How Drew D’Angelo is creating ‘the ultimate lifestyle experience’ at SkySail Coastal Estates
Human resources
What is needed to address construction’s labor shortage?
Sustainability
Greener approaches to homebuilding are getting more popular
The role played by windows in a historic renovation project
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Hello and welcome to the February issue of Modern Home Builders. This month’s magazine has been a joy to put together. Starting with the case studies; we’ve included two amazing projects that really do illustrate how using sympathetic design, contemporary materials and the right approach result in a fantastic end product. Furthermore, our feature on Sustainability highlights a trend for homeowners all over the US to prioritize reduced environmental impact in their renovation projects, and this too was an important element in the completion of these case studies.
However – the sector is struggling with a need for additional skilled workers and homebuilders must play their part in finding solutions. It’s high on the agenda for NAHB and is discussed by Alicia Huey, NAHB’s 2023 Chairman of the Board of Directors on page 18
LH@finelightmediagroup.com
to hear how Drew D’Angelo, Managing Partner, is reinventing the purchasing process of luxury homes. Learn how he uses his experience, on page 10.
Stepping into his forties, Drew Rebulio D’Angelo has spent more than half his life in the SoCal homebuilding and development sector. His passion and enthusiasm for property began at age five, and at age 21, he became assistant to his stepfather, a veteran in the industry. This role introduced him to almost every aspect of construction, from design and civil engineering, to architecture, biology, zoning, planning, land development and entitlement.
He spent time as the manager of a billionaire’s personal private equity fund, where he personally oversaw purchases, refurbishments and sales, as well as qualifying as a licensed real estate agent. He has worked as realtor and advisor to an investment company, and is the co-founder and owner of a real estate brand called The HD Team, alongside Hoda
Hajirnia (anecdotally, the pair met on the Bravo TV show, Real Estate Wars).
Now considered an expert in California entitlement, valuing his personal entitlement projects at ‘around $1 billion’, we find Drew as Managing Partner at SkySail Coastal Development alongside his trusted partner, Robert Pereira. “After some discussions around the portfolio at the investment company, we bifurcated luxury homes into their own category, because you can’t put $500k and $5m homes in the same category,” says Drew. He created the SkySail brand alongside the then partner of the investment company. The logo and website, and projects were classed under the SkySail name, but without any promotion or fanfare.
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“ ...2401 Windward is special because it was the first project where I was graced with complete design freedom and finance to build my dream vision “ “
This approach was maintained for over three years, until a decision that changed both the direction of SkySail and Drew’s own career. “One of the investment partners offered to back me in my own venture – it was a gift that I will never be able to repay,” Drew reveals. “He said SkySail was mine to grow, so I took the helm, became Managing Partner and was determined to crush it! I took a brand that hadn’t really had much attention, hired Alexandra Taylor for public relations to raise its profile, found the right team of experts, and created the mandate that we were going to deliver three to five deals a year maximum with a relentless pursuit of delivering the ultimate experience.”
Why limit at three to five? “I am not interested in building hundreds of homes,” Drew admits. “I have done my time in
that world of sub divisions, complicated environmental impact reports and multiple jurisdictional permits. Now I am hyper focused on a few projects at once, so I can deliver the best experience without losing vital intimacy coupled with a quality team.”
Reformulating what can be a transactional experience, peppered with stress and inconvenience, Drew created the SkySail home buying approach. Clients are given direct access to Drew himself, and each project receives his input from initial drawing to final handover. “I am there to ensure that each home is delivered down to the last intricate detail and it is these individual elements of each venture that continue to entice and excite me,” he says.
“Hunting for the right property is awesome, but the part I really love is creating a singular vision and having it come to life. I draw the home, I make design inspiration boards, and I give these to my team and say ‘let’s make this real’. With an impressive portfolio - is it possible to pick one that shines brighter than the rest? “There are so many special nuances to each project, but 2401 Windward is special because it was the first project where I was graced with complete design freedom and finance to build my dream vision,” Drew enthuses. “I immediately knew the direction of the property, inspired by the unique veteran olive tree that sits out front, unlike any native green in the area. I transferred my vision to paper, sent it to my architect and broke ground.”
Drew recognized that the existing mid-century modern property on the site had the right bones to convert into an industrialstyle farmhouse.
“I have such warm memories of the project, I took my kids with me on site and they were engaged with every aspect of it, later it was bought by a wonderful couple, who lovingly named it ‘House of M’. Once you name a house it becomes a destination, and we love that level of intimacy at SkySail - 2401 Windward is special.”
The passion Drew pours into these homes is transparent and real. “It’s not about making money for me; it is about executing an elevated
experience, thanks to the collective vision of my team dedicated to a cohesive mission. The team is what creates consistency, and I am adamant on working with the same people consistently,” he continues.
“In my project management days I learned the importance of setting clear and concise expectations, yet being willing to change approach to get everyone on board. Accountability is key to long-term success in this business. If I am not responsibly passionate as the leader, then how can I expect them to be passionate?”
Another foundation for the success of SkySail is its focus on specific areas of Coastal Orange County, California.
“We work in Newport Beach, Corona del Mar and a few other areas that all have ‘micro climates’. Basically each has its own character, and you
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can’t generalize them down to ‘it’s $1500 a foot’. They are eclectic, and that allows us to put a custom spin on what we are trying to achieve.” These communities have their own personalities and styles, which directs the design intent of each home. “You can’t put a modern farmhouse in a Mediterranean community but, if you can combine styles creating a seamless wood-metal flow from inside-out, that is the California lifestyle design you are going to win.”
SkySail additionally benefits from the fact that historically these areas have been undervalued compared to other marketplaces around the globe. “Prices per square foot were 30-40 percent below what some competing markets were reaching,” says Drew. “This advantage for buyers was highlighted during the pandemic. During that time, I always say the landscape became the forefront of the picture. California had always been this beautiful place for people to visit. Then coronavirus changed how people work and live, and they started to say ‘why don’t we move here and enjoy the lifestyle that makes us feel like we’re on vacation?’”
This influx of buyers caused demand to outstrip supply at a certain price level –there are not enough completed projects in the luxury sector. “Homes that sell for $20 million are usually built specifically for somebody, they’re not being listed on the market,” agrees Drew. “So, we try to deliver an uber-luxe high-end product that features on-trend designs. The luxury market place has been very receptive to this model.”
Technology is an essential element of each SkySail project - not just as an intrinsic part of the design and delivery process, but also through solutions embedded into the home. “All our homes are equipped nicely with tech and we won’t build a home without solar panels,” he confirms. Drew, a dedicated surfer, admits that
spending time in the ocean and seeing environmental damage first hand makes it even more imperative for SkySail to build in a responsible way. “It’s really important to me that we are eco-smart, savvy and sensible about the environment, this also helps us when designing a home within its natural resources i.e. view, trees, stone, topography all play an essential role into our design.”
Returning to the interior of the home, Drew explains that every SkySail property has an App feature that controls a variety of solutions. “We can include over the top additions such as automatic wine decanters, with temp settings that detect red, white or bubbles,” he says. “You can set your oven from your phone, and have more serious advanced security features, that allow our homes to be monitored remotely. This is attractive to clients who travel as they can check on their properties - and their children
- from their phone or lock/open the home for access while they are away.
“Technology has changed the landscape in home building and development and it has changed valuations, too,” he continued. “When comparing a smart and non-smart home, these buyers will choose the smart option. They don’t want to spend $200,000 upgrading - they want turn-key; just bring their toothbrush and move in!”
Experience, quality, finish – once a client has worked with SkySail and felt the difference that this approach makes to the homebuying process, they want to return again. Confirming this, Drew discloses that nearly 100 percent of his clients have already committed to buying another SkySail home. “We have done the math and the figures show that all we need is 20 families to keep SkySail set in perpetuity. It starts with one
family buying a home, staying typically three to seven years and moving to another one. With the acquisition model of building three-to-five homes a year and having 20 families cycling through that product with additional intimate referrals, that’s the goal.”
Drew’s experience as a realtor supports the ongoing success of SkySail, as the business pays a premium rate to agents that bring buyers to the table. “We pay six percent, which is pretty uncommon,” he says. Coming from the agency side, he understands the benefits of incentivizing the brokerage community, instead of cutting commissions. “Part of the reason I decided to do this differently was that I thought developers missed the value that I was delivering. Technically it’s my job to sell the property, but if an agent brings me a buyer, I will pay them handsomely for doing that prior to hitting the market or bringing us a deal in general.”
After speaking with Drew, it’s clear that the SkySail difference is driven from the top down. He executes his role for the love of the projects and his team, rather than seeking accolades or acclaim, and while he has ambitions to build brand recognition globally, SkySail’s reputation will never be compromised on that journey. “We do this because we love the process and the people - it’s what makes us different on quality, 360 degree experience and deliverability. Our dedication means we will always work to make sure each home is delivered perfectly,” he concludes. ■ www.skysailcoastal.com
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“ Our dedication means we will always work to make sure each home is delivered perfectly
By Alicia Huey
Asoftening US housing market is not expected to curb the residential construction industry’s need for additional skilled workers. An aging workforce and an insufficient supply of housing in the United States will offset a downturn in the housing market driven by high mortgage interest rates.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is engaged in a multifaceted strategy designed to address the labor shortage in the coming years. It is not an easy task.
The effort to meet the workforce needs of our industry faces significant challenges, including:
• The large cohort of Baby Boomers who are retiring from jobs in residential construction,
• A smaller number of immigrants being allowed into the country on work visas, and
• Record-low participation rates among the workingage population.
These hurdles are daunting, and it is clear that no one solution will be sufficient to overcome the industry’s skilled labor shortage.
That’s why NAHB is putting energy into several workforce development initiatives. We’re reaching out to young people, and the parents and counselors who participate in career decisions, and highlighting the satisfaction and good pay that come with a career in residential construction. We’re partnering with educators and policymakers to make
sure that schools continue to invest in technical training. We’re pushing back on the misperception that a four-year college education is the only path to success in America.
NAHB’s workforce development arm, the Home Builders Institute (HBI), last year conducted research to better understand the skilled labor needs of the residential construction industry. That research, conducted in concert with NAHB economists, found that the industry will need to hire 2.2 million workers over the next three years in order to meet industry demand. And while some softening of the housing sector is likely to come with the overall economic slowdown, it is not expected to solve the nation’s chronic shortage of skilled workers.
With nearly 400 programs across 46 states, HBI provides free pre-apprenticeship training and certification programs to middle and high school students, transitioning military personnel and veterans, and other underemployed or displaced young people and adults.
HBI has begun opening new BuildStrong Academies in high-growth markets around the United States. The academies use HBI’s industryrecognized curriculum, which meet US Department of Labor criteria, and work with industry partners and charitable foundations to provide even more no-cost training for the skilled construction trades. BuildStrong Academies have opened in Denver, Colo., Orlando, Fla., New Orleans, La., Houston, Texas, and Phoenix, Ariz.
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“ The lack of available workers is one of the most significant challenges builders face...
Recruiting, training, and encouraging more women to join the residential construction industry is also part of the workforce shortage solution. While numbers have edged higher in recent years, women still only comprise about 11 percent of the current construction workforce. Through education, professional development and networking opportunities, NAHB’s Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council helps women to acquire and develop invaluable leadership and business management skills that help boost career success. As a former PWB Council chair, I couldn’t be prouder of the work being done by PWB councils at the local, state and national levels to strengthen the role of women in building.
NAHB’s student chapters at high schools and colleges and its not-for-profit National Housing Endowment are expanding educational opportunities for youth who are considering careers in the home building industry. And programs with SkillsUSA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Girls Scouts of America are introducing younger children to construction skills and the range of rewarding careers available in the building trades. All of these programs are part of a broad strategy designed to help us close the skilled labor gap and create the workforce needed in the near future and the long term.
The lack of available workers is one of the most significant challenges builders face and it increases the cost of building homes, makes it more difficult to complete projects on time and, ultimately, drives up the cost of housing. Our chronic
labor shortage is contributing to the nation’s housing supply problem and to the ongoing affordability crisis.
NAHB economists, citing government data, noted recently that the housing market needs 1.5 million units to close the current housing gap in the United States and bring current vacancy rates - at their lowest readings in decades - back to long-running equilibrium levels.
Until we address the labor shortage, we cannot resolve the housing supply shortfall or the affordability problem.
I encourage anyone interested in this issue to check out the resources available at nahb.org/workforce. These are resources that home builders and others can use to raise awareness about the skilled labor shortage and to highlight the options available to young people just now choosing a path. They include facts about the extent of the problem, information about career opportunities, compensation ranges for specific building trades, and advice about where to turn for job training.
The housing industry is hiring. I hope you will join us in projecting that message to help our industry thrive in the years to come. ■
Alicia Huey www.nahb.org
Alicia Huey, NAHB’s 2023 Chairman of the Board of Directors, is a Birmingham, Ala.based custom home builder and developer with more than 30 years of experience in the home building industry. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) represents the largest network of craftsmen, innovators and problem solvers dedicated to building and enriching communities.
Over the past decade, sustainability has become an increasingly ubiquitous term in the world of design and architecture. The motivating reasons are not all too surprising. As man-made climate change solidifies as a global reality, both consumers and designers have realized the importance of not only cultivating building practices with a minimal impact on the environment, but also of crafting spaces that can help us forge fundamentally new relations between the human, built, and natural worlds.
In our business, we’ve seen homeowners all over the US increasingly prioritize reduced environmental impact in their renovation projects. It’s come to life in a number of ways: from prioritizing the use of sustainable materials and maximizing energy efficiency, to working with quality products that won’t have to be replaced for decades to come. It’s a trend that we’ve seen echoed within the industry at large.
These projects - though only a sliver of the broader world of sustainable design - reveal that sustainability isn’t a singular strategy, but rather a holistic approach that can be practiced in a number of ways. Understanding the different dimensions behind this concept can help us both navigate the trends that dominate in the present-day and imagine the future potential of these emergent practices as well.
To start, it helps to go back in time to understand exactly how sustainability got to be in present discourse. There are plenty of cultures throughout history that have practiced sustainable architecture, though rarely under that name. Take, for example, the living tree bridges (or jing kieng jri in the local language, Khasi) which complicate the distinctions between built and natural systems, or the ways in which materials, like mud, have long provided a renewable, energy-efficient material with which to build
(as explored by a number of West African vernacular building traditions).
This hidden history reveals that oftenmarginalized building traditions have long been doing what has only recently caught on in modern design.
In the West, the notion of sustainability became more formalized and popularized in the 60s and 70s, riding off the broader wave of environmental consciousness that arose in that
period of time. During this stage, architects began to incorporate more sustainable materials and energyefficient design into their work.
Today, sustainability has grown to be a key consideration in the field of architecture, with increasing specializations dedicated to exploring and discovering new ways in which it might be expressed, and inventing new materials to do so.
One of the biggest shifts in recent decades, however, has been the move towards a systemic, holistic framework when it comes to sustainability. We’re increasingly realizing that sustainability isn’t simply about the materials that go into a house, though that may be
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...there’s been an increasing number of homeowners who have wanted to integrate their homes within the surrounding environment - bringing the ‘outside in’... “ “
the most visible thing to latch onto. Rather, it’s about all the steps that went into its construction, all the systems working in concert to bring it to life. That includes the environmental costs of shipping a material to the build site, the impact of powering that space through its lifetime, the frequency with which materials might need to be replaced, the partners that you’re using to actually construct the space. It’s why optimizations across all points of a project have become increasingly important in creating sustainable practices - something that technology has helped enable.
As we look towards what sustainable design and architecture might look like in the future, there are myriad ways it might express itself. Not only will the importance of eco-friendly materials continue to grow, but so will the importance of quality materials - which help ensure that a building or home remains sustainable over time by creating it with maintenance and repairs in mind, and by using materials that are durable and long-lasting.
Moreover, what gets to count as a material might itself change (mud, as mentioned earlier, is beginning to be employed in certain areas for its insulating and cooling properties). The ‘cradle-tocradle’ philosophy of William McDonough - which attempts to reframe ‘design as a positive, regenerative force’ - is one such example of how we might holistically shift our thinking about materials in the future.
We’re also seeing the growing integration of natural and built spaces. In our practice, there’s been an increasing number of homeowners who have wanted to integrate their homes within the surrounding environment - bringing the ‘outside in,’ so to speak. Large windows, indoor greenery, and natural materials have been ways homeowners have been able to achieve this on a more residential level.
At a larger scale, many architects and residential designers are incorporating green roofs, living walls, and other forms of vegetation into their designs. This not only provides a space for plants and wildlife, but it also helps to improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. Architecture firms like the Bjarke Ingles Group - with projects like 8 House or the Waste-to-Energy Plant - are gesturing towards how these worlds might intersect. Technology integrations and process optimizations are also a great way to reduce the environmental impact of a build, though it may be a bit less romantic. Figuring out how to recycle materials, source locally, work with businesses in the community, and streamline aspects, such as delivery and storage, are all things that we’re working on to facilitate a less impactful build experience. Though sustainability has come a long way, it still has a long way to go. The exciting thing is that we’re seeing growing excitement among designers, architects, and homeowners to really explore this space. As our brief survey has made clear, there’s no singular way that this will come to life - but that’s exactly what makes it all the more exciting. ■
For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor.
