Modern Home Builders Issue 121

MODERN

HOME BUILDERS

Issue 121 www.modernhb.com

BEST PRACTICE FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS

Creating Creati Meaningful Spaces The brothers at Burkentine Real Estate Group have ambitious plans to evolve their business

Sustainability Greener product choices are making their way into the kitchen in response to increased consumer demand

Custom homes Building the home of your dreams can be done on time and on budget, if you follow four essential rules

EDITOR’S LETTER Chairman - Andrew Schofield Group COO - Joe Woolsgrove Editor - Libbie Hammond Assistant Editor - Mary Floate Content Editors - Daniel Baksi, Alex Caesari, Danielle Champ Editorial Administrator - Amy Gilks Managing Art Editor - Fleur Daniels Art Editors - David Howard, Paul Gillings Charlie Protheroe Artwork Administrator - Rochelle Broderick-White Sales Director - Alasdair Gamble Business Development Director - Philip Monument Head of Global Media Programs Mark Cawston - mcawston@schofieldpublishing.com Operations Manager - Adam Blanch Research Managers - Michelle Fontaine, Natalie Griffiths, Jo-Ann Jeffery, Ben Richell, Basil Sharpe, Laura Thompson Editorial Researchers Victoria Burke, Mark Cowles, Jeff Goldenberg, Michelle Hernandez, Melanie Joyce, James Page, Wendy Russell, Richard Saunders, Kieran Shukri, Markus Wellington Advertising Sales Johanna Bailey, Mike Berger, Jessica Eglington, James Fuller, Will Gwyther, Alex Hartley, Reid Lingle, Sam Surrell

Hello and welcome to the September edition of Modern Home Builders.

My favorite story in this issue looks at sustainability, and how greener options are being considered in kitchen design. This can extend from the manufacturing process and materials to the final touches, such as a tap that saves water. I found it fascinating to discover not just the investment and dedication that is going into creating eco-friendly choices for consumers but also the attention to detail in these final products – there is definitely no sacrifice of style at the cost of the planet. Of course, it does also make me want to design a new kitchen for myself…

Florida General Manager - Ryan Finn Boston General Manager - Joy Francesconi

Libbie Hammond

Marketing Manager - Matt Bone

EDITOR

lhammond@finelight-media.com libbie@schofieldpublishing.com

Head of Client Services - ​Callum Arneil Subscriptions - i.kidd@schofieldpublishing.com Administration - Natalie Fletcher, Rory Gallacher Ibby Mundhir

ON THE COVER Our cover story this issue looks behind the

© 2022 Schofield Publishing Ltd

brothers Bryan, Michael and Bryce Burkentine

Cringleford Business Centre, 10 Intwood Road,

now at the helm, the business is going from

Cringleford, Norwich, NR4 6AU, U.K.

strength-to-strength, as it continues to build on

Finelight Media LLC 2240 West Woolbright Road, Suite 402 Boynton Beach, FL 33426

T: (561) 778-2396 Please note: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers within this publication do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, and

HOME BUILDERS

BEST PRACTICE FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS

scenes at Burkentine Real Estate Group. With

Schofield Publishing - Corporate Head Office

T: (312) 854-0123 T: +44 (0)1603 274130

Issue 121 www.modernhb.com

MODERN

the strong foundation created by their parents in 1989. Bryce credits ‘an atmosphere of creativity’ as one of the ingredients that contributes to their success. To find out more insights from the company, turn to page 30.

Creating Creati Meaningful Spaces The brothers at Burkentine Real Estate Group have ambitious plans to evolve their business

Sustainability Greener product choices are making their way into the kitchen in response to increased consumer demand

Custom homes Building the home of your dreams can be done on time and on budget, if you follow four essential rules

correct at time of writing, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher. All rights reserved. The contents of the magazine are strictly copyright, the property of Schofield Publishing, and may not be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

MODERNHB.COM

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INSIDE THIS

ISSUE

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FEATURES 6 SUSTAINABILITY As consumers become increasingly eco-conscious, kitchen designers are addressing the need to deliver solutions that consider the environment

10 CUSTOM HOMES It is possible to save time and money when building a dream home but there are some rules that will help to deliver the project successfully

12 WINDOWS There is now a permanent, rapidly installed solution that

42

contractors can offer for clients that need to solve external noise issues

16 RENOVATIONS The kitchen has historically been the heart of the home, and the trend to create larger, open plan spaces shows no sign of dwindling. But is this approach the right one? There are a number of factors to consider

20 OUTDOOR LIGHTING As lifestyles were reshaped by the pandemic, the design possibilities

MELDE CONSTRUCTION

for outdoor spaces came to the fore. The right lighting can transform a dull garden to an inviting and beautiful place to rest and relax

24 CASE STUDY The latest in switch technology has been chosen for the Ca l’Amo house, an eco-luxe retreat designed by renowned Spanish architect Marià Castelló. These streamlined options ensure the build can

60

capitalize on evolving technology developments

26 CELEBRITY HOMES There’s two new listings for multi-millionaires looking for a new addition to their property portfolio – a cool $35m option in LA or a blow the budget estate in Florida at $145m

NEWS 14 UPDATES News and information from the construction and home building industry

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OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES

COVER STORY

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BURKENTINE REAL ESTATE GROUP

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SUPPLE HOMES

54

JENNIFER GILMER KITCHEN & BATH

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KIRBY PERKINS

70

PRM CUSTOM BUILDERS

TC BROWNE AND CO MODERNHB.COM

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CONTINUED...

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TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

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ROYAL TEXAN HOMES

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TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

HAYES BUILDERS

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BOURN CUSTOM HOMES

100

TOP OHIO HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

KARP ASSOCIATES

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P&D BUILDERS

110

SCOTT HEKSTRA BUILDERS 4

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TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

TOP OHIO HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

ARBOR HOMES

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PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES

The sustainable heart of the home

Matt Phillips

Matt Phillips from Rotpunkt and Paul Illingworth from Abode discuss sustainability as intrinsic to their processes, kitchen product offerings and customer lifestyle

M

indful consumerism continues

every aspect of real estate,” explains Matt

to be a priority for anyone

Phillips, Head of UK Operations, Rotpunkt

seeking to make a difference

Küchen (Rotpunkt).

and address climate change in

the home - and the ripple-effects permeate

6

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Indeed, Rotpunkt has been of this opinion for some time, and has increasingly considered

SUSTAINABILITY

kinds of businesses they want in the world. “As such, the latest furniture trends are embracing new design possibilities that use recycled materials, thereby proving to builders and developers, the worth and value of renewable wood alternatives, and positioning them as eco-friendly options that sacrifice neither style nor quality,” expounds Matt.

“For example, there is much greater consumer understanding about Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) coming to the fore,” says Matt. “This is leading to a drive to ensure the lowest possible formaldehyde emissions, thereby promoting a better indoor the impact its decisions and actions have

“Big ticket items, like the kitchen, can help

climate. In fact, sustainability and wellness

on the climate and environment. In recent

to reduce environmental impact and promote

trends are converging to elevate home

years, the organization has questioned how,

a greener way of life,” continues Matt. By

interiors, so that users can enjoy a premium

as a manufacturer of kitchen furniture, it can

choosing brands that align with their values,

experience which fully caters to both practical

reduce its carbon footprint.

shoppers are voting with their wallets for the

needs and enhanced living,” he continues.

