Haven's May 2023 Issue

Live in Auto mation issue

5 Upcoming Events

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS

7 BAGI President’s Message: A Time of Grit, Tenacity & Optimism

8 Build Indiana Roots Helps Hoosiers Find Attainable Housing

10 Build Your Future Indiana Helps Hoosiers Explore Their Career Options in Construction

12 Exciting Things Are Happening at BAGI

13 Why BAGI?

15 The Why Behind the Common Sense Institute Study

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

May 2023

16 RG Décor Brings Wicker Works and Top Outdoor Design Trends to Indy RG DÉCOR

18 2023 Bathroom Trends: All About Big Personality and Personalization

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30

THE GLASS HOUSE GALLERY BY FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR:

All About the Glass

20 Issue Theme: Live in Automation

Automate Your Home with Ease

22 Engineering for Excellence: Far More Than A Pool Cover

TRESSS AQUATECTURAL DESIGNS

25 Luxury Technology for Every Lifestyle

BRAVAS

26 The Right Light: Building A Custom Lighting Plan

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

29 A Family Compound and 20,000 Sq. Ft. of Concrete

FLATMADE CONCRETE CO.

35 Managing Client Expectations: 3 Tips for Home Industry Professionals

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

37 The Advanced Technology of an Innovative Process

STONE MART

38 Designing Your Ideal Midwest Outdoor Kitchen

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING

40 Simple & Seamless: Executive Homes Partners With McComb Pella to Create an Enjoyable Building Experience

M c COMB WINDOW & DOOR CO. EXECUTIVE HOMES

43 The #1 Overlooked Design Decision When Building A New Home DRAPERY STREET

44 Your Ultimate One-Stop Shop

HUB & SPOKE

46 Pantry Battle: Built-In vs. Walk-In vs. Butler’s Pantry

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48 Innovating the Exterior Lighting Industry LUMINOCITY

50 How Kelli Bastin, Realtor Arrived on the Indy Scene

KELLI BASTIN, REALTOR

52 Haven “Best of the Best” Luncheon

54 Haven “Back to Nature” Luncheon

56 Directory of Home Services

Upcoming Events

May 2023

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

May 4th & every other Thursday

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

May 11th & every other Thursday

Indiana Design Center – 200 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN

Home improvement professionals experience common challenges on their journey to success. Home Artisans is a curated community of like-minded business leaders dedicated to personal and professional growth and guided by a commitment to superior quality, value and outstanding customer service. Visit homeartisans.com

Decorators’ Show House & Gardens

April 29th – May 14th

The Failey House – 57 East 57th Street, Indianapolis, IN Visit this elegant residence in the historic Meridian Kessler neighborhood. For details and tickets visit showhouseindy.org

Haven 2023 May Cover Party

Thursday, May 11th, 5:30-7:30 pm

The Glass House Gallery at the Indiana Design Center – 200 S Rangeline Rd. Suite 117, Carmel, IN Join Haven Magazine and Franklin Window & Door / The Glass House Gallery in celebrating the May 2023 cover feature! RSVP havenhome.me

June 2023

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

June 1st & every other Thursday

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

June 8th & every other Thursday

Indiana Design Center – 200 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN (see May listing for description)

Haven 2023 May Luncheon

Thursday, June 8th 12:00-2:00pm

Tresss Aquatectural Designs – 521 S. 5th Street, Zionsville, IN

Join our hosts, Tresss Aquatectural Designs, for a luncheon to celebrate Haven’s May 2023 Live in Automation Issue. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited so RSVP today!

RSVP havenhome.me

July 2023

Hub & Spoke Institute Entremaker Program

July 11th - August 12th

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

This free course provides students with both the academic knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the industry.

Visit hubandspoke.works/workforcedevelopment/entremaker-program

Cover

We have a solution to tackle your client’s biggest design challenges!

Zionsville

A TIME OF GRIT, TENACITY & OPTIMISM

BAGI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

And just like that, it’s May, and we are nearly halfway through 2023! Fluctuating mortgage rates, a lack of affordability, and some lingering supply chain delays are just a few of the obstacles our industry has continued to face over the past few months. I know that the current slowdown has left industry experts, homebuilders and consumers alike uncertain – and I have been listening to everyone’s thoughts and opinions.

ARE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE PUNCH LIST?

CAMERON KNOX

Lennar Construction

2023 BAGI Board President

Despite the challenges we face, my optimism –and overall builder optimism – is strengthening. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that builder confidence in the market rose seven points to 43 – the strongest reading NAHB has recorded since September 2022.

Because of the high standards of the Association, as well as the tenacity, grit, and quality-driven practices our local industry upholds, I’m proud to watch so many continue to work hard to make homeownership and home improvement possible for Hoosiers throughout Central Indiana.

Don’t forget to take advantage of BAGI resources, including the market updates page on BAGI’s website, to stay up to date on industry trends and shifts as the year continues.

I look forward to watching those in our industry work together to build, deliver, and enjoy beautiful homes throughout Central Indiana.

The Punch List is BAGI’s official podcast! Join us each month as BAGI CEO, Steve Lains, discusses market trends, challenges and other important insights with local and national industry leaders to help build a stronger homebuilding community. We’ve had some great guests the past few episodes, so catch up and stream even more on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS HELPS HOOSIERS FIND ATTAINABLE HOUSING

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

The Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) staff and the BAGI Advocacy Board commissioned Common Sense Institute, a non-partisan research organization, to prepare a housing report to get a better handle on attainable housing affordability in and around the Indianapolis area.

Attainable housing is quality, code-compliant, non-subsidized homes in communities with household incomes between 80-120% of the area median income of $54,000. This housing includes homes on smaller lots in higher density neighborhoods, courtyard or bungalow style communities, duplexes & townhouses, and multi-family housing.

“We believe that all Hoosiers, from Gen-Y buyers that are just entering the market, to millennials needing to expand their home due to a growing family, to empty nesters looking to make their last purchase, should have the opportunity to own a home that is best for their current lifestyle,” says Todd Pyatt, owner/ president of Pyatt Builders. “Attainable housing is paramount to this mission, as it affects all segments of the market. It’s the relief valve that can help stop the downward pressure on the market that has kept renters from becoming homeowners and made housing increasingly unaffordable.”

Common Sense Institute found that home affordability in central Indiana is at its lowest point in 15 years. The study also found that the Indianapolis metropolitan area has a housing deficit; to rectify that deficit, between 66,000

“ATTAINABLE HOUSING IS PARAMOUNT TO THIS MISSION AS IT AFFECTS ALL SEGMENTS OF THE MARKET. IT’S THE RELIEF VALVE THAT CAN HELP STOP THE DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON THE MARKET THAT HAS KEPT RENTERS FROM BECOMING HOMEOWNERS AND MADE HOUSING INCREASINGLY UNAFFORDABLE.”

– Todd Pyatt, Pyatt Builders

and 115,000 housing units will need to be built by 2028.

Making housing achievable for all Hoosiers is a top priority for local home builders throughout Central Indiana. However, their efforts to serve working families in Indiana have been under tremendous pressure due to a number of factors. Limited lot supply, lack of labor, continually rising costs, and now inflation and rising interest rates have burdened the ability to buy a new home. These challenges, along with costadding local regulations such as architectural requirements, open space and density, and permitting and impact fees has priced out a large segment of buyers looking for new homes.

Julie Sharp, Executive Vice President with Merchants Capital, was part of a panel of local real estate experts who gathered in January 2023 to forecast housing affordability issues in Indianapolis.

Sharp noted that the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimates that 72% of Indiana families are rent overburdened, which is the highest in the Midwest and 13th highest in the United States. Communities cannot flourish without new households to put down roots. This is why Build Indiana Roots was formed. It’s a coalition of business groups and trade associations who support achievable housing for Hoosiers by educating them on achievable housing and advocating responsible, balanced housing policies so all residents can achieve their home-buying dreams.

“Build Indiana Roots is a perfect resource to help share information about achievable housing and the challenges faced by the industry to provide the American dream,” says Pyatt.

If you would like to join the coalition, visit buildindianaroots.com to fill out a contact card.