Zach Barnes-Corby www.blockrenovation.com
Zach Barnes-Corby is Head of Construction at Block Renovation, an industry leader of end-to-end renovation platforms that manages contracts, permitting, payments, design, vendors, and contractors - all in one place. Renovations are both an aspirational journey, but also fraught with anxiety and risk as they frequently take longer, cost more, and cause more stress than anticipated. Block Renovation is the platform where contractors AND homeowners manage major renovation projects leading to simpler, faster, and higher trust for all users.
Stylish reconstruction of a 1950s ranch house in Nashville, Tennessee, has recently been completed. It made use of sustainably sourced Kebony wood for a luminous, modern makeover to this classic southeastern US home. The ‘TwoFaced House’ project, named for the distinct, contrasting characters of the property’s front and back facades, is the brainchild of local architect and contemporary designer, Michael Goorevich.
Owned by a young couple, the ‘Two-Faced House’ was originally planned to be a full-scale design and construction of a new home. However, consultations with the architecture team resulted in the decision to renovate an existing ranch house, therefore minimizing environmental impact through the repurposing of a pre-existing structure. The front, street-facing side of the property
remains faithful to the ranch’s classic midcentury aesthetic, clad in white painted brick and with large windows to connect the homeowners with their natural surroundings. At the rear, a series of bay windows stretch the length of the house, connecting the spectacular contemporary kitchen to the garden and landscape beyond.
Kebony, the sustainable alternative to tropical hardwoods, has been used to clad the back of the home, framing and accenting the large glass windows. Kebony cladding mirrors the wood accents in the home’s interiors, as well as the woodland which wraps around the property, completing the theme of a home seamlessly blending into nature.
Developed in Norway, Kebony’s pioneering wood-processing
The ‘Two-Faced House’ utilized Kebony wood in its blend of classic and contemporary
technology sees sustainable softwoods modified to maintain the durable properties of industrial hardwoods without the significant carbon footprint or compromise on appearance. The choice to use Kebony facilitates a sense of harmony between the house and the surrounding landscape, not only in the appearance of the richly colored timber material, but also in the cladding’s production lifecycle, steeped with respect for the natural environment. Kebony is also weather resistant, requires little to no maintenance and, over time, will transform from its rich brown color to acquire a unique silver-grey patina.
For the house’s interior renovation, its eight-foot ceilings typical of mid-century ranch houses were raised, making use of unused attic space. Large, new window openings were added to allow the living spaces to benefit from increased natural light and beautiful views.
The project is phased, and future expansion will see a pool terrace and a pavilion added to the home layout to deliver on the architect’s vision to transform this dwelling, once set for demolition, into a modern family home inspired by its own history and surrounding natural environment.
Michael Goorevich, Architect behind the Two-Faced House, commented: “With their bifurcated, front-and-back organization and access to services from above and below, it’s relatively easy to update these 1950s ranches to become more responsive to modern living. The use of Kebony gave me a chance to explore wood buildings here in Tennessee and the opportunity to tap into the spirit of agrarian structures that would have been here 200 years ago.”
Nina Landbø, International Sales Manager at Kebony, added: “It is
great to see the ways in which Kebony can be used to awaken new identities in classic home structures, such as this unique ‘Two-Faced House’. We are delighted to be involved in a project that reflects both its natural surroundings and the architectural heritage of what came before, while still creating a sustainable, modern home space that we hope families will enjoy for years to come.” ■
www.kebony.com
To complete a successful renovation of the Mid Atlantic Meeting House, the right window option was essential
Clean geometry, narrow sightlines and wonderful views are some of the terms used by an architect to describe the results of a residential adaptive reuse project for a family with a rich history in business and manufacturing.
Josh Allison, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Josh Allison Architecture of Charlotte, NC, selected Hope’s® Windows, Inc.’s custom handcrafted steel window and door systems to renovate and expand the 4700-square foot home – while respecting the original midcentury modern architecture.
Vacant for a number of years, the house sits atop a hill on a beautiful 18-acre piece of property in a mid-Atlantic state. Decades ago, it served as the birthplace for the family’s business and now hosts both large gatherings and intimate, multi-generational family get-togethers.
“This project had to allow for multiple uses by the family,” Allison says. “In addition to transforming the house into a structure that is relevant and useful today, a significant part of the program was to preserve a piece of the family business’ history.”
The combination of design, engineering and technology of the renovated house is a breathtaking salute to the historic innovations that took place in the home’s lowest level.
The raised cantilever roof and slender Hope’s framing offer an increased interior volume and an atmosphere of natural tranquility.
“We looked at a number of different products,” Allison says. “The Hope’s steel windows and doors are not only timetested, durable and low-maintenance, they fulfilled our aesthetic and functional requirements like no other.”
Hope’s unrivaled ability to customize was in full force for this project, transforming the indoor experience to the freshness and beauty of the outdoors.
Hope’s custom steel slide and fold windows and doors were selected to open a full-length back wall when desired. The narrow frames were designed to unlock and fold away from each other, achieving an open wall that includes two entirely open 90-degree corners. This cornerless feature plays an important role in allowing the house to be opened up and connected to the natural surroundings.
Hope’s custom steel pivot doors and lift and slide steel windows and doors open the front half of the house, including the lower level space.
Electric-operated Hope’s hot-rolled steel transom windows installed around the house enhance the 360-degree view and are an important part of the architectural language that defines that house. ■
Hope’s Windows, Inc. www.hopeswindows.com
Hope’s Windows, Inc. has been the leading source of custom handcrafted solid hot-rolled steel and bronze windows and doors for more than a century. Hope’s windows and doors grace luxury homes, prestigious cultural and commercial projects across the country.
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The Hope’s steel windows and doors are not only time-tested, durable and low-maintenance, they fulfilled our aesthetic and functional requirements like no other
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Today, 56 percent of the world’s population (4.4 billion inhabitants) live in cities. This trend is expected to continue, with the urban population more than doubling its current size by 2050. The speed and scale of urbanization bring challenges, such as meeting accelerated demand for multifamily housing.
The multifamily industry is one of the oldest forms of real estate investment and the most popular. The market
is wide and varied, with more than 43.9 million residents living in multifamily housing.
Nashville, Tenn.’s multifamily market is a prime example of an urban city with a growing population that must adapt to this demand. According to the moving and storage company PODS Enterprises’ second annual relocation trends report, Nashville ranked third among the most popular moving destinations over the last year. With this population influx, the city must adapt to house all these
people. The Nashville multifamily market has experienced a fast-paced recovery due to the metro’s diverse economy and bid-name corporate relocations and expansions. This has drawn the attention of both renters looking to leave overpriced metros and investors interested in exploring the expanding city’s potential.
Construction companies must take charge of housing demands with multifamily housing projects to support this explosive growth in metropolitan communities. For example, Hardaway Construction has taken control of housing demands with multifamily housing projects to support this explosive growth.
The recently completed Accent Edgewood Apartments project in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood holds 236 units and has added to the development of this up-and-coming neighborhood. We have built over 20 other
multifamily housing developments to help accommodate the explosive number of people moving to Nashville over the past couple of years. Our staffing has also increased by 25 percent this year due to the increase of projects needed by the popularity of the Nashville market.
The city of Nashville is ever-changing. The city is booming, with construction on every corner. With the high demand for real estate, many overlooked areas are transitioning to trendy, up-andcoming neighborhoods that benefit the economy while bringing in a variety of development and new amenities.
There has been rapid growth in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood because of its urban appeal with its galleries, breweries and distilleries. The area has experienced a redevelopment restoration over the last few years as many residents, families and businesses
have flocked there. There is a strong appeal due to its location only two miles south of downtown and boasting lower rent and housing prices relative to other Nashville neighborhoods and areas.
People moving to urban cities like Nashville are looking for quality of life, affordability, comfort, updated and clean-living space and access to amenities in a multifamily community. The multifamily housing market is expanding, with more than two million units built around the country in the last decade. The tremendous increase in the popularity of renting is fueling construction growth.
A shortage of available homes has contributed to the low vacancy rates. As a result, rents are rising to new heights and many families remain in their rental apartments. This has prompted investors to make large bets on rental properties, pushing up demand for multifamily properties, which promise faster scaling and are easier to finance in some situations.
A persistent high rental demand versus supply is a driving element behind the increase in multifamily projects. The housing scarcity has accelerated the construction of new housing. Forward-thinking multifamily investors may earn reasonable profits while posting the supply of market-rate
homes in the coming years, lowering renter costs in the bloated rental market. Construction companies must take charge of housing demands with multifamily housing projects to support this explosive growth in metropolitan communities. ■
David Frazier www.hardaway.net
David Frazier is the CEO and owner of Hardaway Construction. For nearly 100 years, Hardaway Construction has remained Nashville’s respected construction veteran. The company provides pre-construction, general contracting, designbuild, construction management, and building information modeling services. Built on a legacy of quality, honesty, and integrity, Hardaway Construction provides premier construction services to clients across all major industries.
As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look ahead to the upcoming trends set to dominate the interior design world in 2023. As more people incorporate remote work into their daily routine, we are demanding more from our home space. The predicted new trends are vast and varied, so there is something here for everyone - whether you are looking for an injection of fun and excitement or a calming space for relaxation. What is clear is that individuality is in and conformity is out in 2023!
For those who have embraced the nature-inspired interiors that have enraptured the design community over the last few years, fear not, biophilic designs are here to stay. Adding a contemporary twist to the beloved trend, Future Eden is premised on adding an earthy depth to the modern industrial aesthetic, integrating nature into the urban
city. Through a combination of green and grey-blue tones with wooden furnishings and darker metals, this naturalistic vibe creates a calming atmosphere perfect to recharge in after a stressful day. Inspired heavily by the current climate crisis, sustainability is prioritized within the design choices, favoring locally made and produced furnishings which are both practical and easy to repair, whilst remaining stylish, showcasing that an eco-conscious interior can still be sophisticated.
With increasingly more time spent working from home, it is imperative that your immediate environment inspires relaxation and minimizes stress. Building a Zen-zone is easy with the correct use of color and texture. Soft pastels help to create a soothing tonal palette, adding warmth without being overwhelming. Such colorways naturally lend themselves to elegant compositions, fostering a sense of effortless style
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whilst still feeling homely, mixing light pinks with clean neutrals and glimmers of gold. Creating cozy nooks to escape into, seating areas are made extra comforting through the addition of plush rugs, while minimal decoration promotes thoughtfulness and introspection through minimizing ‘busyness’ within the home. The Age of Sensitivity is perfect for those wanting a space perfect for working, relaxing, and entertaining.
Next year is set to see a re-emergence of a retro 1960s aesthetic, transporting you away on vacation without leaving the comfort of your own home. Making an appearance in time for the Spring and Summer seasons, this new
trend perfectly captures the vibrant atmosphere of this period, breathing a fresh lease of life into your home. Put away your neutral decorations and replace them with an eclectic mix of fun vases and floral arrangements complemented with fabrics featuring spectacular blooms and fruit inspired prints to truly bring the outside in. For color choices, think Palm Springs: mix vibrant combinations of Peach Pink, Fiesta and Daylily to create a palette that oozes summertime, softening these brighter shades with mellower yellows and eggshell blues to cool off the hotter hues. For homes that do not have access to their own private outside areas, introduce lighter woods into dining areas and decorate with touches of greenery to mimic an alfresco vibe associated with long summer evenings spent dining with friends and family.
Prepare to delve into a moodier, striking aesthetic in this bold new trend. Altered States steers away from the uber-modern minimalism that
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The most important take-away is to have fun experimenting with your style
has been popular over the last for last decade in favor of an eccentric and unconventional use of color and texture. For those not afraid to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the weird and wacky, 2023 is the time to experiment with an array color, contrasting rich purples with brighter warm orange tones to create an exciting eye-scape.
Mixing materials in your furnishings is a great way to build a stimulating multi-sensory environment, velvets blending in with sleek concrete and marble counters to add an air of nuanced sophistication. Build character in your home through adding a series of stand-out pieces of art – for the brave optical illusion prints are perfect at achieving this. Curating an ideal setting for entertaining, this daring theme provides a talking point for visitors, adding a splash of fun and creativity back into home interior design.
Andrew Henry from Andrew Henry Interiors concludes: “The most important take-away is to have fun experimenting with your
style. What is becoming clear is that the muted minimalism popular over the last few years is on its way out, whilst vibrant colors and bold, interesting furnishing choices are on their way in. While this may feel scary initially, it is key here to reiterate that these trending themes are not mutually exclusive – feel free to take bits and pieces from each to create an environment that makes you feel excited and inspired.” ■
Andrew Henry www.andrewhenry.co.ukFormed in 2007, Andrew Henry Interiors predominately work in the new homes industry and provide show home interior design for house builders ranging from niche bespoke developers to large PLCs across the UK. Creating show homes that inspire the potential purchaser is vital. Delivering stylish bespoke environments tailored to every brief, from contemporary urban apartments and aspirational family homes to classic country retreats, each project draws on our wealth of experience and combines quality with excellent service.
Renovating your kitchen can be one of the most expensive undertakings you’ll face when updating your home. Kitchens themselves aren’t cheap and add to the mix appliances, labor and flooring and your budget will need to be sizeable at best. However, there are ways you can renovate your kitchen for much less without compromising on the finish or the final look. I’m Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company and here are my top six ways to renovate your kitchen for less.
One of the easiest ways to save on your kitchen renovation is to make some cash towards it by selling your existing kitchen. The average kitchen only lives out half of its life expectancy, so this is a great way to not only make some money to put towards your renovation but to also prevent one to two tons of kitchen waste from ending up in landfill. I guess the question should be, can you afford not to sell your existing kitchen?
If your kitchen units are damaged or just too old, then look at how you can upcycle the parts that aren’t such as handles or internals.
Labor is one of the biggest costs of renovating your kitchen. Be that from installing a new kitchen to having appliances gas-certified or new electrics wired in. One of the ways you can save is by doing as much of the work as you can yourself. Paint the walls and ceilings, re-finish and re-paint or spray your handles, lay flooring and remove everything you possibly can. All of the added extras will add up quickly so by doing what you can yourself, you’ll instantly save your budget.
Having a new kitchen doesn’t mean it has to be new from the showroom, it can mean new to you. Be that by adopting a second-hand kitchen or by buying an ex-display, you will be making huge savings. Any stigma attached to a second-hand kitchen has been eroded significantly, thanks to a greater appreciation of the planet and the realization that used certainly doesn’t mean old. By looking at this option, you can pick up a designer kitchen for the same price or even less than a budget
DIY model. You’ll also be likely to get all those little extras like internal pull-out larders, pantry baskets and built-in bins and recycling drawers. Not to mention stone worktops and high-end top-of-the-range appliances.
Lighting is one of the core ways to create drama and interest in your kitchen. You can have different zones of light, mood lighting, LED spots and beautiful pendants. But why pay expensive high street prices when there’s a world of interesting pendants and shades for sale on marketplaces and online sales sites or yard sales? So many people sell their kitchen lights online, and who said the standard three pendants over the island need to all be the same shade? Here’s where you can get adventurous and personalize your space by putting your stamp on it. From using a vintage shade but knocking the glass out so you just have the metal, to spraying a utility metal shade bright pink or bottle green. Lighting should be fun and personal, not stark and conventional.
Cabinetry is expensive; even adding a single unit to your design can cost hundreds. So why not look at open shelving instead? From using reclaimed wood to create an earthy beachy vibe to sleek modern glass or vintage mirror, open shelving can create interest in the kitchen while keeping costs far lower than floor-to-ceiling cabinets. It also adds interest and depth to the space and is perfect for displaying decorating glasses, plants, herbs or prized vases and pots.
If you’re lucky enough that your kitchen is still in good shape but is lacking in curb appeal or a less-than-modern color, why not paint it? There’s a host of different paints on the market now that make updating your cabinets super easy. If you can save your cabinets by painting them, why not free up some of your budget to replace your worktop with stunning new quartz or granite? Or, swap for wood mixed with open wooden shelving for a more natural and homely finish that can be updated with a quick sand and re-finish for years to come.
The key to renovating your kitchen for less is to look at what you HAVE to do and what you WANT to do. This will allow you to put your budget where you need it and find inventive ways to make it stretch to encompass your wants, enabling you to have your dream kitchen for much, much less than you thought. ■
Looeeze Grossman www.theusedkitchencompany.com
Looeeze Grossman founded
The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) in 2005, at a time when used and ex-display kitchens were simply ending up in landfill. TUKC now sells for over 1000 showrooms nationwide and as a result, has saved close to 20,000 tonnes of waste from landfill. Looeeze is always focused on influencing opinion, forging new partnerships and driving new initiatives that can enable the business to achieve the next milestone in recycling. Having now sold thousands of kitchens, TUKC prides itself on having the most experience in the business and has an excellent reputation for efficiency and customer service within the kitchen industry.
By Belinda Sward
Prior to March 2020, developers throughout the country were busy responding to trends that catered to the ways in which people lived, worked and played –large, open floorplans, communal gathering spaces and retail-driven residential were among the hot amenities in single- and multi-family developments. Once the realities of Covid-19 were realized across the industry, these trends were replaced with an emphasis on health, mental and physical wellness and living differently to accomplish a balance between personal and work life.