MODERNHB.COM

7

Paul Illingworth

housebuilders and

choices such as investing in filtered water

interior designers are

solutions for long-term efficiency in terms

demonstrating a range of

of healthier cooking, and drinking better

innovations, which save

quality water.”

time, money, resources and energy, and which

the sustainability of its offering. Its new

satisfy the demands of

collection of water-efficient taps helps

end users,” Paul continues.

to limit water consumption by using up

Abode is an awardPaul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode

8

Abode, like Rotpunkt, is keen to enhance

to 97 percent less water per minute than

winning designer and distributor of market-

traditional models. The specially designed

agrees that the kitchen is fundamental to

leading kitchen taps, sinks, bathroom

flow-limited aerators reduce the flow rate,

sustainable living. “Sixty-eight percent of

taps and showering solutions that help to

but not the pressure.

consumers state that the kitchen now holds

future-proof the home. Paul explains that

great significance in terms of day-to-day

practicality and luxury go hand in hand

influence both residential and contract

living and improved personal wellbeing.

with sustainability considerations for today’s

interiors, we are finding that designed-in

Given that water management is intrinsic to

consumer. “There has been a strong growth

sustainability is a big topic right now and the

the smooth running of this key family space,

in demand for filtered water taps as people

trend to reduce energy is running in parallel

there is a prevalent market trend towards

continue to embrace healthier lifestyles.

with water-use efficiency. Eco laundry

taps with strong design and eco credentials

Life under lockdown encouraged many

appliances, water-saving showers and toilets,

which can offer long-term rewards,” he

to reconsider their expenditure, creating a

and a range of specialist kitchen taps are

explains. “By prioritizing sustainability,

growing desire to make more sustainable

now a major priority for the UK homeowner,

MODERNHB.COM

“As conservation measures continue to

SUSTAINABILITY

offering their own green rewards of reduced

reuses sustainable materials and recycles

carbon footprint, energy and waste. The

redundant high resin filters via Abode’s unique

technology, these imitation finishes are

development market is therefore in a prime

filter recycle scheme.

lightweight, rendering them easier to transport

position to offer tangible benefits to the

Rotpunkt too is pivoting to even greener

Thanks to developments in manufacturing

and install, thereby reducing carbon emissions

buyer by choosing sustainable products at

solutions in line with its ‘together to zero’

as well as creating savings associated with

the design and build phase, which in the

climate strategy to reduce carbon emissions at

haulage costs.

long run, will lower energy consumption and

every stage of manufacture.

help reduce utility bills for each occupant,” enthuses Paul.

To celebrate 15 years since it launched

The organization is exploring how it can

Rotpunkt consistently aims to streamline its processes, by assessing how the proportion

reduce its use of fresh wood to conserve

of fresh wood used in its chipboard can

valuable resources. “New technology is

be reduced, how material efficiency can

Swich, its exclusive and patented water filter

enhancing the kitchen living experience.

be improved and production waste better

system, Abode has crafted an anniversary

Imitation metal, marble and timber finishes

managed. All Rotpunkt furniture is designed

edition, featuring an FSC-certified beechwood

are providing a great alternative for achieving

and created with the aim of reducing carbon

timber finish. Designed to transform a new

the latest kitchen designs without harming

emissions at every stage of manufacture.

or existing kitchen mixer into a filtered water

the environment,” explains Matt. “We are

tap, the Swich delivers a fresh supply of crystal

seeing a huge amount of creativity in

gold standard in eco-friendly modern living

clear, filtered water and can be retro-fitted or

laminate solutions, as replicating the look and

to be able to offer a greener alternative for

part of a new kitchen design.

feel of natural elements, like wood and stone,

homeowners that continues to support more

becomes increasingly sophisticated. Some

sustainable product choices in the mainstream. F

define today’s eco-conscious home and

finishes are almost indistinguishable from the

lifestyle, the Swich reduces single use plastic,

real thing,” he enthuses.

www.rotpunktuk.com www.abodedesigns.co.uk

Supporting the three Rs that currently

Both businesses are seeking to achieve the

MODERNHB.COM

9

Building a dream

Follow these tips to save time and money in building your custom home says Jonathan Weston

T

10

here is a lot of excitement and

As a matter of fact, as architects, we know

leave each contractor to do their various parts.

emotion when you are building

the ins and outs of what actually goes into

That way, not only will the quality of your

your dream home. However, it may

designing and building a home. More often

home be better, but it won’t break the bank

already be a whirlwind of a process,

than not, after the designing and initial

and hopefully be done sooner than expected.

if you don’t follow certain steps, not only will it

planning of the home is done, architects leave

cost you more than you budgeted, but it may

the project and let all other contractors do

be a lot longer before you can actually move

their parts. However, by keeping an architect

Why it matters which way your house faces

in. In my book Twice As Long Twice As Much,

on the project from beginning to end, they

Designing a home isn’t as simple as wanting

I discuss not only how to avoid these issues,

will be able to guide you through hidden

this area to be the entrance, and this room to

but how to truly optimize the experience of

costs, timelines, secrets, how to negotiate

go here, and this to be the backyard space.

building your custom home. Here are my top

on certain aspects of the home, how to

Actually, it is much deeper than that because

tips on how to save money and time when

take your neighborhood into consideration

of every house’s location. It is important to

building your dream home.

on certain design aspects, HOAs and more.

be conscious of which way your house faces,

After designing and being part of numerous

the layout of every room, and where windows

Hire an architect

projects, we have essentially created a

are placed. You need to take into account

One of the most exciting parts of building

bulletproof roadmap of what to expect

how the sun rises in the east and lowers in

your custom dream home is designing

through the entire process. Essentially, it is

the west, will follow the southern sky in the

it. However, so much more goes into this

more cost-effective to keep your architect on

summer, and gradually lower in the winter. All

process than just that way your house looks.

the project from beginning to end, rather than

of these factors will change how the sunlight

MODERNHB.COM

CUSTOM HOMES

flooring, inspections, and so on, it would be not only extremely expensive to have a large enough crew for each aspect of the job, but would be hard to manage with multiple projects. Therefore, most general contractors have subcontractors who manage the various aspects of the project.

So what does this mean for you and building your home? First, there is no solid price. While the general contractor may have set prices for his part of the project, subcontractors have their own prices for labor, and whatever the cost of materials are for them. This can lead to continued costs as well as an unknown completion date depending on how many projects the subcontractor has. So how does one combat this issue?

When interviewing and ultimately hiring your general contractor, make sure to state in your written contract that you would like them to procure various bids from subcontractors rather than leaving the decision with them.

Not only will this allow you to have more control over the quality of your home, but also over the price as well as the negotiation of terms. This is critical for those who have a strict budget and want control over the quality and timing of completion.

You’re in control of your home All in all, understanding the importance of these various aspects of your project will not only help you create a high-quality hits your home, which rooms will have more

the reality is your general contractor most

finished project, but will allow you to have

sunlight for longer and which will have more

likely does not have an entire team in his

transparency throughout the entire process

heat. In terms of your yards (front and back),

employment. With so many various aspects of

rather than being in the dark, or getting small

depending on the direction your house is

the construction process, there are a number

updates here or there. This is your home, your

facing, if you have it facing south, your front

of people involved depending on the type of

complex, your project. You deserve to have it

yard will maintain light for longer while your

project. From the architectural design, laying

be what you want at the best price and quality

backyard (presumably where you, your family,

the foundation, drywall, electrical, plumbing,

possible. F

or company will spend most of your time) will have shadows overcasting it, making it less pleasing and enjoyable.

Understanding everyone’s roles Assuming you hire a general contractor for the entire process of building your home, the first thing to understand is that you don’t have control over everything. While your dream home may be completed as promised, your

Jonathan Weston is an expert architect of 40+ years and is the Founder and CEO of Jaydub Inc. Jonathan has designed countless homes all over the world in the high-end luxury market - ranging from Australia to the UK and the US. Having designed homes for the majority of his career, Jonathan now focuses on helping individuals in the remodel process, showing them everything from the design and construction to hidden costs and time savers. You can find all of his secrets and more in his book Twice As Long Twice As Much. www.jaydubinc.com | www.twiceasbook.com

contractor is actually in charge of who does what and when they do it. Unfortunately, MODERNHB.COM

11

Soundproof Windows are specifically designed to stop 95% of outside noise

The sound of silence Installing a professionally engineered window behind the existing window can significantly reduce external noise while DIY techniques offer limited relief.

By Del Williams

G

eneral contractors that work on

tactics to reduce external noise like blocking

style with the existing window, functionally

remodeling projects for multi-unit

the window with furniture, calking gaps

open and close, and installed rapidly without

buildings, offices, residential and

between the wall and window, installing

disruptive, expensive remodeling.

other real estate have a profitable

weatherstripping, adhering vinyl window film, or hanging thick window curtains, blinds, or

some of the most common DIY window

intrusion problems because DIY projects are

shades. While these types of techniques may

soundproofing options and their limitations:

proving to be insufficient.

offer some limited relief, they are stopgap

Many people in loud, urban areas struggle

measures at best and do not truly address the

with outside noise. Whether it is a homeowner

heart of the problem; noise entering through

DIY window soundproofing limitations

trying to keep their home quieter, an

the windowpanes and seals.