BAGI:

BUILD YOUR FUTURE INDIANA

HELPS HOOSIERS EXPLORE THEIR CAREER OPTIONS IN CONSTRUCTION

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

FAST FACTS ABOUT WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION

80% of new skilledtrade jobs require less than one year of schooling

Nearly 80% of construction businesses are struggling to fill skilled labor positions

The average salary of construction professionals is $53,123

The good news, according to the National Association of Home Builders, is that the U.S. housing market continues to show signs of recovery following the pandemic, and people are eager to build new homes. The bad news is that the demand for new home construction outpaces the workforce required to meet this demand. This is why the Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation (ICRF) launched Build Your Future (BYF), a collaboration of employers, state agencies and industry associations. The goal is to encourage Indiana residents to learn about construction craft careers and training opportunities in the state, and to qualify for and get jobs in these high-demand occupations. By exposing Hoosiers to careers in the construction industry, workforce shortages in the field can be filled.

“We’re challenged here in Indiana, facing a never-before-seen shortage of construction labor, and it’s only going to get more challenging in a few years with an aging workforce,” says Andrew Brindley, Real Estate Developer with H∙E Homes.

Students who are uncertain about what jobs would satisfy them both practically and financially crave something more but are unsure of the opportunities that exist. That’s where BYF comes in, as it connects students, parents and teachers with resources regarding careers in construction.

“The Build Your Future program is the best chance we have as an industry to help promote and resolve the workforce shortage, as well as promoting the construction industry, especially residential,” says Brindley. “It’s an exciting way to get the kids in Indiana engaged.”

Some people think of construction as nothing more than hammering nails into 2x4s, when the truth is that careers in construction are varied and plentiful. They include homebuilding, commercial construction, industrial, and roadway work. Plus, construction offers job security since we will always need to build and renovate homes and businesses, and roads will continually need paved.

A career in construction can take a variety of paths, depending on one’s interests and goals. For instance, we need craft laborers, masons, pipefitters, operation engineers, electricians, welders, sheet metal workers, and glaziers. We also need bricklayers, boilermakers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, insulators, ironworkers, millwrights, painters, riggers, and roofers. Possibilities are endless!

Some people may not pursue a career in construction because they fear that they don’t have the time, energy, or money to complete all of the schooling necessary. However, there are many good-paying jobs that only require a high school diploma and an apprenticeship program.

“BYF is an outstanding opportunity to help kids understand that the trades are an excellent and rewarding way to make a living and create a positive successful future. It’s a great alternative to a traditional four-year degree,” says Brindley.

While a four-year college degree isn’t a requirement for many career paths in the construction industry, success is achievable through different levels of education and/or experience (i.e., education options include high school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, technical school, professional certification/license or trade certification, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job experience).

To determine the right career path for you, take the Career Quiz on the Build Your Future website at indiana.byf.org.

If you are an industry professional who would like to promote workforce development, you can visit the website and sign up to become a BYF ambassador and get connected with schools and events in your area.

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT BAGI

GET READY FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF INDYRAMA AND HOME-A-RAMA HOME SHOWS!

Even though 2022 First Internet Bank Home-A-Rama was the most attended show in the history of BAGI with over 13,500 tickets sold, the Association is stepping up their game once again by introducing a new set of Title Sponsors for the next five years. The upcoming shows will be sponsored by longtime partners and members of the Association.

For more information on the upcoming shows, visit bagi.com.

WHY BAGI?

PROMOTE, EDUCATE & NETWORK

With over 500 members strong, BAGI works with other organizations and advocates on behalf of you and your business, supporting initiatives that enhance our industry by:

PROMOTING Central Indiana’s new home construction

EDUCATING both our members and consumers on the homebuilding industry’s standards, practices and happenings

NETWORKING to encourage members to explore business opportunities and successes

AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH

We meet our members where they are and work to get them where they want to go, allowing you to drive engagement, commitment, and opportunities at the level YOU desire.

PROMOTION NETWORKING

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PERSONALIZED RESOURCES

Our Interest Groups and Impact Teams allow you to stay up to date with news and opportunities that speak to your interests, while providing a forum where you can build relationships, learn from one another, share resources, and discuss industry challenges and successes.

FIELD SUPERINTENDENTS

URBAN & DEVELOPMENT

SALES & MARKETING

SUBURBAN BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

REMODELING

ASSOCIATES

THE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS IS BUILT DIFFERENTLY.

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS:

THE WHY BEHIND THE COMMON SENSE INSTITUTE HOUSING STUDY

These days, you can’t help but see the challenges of the current housing market. A postpandemic boom sent prices soaring, and rampant inflation led to rising mortgage interest rates. It is now more expensive to purchase a house and more expensive to borrow money.

The 2023 Common Sense Institute Housing Study, “Indianapolis Metropolitan Area Housing Affordability Report”, digs into the why.

A NECESSARY DOSE OF COMMON SENSE

The Common Sense Institute is a nonpartisan research organization. Their goal is to look at the impacts that policies, initiatives, and proposed laws have on the economy.

According to CSI senior economist and study author, Dr. Steven L. Byers, “CSI recognizes the importance of affordable housing to a robust economy. Decreases in affordability are a function of supply and demand.”

KEY FINDINGS

In 2022, the Indianapolis Metro area had a housing deficit of between 18,852 - 61,238. That is between 18,852 - 61,238 individuals/households who are struggling to find appropriate housing. By 2028, the area will need to build between 66,000115,000 new units to close the gap and account for projected population growth.

ON THE INCOME SIDE OF THE EQUATION:

Household incomes have not kept up with rising inflation, including on home prices. The number of hours the average person must work to cover a median mortgage payment went from 30 to 58.

The affordability of buying a house in the Indy MSA is close to its lowest point in 15 years. Since 2014, the average-price home has shot up 61% - 88%. Most of that happened between 2020 and 2022.

COMMON SENSE FOR INDIANAPOLIS

With nonpartisan studies like this, we have the data and insight we need to know. The next step is to do. Dr. Byers says

the CSI report “is a useful tool for builders, zoning departments and city planners towards making informed decisions for the future of housing.”

It can be a useful tool in our hands, as well; when citizens are educated and involved, we can affect the change we need. It starts with a conversation. Visit buildindianaroots.com to learn more.

RG Décor Brings

Wicker Works and Top Outdoor Design Trends to Indy

by Allie Moffett

Two powerhouse specialty design showrooms are now under the same ownership. RG Décor recently acquired Wicker Works of Brownsburg, Indiana’s leading quality casual furniture store. The Schrack family – who started Wicker Works in 1984 – was ready to retire, and a third generation was not in place to carry on the business. When RG Décor got a call that Wicker Works was available for purchase, Owner Karen King thought it would perfectly complement RG Décor’s luxury interior design space. In a matter of two weeks, Wicker Works was under contract and work began to move them into a space right next to RG Décor on Indy’s Northside. Kelli Pawlowksi, daughter of the original owners, decided to stay with the company. Karen is excited to work with Kelli, sharing “we think a lot alike when it comes to business.”

TOP TRENDS

We sat down with this design guru duo, Karen & Kelli, respectively, to learn more about this year’s trends for outdoor furniture.

“First, look for the continued trend of fully integrated indoor and outdoor living spaces,” shared Karen. “This includes enclosed verandas and partial gardens, as well as opening up the home to the patio through folding glass doors.”

Kelli added that people are

looking for upscale relaxation. They want to feel like they are on vacation when relaxing in their backyard. It’s all about high-quality furniture, outdoor rugs, water features, firepits, and outdoor grilling. Clients are looking for sustainable furniture. “Consumers are continuing to ask for environmentally friendly furniture,” said Karen. Due to the demand, there is an ever-growing variety of options available in this segment.

Many clients also share that they want American-made pieces. Four of the brands Wicker Work represents are completely made in the United States: Lloyd Flanders (Michigan), Woodard (Michigan), Telescope (New York) and Lane Venture (Alabama).

TOP QUALITY

RG Décor and Wicker Works are focused on having the best brands in their portfolio. When it comes to cost and quality, outdoor furniture typically falls in 3 categories:

Karen King, owner of RG Décor and Wicker Works

1. CONTAINER FURNITURE

This is furniture that is 100% foreign made, mostly in China. The materials are of lesser quality; often, the frames are steel instead of aluminum and clients are given no fabric choices. It’s a “what you see is what you get” option. This is what you can find in most of the big box stores.