As a result of these consumer attitude shifts, the pandemic has fundamentally changed what people want from their for-sale and for-rent homes, apartments and communities, and developers should expect these changes to last. Included in this shift is the emergence of the home as an
extension of residents’ lives, which means it must be developed to enhance working, living and learning. These impacts include different types of workspaces, blurring of leisure and work life, combination of indoor and outdoor living, incorporation of green and sustainable attributes, importance of organic gardening and healthy foods, and designated places for relaxation.
While real estate development often consists of responding to economic and societal trends, wellcrafted research can provide data allowing developers to look further down the pike and predict what buyers and renters will want and need. Recent research by Strategic Solutions Alliance on behalf of The Beach Company, a Charleston, South Carolina-based real estate developer with projects across the southeast US, illustrates some specific home features that resulted from these post-pandemic consumer trends.
Since Covid, the home has become a hub for various activities. Consumers’ spending habits have drastically changed in response to both the pandemic and inflation. While consumers were already buying in bulk, the pandemic gave way to consumers storing up for a broader array of products as well as better organization of things stored. Therefore, renters and homeowners are keeping items longer and are looking for more well-designed storage. Useful storage space saves time and money and has become especially necessary in kitchens, bedrooms and closets. Some are even eliminating extra closet space by adding built-ins, including workspaces. This also applies to garages and storage facilities. In The Jasper, a luxury mixed-use community in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, The Beach Company has incorporated these types of extra spaces in the form of larger walk-in closets and flex rooms.
In the past, dedicated workspaces in homes were associated with defined offices. However, creativity sparked by the pandemic has changed this. A workspace need no longer be as large as an entire room, but the space does need to be separated from the rest of the house and be suitable for both work and play. For example, workspaces may include kids’ craft tables or a television. The stilllarge percentage of people working from home, either full- or part-time, request features such as sound proofing for virtual meetings to mitigate noise from gardeners, children or pets. According to Strategic Solutions Alliance’s study, 80 percent of residents at Kiawah River, a Beach Company community near Charleston, South Carolina, wanted a
Now more than ever, residents are seeking private outdoor spaces with natural flow from indoor spaces that serve as an extension of the home
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defined workplace. These multipurpose office spaces can be a separate room, a room with a hidden, pocket or barn door to open and close, or something built into an indoor/outdoor space, such as a sunroom off the kitchen.
Now more than ever, residents are seeking private outdoor spaces with natural flow from indoor spaces that serve as an extension of the home. This could be a porch located just off the kitchen or a sunroom with space to eat or access to outdoor areas such as a neighborhood park or green space. This is especially important in rental properties or homes that are close together and lack the green space for a spacious yard. This type of urban relief became essential while people were confined
to their homes during the pandemic. In addition, the preferences for how these spaces are used have changed. For example, Kiawah River residents are looking for garden areas in which they can plant flowers, vegetables or herbs, meaning that developers must rethink implications for density and streetscapes.
Regardless of a home’s size, homeowners want kitchens optimally designed for cooking, storage and gathering. The pandemic prompted increased inhome dining and entertainment; a trend that is only expected to grow more prevalent. Functional, upgraded and personalized kitchens are now essential, and this is even more crucial in homes with smaller floorplans as a way of maximizing space. Features such as smart ovens, bartending built-
ins (such as an undercounter fridge), island storage, pocket workspaces, hightech and natural finishes have become vital in homes. In The Jasper, residential kitchens feature these types of built-in upgrades, including custom, soft-close cabinetry, quartz countertops and tile backsplashes, a suite of stainless-steel appliances and center islands with barstool seating and pendant lighting.
Smart home technology such as 5G connectivity, energy efficiency, savvy kitchen products and smart thermostats continue to be top of mind for renters and buyers. Specifically for energy efficiency, owners living in one home or multiple homes want to be able to control the air and lights and determine air quality through applications and e-windows. In terms of kitchen technology, determining water quality and having appliances
such as touchless faucets and smart refrigerators have become the norm. In its most recent developments such as The Jasper in Charleston, South Carolina, The Foundry in Huntsville, Alabama and The Sterling in Wilmington, North Carolina, The Beach Company has incorporated this type of smart technology, including ButterflyMX, HelloPackage for package delivery and management, Crestron electronics control systems, Ring doorbells and electric vehicle charging stations in its latest and upcoming projects.
As buyer and renter standards continue to evolve, developers must adjust and provide designs that align with current and future trends. Covid-19 upended the real estate industry and caused a seismic shift in supply and demand. However, by utilizing quality market research and data, developers can
gain a realistic snapshot of how these overarching themes can be applied to a variety of residential projects, from singlefamily master-planned communities to higher-density mixed-use projects, to stay ahead of the curve. ■
The Beach Company
www.thebeachcompany.com
Belinda Sward works at Strategic Solutions Alliance.
Founded in 1945, The Beach Company has been a leader in residential and commercial real estate brokerage, development and property management for more than 75 years. Led by CEO John Darby, The Beach Company upholds a tradition of establishing landmark properties and communities by evaluating each development opportunity for its potential to improve the quality of life for our neighbors and contribute to the long-term economic vitality of the southeast region.
At less than a decade old, Richland Building Partners is experiencing tremendous growth and expanding into new markets
Richland Building Partners (Richland) is one of the fastest-growing builders in Nashville, Tennessee, offering luxury, custom-built homes and multifamily properties, that are unlike anything the city has seen before. Its designs incorporate an “open concept: clean, sharp, and high-end, while still geared towards entertainment and family life,” says Company Founder, Chris Barnhizer. Having started as a single-family home builder, Richland focused on designing bespoke family homes, before expanding into the multifamily market. The company spoke to Modern Home Builders about its tremendous success, breaking into new sectors, and what makes its projects unique.
“Before Richland started, we had to ensure there was sufficient interest for contemporary homes with high specification,” explains John Shrader, Single Family Production Manager.
“At first, the emphasis was on gaining a reputation as a luxury builder and we have refined the business yearon-year to become an industry leader in Nashville. Today, we are delivering three-to-four-million-dollar homes in areas that demand Richland’s aesthetics and excellent quality.”
Chris recalls: “One of the most exciting things was that people in Nashville who didn’t understand contemporary design, began to use Richland as a generic term to describe such buildings. I heard it used in several conversations, which was when I realized that Nashville was evolving, and people were finally starting to appreciate modern homes.”
“We incorporate a growth mindset into everything we do,” Chris continues. “The architects and engineers are constantly innovating, and using cutting-edge products, materials, and technology.” Chris likens the process of continuous development to an iPhone – every product is loved, but there is always room for an upgrade. In other words,
It is the little details that complete our designs and create the atmospheric experience we pride ourselves on as a luxury builder
Richland is proud of every development, but strives for improvement project-upon-project.
John adds: “We have worked as a team to enable our growth over the years and maintain the attitude that we are never satisfied or comfortable in our position. We pursue improvement in everything we do – every vendor, design, and system – and this spreads from the back office all the way to field works.”
“Our people are professional and take pride in their work,” Chris explains. “The team operates on the basis of honesty, trust, and integrity, which creates a culture where everyone has each other’s backs and genuinely cares about one another, as well as the business.” On the topic of team mentality, John adds: “Chris instills in us the attitude that a handful of highly motivated people can move mountains more effectively than offices full of disengaged employees.”
From a client perspective, Richland targets individuals and families who are looking for high-end, modern homes with attractive amenities. “We like to build in neighborhoods with plans that attract our ideal customer, which is usually professionals,” says Chris. “People buying these homes tend to be active, enjoy having fun, and like to shop close to home. We do a lot of work in Green Hills, for example, which has every amenity you could imagine, but is still within ten miles of downtown Nashville.”
Richland has recently expanded into additional territory – the multifamily market. Its latest project, Odyssey at the Park, is a 75-unit, short-term-rental community
We are unique because we never repeat anything “
located next to Centennial Park, boasting one and two-bedroom condominiums in a variety of floorplans. With an onsite restaurant, personal care services, and shopping facilities, Odyssey at the Park promises to provide a truly indulgent and blissful experience.
Chris details: “Our new multifamily project is in a convenient location: right on Centennial Park, within two miles of the top five employers in Nashville, nearby interstate access, and a plethora of shops, restaurants, and gyms. As a high-end brand, our product doesn’t fit everywhere, but we cater to neighborhoods where we know our customers like to be. For example, parks, amenities, walkability, and active green spaces are all attractive to us because we know buyers desire them.”
Although there are many differences between single-family and multifamily
projects, Richland’s quality products and customer-centric service remain consistent. “We hold ourselves to a high standard and focus on attention-to-detail,” states John. “Chris has an unerring eye and visits every single house to add design touches that most people would overlook. It is the little details that complete our designs and create the atmospheric experience we pride ourselves on as a luxury builder.”
Richland provides unparalleled customer service at every step of the home buying process. “We have heavily invested in our service and warranty departments to alleviate customers’ worries and concerns around purchasing a
property,” Chris summarizes. “Our technology division created a unique system that allows the warranty team to promptly and effectively handle post-sales enquiries.”
Additionally, Trevor Gormely, Technology and Operations Consultant, describes how Richland has adapted to coincide with changes in the industry: “In the beginning, Richland placed emphasis on architecture, aesthetics and the finishings of the building, to promote modern designs. We soon realized, however, that people do have an appetite for luxury homes in Nashville and as a result, we stepped up every building material, such as the lumber, insulation, and windows we use.
“Our buyers understand and appreciate the value of high specification and quality products,” Trevor continues. “We focus on the details, no matter how minor, such as the plumbing and lighting fixtures, control systems, and technology or audio features. Renowned for high quality, our customers know the difference between Richland homes and those of our competitors.”
John proposes: “We are unique because we never repeat anything. While a track builder has a set of plans that are reconstructed
hundreds of times with minor variation, every design we put together is unique, tweaked, and we believe, better every time. It also helps the work culture and cultivates creativity, as everyone can lean in to suggest ideas for design aspects.”
In 2023, Richland is set to complete 15 singlefamily homes between January and March, and a further 31 throughout the rest of the year. It will also deliver Odyssey at the Park, alongside another 53-unit condominium development, and prepare to start work on a further two multifamily projects.
“Our ideal goal is to deliver 40-to50 single-family homes, and 100-to200 multifamily units per year,” Chris concludes. “Once the primary business is confidently achieving these targets, we will consider expanding into more new markets, but right now, there is plenty of opportunity right in our backyard.” ■
www.richlandbuildersllc.com
We hold ourselves to a high standard and focus on attentionto-detail...
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Gatehouse Partners (Gatehouse) is a luxury custom homebuilder in the Connecticut and New England area, with a high customer referral rating. Its mission is to deliver high quality, personalized construction management at a fair price, prioritizing client needs at every step.
Established in 1999, by Stephen Ditri and Randy Sullivan, Gatehouse completed its first residential project, with an impressive 20,000-square-foot floorplan, while operating entirely out of a trailer. It has since survived the highs and lows of the housing market and 24 years later, still embodies the principle that a small company can offer a high quality, hands-on approach. Randy spoke with Modern Home Builders about the company’s history and its extensive portfolio.
The client had seen a glass elevator while in Paris and wanted to recreate this in their home
Commitment to quality Gatehouse completes new constructions and renovations in myriad styles, such as contemporary, European, Tudor, and Georgian.
Randy begins: “I don’t like to get locked into one style of something – I like all styles! Some builders get
stuck in their lane, only completing certain types of projects. I like the road to be wide open, so we carry out all types of construction.
“We recently completed the renovation of a custom home with specific requirements, some of which were new to us here at Gatehouse,” he continues. “The client had seen a glass elevator while in Paris and wanted to recreate this in their home, so that is what we did. We built a steel structure and glass enclosure to form an elevator covering four floors. We hadn’t been part of something so detailed before, and the architect didn’t know
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how to put it together at first. In the end, it was a team effort and we worked out the details as the project developed.”
The successful installation of the glass elevator saw Gatehouse awarded Best Interior Home Feature in 2022 at the Home Building Industry (HOBI) Awards. The same property scooped a second HOBI award, as it was voted Best Custom Home within its size range. Gatehouse has also received HOBI awards for Best Exterior Feature and Outstanding Home Office. In fact, these are the latest additions to their HOBI awards collection, which they have been winning consistently over the last four years, bringing their total to ten.
Photograph: Kirt Washington
With multiple awards, it is not surprising that the business has established a positive reputation throughout the regions in which it operates. It boasts an impressively high customer referral rating, which exemplifies its commitment to high quality products and services.
In addition to construction and renovation, Gatehouse also completes installation projects. It recently hung a Chihuly and Raven chandelier, for example, which is made entirely
from sapphire crystals. This state-ofthe-art chandelier was fitted above a central staircase, which required extreme care to ensure each part was situated and displayed correctly.
Furthermore, Gatehouse installed an original Louis Comfort Tiffany window from the early 20th century in a residential property in Connecticut. This one-of-a-kind piece, measuring 152-by-89 inches, had to be protected throughout the process and required precise, specialist fitting to ensure it met safety requirements and upheld preservation of the window.
Despite huge growth over its 24 years in business, Gatehouse still resonates with its founding principle that smaller companies offer a hands-on approach. “Small companies are more personal,” states Randy. “It means we can build relationships with our customers. I like my supervisors to connect with the people they are working for. Personally, I enjoy being out on the job site and the size of the business means that I can be part of the construction, instead of constantly sitting in an office.” Being a smaller business means Gatehouse can provide a comprehensive
service to its clients. “I started as a carpenter in 1985 and climbed the ladder to where I am today,” Randy explains. “Before Gatehouse was born, I did everything in construction: pouring foundations, installing heating and air conditioning, wiring a house, and plumbing. I was fortunate enough to learn those trades and I continue to apply these skills to projects, even today.” Matt Sullivan, Project Manager, adds: “Our clients have our cell phone numbers and call any time. When a company grows larger, and larger it can become impossible to have personal interactions with customers.”
Randy is particularly passionate about Gatehouse’s family ethos. “We have a family business atmosphere in everything we do,” he highlights. “I have long-serving supervisors, such as Jose D’Auria who I’ve known for over 30 years! My son Matt, has been with us for 15 years and Kristen, my daughter, for seven, so we definitely have a family-feel throughout the business.”
Heather Rogers Meister, Marketing and Project Manager, elaborates further: “I have known the Sullivan family for a long time, and I feel as though I have very natural communication here in the office with everyone. There is a lot of integrity, and everyone genuinely cares about their work, which helps to unify the team.”
Looking to the future, Randy comments: “We want to continue doing what we do best – building houses and satisfying our customers! In terms of growth, we are at a comfortable size within the company, and it feels like the right one for us. However, we are always looking for new architects to collaborate with and broadening the variety of projects on which we work.” ■ www.gatehousepartners.com
We want to continue doing what we do best – building houses and satisfying our customers
Family-run business, KC Custom Homes (KC), specializes in the design and construction of luxury, custom-built homes. With over 30 years of experience, KC has gained a reputation as a customer-centric, high quality, and trustworthy company.
Founded by Kenneth Castro, the business is now in its second generation, with Kenneth’s sons, Ryan and Chris Castro, taking shared ownership and continuing the company’s history of success. Chris, Vice President and Director of Sales, joins us to discuss KC’s internal developments, its growth, and plans moving forward.
“My father started KC in partnership with my uncle, Rudy Rodriguez, who is our in-house designer and has proved to be a key asset in the business’ success,” Chris begins. “The first few projects were for local friends or family, and from there, it was really word of mouth that opened up more opportunities for us.
“Since myself and my brother joined KC as equal partners with my father, we have quadrupled in size, taking the company to new heights,” he continues. “I run the sales side, my brother, Ryan, runs operations, and our father runs finance, so we are definitely a strong family-run unit. We’ve also now moved our target market from Wilson County in the southeast of San Antonio to Comal County.”
KC has constructed a model home in New Braunfels, which is also currently acting as the company’s headquarters. “This model home was our first step into the New Braunfels area, so we wanted to turn some heads and make our presence known,” says Chris.
“We are constructing another model home in the area this year, in addition to our goal to build 25 homes in 2023.
“I believe that standing behind our product with passion and enthusiasm has massively contributed to our continuous success,” he states. “There is no such thing as a perfect home build, as challenges inevitably arise during construction, but we are transparent – when there is a problem, we address it. We have built up a team of reliable contractors that we use consistently. This means that contractors know our expectations of them during a project and guarantees that all our clients receive the same great service. These relationships are the backbone of the business.”
KC prides itself on delivering quality customer-centric service. “The KC Custom experience is a unique process where we design a truly one-of-a-kind home, and maintain budget throughout,” Chris explains. “Budget is usually of primary importance to our customers, so they value our in-house costing service. We collaborate with the
designers and the client during the design and costing process, and our customers respect that we are right there to interject, answer questions, or ask questions that could drive costs either way.”
KC’s design ability is another huge component in its success. The in-house design team ensures the process is seamless for clients from start to finish, coordinating between the designer, architect, and the builders themselves. This also extends to interior design, as Chris highlights:
“During construction, one of our interior designers is always on-hand to assist with the selection of internal products, as well as suggest items that fit with the client’s desired style or concept. This takes a lot of stress away from the customer, as they trust our professionals to develop a beautiful interior.”