When it comes to window soundproofing a

office/property manager concerned about

Fortunately, there is now a permanent

host of DIY methods are well intentioned but

disruptive loud noise in offices, apartments or

solution that contractors can offer for

condos, or a real estate professional involved

solving external noise issues: a professionally

in leasing or selling property, loud noise

engineered and installed window that goes

Blocking the window with furniture

penetrates through windows and causes

behind the existing window that is specifically

Although this option is free, placing sofas or

major problems to solve.

designed to stop up to 95 percent of external

other furniture next to the window in an effort

noise. It can be cost effectively matched in

to absorb some sound waves will do little

Some may be tempted to try various DIY

12

To begin, it is important to review

opportunity to professionally resolve noise

MODERNHB.COM

have only a limited effect:

WINDOWS since sound has complete access through

Dual pane windows

of Soundproof Windows. “An inner PVB layer of

most or the entire window.

Dual pane windows will not keep out the

plastic further dampens sound vibrations.”

Completely blocking a window with large

noise because they are not designed to do

Air space of two-to-four inches between the

furniture such as bookshelves or cabinets

so. The problem with a typical dual pane

existing window and the soundproof window

will reduce sound intrusion. However, it will

window is that the dual panes act like a drum

also significantly improves noise reduction

also completely block out any light from the

and reverberate in response to external noise

because it isolates the second window from

window as well as the view and is not a real

vibrations. The result is that the noise as

external sound vibrations.

option to solve the noise problem.

sound vibrations transfers right through the

Finally, the company places spring-loaded

panes. On top of this, the seals of most dual

seals in the second soundproof window

Calking gaps between the wall and window

pane windows degrade within a few years,

frame. “This puts a constant squeeze on the

The calking will reduce some sound that may

which allows even more outside noise to pass

glass panels, which prevents sound leaks and

enter through small gaps between the wall

through.

helps to stop noise from vibrating through

and the window’s borders, but the effect will

the glass,” explains Brown, who notes that the

be minimal at best. The challenge is that the

True soundproofing windows

spring-loaded seals are designed to stay as

technique does not address external sound

For a much more effective option than

acoustically sound 15 years down the road as

coming through the window itself.

DIY attempts or replacement windows,

they were on day one.

general contractors are turning to true

The bottom line for general contractors is

Weatherstripping

soundproofing companies like Soundproof

that they can quickly provide homeowners,

Installing or replacing weatherstripping,

Windows, Inc., a national manufacturer of

office managers, and real estate professionals

constructed of materials like foam, rubber,

window and patio door soundproofing

with true window soundproofing when

or vinyl, can reduce some external sound

products. Such companies have expertise

DIY efforts fail. When true soundproofing is

entering from any small gaps around the

engineering products used in very noise

required to facilitate a better work or sleep

perimeter of the window. However, once

sensitive environments like recording

environment along with some much-needed

again, this does not address the main

studios.

peace of mind, then professionally engineered

source of external noise intrusion, the window itself.

The company, in fact, has adapted

soundproof windows are the most effective,

recording studio window soundproofing

reliable, long-term solution. Since these are

technology for homes and commercial spaces

quick and easy to install, offering them as an

Vinyl window film

by creating a secondary soundproofing

option to a contractor’s existing services can

Essentially these are window stickers that are

window that installs inside, behind the

be quite a profitable option. F

peeled off and stuck to the existing window

existing window. The product is custom

until it covers the entire pane. While cutting

designed specifically to match – and function

outside light entering the home, window

– like the original window. Installation is simple

films usually do little to stop intrusive noise

and fast with virtually no clean up, making

from entering a dwelling.

them efficient for contractors to install and

Soundproof Windows cost effectively match the style of existing windows

usually quite profitable.

Window curtains, blinds, and shades

The inner window essentially reduces noise

Hanging thick window curtains may absorb

from entering on three fronts: the type of

some external noise when completely drawn

materials used to make the pane, the ideal air

but will also block out natural light as well as

space between original window and insert,

the view.

and finally improved, long-lasting seals. The

Similarly, blinds and shades are designed to control the amount of light entering a room, not sound. So, at best these will only

combination can reduce external noise by up to 95 percent.

“The first noise barrier is laminated glass,

offer a small amount of noise reduction, if

which dampens sound vibration much like

any, when shut.

a finger on a wine glass stops it from ringing when struck,” explains Randy Brown, President

Replacement window design constraints General contractors have an important consultative role to play when DIY efforts fall short. Since even most professional window installations are not specifically designed to

Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California.

For more information on the solutions mentioned in this article, contact Soundproof Windows, Inc. 1-877-438-7843; email sales@soundproofwindows.com; or visit www.soundproofwindows.com

reduce excessive noise intrusion, these efforts can also offer less than the desired result.

MODERNHB.COM

13

Community living

Making dreams a reality

LGI Homes has announced the

A Clayton CrossMod home on display at the Recreational Vehicle/Manufactured Homes Hall of Fame

opening of Carter’s Retreat, a

is now open to visitors. The home represents a modern housing solution for individuals and families

new community in the Nashville,

amid the ever-growing affordable housing crisis. Clayton, a national home builder, offers beautiful,

Tennessee market. The community

attainable homes, like the one on display, that feature a variety of unique styles and energy-saving

offers an array of brand-new, one

home options.

and two-story single-family homes.

The Clayton

There are five spacious floor plans

CrossMod home, along

ranging from three to five bedrooms

with two other off-site

with two to two-and-a-half

built houses, is part of a

bathrooms. Each new home comes

new 21,000 square-

with LGI Homes’ interior package,

foot Manufactured

with a range of at no additional cost.

Home Museum

“We are excited to return to the city

expansion. The new

of Murfreesboro with the opening

wing is dedicated

of our Carter’s Retreat community.

to showcasing the

The demand for homeownership

industry’s history and the innovations yet to come. It features interactive displays and the opportunity

continues to be strong, and we

to tour three off-site built homes.

are here to meet that demand.

“CrossMod homes are built off-site like manufactured homes and are an affordable, sustainable

Customers will appreciate our line-up

solution to today’s housing crisis. They can also be built more efficiently than traditional site-built

of affordable, quick-move-in homes,”

homes,” says Kevin Clayton, CEO. “More consumers, lenders, appraisers, and zoning officials are

says Christian LeMere, Vice President

realizing the benefits of building a home indoors – and when visitors walk through this CrossMod

of Operations for LGI Homes.

home they will see just how indistinguishable it is from any other beautiful, modern house.”

These new homes are an example of how the industry continues innovating the building process to help even more individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership.

Take a tour Century Communities has revealed four new model homes for tour at its sought-after Skye Canyon

Prime location for seniors

development in the Las Vegas

Allegro Senior Living, a premier senior living operator, is expanding its Florida presence with Allegro

neighborhoods of Eaglepointe and

Fort Lauderdale, its 12th community in the state.

Marvella.

The two-story plans feature

residential real estate developer with a regional office in Boca Raton, Fla. Alliance is working

three to six bedrooms, beautiful

with local firms MSA Architects and FLYNN Engineering on the design and construction of the

open-concept layouts, exceptional

community, among others,

craftsmanship, and stylish fixtures

and Allegro Senior Living will

and finishes, including the Century

assume management and

smart home package.

oversight of the community.

Homebuyers will love access to

14

The development of Allegro Fort Lauderdale is led by Alliance Residential Company, a nationwide

Allegro Fort Lauderdale

an array of resort-style amenities,

includes 188 units on eight-

including community parks, a pool,

levels and was designed with

and a fitness center. Says Robb

modern sensibilities at every

Beville, Nevada Division President:

turn and offers independent,

“This is a great opportunity for

assisted living, and memory

buyers and agents to explore

care. The community is more

available new homes and learn

than 280,000 square feet

about special offers, as well

and boasts a variety of offerings and services including multiple indoor and outdoor dining and

as check out the incredible

entertaining options, a two-story theater, Sky Lounge, salon and spa, fitness and wellness center,

community amenities that this

pool, outdoor fireplace and fire pit, bourbon and whiskey lounge, boardwalk, outdoor gardens, dog

development boasts.”

park, housekeeping, valet parking, transportation, boat access and more.

