, but when you ask a lot of questions they realize they are not sure what they want. You have to get down to the nitty-gritty in order to give someone a realistic price. Everyone is unique in terms of they each have their own desires and what is important to one client is not as important to another. People are spending a hell of a lot of money; I want to give them what they want.” Suggesting that being a builder in the Hamptons is probably unlike being a builder in any other place in America, Kouffman responded, “What is really fascinating about being in the building industry out here is that you never build the same house twice. At least it is very rare.” As terracotta Mediterranean mansions are the signature home profile of Palm Beach, cedar shingle estates may be the dominating style in the Hamptons, but Kouffman noted the diversity of style in the East End, “What is unique about the Hamptons is that everybody is so individualistic, that you can build many different styles at the same time. All different styles, moderns are coming back right now. Of course, there is the iconic Hamptons cottage look, but they have become much larger and all different types of roof lines are used, which really makes it unique out here I think. The difference in materials and finishes are extremely high end now. Much higher end now than they were even 10 or 20 years ago.” All elements coming together from pool installation to landscaping to home construction in a MKL managed project. Noting another trend that is becoming increasingly prevalent the builder explained, “I think people are designing houses to be built around the particular topography of their pieces of property. There is very little of what you might call flat property left, so the ability of a builder to be able to deal with the challenges of that is very important. A lot of the designers and landscapers have been able to use that and turn it in something really beautiful.” Suggesting that the price tags for homes in the Hamptons being measured in millions not thousands of dollars was another unique aspect of building in the Hamptons, Kouffman said, “Yes, this is one of the highest priced real estate markets in the world, but there is no freewheeling out here anymore, those days are gone. It has eliminated a lot of the competition, which is not only good for us, but also for the consumer. People today are looking for total solvency, solidity, security. They need to feel secure with whom they are placing their trust and money. You need to have a great discipline to compete in today’s market.” When asked to explain Kouffman elaborated, “When people had a lot of money and they were easily spending it, a lot of people got into the building business out here and maybe some of them didn’t have the technical expertise. They had very good marketing tools, but in terms of really producing, they didn’t have the experience or expertise of MKL or some of the other fine builders that have had, like us, a long time presence in the Hamptons.” Working with numerous architects and designers MKL is not only a construction company, but a construction management company. Like a painter looking at a blank canvas, nothing thrills Kouffman more than stepping on an undeveloped piece of property with a future home owner and being on the project from the moment of conception, handling every aspect with the network of professionals MKL has developed relationships with over the decades.
The Dream
Builders
CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION EST. 1960
We Build More Than Homes. We Build Relationships.
MKL Construction Corp. | 631.324.9090 | www.mklconstruction.com