The nature of KC’s family-run operation provides its customers with an unmatched approach to the construction process.
“Our clients really enjoy the fact that they meet and work with the owners of the company,” states Chris. “We are the owners, but we are also working on the project site,
all our clients receive the same great service
making budget decisions, and supporting our clients. I don’t get to wear my tool belt as often as I’d like, but that is how I started in the business, as a project manager.
“Unlike large corporations, we don’t have a board to report to, so we always have to keep our best interests in mind,” he continues. “For me personally, I always stick to my word, and this is respected by our customers. They know that if I say something or make any promises, I leave myself with no choice but to deliver them.”
Turning to the future of the company, Chris explains: “I see the company doubling our business and completing even more high-end luxury homes in the future. I don’t necessarily mean taking on more volume, but the size and scope of the projects being larger and
more demanding. We don’t need to rapidly double our business, instead we are aiming for controlled growth so that we can maintain the high-quality customer-centric service and experience that we currently achieve.
“In regard to geographical footprint, we are happy and comfortable with where we are,” concludes Chris. “We are all around San Antonio, inclusive of New Braunfels, which is around 20 miles from our core location. In summary, we’re happy with the business as it is, but we would always entertain growth, if we could maintain our excellent service. I hope we continue to dominate our local area and sustain our reputation as the best custom home builder in South Texas.” ■
www.mykccustomhomes.com
it
When clients choose to buy a new house from Paradisa Homes (Paradisa), they can rest assured they are choosing a builder that will uphold the values of comfort, quality, and craftsmanship. Thomas Brown founded Paradisa in 2011. The business was originally set up to build a rental portfolio, where he purchased existing structures, renovated them, and then put them on the market. “When we started doing that, we realized the renovation of properties had its challenges. For example, we struggled with determining how much money was needed for any given project, which meant that our initial budget was often exceeded,” he shares.
Constructing the perfect home does not come without its challenges; here’s how Paradisa Homes nails
Thomas recalls that when the company’s first new homes went up, the response from the surrounding community was exceptional. “The encouragement we received felt like we were on the right track, and in 2012, we had our first properties in the Crestview and Brentwood area of Austin, Texas. That quickly snowballed into fantastic company growth, and now we build approximately 50-to-60 homes a year, and another dozen custom homes on top of that,” says Thomas.
One of the unique aspects of the business, according to Thomas,
is that it prides itself on listening to its clients, which pushes the company to improve on each new build. “We try to provide the community with the best value for the property. We have a warranty department that focuses solely on our homeowners. If a homeowner calls our company, they will always speak with someone who works for us, not a third party, and we try to remedy any issues immediately.”
Another specialty that helps the business stand out from its competition is its ability to diversify. “Like any company, there comes a point where we had reached capacity of our efforts, and we began to feel that was especially the case in the single-family space. We then saw an opportunity in
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multi-family projects. We began building student housing near the University of Texas, and we are in the process of building a 144-unit condominium project in central Austin as well,” Thomas shares. The determination to make client insight the focus of the company’s strategy means that Paradisa is also proud of the people that bring its exquisite homes together. “Everyone we work with has the common goal to improve with every home we build. Our culture is all inclusive and we are extremely transparent with everyone here. If certain folks left, it would be really challenging to replace them because they are such an integral part of building our homes. People have a sense of pride when they see what we build in the community, and the joy in a homeowner when they take possession of a home, so we are very fortunate to have a great group of people.”
In the same breath, the business is also hugely dependent on its core vendor network, as well as subcontractors that have been with it since the beginning. “We are a relationship organization, so we like to continue to work with those folks for as long as possible. I think that is what allows us to be as successful as we are. The folks we purchase from and the folks we work with on a subcontractor level understand how we work, and the synergy we work to maintain.”
When Thomas reflects on the last ten years, he is proud of the progress Paradisa has pursued to remain one of the top homebuilders in Texas. “We’ve grown to the size that we have with consistency and stability, and I am grateful for the repeat clients that have stayed on the journey with us. Some homeowners might purchase
an entry-level home with us, and then come back to purchase a new home a few years later, and I see that as a feather in our cap, because our community recognizes that we are a quality builder and developer, and they trust us to build their personal home.
“I always knew if we did the right thing from the get-go, then we would be in a strong position to keep growing. We have a fantastic team here, and a core group of folks that have been with us since the beginning, which is very rare for this industry,” he shares.
We want to venture further and deeper into the multifamily space and help to revitalize areas of Austin
While the reward has been great, the journey has not been without challenges. “The largest disruption has obviously been Covid-19. Everyone hears about the supply chain issues we’ve dealt with, as well as the rapid increase of material costs, and shortages. There have been many learning curves where we have had to be agile and pivot to unexpected deadlines. However, we worked through that diligently, and went on to have one of our best years yet during the pandemic.”
Now, as Thomas looks ahead, the coming years are set to be the most exciting and prosperous for the business. Although Paradisa has built several hundred homes across Austin, it is currently planning on building several hundred more units to be delivered by 2024. It will also be one of
the first few companies in the area to develop in excess of $20 million spec homes, which will subsequently introduce a new market for the city. From Thomas’s perspective, Paradisa will continue to listen to the community, and understand its needs in order to build quality luxury homes. “We want to venture further and deeper into the multifamily space and help to revitalize areas of Austin,” he concludes. ■
www.paradisahomes.com
What 25 years in the modern home building industry looks like – with Hubble Homes
Hubble Homes has been in business for 25 years. The man behind it all is President & CEO, Don Hubble, who recently sat down with Modern Home Builders to talk us through two-and-a-half decades of success and stories.
Established in 1997, Hubble Homes originally went by a different name. Don tells us that around that time he was working as an engineer in the Boise area for Hubble Engineering, a firm he founded with the aim of helping many of the valley’s builders and developers on their land engineering projects. It just so happened that one of these builders, Harmon Johnson, owned Cherry Lane Homes –but was, admittedly, approaching retirement. Following some
discussion, Don purchased the company, and then changed the name to Hubble Homes, creating the building firm we know today.
Since then, Hubble Homes has grown exponentially, and now boasts a legacy portfolio of over 7500, singlefamily houses, townhomes and multifamily homes throughout the Boise metropolitan area (referred to locally as Treasure Valley). The company offers a wide variety of product lines and is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding, including, for instance, the acquisition, entitlement, and development of land as well as the construction, marketing, and sale of each individual home.
We consider our vendors and suppliers to be part of the family
Reflecting on 25 years of business, Don revisits the core mission on which he founded Hubble Homes: “It is our purpose to build affordable, quality homes and neighborhoods which exceed the expectations of our homebuyers by providing exceptional value, personal choice, and an enjoyable homebuying experience,” he says. “I believe sticking to this mission has both kept us focused and brought success over the years.
“Similarly, as the valley has grown, we have diversified our portfolio to offer townhomes and multi-family products to also reach firsttime homebuyers, which is much needed in the Idaho area,” Don continues. “Additionally, we primarily use single-source trade partners; many have been with us for decades –even before the company rebranded as Hubble Homes. The average trade partner tenure is over 16 years. Therefore, I believe a lot of our success is down to the extended enterprise of these
trade partners who have grown with us and given us our core stability.
“We consider our vendors and suppliers to be part of the family, so much so, we do not call them sub-contractors, vendors, or suppliers. As you might have noticed, instead, we always use the term trade partner because that is really what they are to us. They’re our partner, and truly part of the Hubble family – a core reason why we have been able grow the way we have.”
There is evidently a strong family-based culture being cultivated at Hubble Homes. For the company, this is paramount. Don outlines the key criteria that make it a business people take pride in working for: “We believe and stand by the following: our people are our most valuable resource; integrity is the cornerstone of our business; we are committed to our home buyers; we have a passion for excellence in everything we do; we manage the company for long-term profitability; we are good citizens by supporting our community.
“Everything we try to do in our culture is to support and uphold these core values,” he adds. “So far, they have proved to be
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very successful and useful to us as we shape our company culture. Picking up on our final marker– we are good citizens by supporting our community – we are proud to let people know that Heart of Hubble, our charitable wing of the organization, is focused on helping us improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, giving back to the community, and fostering a culture of giving within our wider company.”
Indeed, as it has grown, Hubble Homes has been able to increase its support to the local area; its giving tally currently exceeds $3,100,000. The company runs three formal programs: ‘Company Matched Employee Donations,’ which matches an employee’s charitable efforts by donating an additional 50 percent towards the cause if they are a registered 501(c)(3); ‘Hubble Homes Charitable
Grants,’ a drive that encourages employees and trade partners to submit charities and causes they are involved in for consideration of Hubble Homes’ wider giving efforts; and, finally, ‘Hubble Hero House,’ which is the largest program the building firm runs.
“For this flagship program, nominations and voting are carried out by employees and trade partners, and beneficiaries change each year,” reveals Don. “Everyone gets involved to make sure this home is a showpiece that we can sell and then donate the proceeds to valley-based charities. The ‘Hero House,’ as we like to call it, provides a great opportunity for our team to give back and do what they do best: build an extraordinary home.
“The real work on the ‘Hubble Hero House’ comes from our trade partners and vendors,” he adds. “For the last three years, they have donated 100 percent of their labor and the materials used, and that means every dollar
We offer buyers ... everything they want to customize their home to make it unique to them
from the sale can go to charity. Last year, we donated a record-breaking $535,000 from the sale of our ‘Hero House,’ with over $76,000 being given to seven local charities.”
As 2023 begins to unfold, however, Hubble Homes is approaching things a bit differently. The socioeconomic climate begets a necessary transformation in business practices.
To overcome, one must adapt. “We are now going back to basics,” says Don. “Indeed, we are expecting to build more presold homes and less spec homes (as we did prior to the pandemic). Additionally, we are promoting the idea that a buyer should have the final say on everything they want to put in their home. To that end, we have taken our included standards back to basics, to allow our customers to choose exactly what is important to them, and what upgrades they want to spend their money on. We offer buyers a choice of lot, elevation, exterior color package, as well as everything they want to customize their home to make it unique to them.
“Overall, we are hoping the market stabilizes a little,” he concludes. “Our market has been red hot over the past couple of years, with an influx of people moving to the Boise area, so we have barely had enough inventory for buyers! Prices quickly grew to an unsustainable premium but are luckily falling back in line to where they were a couple of years ago. Hence, we hope the market will return to normality and to a healthy medium for buyers and builders alike.”
Looking further ahead, Hubble Homes intends to keep on doing what it does best: creating homes and offering its buyers a chance at the American dream of home ownership. ■
The Partners of Alter Eco discuss how their shared passion has brought the company such remarkable success
Brian Falcon and Joe Lombardi are partnered in Alter Eco, a modern home building business in Pennsylvania with an environmental selling point. The pair first met at a different company some years ago, and immediately bonded over their similar backgrounds in architecture, and their shared passion for sustainability within construction. In their joint venture, the duo have identified and resolved the two key concerns generally held by homeowners with regard to energy-efficient, green homes: cost and style. Through offering architectural and construction management, as well as sustainable consultation services, Alter Eco successfully delivers costeffective, high-performance homes and commercial buildings in a range of styles.
Sustainable living
“When I started out, I worked for an architect who was into sustainability and energy efficiency, way before it was commonplace in the market,” Joe opens. “It was a lot harder to
get things off the ground in those days, but I have spent the last 25 or so years continuing the research we started into the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), with the aim of producing energy-efficient, modular homes. Brian has a master’s in architecture and sustainability, so we decided to partner up and try to implement the design and construction of these efficient, sustainable housing units together. This has allowed us to be in control, as the designers, architects and
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contractors, and ultimately enabled us to fulfill all the parameters that we wish.”
According to Brian, the inclusion of sustainability as a key element, within Alter Eco’s operations, can be broken down across a number of categories. As he details: “In the context of residential construction, educating everyone that we are working with, from clients to subcontractors, is a huge part of what we do. Our professional lives reflect our personal ones, as we both hold the same burning passion for sustainable living, which I believe is crucial to success in this sector. In providing these two factors, education and inspiration, we empower our customers to be the change that our planet needs. More tangibly, perhaps, sustainability is discernible in the way in which we work towards and deliver our projects. For example: we employ parametric BIM software to increase the efficiency of our design steps and utilize SIPs in our building process to minimize waste and reduce the operational carbon footprint of any given development.”
“We’re currently working on a singlefamily unit for a retired couple,” Joe adds. “We’ve devised a ranch-style home design to coincide with their wish to age in the property, meaning everything is set across one floor. The structure is tightly insulated, as a result of the SIPs, which will minimize their energy usage going forwards, and in time, the owners plan to install solar panels that will help them hit carbon neutrality. We’ve worked with a large number of retirees and empty nesters, people who essentially want the last home they live in to be their best.
“On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have also served a lot of younger couples who are wanting to start out right, with the best quality and efficiency possible,” he continues. “Another regular market for Alter Eco is made up of people who suffer with allergies, or similar physical issues, and
require higher air quality inside their homes. One client from this group said she could feel the difference the instant she stepped into one of our properties, thanks to our use of lower volatile-organic-compound based products and integrated air filtration.”
Besides the general supply chain issues that are being felt across all sectors, Brian cites the necessity to attract younger people to the industry as pivotal in tackling the current labor shortage. “For some reason, long-standing members of our trade seem to be completely opposed to change. New technologies are always met with great resistance, we’ve seen it constantly with SIPs throughout the years, despite them being around since the 1950s! If seven years ago we could have seen the contemporary shift towards sustainability, we would’ve thought that
we’d have loads of competition by now. However, we continue to meet clients who cannot find anybody else who will work with them, which completely boggles my mind.”
The duo predicts 2023 to be a great year of growth for Alter Eco, with a strong collection of likely projects waiting in its order book. Through its reputation as a leading specialist in zero-energy ready and net-zero homes, and small commercial spaces, the company has received a lot of traffic and industry recognition in recent years. “We have recently been talking about the future and where we’d like to be,” says Joe. “In five
years’ time we really see ourselves developing small communities, up to the size of five-unit neighborhoods. At this level we would be able to have a greater impact on a larger group of people and pool our resources to maximize efficiencies.”
“We want to be able to add certain components that this size model would be more suitable for,” Brian concludes. “The likes of outdoor food production areas and forestry, or perhaps trails between pollinator gardens and natural habitats for wildlife. We want to help people eat hyper-locally and seasonally once again, and to adopt foraging for healthy food as part of their day-to-day lifestyle. Blending that sustainable mindset into an entire community would be our absolute dream come true.” ■
www.alterecobuild.com
We have recently been talking about the future and where we’d like to be...
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The leader of energy efficiency in the Pacific Northwest, Green Canopy NODE, is developing sustainable, healthy homes for everyone
When we last sat down to speak with Green Canopy NODE in 2020, the company was operating under a different name. Although its mission is still the same - to build homes, businesses and relationships that help to regenerate communities and environments - the method has altered significantly. Bec Chapin, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, explains: “The most recent turn in our business was to integrate construction technologies within our core offerings.”
“It’s truly been a significant landmark for Green Canopy NODE,” Aaron Fairchild, Co-Founder and CoCEO, adds. “We started in 2010, as the country was crawling through a housing crisis, and focused initially on single-family, infill remodels and flips. Until 2014, this somewhat limited us to adding features, such as solar, to existing properties. From this point, we moved into constructing new builds and expanded to Portland, when we started taking on larger projects and dealing with greater-
density markets, which has really allowed us to push our sustainability initiatives. Since then, we have grown our real estate development team to provide integrated and streamlined services for our clients. By the time of the merger in 2021, bending cost curves was already a focus of the team. Building certain elements offsite was a natural evolution.”
Bec adds: “Through harnessing the power of manufacturing, we are hoping to improve on our sustainability targets and regenerative environmental goals. We are about to launch our fifth real estate investment fund. This time we’re looking to finance projects that utilize mass timber in their production. Not only does mass timber act as a carbon store, it is also aligned to our mass-timber structural and crosslaminated timber product solutions.”
We have a number of other cool projects breaking ground in Portland and Seattle that are creating density in sustainable ways
The business has recently been involved in the final phase of the Grow Community on Bainbridge Island, WA. Once completed, the community will feature a range of 150, differently sized, five-star Built Green units, some of which are net-zero while others will be net-zero ready, with the option to add solar. In the phase three properties, Green Canopy NODE is installing its mechanical/ electrical plumbing product solution, a utility product manufactured offsite that saves time, reduces callbacks and is easier to install in comparison to existing technologies.
In discussing work further afield, Sam Lai, Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer, details: “We are working on a co-housing project called Sunnyside Village in Marysville, just north of Seattle. It’s ultimately a customerled development where a group of people have come together and decided to create a co-housing community. They don’t want or need McMansion size homes, so we’ve
collaborated on an architectural program more conducive to fostering a healthy community with a common house and vegetable gardens. Green Canopy NODE has been able to empower them by standing-in as both their development consultant and general contractor. We have obviously helped them, but they’re the ones guiding the build of the 32 cottages and surrounding infrastructure.”