MODERNHB.COM

INDUSTRY NEWS

Significant sales

Rooms with a view

Castle Lanterra Multifamily, a

Toll Brothers, Inc., the nation’s

division of Castle Lanterra, the New

leading builder of luxury homes,

York-based national real estate

reveals a new joint venture to

investment firm, has sold two

develop The Lindley, a 37-story, 422-

prominent residential communities

unit multifamily rental community

in Corpus Christi, Texas.

in San Diego, California.

It recently sold Azure at

This is the first Toll Brothers

7221 South Staples Street and

Apartment Living (TBAL) project

Baypoint Apartments at 1802

in the city and is being financed

Ennis Joslin Road. Castle Lanterra

through a $187 million construction

implemented its industry leading

loan facility from BNY Mellon and

capital improvement and hands-

Wells Fargo.

on asset management approach to create two gems in the market and significantly raise the residential properties’ status and value within the Corpus Christi area.

“We are thrilled with the work we have completed at both residential communities and the returns we were able to realize. Both assets have been a great success, with strong IRR and attractive equity multiples,” says Elie Rieder, founder and CEO of Castle Lanterra. “We feel the

The Lindley was designed by the renowned Joseph Wong Design Associates and is located at the corner of Columbia and Ash Streets.

It will consist of 422 rental

timing was ideal to implement our exit strategy following a multi-year hold with significant

apartments and an above- and

capital investments in the assets. In addition to the disposition of these two Corpus Christi

below-grade parking garage with

properties, we’ve completed over $240 million in sales and $210 million in new acquisitions

561 parking spaces, including

during the first half of 2022 and are on pace to surpass our record-breaking 2021 activity.”

charging capacity for 222 EVs. The

Azure is a 220-unit, garden-style apartment community with excellent accessibility to many of

units will feature high-end luxury

Corpus Christi’s major economic drivers, while Baypoint is a one-of-a-kind community featuring

finishes and a best-in-class amenity

350 units and boasting direct frontage onto Oso Bay.

package, including an outdoor pool and spa, coworking spaces, a wine bar and rooftop views of downtown

Resort-style living

San Diego.

The Lindley expects to earn LEED

Richmond American Homes of California is excited to announce the grand opening of Seasons at

Gold certification; the framework for

The Fairways in Beaumont. This exceptional master-planned community showcases an impressive

healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-

array of two-story floor plans from the builder’s sought-after Seasons collection; designed to put

saving green buildings. Affordable

homeownership within reach for a variety of buyers.

housing is also a critical part of the

Two model homes are available to view. The collection boasts three two-story floor plans,

development project. As part of

featuring open layouts and designer details with three to six-bedroom options from which to

the entitlement agreement, TBAL

choose.

is making a significant contribution

The community is in close

toward the development of

proximity to Perris Reservoir,

affordable housing in San Diego.

San Bernardino National

This contribution will directly

Forest, San Jacinto Wildlife

support the construction of 44

Area, Morongo Casino Resort

affordable housing units off-site in

& Spa and the Cabazon

downtown San Diego.

Outlets. From a clubhouse

“As our first project in San Diego,

and golf course to pools

we are proudly planting our flag

and parks, prospective

here with The Lindley,” says Charles

homeowners can enjoy a

Elliott, President of TBAL. “We will

taste of the collection’s resort-style amenities.

stay true to the brand and bring the

A complementary element of purchasing a new home at Seasons is the opportunity to work with

same quality of product and service

professional, in-house, design consultants on the selection of colors, textures, finishes and fixtures

that we’ve been delivering for over

to tailor the new living spaces.

55 years.”

MODERNHB.COM

15

Heart

of the home How to find out whether opening up your kitchen is the right move for you.

By Julie Gokce

16

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D

espite many suggesting

According to More Kitchens, a UK expert in

the popularity of open plan

kitchen design and installation, more than 80

kitchens would dwindle after

percent of the business’ enquiries continue

a decade in the spotlight, that

to center on open plan living and creating

doesn’t seem to be the case.

a more multifunctional space within the

RENOVATIONS

plan kitchen living room l

1,830 online searches per month for open plan kitchen diner On top of that, kitchens are still considered

to be the most important room in a house. For many, it’s considered the heart of the home, the place where not only meals are cooked and bodies are refueled, but, increasingly, where time is also spent socially with friends and family.

It’s for those reasons among others that so many people continue to explore opening up their kitchen and finding out what is possible within their home. Kitchens are exciting projects and come with so many possibilities, especially when it comes to being able to open up the space and do something completely different.

Within that, though, lies an important question: how do you know if opening up the space is the right choice for you and is it worth the investment?

Finding the answer to that question can be achieved by asking a couple of ‘why’ questions…

The importance of establishing why opening up a kitchen is the right thing for you While a few main reasons for wanting an open plan kitchen were listed above, a lot of the actual inspiration is being driven by popular TV shows, like Grand Designs and The Great British Bake Off. When you’re looking at properties on the TV, there is far more open-plan type living where houses, traditionally, would have been split into smaller rooms. However, houses in the UK are now being split into more open spaces than they ever were before. Even within new builds, it is far more prevalent.

While those two points are acting as home, something largely being driven by the

l

permanent adoption of remote working for large amounts of people.

l

Current data [at time of writing] shows us that on average over the last 12 months there are:

l

3,240 online searches per month for open

inspiration, for any kitchen designer, it’s all

plan kitchen online

about asking why.

2,390 online searches per month for semi-

Many people that are considering opening

open plan kitchen living room

up a kitchen currently have two smaller

2,860 online searches per month for open

spaces, one of which is likely to be a dining MODERNHB.COM

17

room area with a partition wall splitting the

l

two spaces up.

From a designer’s perspective, there are

18

How will this change impact the current setup?

Each house is different in its own way and

Will doors and windows also be impacted?

that provides challenges that need to be

Are you looking to create a square box,

overcome, a lot of which the person wanting to

a few key questions that need to be asked

or does a more unique shape need to be

open up the kitchen doesn’t think about.

before a single wall is taken down. These are:

considered?

l

As a designer, it’s thinking about how people

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How often does the dining room get used?

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Do you sit down as a family and eat?

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Do you have friends around often?

Ultimately, it comes back to being able to

most people, when you ask them, want a bigger

l

What would be the main purpose of an

justify a decision in order to come to a proper

kitchen and believe they’ve got to extend to get

open kitchen within your home?

conclusion.

that space whereas you actually don’t.

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l

What facilities are you hoping to get into

actually use the house and how they use the

your open plan kitchen?

space that they’ve actually got. The reality is

RENOVATIONS average price a UK homeowner will pay for

limit a design and may force you to look in a

a kitchen renovation was £8,000 in 2021.

different direction entirely.

Unsurprisingly, the kitchen ranked within

However, a lot is achievable compared to

the top ten factors homeowners take into

what it was ten years ago. It used to be the

consideration when buying a house.

case that taking an internal wall out was an

That’s the output, but what’s the impact of

absolute doddle and far less complex. But

that? Well, according to Chancellors, a good

removing a wall that spans the length of the

kitchen renovation can add up to 15 percent

house requires internal support and needs to

to the value of a home.

be done in sections. As a result, sometimes

Given the trends, open plan kitchens provide a much more desirable and sought after living environment and you are far more

it wasn’t possible to do what you originally wanted.

That’s changed now, but it still has to

likely to get much closer to what you are

be done right. These things don’t happen

asking for your property if it’s laid out in a way

overnight. There’s a lot of work that goes into

that someone else would also want to live in.

the background and there’s a lot of costs that go into actually knowing whether it’s possible

Rome wasn’t built in a day… the truth about kitchen renovation timeframes

to do something.

A big myth that needs debunking is the

conversation, rather than trying to take a wall

timeframe it takes to turn home improvement

down yourself and potentially adding further

projects around, with many assuming it can

costs to the job.

It is always our advice to have a professional tradesperson be part of that

be completed in a few days.

To undertake a conversion properly, you’ve

Final thoughts

got to put aside a lot of time. For example,

Everyone wants the home on Grand Designs.

while a bathroom conversion will take a

Great British Bake Off has inspired people to

couple of weeks, a kitchen can take a little bit

cook and bake more in their kitchens.

longer and is dependent on what the end goal is.