2. FOREIGN FRAMES, AMERICAN-MADE CUSHIONS

These brands have their frames produced overseas and then manufacture the cushions here in the States. RG carries several of these lines. They are very durable, give you a wide array of fabric choices, and you can mix and match the pieces to best fit your space.

3. 100% AMERICAN-MADE FRAMES AND CUSHIONS

These brands are incredibly durable, last for decades, and are often as affordable or less expensive than other companies who only make their cushions in the States.

TOP LEVEL DESIGN SERVICE

With the latest outdoor trends and the quality of furniture you are looking for in mind, ask yourself a few questions:

 What is the space’s primary use? What are your dimensions?

 Do you have drawings or photos? What colors are already planned for the space?

 What is your style? How comfy do you want the space? Armed with answers to those questions, you’re ready to create an outdoor space that will be the envy of the neighborhood and your own personal retreat. Take the next step and connect with the talented, ever helpful design team at RG Décor and Wicker Works.

“Consumers are continuing to ask for environmentally friendly furniture.”

– KAREN KING Owner, RG Décor and Wicker Works

2023

One of the year’s biggest trends is “the layering of materials, adding personality into the space,” according to ACo designer Kayley Vargo.

Bathroom

Trends:

ALL ABOUT BIG PERSONALITY AND PERSONALIZATION

by Katie Mientka / photo by Dave Pluimer

This year’s bathroom trends are all about you. What they have in common is that they are geared towards incorporating your personality into the space, empowering you to enhance your experience and elevate your design. From tech to texture, 2023 offers an exciting array of opportunities for comfort, convenience, and an aesthetic that suits your style.

BATHROOM TECH

Mia Farrell, ACo Design & Sales Consultant, says, “Bringing personality into the space is a big deal, but also personalizing the space. We can do that really easily through smart controls.”

ACo design team member Kayley Vargo agrees, adding, “I’ve been seeing a lot of technology in showers lately with digital control systems. You may want a rain head and body sprays, and perhaps a separate handheld. You can have different temperatures coming in from different shower heads; you can have advanced acoustics. There are all kinds of features that allow you to personalize your experience.”

Even the commode is getting an update. More designs feature “smart” toilets with touch-free flushing, automatic lids, heated seats, music streaming, lights… all of which can be customized specifically for you.

A TAILORED YET LAYERED LOOK

Texture is the new color! If you have been wanting to go bold, 2023 is your year. Kayley says that one of the year’s biggest trends is “the layering of materials, adding personality into the space.” You’ll see more dramatic 3D tiles, metals integrated into the design, and even wallpaper or wainscotting to achieve a look that is both layered and polished, dynamic and elegant – and completely you.

BOLD… DARING… MOODY

Black is the new… black. ACo’s Carlie Suski says, “There is a huge trend towards more moody spaces.” For example, you may paint your powder room (walls and trim) in a deep color, then add some rich finishes and metals that will pop.

You can also add even more interest to textures like wainscotting. It doesn’t have to be traditional white. Why not go with black? Why not choose a deep color that captures

your personality? Either way, it’s dark, it’s rich, it’s bold, it’s daring…and it’s still comfortable and welcoming.

If you’re not sure, start small: try a dark tone for your trim. It makes a sharp backdrop that makes your design shine –and if you change your “mood,” you can as easily change your paint!

LIVING ROOM VIBES

Thinking back to last year’s trends, Mia says, “We saw a ‘living room’ vibe enter into the kitchen. There was less focus on cabinetry, and more on creating a cozy, welcoming space. This is creeping its way into the bathroom.”

Lighting plays a large part in this shift towards a more “homey” type space. Carlie says, “I don’t use a lot of traditional bathroom lights anymore. [I’m using] more chandeliers and wall sconces.” These have been traditionally at home in the living areas of the house, but fixtures like this go a long way in creating beautiful ambient lighting to complement task-specific lighting (e.g., a lit mirror to get ready for the day).

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

If we had to distill 2023 bathroom trends down to one word, it would be ‘you.’ Customized, personalized, and a perfect canvas for integrating your personality into the space. Love where you live… and where you start and end your days. Connect with the ACo team to kickstart your bathroom project.

HIGH-TECH TOILETS? YES! Bathrooms are becoming more personalized through technology like digital shower settings, music and light controls, and “smart” commodes.

your home

with Ease

by Allie Moffett

FOR MANY, TAKING ON NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN BE DAUNTING. YOU WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN HOME TECHNOLOGY, BUT MAY NOT KNOW WHERE TO START. LEAVE IT TO THE CENTRAL-INDIANA DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.

MAKING THE HEAVY LIFTING A BIT LIGHTER

Efficient home technology and offerings start with the service provider. While you may not be preparing your own kitchen and bathroom countertops, the labor that goes into fulfilling that step plays into the quality and cost that you will ultimately pay. Stone Mart and their suppliers are making the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively) of preparing stone counters a bit simpler and efficient with their quartz technology.

Stone Mart’s supplier, Breton Quartz, starts by grinding up quartz and other natural materials and adding just the right amount of resin to enhance durability. Quartz by itself isn’t heat resistant, so how does Breton fix that? By finding an innovative and industrial solution.

Making a quality sheet of slab from different ingredients starts with linking the right materials with the right automation. This innovation gives Breton an edge when it comes to testing the required raw materials and designing new-generation equipment. Once Breton has done their magic with the slab, Stone Mart houses it for customers to see for themselves - no labor required!

AUTOMATE & EVOLVE

Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, right? The team at Tresss is doing just that, and making it look oh so good. When couple Andrew and Cecelia Heard began their hunt for a sleek and safe pool cover to keep their two-

year-old twins out of trouble, they realized there was a large gap in the pool covering market, and dove into founding Tresss.

The team focuses on architectural pool covers that serve numerous purposes. The Tresss cover can change the depth of the pool – deep for diving, shallow for socializing. When the cover is fully raised, it acts as a deck and can hold the same amount of weight as a regular gathering space. The Tresss cover also offers special needs accessibility. It has a platform that goes up and down like an elevator to wheel someone onto the platform and be gently lowered into the water. While most pools are calming on the body, Tresss pools and pool covers are calming on the mind and body –a true testament to automation at its finest.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

Overwhelmed by the idea of updating your home’s technology? Not sure who to contact for each project? The team at Bravas knows that feeling, which is why their team is dedicated to delivering quality service and products for all of your home’s needs. Looking to update lighting, create a home theater, automate your home’s shades, or redesign your office space? Bravas can help.

The team gets to know you and your unique technology needs through their thorough discovery process. Then, this jack-of-all-trades team strategizes and carries out all outlined projects as efficiently as possible, making it as hands-off for their clients as they can. Let Bravas help create your to do list and do the heavy lifting so you can sit back and relax.

HOME: COZY AND CONVENIENT

When most think of a cozy and relaxing home, they imagine warm colors and inviting decor. Convenience, however, can greatly impact the feel of a home, too. Allow the pros to automate your life – your lighting, utilities, and safety features – and breathe a sigh of relief when you walk through your front door.

TRESSS AQUATECTURAL DESIGNS:

Engineered for Excellence: FAR MORE THAN A POOL COVER

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

Hoffman

Sometimes the best ideas are formed out of necessity. Seven years ago, Andrew Heard and his wife, Cecilia Alvarez-Heard, were building a pool and saw a gap in the market – specifically, the pool covering market.

“Nobody could provide what we wanted,” says Heard, a mechanical engineer who has worked for over 25 years designing and manufacturing transmissions

/ photos by Oscar

for racecars, including IndyCars.

At the time, the couple had two-year-old twins and wanted to be sure to have a pool cover that was durable and safe. To have one that was aesthetically pleasing would be a bonus. Since Heard couldn’t find what he was looking for, he decided to make one himself (patent pending), and Alvarez Heard launched Tresss. They call it an “architectural pool cover” because it’s not a flimsy tarp that sags in the middle where rainwater and leaves accumulate, which is what most people envision when they think “pool cover.”