“We have a number of other cool projects breaking ground in Portland and Seattle that are creating density in sustainable ways,” Bec adds. “We really appreciate our clients coming to us for new ideas. Similarly, we will soon release our Mass Timber Model Home to exhibit our cross-laminated timber and mass timber products. We built it in Spokane Valley at our partner’s, Mercer Mass Timber plant. We will be offering tours to clients and investors by appointment. We’re really excited to show that beautiful homes can be made through standardization and the power of manufacturing. It will also feature several of our construction technologies, including our utility product.”
Understandably, sustainability is in the DNA of Green Canopy NODE. Everything is tracked diligently in the company’s impact report, regardless of the occasional hurdle it may encounter, but that’s the way the founders focus on future improvements. It’s what drives the company and gets everyone out of bed every morning, as they know they are actively making a difference by building towards a greener future for the construction industry. When it comes to the people side, the ethos is centered around the importance of collaboration and the value of interacting with one another. Once a year, the entire team goes on a retreat to recalibrate the
company’s mission through workshopping and discussing what’s important about everyone’s day-to-day working lives. “We collectively vote on our values for the year then review one another regularly,” Aaron states. “It’s not the kind of review where you’re going to get a raise or get fired. This kind of feedback mechanism supports the culture in a highly transparent manner and requires people to step into vulnerability.
“I think in three to five years’ time, we’ll look a lot more like a housing product organization,” he concludes. “By then we will be selling structural solutions across the country in multiple areas. When supply doesn’t meet demand, that gap will continue to grow. Through the power of manufacturing, we are working to build homes faster and address this gap.” ■
www.greencanopynode.com
Simplicity is key, or so the saying goes. At Timberframe Horizons, a decade-old home builder based in Asheville, North Carolina, this adage is true: by doing the basics well, and crafting beauty through simplicity, the family-run business has built a strong reputation within its area.
And what is simpler than timber? The building material is neither new nor revolutionary, but again, Timberframe Horizons isn’t focused on that so much as it is on using tried and tested approaches in novel ways. Proudly a member of the Green Built Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainable
living, green building, and climate justice, Timberframe Horizons is recognized for its design flexibility, the superior energy efficiency of its product, and the mellow warmth of its hand-crafted homes, which are undoubtedly made with love.
“What is interesting,” begins Tom Rouse, Owner at Timberframe Horizons, “is that many people often don’t realize we are not buying aftermarket timber packages; rather, we go straight to the source – we go to the managed forests where the trees are cut, we go to the sawmills where the logs are sawn, and we bring it all to one facility, and craft modern timber frame structures with old world technique.”
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This approach proved particularly beneficial during the pandemic, a time when many construction companies and home builders were hit with vast material shortages and skyrocketing costs. Since Timberframe Horizons had that established point of contact, it was spared much of the financial shock; but then again, there are very few companies dealing in exclusively timber-made homes.
Yet that is precisely what makes Tom’s company so special. Indeed, whether you want a contemporary-, craftsman-, or
modern mountain-style home, Timberframe Horizons can bring that vision from the place of dreams into the tangible realm of reality through the natural power of wood.
“I have been completing these timber-led designs and buildings since the late 1990s, so I have seen many different styles and ways in which houses can be built,” reveals Tom. Like an archive, he draws from that winding stream of experience, finding new ways to blend traditional framing techniques with modern timber building methods.
“It’s all about balance,” he continues. “The awe-inspiring feel of our timber frame homes is made possible with a highly experienced design and build team. Clients appreciate our 3D CADWORK software for visualizing the architectural and technical drawings we provide: a true relationship between the building structure and the elements of architecture.”
But that is, at least in part, the beauty of timber: it demands the best of you. With sites like Pinterest and Houzz taking the world by storm, clients always have something in mind – and, more often than not, that something is extraordinary.
However, that is not something Timberframe Horizons shies away from.
“Ultimately, we are trying to create something that astonishes our clients,” he explains. “We don’t like to force anything. We put on our creative hat and go to town – and our houses reflect that. They are all so great. That is the beauty of what we do: nothing is run of the mill.”
“Everything has an artistic touch to it, and the whole team will pour their creativity into the project at hand,”
he goes on. “We utilize traditional wood joinery and technique in each home, but in a way that really accentuates, particularly on our featured project, modern lines to conjure up that contemporary look. Out by the mountains, this house embraces the simplicity of nature: we have brought the outside in and kept everything as clean as possible.”
Yet despite all this, Tom still has a humble approach. “True, we have made significant accomplishments in a short period since our founding in 2013, but we still must always strive to find the best pathways to achieve our customer’s dream,” he says. “The business may be new on a busy block – but the team has over two decades of experience.”
And that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Timberframe Horizons shared a glimpse into their year ahead in the turnkey custom home division (a mountain-
Everything has an artistic touch to it, and the whole team will pour their creativity into the project at hand
modern design with an abundance of glass and a traditional craftsman-style house). The year ahead also holds strong for custom timber frame sales to general contractors, organizations and private clients. For people already working with an architect or builder, Tom’s company provides the custom timber frame. Be it trusses, the great room only, outdoor living space or party barn, they have it covered. “We want to stay on a continual path of growth, and we want our employees to grow with us,” concludes Tom. “That’s imperative since, approximately, for every five people leaving the industry only two are coming into it. Indeed, we are starting to see less of the tradition handed down through the generations, and that is a great shame. Going forward, I want to create a place where we can educate people and keep those important traditions and skills alive.” ■
www.timberframehorizons.com
Idea House: Mountain Modern TV stars, Revolve Design-Build, on why the Passive House is the pinnacle of modern home building
When we last featured Revolve Design-Build (Revolve), the world – let alone the US building industry – was a very different place in which live and work. Even that feels like an understatement.
The year was 2018 and Revolve had just been included in our Colorado Spotlight Section. Within just a year and a half, the pandemic hit and threatened to disrupt every shade of normality, and many US building firms were knocked back. Curiously, though, as Revolve President Jared Phifer points out, in that initial year of the Covid-19 outbreak, things weren’t as bad as the company expected.
“We were really busy, people were taking contracts, and – simply put – we had work,” he recalls. “‘It is going to be alright,’ I remember thinking. That and being incredibly thankful. Fast forward a couple of years, the tide began to change. Things got worse and more and more challenges began to arise.
“I don’t think we could have predicted just how much the supply chain was going to be affected by it all,” Jared continues. “Finding materials became a real task; they ran out left, right, and center! Every month, there was a new shortage: one day it was a certain kind of lumber, the next it was spray foam…”
“At one point it was impossible to even get hold of a bucket!” adds Joel Phifer, CFO at Revolve, with a laugh. “There seemed to be no rhyme nor reason at certain points. Despite this unpredictability, we still managed to double the size of the company in 2020, bringing on lots of new staff, which was
an important moment for us.” With that size increase, Revolve was able to add its very own design division, leading to a company rebrand and the addition of inhouse architects and interior designers.
Although no one could predict the peak of the pandemic’s disruptive powers, Revolve still managed to learn a lot about itself as a company. “First and foremost, we learned that, yes, we could even finish houses amid a global crisis,” says Jared. He’s proud of the company, you can tell, and it’s refreshing to hear someone talk so passionately about the capabilities of the business that they have created.
“We learned that our offering is still exceptional,” he says. “All that changed was our means of delivery, the way we communicated, and the expectations we put forth to our clients. Then, of course, it was a priority to cover the practical side of operations; we began to order everything well in
It’s a great achievement to be in business for this long
advance during the design process, prioritizing those we knew would have longer lead times. We even began to fill storage containers with materials, ensuring we could keep to the timeline that was promised.”
This year, Revolve is celebrating its 20th anniversary, which, given what we have just talked about, is even more significant for the family-owned company. How does that make the Phifer team feel? “It makes me feel old!” Jared jokes. “No, it makes me feel an awful lot of pride for our team. It’s a great achievement to be in business for this long – we must be doing something right! That’s what I really care about:
looking after our people and the business, since this is the foundation all our projects are built on.”
Picking up on that point, Interior Design Lead Amber Phifer is keen to talk about Revolve’s environment. “We have a very specific kind of culture here,” she says. “Everyone knows us personally. In the height of the pandemic, this factor was essential to ensure the ship kept sailing. We held on to it and refused to give up, going through the necessary pain points but never losing sight of our ideals.
“We have established a crew of people who all work hard – yes, for the company, but also for each other,” Amber goes on. “We are all friends here, and there’s nothing better than working with your friends each and every day; that’s a core reason why we are still here doing this thing two decades later. Our people aren’t afraid to grow, change, and transform with
As a Passive House-certified business, we are focused on creating highly energy-efficient homes
every project. We operate with the mindset of allowing the work and the world to teach us how we can each do better. Saying that, we know there is more to life than lumber and spray foam. We are here to do our best – and that is always enough.”
In the time since we last spoke, Revolve’s design and build focus has – like its team – transformed in several ways. However, one that sparks particular interest is the Passive House (Passivhaus) concept.
Passive House is an international building standard that can reduce energy use by as much as 90 percent when compared to conventional construction methods. Landmark energyefficiency is achieved by a unique exterior envelope, itself created by an array of factors: wall thickness, continuous insulation, air-tight barriers, and triple-pane windows.
“As a Passive House-certified business, we are focused on creating highly energy-efficient homes for all,” Jared explains. “We are endeavouring to incorporate the building standard into our designs; we champion it with our clients and will soon be finishing a Passive House project in Pine, Colorado. It is currently framed up and we are due to install windows and a weather wrap system shortly, creating an air barrier with a double wall base.
“We are continuing to work with Emu, a research-based company that carries out the certification process with Darmstadt, Germany,” he concludes. “These projects are great
because they are 100 percent custom, beautifully designed, and exactly what the client wants. However, with them, we also get to push the envelope in terms of what is possible. In the coming years, we want to be able to promote the Passive House standard further and increase our national coverage. It really is the way forward in terms of modern home building. Not only does a Passive House provide exponential value, but it also means the best air you can breathe (since allergens are filtered out), the most insulated you can be, and the healthiest and most energy efficient home you can build. For us, it’s simply a no-brainer.” ■
www.revolvedb.com
In 2001, Haas Builders made the choice for a more qualitative business approach in the mountains of Big Sky, Montana, over the quantitative style in Park City, Utah
Big Sky, Montana, is home to impressive mountains and rivers, a thriving ski industry and Haas Builders. John Haas, President, attended engineering school at the University of Illinois before moving to Park City, Utah to establish the company in 1989. His company remained there until 2001, while he sought the need for a change, which triggered his relocation to Big Sky and subsequent alterations to the business’ direction and style.
“Haas Builders is a boutique building company, resultant of my specialization in custom home builds in ski resort towns,” John says.
“By choice, we only work on two or three houses at a time, which allows us to focus our energy directly on our clients for a truly personalized
we only work on two or three houses at a time
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experience. This is especially true for me as well, as I have always believed in creating one-on-one interactions during the building process. Even though Haas Builders’ core is its incredible team, I personally interact with our clients on all decisions from start to finish.
“When I first started, Haas Builders became bigger than I had hoped. Although this was originally the trajectory I wanted the business to follow, I soon realised that I wasn’t happy with it. I decided I wanted to take things back to the basics and focus on offering people a more personalized experience, so I slowed down and reeled it all back in. In addition to delivering a high-quality finished product, it is the overall experience with the client which builds a bond that inevitably leads to friendship. My ultimate goal is to construct an experience for my clients which they will remember forever.”
The beautiful homes which John and his team design and build encapsulate the surroundings in which they are situated. Haas Builders places great importance on sustainability and sourcing environmentally friendly solutions from the wider industry. The company is not only a member of the US Green Building Council and National Association of Home Builders Green Building Council, it’s also certified by NAHB, Energy Star and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Council.
“When it comes to environmental responsibility, it really starts at the beginning,”
John explains. “From how we design a home and source the materials, to reusing and recycling leftover products on a job site. When it comes down to the actual construction side of things, we utilize all the energy-efficient products available from our suppliers. We do a lot with geothermal technologies as well, to help reduce the amount of fuel required to heat the home. We installed such a system for a commercial building which houses our local brewery, and uses the technology to power its boiler for beer brewing. We always try to integrate as much technology as we can!”
With community as a constant focus, Haas Builders helped create, build, and donate the space for the Big Sky Recycling Center. The center has become a staple, allowing the community to help the environment
we utilize all the energyefficient products available from our suppliers
by recycling over two million pounds annually. Haas Builders has also helped build a Habitat for Humanity affordable house project for Big Sky school teachers, where they donated some of their leftover products and completed the framing of two buildings.
Another example of Haas Builders diverting away from its traditional style of home building can be seen in the local town infrastructure it has been involved with building. As John details: “High-end, single-family homes in the mountains have always been the mainstay of our business, but over the past several years we’ve branched out into commercial projects as well. So along with our custom homes, we are also building some of the commercial buildings in the new downtown area of Big Sky. It’s pretty cool to be a part of the construction of our new downtown, something which will be here forever, so we are really excited to be involved. When I moved to Big Sky, this area was literally a sagebrush field, and now it is in the process of becoming our main street. Haas Builders is currently building its sixth commercial project in the new downtown area, which is a three-story building which will be home to eight local businesses and two levels of loft-style condos just released to the market.”
Perhaps more in tune with Haas Builders usual area of expertise is a custom home in the Spanish Peaks Mountain Club in Big Sky, which was completed in 2018. This single-family home set on two beautiful acres, encompasses six bedrooms and six bathrooms, along with two half
bathrooms, across its 6200 square feet of livable space. This $10 million property was designed and constructed alongside the owners, architect, and interior designer, working onsite with John and his team every step of the way. It features large windows and deck areas for enjoying the surrounding natural beauty, and it looks out over the golf course and ski resort, and includes a ski/golf
room for accessing the slopes and links.
“I never wanted Haas Builders to be a big flashy company, and I am happy with the size we created in our boutique building segment, as long as we can keep giving back to our community of Big Sky. We help philanthropically with many of the local non-profits, including school scholarships, sports, art programs, and programs helping the environment. My ultimate goal is to keep the company
producing amazing custom homes, by having an amazing team of employees and utilizing many of the same subcontractors for over 20 years,” John concludes. Haas Builders feels incredibly fortunate to be part of this small, yet amazing community, and hopes to continue building for many years to come. ■
www.haasbuilders.com
www.thefranklinbigsky.com
My ultimate goal is to keep the company producing amazing custom homes, by having an amazing team
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Find out why turning dreams into reality is a core mission at Big Canyon Homes
Building a home begins with a dream: the endless possibilities that separate our tangible, lived reality from the realm of ideas. Bridging that gap and turning dreams into lived experience is Big Canyon Homes (BCH), a Utah- and Wyomingbased luxury custom home builder.
Operating since 1990, BCH has established itself as one of the most preeminent builders in the area; contemporary styles abound, with barrel roofs that mimic the rolling landscapes of the state region. Modern, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced, BCH’s designs often feature state-of-the-art solar systems to limit both household utility bills and the individual carbon footprint of each home.
In Northern Utah, Salt Lake City, and Park City alone, BCH has constructed over ten Parade Homes. It has received numerous awards and accolades, including ‘Best of
Show’ and ‘Best Architecture’ at the 2020 Salt Lake, Park City and Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, as well as being registered as a LEED Platinum Builder and recognized as Energy Efficient Home Builder of the Year at the 2019 Global Awards Guide.
Indeed, the renowned builder is proud to be an industry leader in energy efficient luxury homes and Net Zero construction, meaning that homes built by BCH could produce as much energy as they use. “We are truly blessed in the sense that we can pretty much handpick our clients,” says Paul Berman, President at BCH. “Therefore, we get to work on some of the most significant – and coolest – homes out there, which means an awful lot to us. We are incredibly passionate about what we do, and that is the way it has always been. Whether you
sat down with us five years ago or 20, our work would be just as pioneering and our clientele just as eager to work with us.”
As we begin to reflect over the history of the company, Paul zeroes in on the last two years and reveals how BCH grappled with the impacts of the pandemic. However, he flips the script on what we have often come to expect.
“If I am being completely honest, Covid-19 did not hit our company like it did with others,” explains Paul. “In fact, we were actually inundated with requests for our services. We thought that, at least initially, the pandemic would have a huge, negative impact; whereas, what happened was that we were shut down for a couple of weeks and then, just like that, we were back up and running at full speed.
“We were gaining momentum every week, and since then we have remained very busy,” he continues. “Many of our clients
live in big cities, and the pandemic forced people to realize one salient fact about their living circumstances: their homes could become their offices. People soon understood it was possible to move away from big cities and live up in the mountains, skiing and playing golf and hiking, doing all the fun stuff they would otherwise want to do on holiday, while still working at the same company. In the end, the pandemic proved very beneficial to our workload.”
Though Paul is reluctant to pinpoint one specific project, since the company has carried out innumerable examples of best-in-class modern home building, he does highlight the fact that BCH was recently featured in the Wall Street Journal for one of its award-winning homes.
“Truth be told, they are all special in their own way,” he admits. “I really cannot say there is one that stands out, and I think that is a testament to our consistent, highend process. A lot of times, we operate as
a design-build service, even though we are not a licensed architectural firm. But we do have a team of architects working under our umbrella. That way, we can offer clients a complete, turnkey service.