For that reason, open plan living is a trend that, contrary to other opinions, is not fizzling

A lot of the projects have a knock-on effect

out. For most households, it is an achievable

of some building work with walls being taken

and cost-effective solution that is turning the

down and moved - huge changes that take

kitchen into a place to embrace and adding

time and need to be done a certain way.

long-term value to properties.

I’d say a good kitchen conversion could take

However, with the help of a specialist, it can

four-six weeks. It totally depends on the work

be easy to establish whether an open plan

being done.

kitchen is actually a right choice for you and your property. It all comes back to justification

Don’t forget about legislation

and how to make the best use of the space at

A lot of people are also unaware of current

your disposal.

legislation and how things have changed over the past years.

And sometimes, that simply means you don’t have to rip a wall down. F

It’s become the most challenging hurdle

Answering the myth… does an open plan kitchen add more value to your house?

Some families invest in open plan living as a long-term investment, something they can enjoy now and reap the benefits later down the line when they come to move.

And although the reality is that opening up a kitchen doesn’t add any additional space

to overcome when looking at an open plan

For a list of the sources used in this article, please

kitchen, purely because it has the potential to

contact the editor.

Julie Gokce is a Senior Designer at More Kitchens. Established In 1965 and based in Yorkshire, Passmore Group is a family-owned business specializing in the full design, supply, and installation of high-quality kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. With a history now spanning more than half a century, the business has become the region’s most trusted and experienced full-service home improvement company. Passmore Group is home of More Bathrooms, More Ability, More Kitchens, More Bedrooms and More Build. www.morekitchen.co.uk

to a property, according to RealHomes, the MODERNHB.COM

19

Light up

your life

Marketa Rypacek offers some expert guidance on how outdoor lighting can be used to transform a space

20

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OUTDOOR LIGHTING Image credit: Photographer: Joanna Kossak and Designer: Chris Harrington

O

utdoor lighting has the ability to rejuvenate your garden, and can make a huge difference to its look and feel, adding

atmosphere, warmth and depth. With more time being spent at home, we demand more from our living spaces, both inside and out.

The expectations for our outdoor space now hold the same design opportunities as our home interiors and having the correct lighting is vital to making the most of your garden, whatever the size. Not only should your lights be stylish, but they also need to be functional. Lighting plays a key part in ensuring the garden comes together, taking the design to the next level. While your outside space may look beautiful and inviting in the sunlight, come evening time, outdoor lighting is required to illuminate the area, so you can continue enjoying the great outdoors all night long.

Spending time outside has many proven benefits, from boosting your immune system and creativity, to improving eyesight and reducing anxiety. Gardens are meant to be enjoyed in the evening just as much as they are during the day, you just need to add the right lights and ensure their placement is correct.

Layered lighting design Approach your outdoor lighting design in the same way you would your interior lighting scheme. To accomplish a well-thought-out, welcoming space, you need to embrace the complete range of lighting sources available and vary the lighting sources to create little pockets and pools of illumination. Work out which elements of your outdoor space you wish to highlight, both for practical and aesthetic reasons. Layer your exterior lighting and use multiple sources of light, including small lights to guide walkways, up-lighting for highlighting beautiful plants and trees, low lighting for ambience and wall lights and pendants in areas for eating and socializing.

It is also important to ensure the lights are independently controlled, as well as installing dimmer switches for each light source if possible, to allow for a wide variety of moods to be created throughout the evening.

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21

today’s modern designs are just as stylish

Sustainable choice

needed for a space, the next thing which needs

and varied as those you would find inside

Always ensure you opt for good quality

careful consideration, is their positioning. Think

the home. We have seen an emerging shift

outdoor lights that are compatible with

about the direction of each light to ensure you

to take the industrial, rustic, and stylish look

LED bulbs. Customers are much more

are highlighting areas of your garden that you

from inside the home, out into garden spaces.

environmentally-conscious than ever before

wish to draw attention to. Exterior lighting can

Open-planned interior designs are perfect

and many of the newer weatherproof fittings

accentuate the architecture, colors and textures

for creating a seamless transition from your

are compatible with modern LED bulbs. They

of your property for an outdoor living space to

interior to your exterior, and as many of our

work by housing the bulbs and protecting

be proud of. Make sure you experiment with

industrial outdoor lights are also available in

them from the elements. LED bulbs are energy

different positions before you decide on a final

indoor designs too, you can create a style that

efficient and also have incredibly long lives,

placement. You can use a large torch in varying

looks as good outdoors as it does in.

making them the perfect sustainable choice.

After selecting the style or styles of light

angles to see where it is likely to provide light.

22

There has also been a huge trend for chic

The bulbs themselves are also now available

For glow without glare, opt for downward

outdoor kitchens, entertaining areas, bars

in a variety of shapes and colors, to help you

facing wall-mounted lights that create a

and garden terraces. To create the perfect

achieve the exact look you desire.

relaxing atmosphere to be enjoyed by all.

entertaining space outdoors, combine

This could be different depending on the

versatile bench seating with plenty of

intended use, for example, bright white may

Creating a seamless inside/ outside look

comfortable cushions for an informal, relaxed

be chosen for areas needing practical lighting,

feel. Add atmospheric lighting such as stylish

whereas a warmer vintage style amber

Gone are the days when the choices for

metallic wall and pendant lights to set the

bulb may be preferred to create a softer

garden lighting were limited to plain,

ultimate ambience for your friends and family

atmospheric glow. Another very popular

uninteresting white security type lighting;

to enjoy.

option is to use motion sensor LED bulbs with

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OUTDOOR LIGHTING Bulkhead Garden Lighting Lights left to right: Bulkhead Black Sconce Wall Light 12 inch - £89.00 Bulkhead Cage Pendant 11 inch Gunmetal - £99.00 Bulkhead Round Wall Light/Flush Mount 8inch Gunmetal - £99.00

Key Tips from Industville on how to design outside spaces effectively Marketa’s Top Ten Tips for Outdoor Lighting Design 1. Use a plan and carefully calculate; before you start shopping determine

how much light is needed and where

2. Layer your lighting and include three types of lighting; ambient, task and

accent

3. Use LEDs; they are the perfect sustainable choice 4. Choose fixtures that will stand the test of time; metallic finishes on

outdoor lighting suit any space

5. Take a look from inside your home; it’s important your outside space

looks good from the inside, as well as out

6. Use subtle light for entertaining; a soft, indirect, subtle glow provides the

perfect illumination for eating outdoors

7. Think about security; ensure entry points of the home, as well as garages compatible outdoor lighting fixtures. Not only does this offer multiple safety advantages but will also help to save on electricity bills.

and driveways are well lit

8. Position lights to highlight areas of your garden that you wish to draw

attention to, such as architecture, a water feature or special plants and

Trends

trees

Metallic finishes on outdoor lighting is

9. Create a seamless inside outside look; use the same lighting style

a trend that’s set to continue through

2022 and beyond and lends itself well to coordinating with other garden furniture and accessories. Metallic tones work beautifully

outside, as you have inside your house, for the ultimate coordinated look

10. Go bold with your lighting designs; have fun with your lighting and

create a truly personal space that you are proud of

against brickwork, wooden fencing, concrete or cladding and their timeless appeal means they’ll never go out of style.