Although Tresss is new to the market, the team has 85+ years of engineering experience. The technology used for the Tresss architectural pool cover is what Heard observed in the evolution of racecars through the years. He uses a composite structure where the strength comes from the shape; it’s what provides the insulation value as well. This architectural pool cover is integrated as part of the design and construction process for new swimming pools. Currently, it cannot be retrofitted to existing pools.

This unique design has seven core selling points, which include:

1. SAFETY

2. SPACE SAVING

3. SELECTABLE DEPTH

4. FOUR SEASONS

5. SUSTAINABILITY

6. SPECIAL NEEDS ACCESSIBILITY

7. SEXINESS

When the pool is closed and the cover is on, it’s a deck system that will support the same load as any other residential deck, which means you can set a grill on it, play games on it, host a dinner party on it, whatever you want.

Because the pool can be set to a selectable depth, less space is required. When people build a pool, they generally want a deep end

for diving and a shallow end for socializing, but the slope in the middle is dead space.

“Since a quarter to a third of the pool is your shallow end where everybody congregates, you can set the whole pool area to that depth and not have to have a large pool just to get a large enough shallow end,” says Heard.

Although we live in the Midwest, the architectural pool cover, with an insulation factor of R-30, allows the pool to be heated and open year-round.

“Last February, my kids were having snowball fights in the pool,” says Cecilia, who has been nominated for the Jacqueline Troy Inspired Fund (JTIF). The award was created to elevate Central Indiana’s womenowned businesses.

To prove its stellar insulation, the couple’s pool heater stopped working for ten days last January and the pool’s temperature only dropped ten degrees.

Another plus is the pool’s special needs accessibility. Since the cover goes up and down like an elevator it’s possible to wheel someone onto the platform and be gently lowered into the water. It can also lift water treadmills and aqua bikes into the pool. Due to the insulation, the energy usage is down, thereby increasing sustainability, which translates to lower maintenance.

Tresss has also just finished their first prototype of the plunge pool, a prefabricated, pre-cast concrete pool that’s 16 ft. long by 7 ft. wide, that incorporates their patent pending cover, all delivered on a truck and dropped into a hole in your yard.

“It’s long enough to have a swim jet system so it can operate like an endless pool,” says Heard, noting a pool permit may not be required. This self-contained pool system is ideal for smaller homes and for people who don’t want to spend three months building a pool. Plus, they are high-end, fully tiled, and attractive.

Tresss products, manufactured in Indianapolis and headquartered in

Zionsville, are featured at Casa Heard, and Ripplebnb.com, an Airbnb that has one of their plunge pools. If you are in search of an elegant, strong, safe architectural pool cover or plunge pool, contact Tresss today.

For more information, contact owner Cecilia Alvarez Heard at (317) 652-1366 or @tresss.designs on Instagram.

BRAVAS:

LUXURY TECHNOLOGY for Every Lifestyle

by Allie Moffett

From small “quality-over-quantity” designs to large-scale projects, Bravas meets clients where they’re at. How does a client figure out what they want while staying in the budget they need?

Through The Bravas Way, your desires always drive our decisions. It’s our goal to facilitate initial projects and strategically build a plan for now and later.

Our team of experts follows The Bravas Way to deliver tailored solutions that meet our clients’ unique technology needs as understood in our thorough discovery process. Reinforced with cutting-edge power and networking foundations, our projects feature a wide array of home and commercial solutions including lighting, home theaters, automated shades, home office design, networks, and much more.

The first step is gaining a clear picture of you, your needs, and how Bravas can get you there. In your initial meeting with Bravas, the team will cover several topics:

 About You: Learning your Lifestyle

 About Us: Sharing our Solutions

 Demonstration: Experiencing our Technology

 The Process: Implementing your Design

“Our process begins with an in-depth discovery meeting where we discuss our background, but more importantly, we get to know our client,”

says Chad Brewer, General Manager of Bravas Indianapolis. “We want to learn about each client’s lifestyle, preferences and dreams, creating a plan that we work on collaboratively.”

These conversations are meant to ensure that the Bravas team knows their clients and their goals, and they can begin building relationships. Bravas’ end goal is always to deliver a luxury experience at every price and project level.

Living a luxury lifestyle is easier than you think. Create beautiful places and smart spaces with Bravas, connect today at bravas.com/indianapolis.

DREAMING OF A LUXURIOUS TECHNOLOGY LIFESTYLE? Contact the team at Bravas to make it a reality.

G&G CUSTOM HOMES:

The Right Light:

BUILDING A CUSTOM LIGHTING PLAN

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

A great lighting design should make a home feel bigger. It should add depth and height, drawing attention to the artwork, furnishings, and architectural details of the house while also blending into the aesthetic of the home. By using a mixture of different fixture types and beam spreads, adjustable fixtures, wall washing fixtures, and wall grazing fixtures, you can invite warmth, energy, and/or relaxation to a space.

To create a lighting plan that works for you, meet with a dedicated lighting architect who can walk you through options and trends in the industry. TRI-Phase Technologies created a state-of-the-art “light lab” to allow builders like Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes, to demonstrate these lighting options to his clients when the home is just a set of prints.

/ photos by 360 Tours and The Home Aesthetic

“Some customers don’t want an app that turns lights on and off, but they still want fantastic lighting throughout the space,” says Sean Bartram, Design Consultant with TRI-Phase Technologies. “Others want the fixtures placed according to how they’ll use the home and then want to tie them into a Smart lighting system.”

A lot of customers aren’t even aware they have choices. They assume they’re going to get a six-inch can with a bulb that screws into it versus a fully integrated LED fixture.

“It’s fun to walk people through the light lab and educate them,” says Bartram. “There tends to be a lot of ‘wow’ moments.”

Bartram notes that the bulk of the fixtures they’re selling are three- and four-inch round or square although there’s a trend to move towards one- and two-inch fixtures. Another trend Bartram is seeing is decorative “Globe” lighting with lots of little round clusters.

“Milky glass white shades over the lights is really popular now, as is frosted glass,” says Bartram, who notes that modern deco is also big. “The brass and black fixtures with 1920s Gatsby jazz era vibe are incredibly popular with decorative sconces, chandeliers and even lighting control. For example, Lutron has an attractive line of keypads called Alisse that come in a brushed brass tone called Champagne.

“They remind me of the 1920s elevator buttons,” says Bartram.

The key to accent lighting is knowing not to light a space with them. If you walk into a dining room where a decorative fixture like a chandelier is the only lighting in the room, it’s a huge glare bomb to your eyeballs since it’s usually hung at eye level. Glare bombs can be even worse outdoors when it’s dark and you’ve got sconces shining right in your eyes, limiting your vision and detracting from the nighttime sky. This is why, ideally, wall sconces should shoot down to highlight a path or walkway.

Bartram says that the first thing he and his team look to do is to rid homes of what he calls “wall acne,” which is when you have banks of light switches on various walls.

“Our goal is to clean up the walls with a clear concise keypad that can cue various scenes with the touch of a button,” says Bartram. For instance, a “prepare” button in the kitchen makes everything bright so you don’t lose a digit when chopping veggies. After dinner, you can tap the “relax” button so that recessed lights go off and accent lighting comes on. A “goodnight” button turns off televisions, closes shades, and fades lights throughout the entire house in 30 seconds.

They can also tie lighting into motion sensors so that as you enter a particular room, it instantly turns lights on or cues a scene. For example, when the door swings open into a walk-in closet, it triggers a specific lighting scene that highlights jewelry cabinets, wardrobes, etc. Plus, lighting can be controlled from anywhere in the world that you have a cell signal or Wi-Fi.

TRI-Phase has both new construction and retrofit solutions for lighting control. Starting with G&G Custom Homes and a blank canvas is the ideal way to go, however.

“Leading the homeowners early, being able to lay out the lighting, showing them our lighting lab, and discussing lighting control sets us up for success,” says Bartram.

Bring your dream home into focus with just the right light by contacting G&G Custom Homes today.

A Family Compound AND 20,000 SQ. FT. OF CONCRETE

A family compound, where multiple generations live in different homes on the same property, was the perfect solution for this close-knit family. Located on a stunningly beautiful property in Lawrence, Indiana, the family’s parents built their dream home while their daughter and son-in-law built right next door.