“Typically, however, we are involved from the first conceptional drawings all the way through to the completed, constructed documents, and then obviously through the course of construction,” elaborates Paul. “Then, on top of that, we offer a two-year warranty on all our houses. In fact, with most of our homes, if a former client has an issue, say, five-to-ten years down the line, then we as a company we will still take care of it. That is just the way we are, and we remain proud of that.”
The next 12 months are going to be fullon. “We do not have any openings in the year ahead,” states Paul. “Within the next two
years, things are still going to be tight. We are very hands-on, and we are booked up. That could change; we live in very uncertain times. However, our clients are confident in us and we remain confident in our ability to overcome any coming adversity.”
Looking further ahead, BCH intends to – as it has always done – put consistency first. The Utah- and Wyoming-based company wants to be doing the same thing it does now in five years’ time… but better. That means building more efficient homes with the latest, cutting-edge materials and with best-in-class, ultramodern techniques. Doing all this enables BCH to answer a simple question: Canyon do it? Well, yes, it can. ■
www.bigcanyonhomesinc.com
How Escobedo Group’s DARIO Panelized System is changing traditional construction
It has been a year since we were introduced to the Escobedo Group and its renowned DARIO Panelized System. Panelized construction is an innovative building system, which minimizes waste, environmental impact on site, and production delays due to the weather. One of the ways that the Escobedo Group is revolutionizing this industry is by working with engineers, architects, fabricators, and
builders under one roof. The close integration of these disciplines and the shared commitment to quality and continuing innovation defy what can be achieved with conventional or even ‘pre-fab’ building. “As we continue to grow and innovate it’s the passion and the dedication passed down to me from my father that continues to inform our decisions,” David Escobedo, the founder and co-owner, says.
The Escobedo Group goes one step further in realizing its commitment to quality by transporting and installing its builds with in-house equipment and certified employees. “When we last spoke, we were working solely on strengthening DARIO and the overall process. Since then we’ve created DARIO Villas available in one, two or three bedroom floor plans with customizable
interiors that are perfect for family retreats or vacation rentals especially in hard to reach locations. The Villas range from 900 to 1300 sq. ft. and can be erected, once on site, in a single day.” The Dario system is not limited to these designs however; the Escobedo Group has worked with clients and their architects to realize luxury homes even in the remotest of locations. “We believe it is the future of construction. The Dario system allows us to bring these large-scale projects to life in a more efficient, sustainable, and faster way than conventional construction.”
The panels are built with high precision and quality; two characteristics for which Escobedo has always been known. “There is nothing we leave to chance here. This system has enabled us to improve how we manage materials and energy. For example, we have extremely high insulating values making
There are absolutely no limitations as to what can be done with DARIO, and that is a huge difference between a prefab and our panelized system
the finished product much more energy efficient and improving on indoor air quality. We also extrude our own metal studs exactly to the size needed using a high content of recycled steel. This means that clients who purchase the product are supporting innovative designs, energy efficiency, and a construction process that is more sustainable,” Matt Escobedo, company President, shares. Another aspect that has formed part of Escobedo’s journey since we last spoke is the impact of the pandemic on the expansion of its catalog. “Something we saw happen during Covid-19 was the development of multigenerational living. Many of our clients have large properties, and they wanted to be able to create guest suites, offices, and spaces for their family to stay with them. This is how we came up with the DARIO Villas. For us, they are an excellent way to deliver the same quality of build in a faster, more efficient way,” says Matt.
One of these Villa projects can be found in rural west Texas, where the biggest challenge was the location. “Rural areas, where a lot of our clients have properties, can be difficult to access. We are able to save on labor costs and limit project delays constructing the panels in our facility. From concept to move-in the West Texas Villa had a turnaround time of six months.”
Matt explains that while the floor plan is predetermined on a DARIO Villa, the Escobedo group can work with the client or the client’s designer to customize the interior or offer in-house design consultation and state-of-the-art finishes. The Villas also have the option of a partial or wrap around deck.
Another strength of the Dario panelized system is its flexibility as demonstrated in a rural Colorado project whose owner was also the building’s
designer. The Escobedo Group was able to realize its client’s vision and despite the difficulties of the location, it was able to complete the entire ranch house including integrated mechanical systems, a shop and cistern in less than a year. It took a mere fivedays from prepped foundation to dry-in.
Our conversation then turns towards how the company is able to separate itself from other builders in Texas and the surrounding region. One of the key benefits to the company’s operation is that it is vertically integrated within its supply network. “Our 60,000 sq. ft. facility houses separate millwork, stone cutting, and metalworking shops. In addition to our designers, our team consists of unsurpassed craftsmen in their fields. Some of the team members have worked with me for over 20 years,” says David. With over 100 people on staff the Escobedo Group completes 90 percent of its projects without subcontractors.
The few parts of a project that are contracted out, are contracted to trusted vendors. While Escobedo’s operation is a smoothrunning machine, for Matt, the system is continually being improved, and this will remain a focus as the business grows. “There are absolutely no limitations as to what can be done with DARIO, and that is a huge difference between a prefab and our panelized system. Pre-fabrication does have its restrictions, and we want to offer a solution for customers who want luxury home building that remains focused on quality while shortening the turnaround time.”
The company’s vision for the next few years then sparks a discussion surrounding the strategy for achieving it. David and Matt are confident in their team’s creativity and dedication, and they are proud of every member who has brought the business to
where it is today. “The future for Escobedo is in innovation. Our team will continue to develop and release new designs working with the latest technologies, as well as giving a place to skilled craftsmen. We are seeing interest all over the country for our product. Currently we are working on a handful of projects including a family retreat utilizing the Villas and a 20,000 sq. ft. luxury home.”
Matt shares that plans for the company’s growth are exciting. It was recently able to acquire an 11-acre property adjacent to its current site, which it will quickly grow into. “The Villas product is a fairly recent development and as interest in that product grows so will the company. We continue to work closely with clients to see the ways in which we can improve and how we can best support them.”
In bringing our conversation to a close, Matt wishes to share the full potential of the DARIO Panelized System, and encourage others out there to inquire about its possibilities. “When
architects hear ‘panelized systems’, they don’t quite understand what it is. For some, they assume that it is going to limit their design capability, but it’s quite the opposite. We’ve been able to demonstrate the system’s flexibility as well as our own. We are very collaborative here; we love to cooperate with interior designers and architects. Escobedo Group believes anything is possible and we are in a unique position to put that to the test. For those interested in the DARIO system, it’s important to keep in mind that it doesn’t restrict creativity or design capabilities in any way. On the contrary, it might just help elevate them,” Matt concludes. We look forward to seeing how the business remains innovative in its construction abilities, and how the DARIO Panelized System continues to take the industry by storm. ■
www.dariopanelized.com
Sue Berk established Berk+Walters Homes to be a leader in home building; here’s how she did it
In 1995, Sue Berk bought a condo in Dallas, and gave it a complete renovation. “I painted it, tiled the floors, I did the electrical and plumbing work,” she shares. “I was working in corporate doing high-tech marketing, but I loved renovating, so I decided to do it full time,” she continues. This bold move found her making tiles; she bought a kiln, started creating ceramics and backsplashes, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Berk+Walters Homes (Berk+Walters) specializes in developing spec homes. Sue’s husband, Brad Walters is an integral part of the company, although he has
a full time job in a corporation, but he helps at night and on weekends. Sue highlights that her modus operandi involves purchasing a piece of property, tearing down the existing house and then rebuilding. “Although I like to build homes, I also love design; it’s my favorite part of this job. I work with the architect on the design of the house, and then I come up with all the colors, the countertops, the styles, the tiles, the purchasing of the fixtures and that’s really the best part of the work,” she shares.
Sue goes on to discuss the style of her homes, and how she takes a contemporary approach to her design. “I use clean lines with some
elements of traditional inspiration as well. Our cabinets are shaker-style cabinets, rather than the flat panel cabinets. I also like gold accents. I am lucky in that the home industry in Dallas is ahead of many other markets. For example, we put all our electric outlets in the baseboards, which offers a much cleaner look, and that is something that when I built my first house, my electrician told me this is what all the multi-million-dollar houses are doing now. I think it also comes down to using the right subs, who are used to doing things that are high-end luxury.”
When asked from where she derives this level of inspiration, Sue discusses how she takes pride in being closely observant of her surroundings. “I walk around a lot of new builds, and many of my friends in the neighborhood live in beautiful houses that I admire. I go to trade shows, for lighting and home building, to get insight into what’s trending. I also draw inspiration from nature. I love the blues of the ocean, and sunset colors. However, I am careful to use neutral hues. A lot of people like that our spec houses don’t just do white and grey colors. I like to throw splashes of blue in to try to make my tiles more interesting, which people seem to like.”
There have been many challenges within the supply chain that have had their consequences on the construction industry, and to mitigate these obstacles, Sue shares how she has had to stay ahead of any disruptions. “At first, we had no trouble getting supplies, and the first couple of houses we built after the pandemic started ran very smoothly. On those houses, I ordered lumber, and it arrived within a week. Now, we have to order lumber a month in advance. For the project I am currently working on, the biggest impact has been the windows.
I was told by my suppliers that windows are among the products most affected by supply chain issues, predominantly because the materials are sourced from so many different places. The handles for the windows subsequently delayed us by six weeks, and it was very frustrating,” she says, adding that she has had to accommodate the extra stock and early deliveries as well. “We live in a big house with a lot of storage. I literally have boxes of light fixtures everywhere, boxes of plumbing suppliers, everything all over the house. I bought my appliances before we even started building the house and then for some reason, they arrived quite early, so I had a dishwasher, a microwave, all these electrical appliances kept in storage in my house.”
. . . I love the blues of the ocean, and sunset colors
On top of the business’ supply chain challenges, the company also had to grapple with the increase in prices. From Sue’s perspective, she is trying to minimize the overall cost to support potential buyers. With some of these uncertainties still prevalent within the market, Sue is looking at ways that she can best mitigate the challenges to ensure Berk+Walters remains a leader in the Dallas homebuilding industry. “If the market bears it, I will keep building spec houses. I am lucky that there are loads of opportunities to build within ten minutes of my house. The biggest advantage with having all my projects nearby is that I can be on site at least three to five times a day, back and forth, and by doing that, I can oversee any problems. So, I’m keen to maintain that.
“If the market drops, like it did in 2008, then we might have to go to renovations. I’m finding it quite tricky to predict now. It all depends on interest rates. Dallas is an extremely competitive market; it’s number two in the nation of places to live, but there are a million builders out there building houses. At Berk+Walters, we know who we are; we use better materials, and our finish is higher end than a lot of other builders out there. I am proud of that. So, we will do our best to see how the market responds, and then push to adapt accordingly,” Sue concludes. ■
www.berkwaltershomes.com
Dallas is an extremely competitive market; it’s number two in the nation of places to live. . .
ecognized as one of the fastest growing builders in town, Black Oak Homes (Black Oak) is a locally owned custom home builder, based in Colorado Springs and the surrounding cities. Black Oak’s Owner, Akeem Seriki, is a US Army Veteran and has been in the building business since 2007. In 2019, Black Oak won the HBA Parade of Homes, People’s Choice Award and this year, in 2022, the business is honored to have, once again, won the HBA Parade of Homes, People’s Choice Award.
The founder of Black Oak Homes explains why every custom build project is a passion
“Here, at Black Oak Homes,” Akeem explains, “we offer complete custom homes, from start to finish, with unique floor plans, providing bespoke options, such as multigenerational living. This option enables our clients to bring the wider family together, with floor plans that can truly accommodate
additional accessibility needs. From open or split floor plans to elevators, one of our key differentiators is that even our standard options soar above the rest.”
As one of the fastest growing, and the only all-inclusive, builders in the region, Akeem is keen to discuss the reasons for the business’ success. “Our mission is to provide exceptional craftsmanship, extraordinary collaboration, and innovation within the building industry. We are passionate about our product, and our solutions exceed expectation. Our homes are built with quality materials and superior craftsmanship, so stand the test of time. Black Oak has formed tremendous bonds with some of the most gifted contractors around, thereby creating an advantage over our competitors. Creating these bonds has enabled us to continue providing an exceptional product with extremely competitive build times. Over the years, we have spent countless hours listening to the desires of families to create unique and personal homes.”
An industry leader, engaged in the development, design and building of single and multi-family homes, Black Oak strives to be the builder of choice in Southern Colorado. Indeed, despite the current economic uncertainty, it would seem that, in general, the health of the home building industry in Colorado is pretty robust. Akeem elaborates: “In 2022, Colorado Springs was actually ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States. That said, we truly believe in what
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we offer, and our product speaks for itself. Our passion is our product. When you can provide the client with superior solutions, and realize their vision by delivering exactly what they are looking for, then the desire for that product will always be healthy, irrespective of external economic factors.”
Black Oak aims to provide an experience of a lifetime. As Akeem enthuses: “We believe that houses shouldn’t be built because of consumer demand; they should be built to fit the client’s dream. We want to deliver an enjoyable and rewarding design and construction process from consult to keys, and we are committed to making that process as seamless and stressfree as possible. Satisfaction as a builder only comes from happy customers.”
From a kitchen, bathroom or complete remodel to a basement finish or home addition, while Black Oak offers a range of construction services, Akeem’s passion lies in bespoke custom builds. While customers can choose from a wide selection of floor plans,
working with Black Oak on a unique design offers the opportunity to create a dream property that exactly meets the needs and lifestyle of the homeowner.
“You are able to plan out the type of flooring, kitchen cabinet finishes, and lighting that you’d like, anything you can dream of in effect. A custom home can also be more energy efficient than a pre-built model. The insulation provided by the walls is thicker because it has been built specifically for the home’s dimensions. Equally, you have more design options with a custom home. While floor plan models do offer some customization, only bespoke homes provide the opportunity to customize every square inch of your new space.”
Black Oak offers spectacular community living, with the opportunity to construct custom build homes in a number of
existing communities. “Homes built in the Winsome Hills community are often constructed on larger lots, offering more privacy than most of the other neighborhoods in the area. In addition to larger lots, you get gorgeous, open views of the mountains, less congested neighborhoods, and just a little more elbow room to roam. Winsome Hills is a great place for a new custom home,” Akeem expounds.
“Equally, Latigo offers an amazing option. One of the few available areas within moments of downtown Colorado Springs that offers an equestrian community, Latigo is a great place to consider building a new home,” Akeem continues. “This development offers lots with a minimum size of 2.5 acres, giving you more freedom to create your very own space. Latigo is a small community in Falcon, Colorado that provides an excellent place to live. It is
located just outside of the city limits and has beautiful views with abundant wildlife.”
With new custom build homes in the pipeline in nearby Saddlehorn, Black Oak’s success in the custom home sector looks set to continue. Clearly the people’s choice, Black Oak’s passion for its product will ensure it continues to speak for itself. ■
www.blackoakhomes.net
We believe that houses shouldn’t be built because of consumer demand; they should be built to fit the client’s dream
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Entering its tenth year of business, Wise Built Homes (Wise Built) has quickly secured a reputation for building aesthetically acute and functional homes that are not led by current trends; rather, led by owner Austin Miller, the firm always puts performance first. Highly efficient, thermally secure, and remarkably intelligent, these are homes
constructed with a difference – and they are sure to stand the test of time.
In the southwest Missouri home building scene, Austin’s name is known. Soon he will take on the mantle of President of the Home Builders Association (HBA) for Springfield. “I am going to be the first millennial President,” he admits. With seemingly endless pockets of passion, Austin carries that aptitude and ebullience
into Wise Built, the outlet for his creativity and desire to help others live better lives. Growing up in the Ozarks region, he says he has always had a deep respect for builders. His grandfather, for instance, owned an HVAC company; he would ride around in his truck as a teenager looking for potential jobs; eventually, he received a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. The path was there to be taken.
“I always wanted to run my own business,” explains Austin. “My whole life has been centered around construction, and therefore I knew that I could bring a unique service to people by building beautiful homes of value. In conjunction with wanting to have my own business – something to call my own – Wise
Built allows me to offer a personal service and meet with people on a daily basis.”
It is going exceedingly well thus far. “For the last four years we have grown in volume by more than 50 percent,” reveals Austin. “Things have truly taken off, and that stands as a testament to the kinds of homes we are building; they stand out in both design and function.”
People are noticing. Last year, for instance, Austin was featured in the Springfield Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and Christian County’s Top 10 Under 40. On the former, he reflects: “The accolade really says one word to me: innovation. When it comes down to it, you only get recognition for doing things that others are not willing to
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do. So, for instance, rising costs is the biggest challenge in our industry right now, and while I cannot do anything about that, I can keep people informed.
The first question in the home building process is always: How much is it going to cost? Consequently, I single-handedly developed a cost calculator on our website so people can stay educated. Doing this helps us stay relevant and successful. There is a quote that I like to follow: Imitators do not scare me, innovators do. The people that go above and beyond change industries.”
The latter carries more of a personal touch. “The recognition from Christian County shows my customers I care about the community,” explains Austin.
“Anyone can be successful in their own professional life – but that is what you are paid to do. What are people doing outside of their job? How are they showing communal spirit? Which charity are they donating their time to?