As well as adding interest with texture and shine, copper and brass lights will also add a sense of luxury to an outside space. Bold shapes are also set to be big and are great for creating a statement. Modern outdoor designs come in all shapes and sizes and can really help to further enhance the overall

Marketa Rypacek is Managing Director, Industville Ltd. Industville is committed to providing exceptional service and high-quality products to meet and exceed statutory regulations. Striving to increase customer satisfaction whenever possible, Industville act as a UK and worldwide trusted supplier and leading producer of high-quality lighting and furniture. All products are designed in the UK by a team of in-house product designers. www.industville.co.uk

look of the outdoor area. F MODERNHB.COM

23

Form and function G A Mediterranean retreat is future-ready thanks to Gira technology ira, one of the world’s leading

space for al fresco dining and parties and

Things. For example, our brand collaboration

full-range suppliers of intelligent

the final building houses the guest annex

with Senic includes the Nuimo switch which

system solutions for commercial

which is separated from the main house by

enables easy wireless control of Philips Hue

and residential property has

a generous swimming pool. With so many

lights and Sonos speakers within a Gira E2

brought the latest switch technology to an

functional elements, the Gira E2 switch, Gira

frame so that all your sockets, switches and

eco-luxe retreat in the Ibizan countryside

indoor sockets and Gira USB power supply

controls have design integrity and elevate

designed by a renowned Spanish architect in

were the ideal components to future-proof

the look and feel of your home.”

the Purist style.

the property, so that the owners can make

Bringing the best of Scandinavian style to the Mediterranean, the Ca l’Amo house comprises five cuboid structures on the

and junipers, has streamlined designer sockets

require.

and switches for the ultimate in contemporary

Jacob de Muijnck, Director, Gira UK says:

living. Gira include the following intelligent

edge of a pine forest just outside Sant Mateu

“We are always excited to see Gira products

solutions:

in Ibiza, near the north coast of this world

specified by the best-in-class architects

l

famous Balearic island.

worldwide, so that discerning homeowners

series works in tandem with the Gira 55

Designed by the award-winning architect

24

This idyllic retreat situated among the pines

smart home upgrades as and when they

Gira E2 Design Line – this elegant switch

can enjoy elegance and function with

system, which offers up to 300 different

Marià Castelló, based on the neighboring

essential everyday tasks. Our minimalist E2

functions, so that every aspect of the

island of Formentera, natural materials, open

series is a design classic, shatterproof and UV-

home can be easily managed with

perspectives and luxurious innovation are

resistant, providing the ideal complement to

controls which enhance the minimalist

key to this captivating property. Three of

the refined aesthetic of the Ca l’Amo house

decor with its Pure White Glossy color

the cuboids are connected by passageways

as well as ensuring that this new build can

and provide bedrooms, bathrooms and a

capitalize on evolving developments in

kitchen living area. The fourth one is a covered

today’s technology such as the Internet of

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and refined style. l

Gira Indoor Sockets - ensuring safety and convenience at all times, these sockets

CASE STUDY cover a wide range of functions and can be adapted and expanded with to suit your specification. From integrated increased contact protection and lighting to models with hinged covers – Gira has you covered. l

Gira USB Power Supply A&C - everyone can ensure their devices are fully charged with sockets designed with two slots for USB A and USB C, for future-proof integration of new standards. Two devices can be charged at once with no extra connections required and you can enjoy a speedy charging time with a maximum electrical output of 3000 mAh.

Ca l’Amo was built on a 42,385 m2 plot, and the architect capitalized on the remains of terracing on this former farmland, incorporating the existing drystone walls into the site and choosing cross-laminated timber and limestone as key materials. The building reflects the Mediterranean landscape and its prefabricated wooden elements, gravel terrace and white façade ensure the cubes blend into their surroundings. With a rainwater tank storing over 200 tons it is almost self-sufficient in terms of water supply.

Beautiful, functional design is at the heart of Ca l’Amo, so that the property is well-ventilated and feels relaxing with rich, wood surfaces inside light-filled rooms. The arrangement of the interconnected rooms not only ensures exciting views, but also extensive air circulation throughout the house via full-length patio doors. The wooden elements of the façade can also be moved and used as flexible shades.

The minimalist interior is pared down to the essentials, providing room for socializing.

Wooden ceilings and wall elements together with the smooth limestone flooring – as well as the Gira E2 and Gira System 55 series – create an atmosphere that skillfully fuses Scandinavian and Mediterranean influences.

In addition to designer pieces by Gandía Blasco and Diabla Outdoor, there are also custom-made products specially designed for this house. Everything has its place – nothing superfluous is added. F www.gira.com https://m-ar.net For a list of the sources used in this article, please contact the editor.

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25

Photo credit: Courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Luxury in the sunshine A $145m Florida estate and a $35m LA residence – let’s take a look inside these fabulous locations

O

racle’s Larry Ellison, America’s top

Tuscan-style mansion was built in 1998 on 8.5

the property has quick access to the private

buyer of expensive mansions,

acres and includes 15,514 square feet, seven

terminals at Palm Beach International Airport

is selling one from his Florida

bedrooms, pool, chef’s kitchen, tennis courts,

via a helicopter, which can take off and land

collection, and it’s a big one. His

home theater, wine room, a six-car garage, and

directly from the property. Palm Beach has

Seminole Beach estate, in an exclusive part

a guest suite. It is the third-largest oceanfront

been one of the most lucrative real estate

of North Palm Beach with over 520 feet of

parcel in Palm Beach County, trailing only

markets in the United States with area prices

ocean frontage, is listed at $145 million. The

hedge fund-billionaire Ken Griffin’s eight-acre

up over 50 percent since 2020 and homes

property in Palm Beach,

usually selling in less than two months. It has

where he plans to build a

long been home to America’s old and new

44,000-square-foot mansion

money, including Joseph Kennedy, Marjorie

on 1,400 feet of oceanfront for

Merriweather Post (who built Mar-a-Lago), and

his mother, and Larry’s other

Donald Trump.

Palm Beach home, Gemini,

are Adam McPherson, Chris Leavitt, and Ashley

$173 million.

McIntosh of The Leavitt/McIntosh Team at

Located in the ultraexclusive neighborhood of Seminole Landing with two

MODERNHB.COM

Douglas Elliman in Palm Beach. Farhad Farman of Compass is a marketing advisor on the listing.

security, Larry paid $80

Estate with celebrity heritage

million for this property in

One of LA’s prettiest homes, the Pacific

2021. Convenient to both

Palisades home of Steven Bochco, designed

Orlando and Miami, the

by Paul Williams and previously owned by

home’s MLS listing notes that

Sylvester Stallone, is for sale at $35 million.

sets of gates and 24-hour

26

The listing agents for the Larry Ellison home

which he bought in June for

CELEBRITY HOMES Photo credit: Courtesy of Compass

Born in New York City in 1943, Bochco

staircase. The

worked as an editor on some of the biggest

newly renovated

television hits of the 1970s, and saw major

main residence

success in the 1980s and ‘90s producing Hill

includes a

Street Blues, LA Law, Doogie Howser M.D. and

gourmet chef’s

NYPD Blue. He died in 2018 from leukemia.

kitchen, a huge

The home’s designer, Paul Williams, was

wine cellar,

Hollywood’s ‘architect to the stars’, having

professional

designed homes for Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant,

library, beautiful

Lucille Ball and many more. He also created

built-ins, formal

buildings throughout the US, including, for

living room,

free, St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis

family room with

as a favor to his friend Danny Thomas. He was

projector screen, a gym, and a private guest

guest house. Bochco’s estate is selling the

the first black architect to be admitted to the

apartment wing. The gated-and-walled, park-

home.

American Institute of Architects. Williams died

like grounds include a pool and spa, pool

in 1980, and his funeral was held at LA’s First

house, lighted tennis court, cabana, and a

The home is listed with Aaron Kirman of Aaron Kirman Group at Compass. F

African Methodist Episcopal Church, which he designed in 1968.

The Steven Bochco Estate in the Pacific Palisades’ upscale Riviera neighborhood is set on a double lot with nearly 1.4 acres.

It is one of the area’s larger homes with seven bedrooms and 10,853 square feet, built in 1937 with several of the best Paul

For details of these houses and other celebrity homes, please visit: www.topTenRealEstateDeals.com https://toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/home/larry-ellisonlists-145-million-palm-beach-mansion https://toptenrealestatedeals.com/weekly-ten-best-home-deals/home/steven-bochcoestate-designed-by-paul-williams-sylvester-stallone-former-owner

Williams features, including lush landscaping, vaulted ceilings, and an exquisite curved MODERNHB.COM

27

BURKENTINE REAL ESTATE GROUP

Creating

Meaningful Spaces From land development and construction to property management: an all-in solution to meet America’s skyrocketing housing demand

The Burkentine brothers

C

onnecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida – these are the new markets that Burkentine Real Estate Group has entered into the last few years. Since then, the company has experienced

strong, exponential growth, and has opened a new ‘Build for Rent’ division.

As a result, company holdings are up 360 percent and the rate of delivery for construction projects is rising. Currently, Burkentine builds and delivers approximately 1000 homes per year – and that is not fixed. The company intends to grow that figure to 3000, cementing itself as one of the top builders in the US. In fact, Burkentine has already been recognized by the

30

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prides itself on being vertically integrated; that is, Burkentine manages everything – from start to finish – in-house, including land acquisition and development, entitlements, horizontal and vertical construction, property management, servicing and warranty, and asset management.