The parents’ home is a sprawling, white ranch style home. Their daughter chose a more modern style home with a pool in the backyard. Both are breathtaking houses, connected by a beautifully laid concrete driveway that meanders from the garages to walkways, back patios, and even to the pool.

Flatmade Concrete was contracted to lay over 20,000 square feet of concrete for this project including a pool deck and patio featuring a dark grey sand matrix and custom seat wall. For a residential home, this was a considerably large project that presented some unique challenges such as installing the pool deck drain and routing all downspout water with under slab plumbing away from the house.

Ben Driskell, CEO of Flatmade explained that with the sheer size and scope of the project, it was important to make sure the concrete was tied together seamlessly throughout both properties. “The homeowner and the builder used my expertise to create an attractive layout that fit with the design,” says Driskell. “We were able to adjust the plan as needed for functionality, so everything would flow well.”

Working with the natural landscape, Flatmade created a large

driveway that splits into two. One side leads to a 4-car garage connected to the parents’ home, as well as to a detached 6-car garage. A system of walkways leads to the back patio, a 4-car garage at the daughter’s, then wraps around the home to the pool deck out back. Walkways leading to the front doors were custom designed to suit each family’s needs and personal taste.

The family can get anywhere on the property by way of concrete laid by Flatmade. And it beautifully ties the two homes and their outdoor features together with modern style.

If you have a unique concrete project, Flatmade is up to the challenge, learn more at flatmadeconcrete.com.

FLATMADE CONCRETE CO.:

THE GLASS HOUSE GALLERY

BY FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR:

ALL ABOUT THE Glass

by Christy Heitger-Ewing / photos by Adam Gibson Photography and 360 Tours

Glass

Certain trends come and go. Every now and then, however, when a truly phenomenal trend surfaces, it sticks around. Such is the case when it comes to homeowners’ desire to invite an abundance of natural light inside their home. The way to do that, of course, is by installing massive and plentiful windows and doors.

“It’s all about the glass,” says Cori Brown, CEO of Franklin Window & Door and Co-Owner of the Glass House Gallery by Franklin Window & Door. “Homeowners want to make a seamless transition to the exterior, morphing the inside and outside together.”

You know what they say: bigger is better, and that mantra certainly holds true here as more and more homeowners are requesting even bigger glass. In fact, they are designing their homes around glass by installing massive glass window walls that showcase the beauty of pure glass, and, by extension, provide uninterrupted views. Basement-to-second-floor all-glass windows are popular as are all-glass stairwells that serve to brighten up multiple levels.

“We’ve seen contemporary houses where you can see all the way through, from front to back, because it’s complete walls of glass,” says Brown.

Last year Scott Campbell, owner of Scott Campbell Custom Homes and Development, built such a home for Home-a-Rama (HAR) that everyone referred to as the “glass house.” The name was apropos given that as you step inside, you look straight through the entry to a tower of glass. The same is true of the great room, which features floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the stairwell, itself, is all within a solid wall of glass.

“It’s extraordinarily dramatic,” says Campbell. “The windows really are the jewel of that house.”

“IT’S EXTRAORDINARILY DRAMATIC. THE WINDOWS REALLY ARE THE JEWEL OF THAT HOUSE.”

– SCOTT CAMPBELL OWNER OF SCOTT CAMPBELL CUSTOM HOMES AND DEVELOPMENT

The Glass House Gallery by Franklin Window & Door, located inside the Indiana Design Center, offers all who enter a personalized and professional solution to any design issue that has to do with windows, doors, and door hardware.

“We offer a team approach unlike any other,” says Brown. “We are a design-centric firm, which is why we chose the Indiana Design Center to house our showroom.”

A handful of members from the Franklin Window & Door team meet with the architect, builder, interior designer, and clients for each and every project.

“That’s a much different process than your typical building experience,” says Brown. “We are not order takers. We help in the design and build phases, literally working hand-in-hand with all of these people throughout the building process.”

“When packages get expensive, Scott and Cori Brown are good at coming up with value engineering,” says Campbell. “They still achieve a worthy look but help their clients get a lot of bang for their buck.”

EMERGING TRENDS

Brown states “a noteworthy trend to highlight is in narrow stiles and door rails.” Traditional doors had five-inch sides and a 12-inch bottom. With contemporary construction, however, homeowners want to show as much glass and as little wood as possible.

“Steel is the look that everyone picks out for doors,” says Brown, noting that they offer phenomenal real-deal steel entry systems imported from the Netherlands that come with a much higher price point. For homeowners who are interested in a more costfriendly option, they offer wood-clad Marvin doors that are wood on the inside and aluminum-clad on the outside. All around the door is only three inches so it gives the appearance of structural steel without incurring the high price point. The 2022 HAR in Chatham Hills included a home built by Carrington Homes that featured this unique front entry door.

Luxury door height used to be 8 feet tall, but now it can go up to 10 or 12 feet. The Glass House Gallery has done a lot to bring these trends into reality by offering options that aren’t available elsewhere.

“Scott, Cori, and their team do a great job providing high-end window and door options for our clients who are wanting the best that is available,” says Carl McIntyre, owner of Carrington Homes. “Windows and doors are a challenging category so it’s really nice to be working with such a great team.”

Campbell wholeheartedly agrees.

“I love working with Scott and Cori because they make every project fun,” says Campbell. “They not only bring their expertise to every project, but they also think outside the box, which I do, too.”

Franklin Widow & Door also imports top-of-the-line pivot doors from Italy. Brown warns that pivot doors must be installed correctly to ensure no issues will arise down the road.

“You have to remember that wood is a natural substance that’s going to expand and contract in heat and cold, which causes warping,” says Brown. Fortunately, at Franklin Window & Door, they offer several solutions. For example, they have drop seals in addition to deadbolt activated multi-points, which means the door locks in three locations to keep the head and the foot in alignment to prevent warping.

Another growing trend is to have big sliding wall systems that open to create a wide-open indoor/outdoor entertainment area.

“We’re doing those on almost all of our luxury residential homes,” says Brown.

Pass-through systems that allow the homeowner to literally pass food or drinks from an indoor to an outdoor space are also popular, both in basement bars and kitchens.

“We’re always going to be faced with some headache that will surface, whether we’re doing new construction or remodeling. That’s the nature of building,” says Campbell. “Scott and Cori have a wonderful team and service department that’s so accommodating and at our fingertips anytime we need anything.”

If you’re ready to take your home to the next level with glass, visit the Glass House Gallery Showroom.

Walk-ins and/or appointments are welcome five days a week. Learn more about their entire product suite and hours of operation by visiting theglasshousegallery.com or franklinwindowanddoor.com.

“HOMEOWNERS WANT TO MAKE A SEAMLESS TRANSITION TO THE EXTERIOR, MORPHING THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE TOGETHER.”

– CORI BROWN, CEO OF FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR AND CO-OWNER OF THE GLASS HOUSE GALLERY BY FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR

MANAGING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS:

3 Tips for Home Industry Professionals

by Katie Mientka

Is the customer always right?

The customer should always come first; the customer should always be satisfied at the end of the day (and at every step in the process). But always right? No.

Managing client expectations is an integral part of delivering customer satisfaction. It is up to you to educate your customers and help them understand how and why things work the way they do.

3 TIPS FOR MANAGING CLIENT EXPECTATIONS

Make Honesty and Transparency Your Linchpin

Managing client expectations begins with honesty and transparency. These are the foundations of trust, and for professionals in the home industry, this is critical. Most people understand when businesses are completely upfront with the situation. So, be clear. Don’t hide from reality, no matter how challenging.

Prioritize Clear Communication

You cannot over communicate when it comes to client interactions. Keep them informed and up to date. Provide clear channels for them to ask questions and communicate their needs. This is a trust-building strategy that leaves the client feeling valued, heard, and informed.

Regular check-ins via call, text, or email, as well as timely contact regarding emergent issues are essential.

Be Realistic

We mentioned honesty and transparency – it plays a role here too. Have a conversation (or many!) about your clients’ goals and their expectations of you. If they believe they can build a custom home in six months, it is important to educate them on a more realistic timeline. Be clear on expectations, right from the start.

THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS VALUED

This is what it all comes down to: The client should always feel valued, heard, and respected. Misunderstandings, lack of transparency, and unrealistic goals erode trust. Effectively managing client expectations depends on our ability to educate, inform, communicate, and put ourselves into their shoes. They’re not always right – but they’re always the priority!

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA:

STONE MART:

The Advanced Technology of an Innovative Process

When we think of technology we tend to think about our smart phone, kitchen appliances, or perhaps our automated sprinkler system. But technology doesn’t always mean computers, electronics, or even things we often use in our daily lives. It also consists of

the process by which something is created, such as when raw materials and resin are mixed together to make a quartz slab that has the look of natural stone.

“Technology in this industry is growing and processes are improving,” says Kaelyn Van Camp with Stone Mart, which boasts using only the highest quality materials and providing excellent customer service.

So how is something engineered made to look like it came right out of the earth?

It’s a recipe that starts with grinding up quartz and other natural materials, and then adding the right amount of resin. Quantra Quartz, one of the quartz brands Stone Mart carries, uses Breton Technology to ensure their slabs are of the highest quality.

Breton, which has been in

the business since the 1960s, uses a unique approach of looking at a problem and finding an innovative and industrial solution.

Making a quality slab of quartz from different ingredients starts with linking the right materials with the right automation. Connecting the dots in that way gives Breton an edge when it comes to testing the required raw materials and designing new-generation equipment.

Once Quantra has done their magic with the slab, Stone Mart houses it in their five warehouses. Customers who visit the warehouse can choose from more than 6,500 slabs of granite, quartzite, dolomite, marble, soapstone, quartz, and porcelain as they envision their new countertops in their new or remodeled home.

“We’ve continued to see consumer interest in quartz increase,” Van Camp says. “That, paired with technological advancements, makes us excited to see what will be coming next.” Whether you’re leaning towards engineered material or looking for the perfect natural stone for your space, Van Camp says we should simply “start at Stone Mart.” Learn more at stonemartmarblegranite.com or visit their Indianapolis showroom at 8215 Zionsville Road.

by Tracy Kemp

DESIGNING YOUR IDEAL Midwest Outdoor Kitchen

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

Nothing says, “Welcome, Spring” like spending time in your outdoor kitchen! The centerpiece to most outdoor kitchens is arguably a top-ofthe-line, built-in gas grill with ample storage and counter space. Many outdoor kitchens also include a ceramic smoker like the Big Green Egg, pizza oven, refrigerator, kegerator, trash drawer and flat griddle for hibachi-style cooking, smash burgers and breakfast items like pancakes, bacon, and sausage.

The kitchen’s location is a crucial decision that is

dependent on how it fits in with the overall landscape design.

“We consider every aspect of the outdoor kitchen cohesively,” says J.D. Durst, partner and president of BPI Outdoor Living. “We don’t just place the outdoor kitchen anywhere in the living space. We start by asking what you would like, what times of the year you plan to cook outside and how you’ll utilize it. From there we strategically place the kitchen based on that feedback and discovery.”

For instance, would you prefer the kitchen to be right off the home or part of a detached poolscape covered structure? You also want to be cognizant of accessibility to existing utilities (gas line, electrical and water). And how many people would you like to seat at your outdoor bar? You need to consider that outdoor furniture is bigger and takes up more space. An 8-ft. long bar can easily fit four interior bar stools whereas outside, you’d likely fit just three.

of amenities that may not be forefront in their minds but are appreciated nonetheless such as outlet placement and charging stations for phones and other devices. And while a trash drawer isn’t sexy, it’s certainly useful in quick food prep, disposal, and containing smells. Planning for ample counter and prep space is also key because when cooking on a grill, you tend to move the food twice (from plate to grill, then replating it once done).

his team help their clients select durable materials like Granite for countertop surfaces that will hold up well to wide temperature swings.

“In Indiana, it can be 67 degrees one day and 32 the next,” says Durst. “When you include items like a sink or water lines, you want to make sure those can be winterized so they don’t freeze and break during the winter. We help guide our clients through these decisions and what will be involved in maintaining their investment.”

bpioutdoorliving.com

Durst reminds homeowners

The other thing clients often neglect to consider is the fickle Midwestern weather. Durst and

If you’re ready to begin designing your ideal outdoor kitchen today, contact the talented team at BPI Outdoor Living to get the process started.

/ photos by The Home Aesthetic

Simple & Seamless:

EXECUTIVE HOMES PARTNERS WITH M c COMB PELLA TO CREATE AN ENJOYABLE BUILDING EXPERIENCE

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

Nothing is more frustrating than taking the time to sit down with a builder to design a home that’s perfect for you only to come out way over your desired budget. That’s precisely the type of thing that won’t happen when working with the team at Executive Homes, a boutique builder that’s been around for 27 years.

The first thing Pete Gray, President of Executive Homes, does when he meets with a potential client is ask them questions so he can understand their needs and wants. Based on their discussions, he can define the design parameters for the project including square footage, outdoor living spaces, bedroom and bathroom requirements, as well as features and finishes that will be included in the home. With that information, he also estimates their price point assuming they stay within the parameters they’ve discussed.

“It’s so simple, yet I don’t know that any other builder does it,” says Gray, who typically builds between eight and ten homes a year so they can maintain efficiency as well as close client relationships throughout the process.

The Executive Homes team consists of Gray, his son, Patrick, field construction manager; Val Whitmer, project coordinator; Andrew Armstrong, estimator; Sandy Dunbar, controller; and Lisa Striewe, office manager. Clients appreciate that it’s easy to catch up with the right person if they have questions or concerns.

Executive Homes, who partners with McGinnis Design Group for the architectural design, is hands-on throughout the design phase. To go from conceptual plans to construction drawings takes roughly four to six weeks. They then send the final plans out for bids with their vendors to ensure they hit the price point that they’ve targeted. In doing so, they create a number of allowances that will be included in the purchase agreement that are based upon actual proposals for the final home design. This insures that the allowances are adequate to complete the job.

The company has worked with many of the same vendors for decades, including Weber Concrete and Robertson Drywall. Another valued and long-time vendor is McComb Pella. The Pella name recognition, alone, is a big plus as clients are assured they are getting quality windows and doors. In addition, Pella’s customer service is stellar.

Despite the supply chain issues that have plagued the construction industry in recent years, McComb Pella rep Ryan Lee keeps everyone in the loop, providing accurate lead times for whatever is needed.

“We’re able to place orders and coordinate them with our schedule because they do such a great job of addressing lead times – and staying on top of me to order things when we need to,” says Gray. “Truly, in every way, they perform.”

Another plus is the phenomenal Experience Center that displays various Pella products and options.

“There are so many things you can learn by visiting their Experience Center versus flipping through a brochure,” says Gray.

Window style is determined by floor plan; however, doors are a different story. Clients will go to the Experience Center and work directly with Ryan to make door selections, which is a much better experience than getting online and assembling a door system, which can serve to be aggravating and confusing.

“There are so many options for entry doors. Homeowners need to work with a pro, and that’s Ryan. He’s forgotten more about windows and doors than I know!” says Gray with a chuckle. “It’s great having that resource.”

Windows are a huge part of achieving an architectural design. McComb Pella has a broad enough line of windows to insure clients can get whatever they need.

“You’re not restricted like, ‘I’d really love to have windows that look like this, but I can’t,’” says Gray. “They’ve got a very diverse product line, and we’ve always been able to achieve the look we’re shooting for based on architecture.”

When you connect with the teams at Executive Homes and McComb Pella, you can trust that the building experience will be effective and fun – enabling you to design and build the home of your dreams.

The #1 Overlooked Design Decision When Building A New Home

Planning for window treatments is often overlooked in the build process, even though they are used daily and significantly impact the look, functionality, and enjoyment of a home.

Don’t make this common mistake! You don’t want to move into your gorgeous new home only to find that the great room is uncomfortably hot from the afternoon sun or your bedroom is lit up at night from a nearby streetlamp. Plan early, in the design phase of your build, to ensure you achieve results you’ll love for years to come.