Things that you are not getting paid for are just as important. This particular award is only given out to those who help others. I remain very proud of it.”
One concrete example of Wise Built’s communal spirit is its contribution to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital charity. In 2021, the business played a pivotal role in the build of a St. Jude’s Dream House. The project involves the pro bono build of a house with the aim of raising funds through successful raffle ticket sales. The home ended up reaching a valuation of nearly $400,000 for one lucky winner.
This particular property was built with a distinct rustic-yet-grand appearance and a raised entranceway. Inside, an elegant, large kitchen acts as a showstopper; you can imagine yourself popping open a bottle of red and serving up a mezze platter for an adoring array of guests. After all, there
is plenty of space – and a breakfast bar to boot. Upstairs, an eye-catching freestanding bathtub asks you to soak it all in.
“Working on that home was a truly amazing experience,” remembers Austin. “There were so many incredible subcontractors and suppliers that donated their time and materials – all for the cause. It was incredible to see people coming out and helping, all despite crazy price hikes and delays brought on by the pandemic. It is probably the most challenging project I have worked on. But it was so worth it. The project raised over $1 million for the charity in total.
“Going forward, we want to imbue every build with that spirit of care,” he concludes. “Our customer relation strategy is simple: building a custom home is a journey, but it does not have to be a difficult one. We want others to enjoy the process – just like we do. If there is an issue, we will take care of it; if there is a concern, we will address it.”
Austin has his eyes firmly set on the future, which is exciting, but not without its challenges. “We find ourselves in a unique
time within our industry – our workforce is ageing faster than we can replenish it. In the home building market, the workforce carries an older average age, which means being younger has come with some challenges. However, I am really interested in working towards getting the next generation into the trades and this modern home market.”
So, what is the answer? For Austin, it begins with representation. “The media has done a large disservice to tradespeople over the last 20 years or so,” he contends. “Every time you see a plumber on television or in a movie, he is portrayed as overweight and unintelligent. What kind of message is that sending out?” It is clearly something that Austin is highly passionate about. As he aptly points out, though, the trades are not a redundant or menial profession.
“People seem to forget that if you finish school and work for someone else as a plumber for five years, then you can branch off and start your own company,” says Austin. “All of a sudden you are making an incredible living wage. Part of the solution to this problem is getting more young people to appreciate that there is a huge, tangible opportunity to make a great living for themselves and their families.”
As the conversation comes to a close, Austin reiterates the ethos of his company. “At Wise Built, we want to make the experience as personal as possible. Thus, in the next five years, we will integrate more software to streamline the entire process, and also look to bring in a new superintendent to help us take on more unique, standout projects.” ■
www.wise-built.com
Since we last spoke in 2018, TurnKey Builders (TurnKey) has not rested on its laurels. But, then again, it was never going to. Following the company’s last feature in Modern Home Builders magazine, TurnKey has gone on to become a member of the local, Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association, and has taken part in its Annual Parade of Homes tour twice: in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
More recently, the firm has been able to proudly showcase some of its work to the public, featuring the latest designs, features, and amenities that the market has to offer. “Joining the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association has been an amazing step for us,” says Greg Hoppes, President at Turnkey. “It offers members a great, welcoming community of home builders, associates, sponsors, and so forth. Each person and organization has similar interests and operates in the niche of modern home building.
“There are different functions and meetings to attend, and that keeps things exciting – we are always up to date on the latest trends,” he explains. “Furthermore, it acts as a continuation of our education. As part of the association, we are keen to understand more about the municipal aspect of building within the different areas of our industry.”
As a full-service custom home building company, TurnKey offers a distinct product, price point, and professional service that has garnered quite the reputation. As we pointed out back in 2018, the firm is an exclusive builder that only commits to a set number of homes each year, thereby ensuring a best-in-class finish, superior management, and exemplary building expertise across every single project.
That care and attention to detail begins with Greg and his team. His affinity with the trade goes back to childhood. Greg fondly remembers
helping his father build the family home as a boy. Since then, he has gone on to accomplish many achievements within the industry, taking on more and more advanced roles and job titles, slowly working his way up, and earning numerous accolades in the process.
TurnKey now boasts efficient, Lean building practices to manage the construction of a home and creatively coordinates the entire build process with an emphasis on economic and environmental factors. Green building has become increasingly important – and sought after – within the modern home building market.
TurnKey is keen to emphasize practices and products that reflect that, creating sustainable projects that are not only a bonus for the planet, but also for the homeowner’s wallet.
TurnKey offers its clients unique custom and green features, which include but are not limited to: energy efficient light and water fixtures, water filtration systems, smart home devices,
We have our clients’ best interests at heart as we are building each of their unique custom homes
car chargers, zero-scapes and modern landscaping designs, window technology advancements, upgraded HVAC components, solar power, termite and pest prevention, ceiling and wall treatments, saunas, safe rooms, rainwater collection, swimming pools/spas, wificontrolled window coverings, and many more.
“Alongside these unique custom and green features, a primary trait of the business that sets us apart from competitors is our customer service and our team,” explains Greg. “The level of care and attention we offer is firstrate; and this is delivered through our incredible construction managers, my wife, a licensed and very talented interior designer, and her skilled assistant, plus our admin and book keeping staff. It is this team that allows the projects to keep moving even during these trying times.”
He continues “When a client presents us with something outside the box that
has an effective purpose, we want to make every attempt to allow them to accomplish their goals within the concept and performance of their new home.
“We have not stopped there. We also aim to pioneer new materials and systems that have not been offered before. As a result, clients will not have considered them. We endeavor to change that. However, limitations in this area has forced us to spend some extra time considering each new kind of offering further before we adopt it and offer it to our clients.”
As we turn our attention to the current state of the company, Greg insists 2022 has been a unique year. “It has been rewarding and trying at the same time,” he admits. “We have seen a very good level of interest in our TurnKey products and services, but with that, of course, comes the challenges presented by the current geopolitical climate: material shortages, labor scarcity, and long lead times. It is affecting everyone in the industry –and it is almost a no-win situation.
“However, we are doing everything in our power to put our clients in the best situation and keep their projects moving forward,” he adds. “We have
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...creating an incredible experience for each and every client
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our clients’ best interests at heart as we are building each of their unique custom homes. That means bringing on the right subcontractors for each job and hiring a robust team of tradespeople that can handle jobs and deliver the kinds of standards we expect. With that being said, we have seen great results and we look forward to building off this set of procedures and goals as we move forward despite the various negative market conditions and financial limitations that might, or might not, come into play.”
In terms of recent projects, Greg is keen to highlight the Alto Lago community at Cordova, which featured both Annual Parade of Homes tours for the Greater New Braunfels Home Builders Association. “TurnKey has created quite the footprint in that community,” he reveals. “It is, quite simply, an incredible home. Measuring about 3700 square feet in size, it was a great lot upon which we had the opportunity to build a new custom two-story home for our Houston-based client. They trusted us and put faith in our designs, zeroing in on specifically what they were looking to achieve in a retirement home.
“Naturally, we spent a lot of time working with the client on designing and formatting the home to suitably fit their own needs,” says Greg. “We included a swimming pool, landscaping, and many other features within the home that are really stunning and offer great aesthetic value. It really is amazing what TurnKey has achieved in just five years. Back then, we were a very small outfit: Team, Lean, and efficient – but small. Looking beyond Alto Lago at Cordova, we will continue to grow while holding true to those three founding principles, creating an incredible experience for each and every client.” ■
www.turnkeybuilderstx.com
After successfully overcoming the challenges of the pandemic, Henry Development LLC looks forward to another busy year in the thriving construction industry
Recognized as one of Colorado’s top home builders, Henry Development LLC (Henry Development) has been in the business of helping people build their dream home for over 20 years. The company specializes in ground up construction, large scale additions and remodels and is known for its quality construction, architectural beauty and innovative concepts and styles. Years of experience and professional expertise has helped the company to secure projects in some of Denver’s most prestigious neighborhoods, maintaining a commitment to setting the highest quality standards and providing an exceptional customer experience.
Henry Development’s five-step process ensures the smooth progression of its projects, supporting customers from start to finish. The first step consists of gathering information about the customer and their goals, which becomes a key starting point to work from. Following this, an in-depth review of the customer’s final plans will be carried out to ensure a mutual understanding has been reached for the full scope of the project before work begins. This involves establishing a clear course of action, which reflects the expectations of the client, ensuring that every detail of the project has been identified and implemented. During
construction, the company utilizes its deep variety of resources, close relationships with suppliers and highly skilled tradespeople, all overseen by an experienced project manager, to ensure high expectations are always met.
Once construction is complete, the company carries out a final inspection, working with the customer to identify any details which require additional attention. According to Company Owner, John B. Henry: “The job is only complete once the customer is happy with every aspect of the work and we try to remain flexible in making reasonable adjustments to accommodate changes throughout the construction process so that this can be achieved.”
The final step consists of obtaining customer feedback that helps the company to identify its accomplishments and cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement.
Henry Development utilizes a state-of-the-art construction software platform, which enables
customers to digitally track the progress of their project. This facilitates on-going communication with customers, providing them with a range of useful resources including progress photos, to-do lists and financial updates. This has improved the efficiency of communicating with clients and demonstrates the value the company places on building trust through transparency, encouraging open access to information and active participation in the decision-making process. The company further differentiates itself from competitors through its extensive industry expertise, employing a team of professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience in building homes. The team works closely with reputable architects and designers and has spent the last five to 15 years building relationships with a preferred list of vendors, suppliers and contractors, all of which share the same vision of delivering blue ribbon quality homes. As one of the company’s General Contractors, John B. Henry
We have clients that have hired us because of my industry background. . .
also plays an important role in attracting customers to the business. As he explains: “What separates us from our competitors is my presence both in the office and on the job site.” He continues: “We have clients that have hired us because of my industry background and the fact that I am willing to get directly involved with the work that we do, rather than just sitting in the office behind the scenes.”
The company culture centers itself around strong teamwork and communication, which extends to each individual at the company, as well as the subcontractors working on the job. Everyone must play their part in moving each project along which often requires tapping into each other’s expertise and offering support wherever possible. As a member of the National Association of Homebuilders, the company utilizes every opportunity to educate its staff and customers, always looking for new ways to improve the business. One such example of this is the company’s commitment to educating itself on sustainability and making its operations more environmentally friendly.
One of the biggest challenges that the company has faced in recent years has
been the impact of the pandemic on the construction industry as a whole. During this time, Henry Development faced issues with its supply chains for specific products, cost increases for customers and adapting schedules to try to reduce the number of people attending the job site at the same time. Despite this, Henry Development has successfully come out the other side and is thriving in the current market, with 2022 being the company’s most successful year during its 22 years of being in business.
The company now looks ahead to an exciting and busy schedule for next year as the construction industry begins to move forward again at pace. With an almost 100 percent full schedule, 2023 looks set to be another successful year for Henry Development. ■
www.henrydevelopmentco.com
Championing colleagues, clients and the wider construction industry: the story of Millennium Custom Homes
For Millennium Custom Homes (Millennium), the first, and most important, value is customer satisfaction. Making decisions about a custom home or renovation project can be difficult, which is why Millennium always takes the time to guide its clients through the process. The business is headed by Founder and Owner, Philip A. Calinda Jr., who, in his 35 years’ experience, has helped thousands of clients achieve the homes of their dreams.
Phil’s introduction to the industry started at the age of 13, being paid $10 a day for scouring local construction sites and collecting discarded nails by the bucketful. At the age of 17, while still at high school, he secured a job as a laborer, and went on to work his way from the bottom up. Today, Phil has 2600 homes under his belt, and countless remodeling projects. “I can’t tell you how many remodels I have done: everything from educational establishments and doctors’ offices to houses of worship and retail properties,” he begins.
Phil has owned Millennium for 13 years, having bought the company from the original firm whose sites he scoured for nails, and for which he worked for over 30 years. “We have been able to strike out on our own, and go ahead and do some amazing work,” Phil enthuses. “I have a great team. Jessica is the mainstay
of the company; keeping us moving, keeping us supplied, keeping us insured,” he quips. “I have a right-hand man who is a master plumber, and my son has also joined us. We have a unique business model out in the field. We may not be up to speed with the latest technologies, but I don’t believe the office builds the job. I believe the job is built out in the field by the people who are dealing with it every day. Our construction lead time is usually half to a quarter of everybody else’s, and the quality is just as good. I have learned how to multi-task, and have multiple contractors working on a project at any one time.
“That is our uniqueness. I believe in tackling one or two jobs at a time, and then moving on to the next. Being able to manage more is not the issue, but rather, it’s more effective to concentrate forces so you are not running around wasting time when every movement counts,” Phil emphasizes.
In terms of a custom build or renovation project, in today’s market, Phil sees little to differentiate the two. “In this area, many of the superior properties are gone. People are therefore, having to purchase what’s available. This often results in a considerable amount of unique renovation to make the property work for the owner. Critically, whether we require framing or welding skills, for example, my team has the talent to meet the needs of the specific project.” No two projects are alike, and every customer has different wants and needs, whether
Architectura
When the firm was founded in 1986, we had a vision about the kind of buildings we wanted to design. We believe that design should respond to a project’s site in a creative and meaningful way. We have always sought to create buildings that were tactile, modern, and well crafted.
Now more than 35 years later, these beliefs are
that’s in a home built from the ground up or in terms of a complete reconfiguration.
One such notable build is the Short Hills project, or as the team likes to refer to it: “The Tunnel Vision House”. Working in collaboration with Chris Manos of Architectura, this impressive feat of engineering came to fruition. As Chris explains: “One of this project’s challenges was the existing house and its configuration. We needed to engineer a way to get from the house to the new pool
reflected in the architecture we create. While our firm has grown along with the range and complexity of our projects, from single family residences to skyscrapers, we creatively build with a design approach that grew from our start with houses. We have found that by exploring the intimate relationships between family, place and building, we create successful projects.
without going outside. The owner wanted to incorporate a retractable roof system, enabling the pool to be used all year round and accessed from indoors. Much thought went into how to achieve this end.
“We chose to open up an existing concrete foundation wall to create an underground tunnel that leads to the pool deck. In conjunction with the civil engineer, we were able to create a straight run from the existing basement all the way underground to the pool, so the client never has to go outside in the winter.
“Phil and I then devised a mechanical heating and cooling system inside the tunnel, so everything is climate controlled. Furthermore, the client requested an addition to the main house: a staircase that leads to a new gym off of the master bedroom, with a Californianstyle balcony. The walls slide in two directions to open up the entire gym area. It has a balcony, and below that, there is a covered exterior terrace. A staircase connects the second, first and basement floors, so the client can move from the gym, down the staircase to the tunnel, enabling immediate access to the pool.”
There were several complexities with the project, including an existing pool house that needed to be architecturally and climatically integrated with the
new structure. Chris continues: “To bury the tunnel, we used rock, covered with Astroturf, which can present a drainage issue. We, therefore, had to create all types of waterproofing, and make sure the tunnel was pitched to prevent water seepage. A climbing wall was added to the exterior of the tunnel, making the space much more usable. It was a unique project; one of which Phil should
The Tunnel Vision House - Pool
be very proud, and particularly so, in light of the relatively short amount of time he took to complete it.”
Phil believes that these types of projects, and particularly those undertaken over the past couple of years, have been a sign of the times.
He continues:
“These have been examples of good times, and of people having the means to make these dreams a reality. Is this going to be the norm for the future? I don’t believe so.
The projects coming in now are
on a much smaller scale, such as basic single-room renovations. I don’t want to be known for just doing large projects though; when times are tough, such as we’re coming into now, it’s important not to be locked into that market. We need to keep our smaller clientele too.
“Looking to the future, I want to step back a bit from the field, bring on my team, and now that my son is working with me, I can hand over the reins a little, but still oversee the work. So, where do I see the company going? We will, no doubt, have
Phil, Jessica and Angelo
We will, no doubt, have some diverse projects in the next five years. . .
some diverse projects in the next five years, but in the immediate future, we are basically strapping ourselves in, and seeing how things go. Even those with disposable income are sitting tight right now because of the current uncertainty.”
To conclude, Phil highlights that as a oncelongstanding president, and still active member of his local builders’ association, he is a strong believer in championing the trade. “We value the communities in which we live and work, and give back by sharing our professional expertise with others through leadership and participation. It is crucial for building firms, of any size and standing, to be supportive of the associations. Uniting in this manner is the only way we can exert an element of control over the processes and regulations that are increasingly crippling the industry and our customers. It is important to help steer the agencies on what works and what doesn’t, for the future of our industry.” ■
www.millenniumcustomhomes.com
Established in 2008, Icon Building Group (Icon) is a construction and remodeling company based in the suburbs outside of Chicago, specializing in luxury custom homes and neighborhoods. In Icon’s first sit-down with Modern Home Builders, since before the pandemic, Charlie Murphy, President, details some of the challenges fought and changes sought during such unprecedented times.
“First there was the complete halt in activity when the world stopped,” Charlie begins. “Which was quickly followed by a monumental rise in demand for housing stock, new construction and remodeling projects. Combine this with the supply chain issues relating to the sourcing and procurement of materials and contractors – it’s been truly chaotic. However, internally, we came together in the trenches to push
As the design-build industry reels from the aftershocks of the pandemic, Icon Building Group is gaining ground
on through, ramped up our head count by doubling our workforce and came out on top. Everybody was forced to re-evaluate the efficiencies of their businesses and I ultimately see it all as a real learning opportunity, culturally. We’ve actually seen some pretty substantial growth throughout the whole period.”