More recently, Burkentine designed and built a new, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters. However, with the current rate of progress, the firm is already outgrowing it.

Indeed, an employee base of 47 in 2020 has leaped to nearly 180 as of September this year, and new hires are still joining. This number is projected to approach 200 employees by the end of 2022.

Currently, Burkentine is overseeing and spearheading projects in Granby, Connecticut, and North Carolina. “We realized the market was trending primarily toward rentals instead of traditional fee- based for-sale homes,” explains Bryan Burkentine, owner at Burkentine. “Therefore, we took this renowned real estate consultant John Burns,

Burkentine says. Burkentine also builds single

opportunity to expand upon our existing

who listed the firm as one of the Top 200

family detached homes and single family

apartment and townhouse portfolio. Not only

Companies Revolutionizing Housing.

attached homes for the new home buyer

was this appealing due to current market

marketplace. For Burkentine, the goal is to

trends, but also for building our legacy

townhouses, garden style homes, or elevator

provide high-quality homes with best-in-class

portfolio, which we will keep and maintain for

apartments – all of which remain Burkentine’s

amenities for individuals and families that need

future generations.

core market. The Company also has a ‘For

space and flexibility to live the way they want.

The majority of these homes are rental

Sale’ division that builds projects for investors

“With the high cost of living in prominent

Another aspect of the actively growing

cities, we have expanded our footprint to

to purchase. “We typically build and hold

business is Burkentine’s current 15,000-unit-

new locations and are looking to develop

our properties, but we do have a division

strong rental pipeline, which is managed as

core communities in secondary and tertiary

that builds and sells properties as well, this

part of the Burkentine Properties Group. As

markets,” he goes on. “We are investigating

keeps us diversified as a company” Michael

a multifaceted organization, the firm also

areas with convenient highway access, which MODERNHB.COM

31

BURKENTINE REAL ESTATE GROUP

is a priority for individuals that must commute

Next year, the business plans to focus on

to work in a higher-cost area. For example, one

many key projects that are currently under

is able to make decisions quickly, remaining

of our current projects is a 20-minute drive

consideration in Pennsylvania, Maryland,

nimble and agile even when the market

from Raleigh, North Carolina. Another one is

Delaware, Connecticut, South Carolina, North

changes – and no time in recent history

a short commute from Hartford, Connecticut,

Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee

required commercial flexibility as much as

and near to the Massachusetts border. Going

and Colorado. Recently, moreover, Burkentine

the pandemic. “We stayed strong throughout

forward, we are excited to see this portion of

has added a new COO and CFO to help steer

the Covid-19 crisis thanks to the diversity

the company continue to expand.”

the company and encourage further growth.

of our products,” comments Bryan. “When

Bryan’s parents, Paul and Rajean Burkentine,

32

“We make it a point to foster an atmosphere

As a privately held company, Burkentine

interest rates began to rise, the rental market

founded the company in 1989 and worked

of creativity,” says Bryce Burkentine. “Every

became even stronger, and demand increased

hard to continue the legacy through the

member of the team is encouraged to share

significantly. Fortunately, we were ready to

markets peaks and valleys. With Bryan,

ideas and concepts as we all have a different

take that opportunity since we already had

brothers Michael and Bryce are co-owners

understanding of what home should look and

rental units in the project pipeline.

of the family-run business, and this second

feel like. We would not be where we are today

generation is committed to not only

without our amazing team of people and

pandemic were rising costs and supply

maintaining but also growing a strong

partners, all of whom remain committed to

chain problems,” he reflects. “Our vendors

pipeline of projects and continuing the legacy.

our continued success.”

and partners worked incredibly hard to stay

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“The two main challenges during the

Within the next five years, we will have 5,000 residential rental units managed by our own property management company. We will also have tens of thousands more units in all stages of the pipeline. Our mission is to make meaningful spaces for families and communities so that they can live differently, and we will accomplish that with well-built homes and wellthought-out planning

six months. According to Michael, the strong demand for housing in the US has buoyed the entire industry. In response, the company plans to scale in an attempt to fulfil the housing needs of the nation by expanding into new markets and serving communities that require high-quality housing.

“Though we are inspired by many other builders, we always look to separate ourselves from industry competitors and offer spaces that are built for families to function while, at the same time, maintaining quality and aesthetics,” explains Michael. “We look to lead the market in terms of innovation; for example, we adopted

ahead of shortages and provide strategic

out to be recognized,” Josh adds. “One

a major company initiative to bring Electric

recommendations for purchasing when

example would be our Sadie Oaks townhouse

Vehicle (EV) charging to all our new builds. Each

products hit more reasonable price points.

community in Raleigh, North Carolina, where

new rental townhouse includes an outlet in

These challenges pushed certain project

competition in design is very steep. As such,

the garage for charging, and the apartments

timelines, but the market is gaining traction

we are designing a modern, all-white façade

will receive dedicated EV parking spaces. It has

back to having more normal stability like we

with black windows; exteriors will include

added costs to our community buildouts, but

are used to.”

rustic wood accents. There are many obstacles

we must prepare for the future and the coming

to developments of this kind. However, we

EV revolution.

Indeed, Burkentine is committed to staying ahead of market trends and on top

overcome them by working with the towns

of economic downturns. Over the years, its

we build in to accommodate what is needed,

finalizing our strategic plans and budgets,” he

business model has shifted from building and

and then subsequently plan for that need.”

concludes. “By the year 2025, we will have over

selling homes to a high-quality rental model

Throughout it all – the rapid growth and

“People of all ages, specifically younger

“Currently, we are gearing up for 2023 and

5,000 stabilized residential rental units managed

the continued exploration of new and diverse

by our own property management company

people, no longer seem to want the

market interests – the team at Burkentine is

with thousands more by 2032. Our mission is

maintenance or commitment of owning a

able to find new ways of staying motivated

to create meaningful spaces for families and

home,” asserts Bryce Burkentine. “Instead, they

and connected. “Though we are growing,

communities so that they can live differently,

are opting for rental homes that allow for a

the company still maintains a family feel

and we will accomplish that with well-built

more turnkey lifestyle. We have also noticed

between our corporate headquarters and

homes and well-thought-out planning.” F

that millennials, many of whom now work

field teams,” details Michael

from home, also desire a flexible lifestyle rather

Burkentine. “Often, you will find us

than being locked into a specific location for

hosting company and family events

years. They are also looking for key amenities:

to help keep the team engaged.”

pools, dog parks, gyms, and clubhouses.

“Rental projects will stand the test of

“Sharing our growth plans and potential business opportunities

time and volatility in the market,” he

with our team keeps them excited

continues. “Much of the inspiration for these

to come in and work hard each day,”

projects comes from market hubs such as

he adds. “Moreover, our relationships

Nashville, Denver, and Raleigh, which provide

with suppliers and vendors also

on-trend design and amenities for the

remain critical to our ongoing

younger generation.”

success. Put simply, we would

Keen to add to the discussion of current

not have persevered through the

projects is Josh Fry, Director of Construction

pandemic without them! Working

at Burkentine. “We are land planning with the

as a team has been key to our

concept of working-from-home in mind,” he

success – and we thank our suppliers for their

reveals. “Therefore, in line with that, we are

consistent hard work and dedication to our

looking at multiuse buildings for working,

business.”

shopping, and eating that also benefit from

As mentioned previously, the pipeline at

having good walkability to nearby amenities.