PLAN EARLY

If you want motorized window treatments we recommend a prewiring consult before outlets go in and drywall goes up. You only get one opportunity to prewire. You can add battery-operated treatments once your build is complete, but hardwired treatments allow for a low-profile installation as no battery packs are required. And you’ll never have to worry about changing batteries!

Recessing treatments allows your shades to virtually disappear when they aren’t

needed, achieving a clean, streamlined look. In order to recess shades you’ll want to schedule a window treatment consultation while your build is still in the blueprint phase. This allows your designer to work with your architect or builder to ensure the pocket sizes can accommodate recessed treatments.

AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

When pre-wiring and designing treatments for a new build home, it’s important to work with an experienced window treatment professional to avoid these common mistakes:

 Putting wires and power in the wrong places

 Not accounting for the proper voltage needed per window treatment specifications

 Not coordinating the headbox with the window trim

 Taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach and using the same type of treatment, like roller shades, in every room or putting blackout shades where they aren’t needed

 Not taking into account the streetside view of the home — traditional all-white roller shades can ruin the aesthetic of a home’s exterior!

WORK WITH THE EXPERTS

Drapery Street specializes in new build projects. We can motorize any type of window treatment including drapes, shades, shutters, and blinds. By working alongside your construction team, Drapery Street will ensure all of your treatments are flawless by move-in day. We focus on the details such as:

 Correct pocket sizes for recessed treatments

 Wiring and outlets in the appropriate spots to completely hide electrical power

 Wire spaces with proper voltage to accommodate window treatment specifications

 Location of wall switches to operate motorized shades

 Integration with your home automation system of choice

 Selecting the best treatment for every window and door, taking into account the functionality required (room darkening, light filtering, privacy, UV protection) and the aesthetic of the room

 The exterior/streetside view of your home

We manage the process every step of the way through our proven pre-build and integration process, allowing you to relax and know every detail is covered. All you need to do is give us a call!

YOUR ULTIMATE ONE-STOP SHOP

by Allie Moffett

As the age-old saying states, “it takes a village.” Working on a home build or remodel can be overwhelming, with endless showrooms to visit and appointments to make. Want to take a look at options for flooring, cabinetry, closet organization, plumbing and interior design in one fell swoop? Hub & Spoke is the answer.

Mia Farrell of ACo shared, “We frequently work with other tenants in the building! First and foremost, Plumbers Supply is almost like an extension of our own showroom. The girls there know me to pop in and swipe sample faucets to show my clients during design meetings – it can really help pull a bathroom or kitchen palette together to have a faucet on hand!”

Not only is this beneficial to Farrell and her clients, but it seamlessly introduces ACo clients to the wonderful products that the Plumbers Supply team offers. For more visual clients, the collaboration that takes place among Hub & Spoke tenants allows them to tie in numerous elements of their space as opposed to basing decisions off flooring, cabinetry, or appliances alone.

“I have also worked with Digital Sight and Sound in the past,” said Farrell. “One client had an outdated sound system we wanted to eliminate. Ray Rice and his team were able to not only relocate all of the wiring for the speakers and the sound system, but recommend the best upgraded equipment so that the sound system was up-to-date when

we were complete.” The chance to work with professionals of many backgrounds housed within Hub & Spoke ensures that clients receive the highest quality service and products.

Hub & Spoke is home to professionals at each stage of home builds and remodels, from the initial stages of choosing flooring, sound systems and organization packages to art and other decor. “ACo, Plumbers Supply and Home & Willow have referred clients to us for artwork,” shared Jill Lehman, Founder and Managing Consultant of High Frequency Arts.

ACo

Plumbers Supply

Photo by Dave Pluimer

The High Frequency team fills the walls of Hub & Spoke with one-of-a-kind pieces, allowing all who visit the space to get a taste for their offerings. While a client may come in to visit another tenant, they may leave with a piece of unique art they’ve spotted on the Hub & Spoke walls. This partnership between High Frequency Arts and Hub & Spoke provides a way for all visitors to engage with High Frequency’s pieces while making Hub & Spoke a joyful, carefully curated space to visit.

The Hub & Spoke community is one of collaboration and comradery, as it not only gives each tenant an array of products and brands to pull from, but also simplifies and enriches the experience for clients. At the end of the day, providing unmatched customer service is what all Hub & Spoke tenants strive for. Visit the Hub & Spoke Design Center today at 8100 E 106th St. in Fishers.

The Hub & Spoke Design Center has it all! Flooring, cabinetry, closet organization, plumbing, interior design – even curated artwork. Visit today and get inspired!

HUB & SPOKE

8100 E 106th St. Fishers, IN 46038 hubandspoke.works

“ACo, Plumbers Supply and Home & Willow have referred clients to us for artwork.”

– JILL LEHMAN High Frequency Arts

High Frequency Arts

Meridian Closets

Photo by The Addison Group

Photo by Graham Photography

Photo by Graham Photography

PANTRY BATTLE: Built-In vs. Walk-In vs. Butler’s Pantry

by Katie Mientka / photos by Dave Pluimer

When it comes to kitchen storage, most homeowners want more. A spacious pantry is one of the most sought-after features among home buyers and owners; according to the National Association of Home Builders, 85% of buyers want (nay, demand!) a pantry. Walk-ins are the most desired, but this is not always feasible given the space –or the best solution for your unique needs. Which option is right for you, your lifestyle, and your household? A built-in cabinet? A walk-in? A butler’s pantry?

BUILT-IN PANTRY CABINETS

Here, the pantry is built right into your kitchen in the form of a cabinet or set of cabinets; this is ideal for smaller spaces or if you choose to use your square footage for other purposes. Beautiful, functional, and streamlined, cabinet pantries offer you exceptional extra storage, as well as ultraeasy access to your staples and essentials.

Pantry cabinets are typically large and tall, allowing you to store everything from your broom and trusty air fryer to boxes of cereal and bags of flour. Cut clutter, hide away cleaning supplies, and keep often-but-noteveryday-used items both near at hand and out of sight.

You can also install cabinet inserts to take full advantage of the pantry cabinet’s versatility. For example, organizers help you store spices and other smaller items, so they don’t get lost in the large space. Pull-out shelves/drawers and Lazy Susans make it effortless to reach anything you need. Builtin pan dividers and racks ensure you always

BUILT-IN PANTRY

have easy access to the right pot. The options can be endless!

WALK-IN PANTRY

When homeowners and buyers such as those in the NAHB survey say they want a pantry, they typically mean that they want a walk-in pantry. Not only can this add to the value of your house, it adds – immensely – to its usability and convenience. And anything that cuts clutter and helps us maintain a less-mess kitchen is a winner in our book.

Walk-ins average about 5x5, but if you have the space, why not go big? An 8x10 or even 10x12 space gives you the room you need to store, organize, mix cocktails, and create photoshoot-worthy charcuterie boards while your kitchen stays guest-ready. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to a walk-in pantry; the beauty is that you can design and arrange the space to accommodate your needs and lifestyle. It can be as simple as open shelving for your grains and canned goods or as elaborate as offering temperature-controlled wine storage and food prep areas.

BUTLER’S PANTRY

How is a butler’s pantry different from a walk-in? Location has traditionally been one difference. The butler’s pantry was an intermediary or connecting room between the

kitchen and dining room. With open concepts, this doesn’t always apply today. Generally, a butler’s pantry integrates not only storage but ample workspace. Think of them as a kitchen within a kitchen.

They are essentially an extension of your main kitchen and have the capacity (e.g., sink, outlets, appliances, counter space, etc.) to prepare and stage food. With both upper shelves and other cabinets, they offer exceptional storage for and access to all and sundry.

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE

Which pantry style will help you win the war on clutter, sparse storage, bulky but beloved appliances, unsightly supplies, and the perennial lament, “Why is there never enough counter space?!”?

Think about your needs and how you will most effectively and efficiently utilize your space. Then talk to us about your ideas. Connect with the ACo team to discuss your pantry dreams.

BUTLER’S PANTRY

INNOVATING the Exterior Lighting Industry

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

One needs only to visit the Indiana Flower & Patio Show to see that there are a lot of companies who install outdoor landscape lighting. Not all companies share the same credentials or experience, however. For instance, did you know that in Indiana, there are only six individuals who are certified outdoor low-voltage lighting technicians? Karl Lundberg, owner of Luminocity, and his son, are two of them. In addition, two years ago Lundberg was a student at an intensive course at the International Landscape Lighting Institute where he was taught by the best instructors in the country. Recently, he was asked to become a mentor for future classes.