“Yes,” Jenny Rice, Remodeling Sales and Design Consultant, states in agreement. “Our lives were turned
upside down overnight, as were people’s needs with regard to their home spaces. In a short window of time, we were challenged with accommodating the new normal amidst the issues and delays that the industry was caught up in. Our hair was a little on fire for a while there, but we’ve ploughed through the most difficult part.”
In the quest to provide the utmost in customer satisfaction and the highest quality design-build properties available, Icon employs the most talented architects, interior designers, contractors and materials. With proficiency and due diligence at the top of its agenda, the company offers its customers a stringent ‘On time. On Budget. Or Else!’ guarantee. Within this, it assures clients that they will be compensated for any
It was an honor to delicately work alongside them, through what was an emotional process, to give the property a new breath of life
delays, caused by the company itself, and never pay above the contracted price for their project. This approach to treating its clientele with accountability, honesty and respect sits at the heart of Icon’s company ethos and undoubtedly, is one of the reasons it has managed to weather the recent storms with such success.
“All of our projects sit between the values of $650,000 and $7 million, but with the way the market is currently operating, the activity below the $1 million mark has slowed,” Charlie explains. “When it comes to the remodeling side of things, we’ve started to see it crop up in different areas to the past. Traditionally, the higher-end school districts were less associated with remodeling, as the local upper-middle class demographic had enough disposable cash to build their own homes, ground-up. Now people in these areas are starting to see the affordability of buying an existing property and renovating it to their taste. Our remodeling division will account for around ten percent of all
revenue this year, whereas next year I’m expecting it to double to 20.”
“One of our recent projects has been for a family in the Barrington area,” Charlie continues. “Where we built a home for a customer, next to which we’re now building a property for his father, and I believe there’s a plot across the road that his brother wants – a family compound. The original customer’s 12,000-squarefoot property sits on a lake with a pier and features a two-lane bowling alley, a five-car garage and a sports court with a climbing wall, basketball nets, a golf simulator and a volleyball court. We also fitted a professional spa with a sauna, steam room and a really nice gym, and a new development that is starting to take hold around the country – an Amazon delivery room. The idea is to provide a safe space in which the homeowners can see who’s pulling up to deliver their packages, with a coded exterior door that sits separately to the locked door that leads into the
house. Next door at the father’s house we’re fitting a 5-lane indoor Olympic swimming pool, a Zen meditation room and we’re even talking about creating an underground tunnel between the two properties – everything you would expect from a $5 million home.”
With regards to Icon’s remodeling division, the company is proud of its diverse capabilities in approaching different types of projects, as Jenny details: “A couple approached us during the pandemic about a home in the North Shore suburbs, her mother had recently died of Covid, and they had taken on her house. The physical space was fantastic and had been in the family since 1997. It was an honor to delicately work alongside them, through what was an emotional process, to give the property a new breath of life.
“We had another house nearby where we converted half of their ten garages into a professional golf practice putting green and driving range, on which you could project the backdrop of multiple international golf courses. We kept the outside exactly the same to maintain its street presence and attractiveness; I’m not a golfer but it was a really cool job.”
However, it’s taken more than Icon’s reputation to help ride the wave post-Covid. Charlie’s attitude has also played a key role, as he concludes: “I personally view employees as customers, contractors as customers, and customers as customers – because we can’t do what we do, if we’re missing any one of these three subsets. We’re incredibly focused on our work culture. One thing we hold at the forefront of our minds when hiring new staff: hire the person, not the skill. Skills can always be learned. It is much harder to get a person to change values, communication skills and attitude.” ■ www.icon-group.com
After six years of successful business, Create Construction has become a reputable, sought after custom home builder in Montana. Operating primarily in the Bozeman and Livingston areas, along with design/build, the company provides a range of services to customers, including pre-construction planning, contract and budget management.
Create Construction attributes its continued success in the market to its many long standing relationships with subcontractors and vendors. Possibly the most critical key to their success has been their highly skilled and dedicated team of craftsmen.
The company was founded in 2016 by Mitch Steckmest and Doug Addicott. Having previously worked alongside one another on a few of the same projects, the pair decided to establish a partnership in
Create Construction which was created to serve Gallatin and Park counties and the surrounding areas with the highest quality construction services. Prior to this, the two had been contracting on their own, acquiring valuable and complementary experience in the industry for a period of over 25 years.
Doug Addicott completed his degree in Construction Engineering Management at Oregon State University and has worked in the construction and facilities industry for over 30 years. During this time, Doug has gained experience working in roles such as Project
Manager, Director of Scheduling and Planning, Superintendent and Carpenter, performing on various projects including custom homes, commercial buildings and school facilities.
Coming from a similarly diverse background, Mitch Steckmest has been working in the construction industry since his high school days in Oregon. After moving to Bozeman to attend Montana State University in 1992, Mitch worked his way up from carpenter to eventually starting his own business, Steckmest Construction, in 2002. Having spent 25
years of his career completing construction work throughout the Gallatin Valley, Mitch has gained experience in both commercial and custom home projects.
Combining Doug’s expertise in business systems with Mitch’s custom building, customer relations and people management skills, the diverse experience of these two construction professionals has resulted in the creation of a successful partnership with the requisite strengths to continually meet the needs of its customers. When it comes to meeting client expectations, Doug highlights the areas on which the company concentrates: “One of the big things for us is that we don’t just want to build a beautiful house for someone, we want them to have a great experience whilst they are doing it. This means we need to have good management systems in place, so we can put more energy into our work and into creating strong relationships with our customers.”
Typically, one of the co-founders will be involved in any project that the company has undertaken, meaning there is always a principle working directly with the client on every job. This demonstrates the effectiveness of Create Construction’s management processes and workload sharing strategy. Doug continues: “A lot of
One of the big things for us is that we don’t just want to build a beautiful house for someone, we want them to have a great experience whilst they are doing it
our smaller competitors don’t have these management systems in place therefore it is something that really sets us apart.”
Another distinguishing quality of Create Construction is its capacity to build homes which are specifically designed to fit the exact needs and aesthetic preferences of each individual client. The company employs an in-house designer and therefore does a lot of its own design work for projects in addition to working alongside other architects. This is advantageous because it enables the company to extract the proper information required from the customer at the design stage of the process, carrying out conversations with regards to their specific desires and ensuring that every detail of the project is carefully planned out before the building work begins. Mitch sheds some
light on the importance of ensuring these details are considered from the start of the project: “From our biggest to our smallest projects, there are always details that we have to work through and come up with solutions to, so effective problem solving is definitely something that we excel at.”
Modern and contemporary builds form the majority of the company’s portfolio including an exciting project carried out in Paradise Valley for an architect’s personal home. Another exciting project which the company has been working on for the past three years is a complex with multiple buildings including an entertainment barn and a rustic modern farmhouse which is likely to be completed by February to March of next year.
When discussing the use of new technologies within the construction industry Doug highlights: “There is always
a new way to do anything and everything,” and the company keeps an open mind when it comes to looking for new and innovative processes, products and tools for completing work. One particular area of focus for Mitch and Doug is looking for ways to improve efficiency and weatherization, something both co-founders have prioritized even before setting up their partnership. In order to remain ahead of the curve, the company places a lot of focus on new developments and tries to incorporate these into its practice wherever possible.
During the pandemic, the company experienced some issues with its supply chains which impacted construction schedules, however these problems were easily overcome thanks to Create Construction’s effective preplanning strategies and business management systems. Emerging on the other side, the company looks to adjusting to the industry’s
‘new normal’ which is likely to see the national, if not global, impact of generally slowing down labor processes. Despite this, there has been little suggestion of demand slowing in the industry and the company continues to experience a high volume of customers seeking its services.
Looking to the future, Mitch and Doug plan to continue growing the company sustainably, systemizing the business by putting additional management processes in place and hoping to substantially increase volume over the next few years. At the same time, the co-founders express the importance of finding a balance between growth and maintaining their style and personal connection with clients, as this is, and will continue to be, a huge part of what makes the business so successful. ■
www.
Jason Ruebl’s grandfather was a cabinet maker in the 40s and began building homes during the turn of the decade. Although Jason’s grandfather passed away, his legacy of hard work and dedication to beautiful homes lives on through his company, Ruebl Builders (Ruebl). “He started building his own spec homes, which is how Ruebl began,” shares Jason. “My father, Bill, then took over the business. He started working for my grandpa, and basically took the company to the next level and was very successful in his endeavor,” says Jason. Three generations of business have refined Ruebl to be a leading homebuilder that prioritizes relationships with both its team and its clients. “We have a great group that surrounds us, and that culture of unity is what forms the bedrock of our success,” says Jason. In our conversation, Jason is joined by Scott Gallert, the Project Manager, who has been integral in contract completion, and, according to Jason, is an excellent example of the type of people working at Ruebl. “We would have never got this far without the people who are part of this team, people like Scott. There are always challenges along the way with budgets or design ideas. However, we are very fortunate to have expert people who know how to overcome any challenge in order to exceed our clients expectations,” shares Jason.
“Everyone here is truly a team player,” Scott adds. “It is like a small family, we get to know each client, their styles, personalities and hobbies. Taking the time to learn about each client helps us incorporate the perfect details and design into the craftsmanship we put into each custom home, which is one of the reasons I chose to be a part of this team. Regardless of whether you are an employee or a subcontractor each person plays an important role in the building process.”
Jason expands on Scott’s sentiments by paying tribute to the fantastic skills that Scott brings to the
team. “Scott has been a great addition. He is very communitive with our clients. We are in challenging times where the last two or so years have been difficult regarding the sourcing of materials, but Scott does a great job staying in touch with customers at every stage.
“From a quality standpoint, he is also impeccable at ensuring that everything is the way it should be. There are contractors who occasionally want to accept that something is good enough for the sake of moving onto the next phase to meet the deadline. Scott doesn’t have that attitude. He wants to get it right regardless of how long it takes. For me, Scott is an example of the sort of people we have here; the ones that get the job done to the best of their ability, no matter the time or the cost that it takes, because the client’s happiness in their new home is what matters most to us,” says Jason.
My personal project is to ensure that everyone within our team has a great quality of life...
“ “
When it comes to additional reasons why the company excels within the industry, Jason expresses that its leading attribute boils down to attention to quality. “Being a small company has its benefits. One of them is that it enables us to be very detail oriented. We manage the number of projects we take on so that I can be onsite for each contract and remain closely involved with the project.
“We really pride ourselves on not growing to the point where I can’t be part of the work, because I want to be able to see what is going on, especially if there is ever an issue. This is why communication is a big factor for the way in which we work. For example, although I don’t expect Scott to answer calls over the weekend, I know he cares, and wants to be part of the team, so he will take those calls. It’s acts like that that help us stand apart from our competition,” Jason explains.
To demonstrate how the company approaches its work, we then go onto to discuss its Eagle Lake project, which is a signature project the business completed in Wisconsin. “We built a beautiful white oak timber frame home that had a rustic mountain aesthetic on a lake, despite not being in the mountains. It’s a heck of a project and the client relied heavily on us to build the home of their dreams. Clients trust Ruebl Builders along with the architect, the interior designer, and our contractors. Obviously, money can become a factor in a project this large, but the client was very receptive to our ideas and we were able to exceed their expectations.”
Scott emphasizes that the business’ approach to relationships is what encourages customers to trust Ruebl. “The Eagle Lake project was a fantastic example of the sort of relationships we have with our customers. Many clients often ask, ‘if this was your home, what would you do?’ This is where we are able to use our knowledge of the client’s interests and passions to add specific design and details that are unique to that particular client; not every home builder knows their clients as well as we do. We proceed to work out what it’s going to cost, and we
maintain transparency accordingly,” says Jason. He shares that Ruebl is proud of the ways this approach has been able to bring together exquisite projects, and both Jason and Scott are excited for the work on the horizon.
Considering the challenges that the last two years have brought the construction industry, Jason looks to the future with hope. His goal moving forward is to remain a small company to maintain the excellent quality for which Ruebl has become renowned. “I’d like to keep up the close relationships that we have, so we need to ensure that the business doesn’t grow too big. Other than that, I have nothing to complain about; we have been very blessed. God has blessed us more than I can ever imagine to get us to where we are today.
“My personal project is to ensure that everyone within our team has a great quality of life; the painter, the cleaner, the glass suppliers, no matter who they are. Of course, we are always working to improve and refine what we do, but that is what strengthening a company is all about. I think if there is anything we want to work on, it’s the little things that make this company just that much better,” Jason concludes. ■
www.rueblbuilders.com
Things have been great,” answers Michael Freiburger, Managing Principal at NEWLOOK, when we ask how all has been since the firm last featured in Modern Home Builders. That was around four years ago – a time that almost seems displaced in our collective memory, a world in which video calling was saved for relatives across the world and social distancing was saved for those we merely wanted to avoid.
“As a company, we have been continuing to grow in terms of both volume and the number of opportunities being presented to us,” he goes on. “But perhaps the most exciting development since 2018 is the ready availability of truly one-of-a-kind projects that we now have access to. We have formed a number of incredibly special partnerships with clients on custom developments – from single
family to multi-family and mixed-use homes.
“In the last few years, moreover, we have been privileged to receive glowing industry recognition,” elaborates Michael. “Numerous panels and awarding bodies have honored us with design and innovation accolades, which is a source of immense pride for myself and the company. Naturally, as part of that progression, we have become more confident in pushing the envelope with not only our one-of-a-kind architectural vision, but also our bespoke process. Since we last spoke, I would like to think that we communicate more efficiently, and are – each day – even more transparent with our clients, which leads to better relationships and a healthier approach to taking risks in an effort to pull off our final vision for every project.”
In doing so, NEWLOOK is striving to create something truly special: a dream
home that is real – and is right there, in front of the customer; they need only turn the key in the lock. Since 2018, furthermore, Michael has taken the opportunity to engage with the public at numerous speaking events, and has been asked to sit on multiple innovation and industry disruptor panels.
“I have always been involved in associations for local and national home builders,” he explains. “Recently, I was named the President of the Building Industry Association in Greater Chicago, while continuing my role as a delegate for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).”
As Michael goes on to point out, the platform has given NEWLOOK – and Michael, personally – a larger voice, which only serves to underscore the ever-growing sense of commercial and architectural confidence held by the Greater Chicago-based company.
With a louder voice and increased market exposure, NEWLOOK is relishing its expanding ability to not only pick and choose its clients, but also experiment with daring new concepts and processes, which other developers might not have the capabilities or gumption to carry out.
“In this post-pandemic world, we continue to embrace technology, design, and the apt communication of that design,” says Michael. “As a result of Covid-19, we have become well-versed in designing and rendering projects in 3D, and we are able to convert those digital environments into virtual and augmented reality. This enables clients to walk through their as yet unbuilt home in real-time with a set of goggles. Quite simply, it is a game-changer, and our clients have been fantastic; they have put their trust in us, accepted change, and embraced our vision of bringing these crazy ideas forward.”
Michael is also keen to update us on the services provided by NEWLOOK. The foundation remains the same: the company is a vertically integrated, fullservice design-build and development outfit for luxury residential and commercial projects. However, the scale is escalating.
NEWLOOK is now developing a side unit condo in Winnetka, a nearby town in Illinois, which marks one of the first multi-unit developments to be approved within the last two decades. Leveraging creative flair, industry experience, and a strong vision, NEWLOOK has continued to expand its portfolio with an exciting, dynamic range of projects.
We are the main player involved in developing a mixeduse space in Kenilworth
“We are the main player involved in developing a mixed-use space in Kenilworth, which is one of the most modern structures that the town has ever approved,” adds Michael. “It includes a coffee shop, art gallery, studio space, and dedicated residential units. Another exciting opportunity was the Harbor Park Progressive project, one of our most recent developments in Glencoe. We really pushed the envelope on this one, creating a progressive but suitable style for that specific neighborhood. The 3D assets utilized on that development showed how virtual and augmented reality can be used to sell a home. It was truly exciting to be involved in, and we look forward to putting that passion into future projects.”
At the center of it all, however, is neither 3D technology nor alternative digital realities. Rather, it is family.
“In a family environment, you are brutally honest with one another – in my book, at least,” Michael reveals. “You have to earn the respect of everyone and communicate without hesitation, ultimately taking chances as they arise without too much fear of failure. That is a family and, as a result, that is the way NEWLOOK operates.
“My father started the company,” he concludes. “I began working with him at just five years old, trying to figure things out and learning the trade. Fast forward nearly four decades, and my wife represents a key component of the company, serving as our broker and Head of Sales & Marketing.
“But, in the end, family extends beyond bloodlines; my number two, for instance, has been with us for over 12 years. I watched him grow up. I mentored him, guiding him in the direction he needed to go in. Another employee has been my best friend for over 20 years. NEWLOOK is family – and we look forward to welcoming more clients to that growing network as the years go by.” ■
www.newlookdevelopment.com
Another employee has been my best friend for over 20 years