Luminocity is a member of the prestigious Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals as well as being one of only two companies in Indiana who are a Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer.

“If you found out you had to have heart surgery, you’d want to have a surgeon who has a lot of experience and also someone who has gotten all of the latest training and who is passionate about what they do to ensure you’ll get the best possible outcome,” says Lundberg.

Established in 2011, the team at

Luminocity is laser focused on excellence and professionalism. Prior to working in outdoor lighting, Lundberg spent 30 years in the Marine Corps. where he learned the importance of meticulous attention to detail. Not surprisingly, Luminocity consistently wins the prestigious Angie Super Service Award.

“When you partner with Luminocity, you’re working with a team of trained outdoor lighting specialists who view your home as a work of art. We accentuate your home’s unique architectural features through elegant designs customized to your tastes.”

Builders and homeowners who want only the best are not disappointed when they partner with Luminocity because they not only deliver security, safety, and jaw-dropping beauty, but they also knock it out of the park when it comes to creativity.

“With us, it’s never just a standard package,” says Lundberg. “With our knowledge and experience, we take projects from okay to incredible.”

If you’re looking to transform your outdoor living area with light, contact Luminocity for a design consultation.

/ photos by Steve R. Van Beck

How Kelli Bastin, Realtor Arrived on the Indy Scene

by Allie Moffett

Sometimes, you don’t find your calling right away, but you’re nudged by experiences and people in your life. Such is the case for Kelli Bastin, realtor at Bond Real Estate Co and influencer.

With a degree in business management from IUPUI, she was ready to dive into the “real world.” Bastin continued her college bartending career following graduation and developed many strong friendships with her clientele. “I think working in the restaurant industry is one of the best things we can do as humans,” said Bastin, “It really shows you how to treat others and build genuine relationships with those you serve.”

At 23, Bastin purchased her first home with funds she made by taking on a flip project. While it was another nine years before she dove into the real estate industry, this was her first taste of it and she was intrigued.

Bastin went on to have a number of outside sales jobs over the years, where relationship building was crucial. When business was slow in her last sales job, the owner suggested trying her hand at real estate because of her outgoing personality and networking skillsand she hasn’t looked back since.

Kelli is a pro at networking, both personally and professionally.

“Years ago, I started a personal blog which turned into a platform to not only post about things I liked, but to share where I was eating and shopping. This allowed me to

highlight our local community and bond with people online through that.”

Bastin’s following has grown to over 18,000 on her personal account and nearly 5,000 on her professional account. She has been recognized as the #1 realtor on social media in Indiana four times and only continues to grow with the support of her team at Bond, which focuses on digital promotion and use of social platforms, ads and beautiful marketing.

Remember those subtle nudges? They always pay off in the end. Bastin shared that every year, a number of her clients are friends or regulars she met during her bartending years, and half of her business comes from her social media accounts.

Keep up with Kelli and the Indy Real Estate scene on Instagram, follow her @kellisellsindy. If you are looking to buy or sell in the greater Indianapolis area, learn more at bondrealestateco.com.

Kelli Bastin

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Sponsored by ACo

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directory of HOME SERVICES

If you would like to be included in this directory, please contact Julia Layman at 317-403-9160; Julia.layman@havenhome.me

ASSOCIATIONS

FERGUSON SHOWROOMS

Ferguson Can Help!

200 S Rangeline Rd., Suite 101 Carmel, IN 46032 317.705.0794 fergusonshowrooms.com

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS Promote. Educate. Network. 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.236.6330 bagi.com

Build Indiana Roots Build Indiana Roots

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

BUILD YOUR FUTURE INDIANA Helps Hoosiers Explore Their Career Options in Construction 8909 Purdue Rd., #130 Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.805.1037 indiana.byf.org

BANKING

CABINETRY

ACo Love Where You Live 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46038 317.575.9540

LiveAco.com

CONCRETE

ADAM GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Architectural Photography

317.345.1311

adamgibsonphoto.com

Together We Grow Thriving, Sustainable Communities 6510 Telecom Dr., Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278

BuildIndianaRoots.com

THE NATIONAL BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS

Elite Banking With Exceptional Service and Local Decision Making

317.261.9000 nbofi.com

FLATMADE CONCRETE CO. Concrete Made Right 15290 Allisonville Road Noblesville, IN 46060 317.446.5549

flatmadeconcrete.com

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

We Build Better Businesses Together homeartisans.com

COUNTERTOPS/SLABS

DESIGN CENTER

HOME BUILDING

INTERIOR DESIGN

MONT SURFACES

The Best Quality Products Money Can Buy

5945 West 84th Street, Ste. A Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.875.5800 montsurfaces.com

HUB & SPOKE

Shop. Work. Make. Fusing Industry, Education, and Community.

8100 E 106th St. Fishers, IN 46038 HubandSpoke.works

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

EXECUTIVE HOMES

Building Your Custom Home to Fit Your Unique Needs 1010 3rd Ave., SW #202 Carmel, IN 46032 317.919.7275 executivehomesindy.com

RG DECOR

Home Furnishings Redefined 4341 W. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.733.1200

rgdecor.com

ORGANIZATION/ STORAGE

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

LUMINOCITY Inspired Outdoor Lighting 1352 S. 8th Street Noblesville, IN 46060 317.537.8055 getluminocity.com

HOME AUTOMATION & TECHNOLOGY

Built for Living 15530 Shining Spring Dr. Westfield, IN 46074 317.418.7665 ggcustomhomes.com

HOME INSULATION

THE TAILORED CLOSET OF INDY

Local Home Organization Experts

9856 North By Northeast Blvd. Fishers, IN 46037 317.842.4272

tailoredcloset.com/near-me/indy-in/

OUTDOOR LIVING

SIMS-LOHMAN FINE KITCHENS AND GRANITE

Fine Kitchens and Granite Zionsville – 317.870.8011

Lafayette – 765.474.4900 Greenfield – 317.467.0710 sims-lohman.com

BRAVAS

Beautiful Places. Smart Spaces. 612 Station Drive Carmel, IN 46032 317.580.1922 bravas.com

RWS INSULATION SERVICES

Trusted Experts Installing Superior Insulation Products 8472 Brookville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46239 812.677.6048 rwsinsulationservices.com

HOME REMODELNG

STONE MART

Unique Experience, Exquisite Materials

8215 Zionsville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.991.4253

stonemartmarblegranite.com

ACo Love Where You Live 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46038 317.575.9540 LiveAco.com

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING

Outdoor Life: Styled 7802 E. 88th St. Indianapolis, IN 46256 317.259.4062

bpioutdoorliving.com

POOLS

TRESSS AQUATECTURAL DESIGNS

Innovative Pool Covers & Plunge

Pools

317.652.1366

insta: @tresss.designs

REAL ESTATE

THE MARINA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

Exclusive Waterfront Lots 11695 Fall Creek Rd.

Indianapolis, IN 46256 317.845.0270 Ext. 104 marinalimitedland.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

GLASS HOUSE GALLERY

A Gallery of Carefully-Curated Architectural Building Products

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 117 Carmel, IN 46032 317.993.3660

theglasshousegallery.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS

DRAPERY STREET

Modern Window Treatments. Custom Design.

200 South Rangeline Road, Suite 109 Carmel, IN 46032 317.399.1746

draperystreet.com

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

KELLI BASTIN

Kelly Sells Indy

Insta: kellisellsindy 317.498.6821

bondrealestateco.com

FRANKLIN WINDOW & DOOR

A Different Experience. A New Perspective.

200 S. Rangeline Road, Suite 117 Carmel, IN 46032 317.993.3660

franklinwindowanddoor.com

MCCOMB WINDOW & DOOR CO.

PELLA EXPERIENCE CENTER

Discover the Pella Difference 4705 E 96th Street, Suite 27 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.981.3720

PellaIndianapolis.com

HUB & SPOKE

Shop. Work. Make. Fusing Industry, Education, and Community.

8100 E 106th St. Fishers, IN 46038 HubandSpoke.works

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