Burkentine is looking extremely healthy. Many

“We use best practices in design and architecture to fit the market, but also stand

new projects are already breaking ground, and

Burkentine Real Estate Group https://burkentine.com Services: Home building and property management

even more are being considered for the next MODERNHB.COM

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SUPPLE HOMES

Design credit: Fiorella Design and photography Joy Coakley

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MODERNHB.COM

Process focused

After launching 17 years ago as a standalone kitchen and bathroom remodeler, Supple Homes has widened its scope, and is now masterminding some of the most impressive new homes on the San Francisco Peninsula

MODERNHB.COM

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SUPPLE HOMES

S

ean Supple, President of Supple

clients that we have the capability for new

Homes, first launched the company

construction. Then, one of the challenges

8000-square-foot home next month in Los

back in 2005. At the time, he was

was to complete a basement job, which is

Altos Hills,” he continues. “That home will be

the only employee of the small

a popular choice for clients in the Bay area,

built in a more traditional style, and will feature

kitchen and bathroom remodeler, working

where there are zoning restrictions limiting

an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with its own

in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula.

how high you can build. Now, approximately

separate pool, which is an increasingly popular

Over time, however, and after a number of

half of the homes we build include

choice among our clients. It will be complete

successful jobs, the workload increased, and

basements.”

with steel windows and a stone exterior

more employees arrived. Now with a nine-

Supple Homes now has a total of six

façade. We’re working with an architect based

strong workforce, the company has since

homes under way, five of which are new

out of Alabama, which partly explains why it’s

diversified its work, shifting its emphasis from

builds, with the exception of a 9000-square-

set to vary quite substantially from a lot of the

remodels to the construction of new, high-

foot remodel. The company is also gearing

projects we undertake.”

end homes.

up to begin work on its largest ever home,

Reflecting on the company’s rapid rise,

a 14,000-square-foot property, including a

Sean highlights what he calls Supple Home’s

past clients, their friends and family, or from

5000-square-foot basement. “The property

“process-focused” nature. “We work very hard

architects and designers with whom we’ve

is located in Atherton, which is by some

behind the scenes to develop a standardized

worked,” Sean explains, when speaking to

standards the most expensive town in the US,”

set of operations, in order to maximize

Modern Home Builders. “Through that, we’ve

Sean goes on. “We’re doing it with a clay tile

customer experience, whoever we’re working

moved up the food chain. When we got our

roof, arches, and other Mediterranean-inspired

with,” he insists. “Added to that, we have three

first new house, it showed other potential

features.

primary core values. The first, is to enjoy the

“We primarily work by referrals, either from

Design credit: Fiorella Design and photography Joy Coakley

36

“We’re also getting ready to start a new

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Design credit: Fiorella Design and photography Joy Coakley

process. We like to have fun internally as a

give is going to be realistic, and it’s not going

The company’s second value is “no hidden

company, and we want our clients to take

to change once we have our foot in the door.

agenda.” As Sean indicates: “We’re completely

satisfaction from having their home being

Then, it’s about communication. We’ll put

transparent with our clients about our own

built.

together a comprehensive schedule of when

costs, and have no problem sharing that

certain steps are going to happen, when

information. We’re not interested in pulling

proper set of expectations right from the

decisions need to be made, and then we’ll

the wool over someone’s eyes, and we’re not

beginning,” Sean explains. “The budget we

follow through.”

trying to make a few extra bucks here and

“To achieve that, we like to establish a

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MODERNHB.COM

there. Instead, we want to build a partnership

are decided by

with our clients.

people voting for us.

“Our final core value is hunger to evolve,” he

It helps introduce

says. “We love to learn, and we’re always trying

an even greater

to get better, be that through reading up on

audience to the

the latest methods, or attending trade shows.

work we’re doing.

As we speak, we’ve just sent our Project

On the other hand,

Manager and Marketing Director down to San

it also gives us the

Diego for a retreat put on by tile manufacturer

comfort to be able

Schluter. There, we’ll be able to learn more

to pick and choose

about their processes.”

our clients. The fact is that we’re not

Award-winning design

the right partner

The hard work is reaping rewards. In 2021,

for everybody. It’s

Supple Homes secured a total of three awards

important for us to try and find the best fit,

2021, although it was also our best from a

from the Mercury News, including ‘Best New

and we’ve been lucky for the most part to be

revenue standpoint,” Sean recalls. “Where lead

Home Builder in Silicon Valley’, ‘Best New

able to achieve that.”

times typically stood at five weeks, all of a

Kitchen Remodeler in Silicon Valley’, and

Despite this burgeoning reputation, it’s

sudden, they’d jump to 12, and then a week

‘Best New Bathroom Remodeler in Silicon

been a difficult few years for Supple Homes,

later, when we went to order, they’d be at 15.

Valley’. The company followed that up this

as the company – like everyone – has had to

Those times were always evolving, so it made

year, winning ‘Custom Home Builder of the

grapple with the difficulties brought on in the

scheduling extremely tricky. Now, we’re more

Year 2022’ at the Global 100 Awards. “The

wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Probably

familiar with the situation. We know that we

recognition is great,” Sean reflects. “The awards

our trickiest year in terms of operations was

need to order windows around 20 weeks in

MODERNHB.COM

39

SUPPLE HOMES Both images design credit: Fiorella Design and photography Joy Coakley

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MODERNHB.COM

advance. At the same time, labor shortages have proved tough, and made it difficult to find subcontractors when we need them.

“From a pricing standpoint, we’ve seen the cost of raw materials escalating on an unprecedented scale,” he continues. “Whereas manufacturers might previously have introduced a single five percent price increase over the course of a year, they’re now bringing in multiple hikes to prices, often of around 12 percent, but in some cases up to around 30 percent, as we experienced in 2021.”

As Sean suggests, it’s not always easy for the company to navigate these increasing costs, particularly when it comes to satisfaction.

“Naturally, it poses a real problem for client relations,” he confirms. “We can bid on projects

To do that, we need the right people in the

up to a year in advance, and those projects

right positions. We already have excellent

can then take up to 18 months to reach

longevity; our Director of Construction has

the build phase. Although the scope of the

been with us for 15 years, and our Office

project might not change within that window,

Manager has been here for 11. Without them,

the cost may soar. This isn’t a secret, and it’s

and the rest of our team, we don’t have a

been well publicized, but we then still have

company.” F

Supple Homes www.supplehomesinc.com Instagram: @supplehomes Services: Remodeling and new home construction

to go to the homeowner and initiate what is a very difficult conversation, while also not being able to do much about it ourselves.”

Achieving ambitions Moving forward, the focus for Supple Homes is on capitalizing on the high demand for its services. “We’re bidding and estimating on new business like crazy!” Sean reveals. “While that’s the case, we’ve also recently had to turn down a very exciting remodeling project, simply because we didn’t have the capacity.

That was disappointing. However, we’re hoping to hire another project manager or two to help manage that workload, because everyone is so busy at the moment.

“From what we can see, there’s no slowdown in our little bubble,” he concludes.

“Over the next few years, I see us continuing to grow responsibly. I don’t want to have 25 employees overnight, and suddenly become a massive company. However, I expect we’ll continue to move up in our scope and ambition, securing more higher-end work, and fewer, but larger projects. At the same time, I’d like to see us continue to dial-in our processes, with the view to getting the business in a position where I feel able to step aside from the day-to-day. Although I love being a part of the business, we’re not going to reach our full potential unless that happens.

MODERNHB.COM

41

MELDE CONSTRUCTION

More than just a building

In the competitive Austin market, Melde Construction is determined to stand out from the crowd by redefining what it means to be a modern home builder

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MODERNHB.COM

M

elde Construction (Melde) is owned by President and CEO, Bernie Calcote, and his wife, Leslie. The couple bought

the company in 2016 from Leon Melde, who founded the Austin-based business in the early 1980s. First working out of the back of a pickup truck, Leon witnessed Melde transform from a mom-and-pop kind of contractor into a multimillion-dollar corporation under the leadership of its new owners.

Bernie did, too. From 2008 to until 2016, he worked his way through the ranks. First as a helper right at the bottom of the pecking order.

He then trained as a carpenter. Years later, he was promoted from the project management side of operations and became the company’s General Manager.

When retirement was approaching, Leon knew there was a clear frontrunner to take over the business. He was a close friend. His name was Bernie Calcote.

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43

MELDE CONSTRUCTION “We collaborate with like-minded clients, design teams, and trade partners in the construction of unique spaces,” begins Bernie, eager to inform us about the company he has been a part of – in various capacities – for over 15 years. “Primarily operating in the residential sector, our focus is single family homes and high-rise work, particularly when a client has purchased a unit and wants it completely overhauled.

Ultimately, however, we specialize in designdriven work. Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and there are a lot of brilliant architects and builders working here.

“The thing that helps set Melde apart from the competition, then, is its culture,” he goes on.

“More than anything else, we invest in people.

We put others first. We behave with curiosity, diligence, and confidence. This is our mission: we exist to improve people’s lives – that sentence was running through my mind when I acquired the company in 2016. If I was going to lead this thing, then my own personal beliefs were going to spill over into what it would become. Then, over the years, it just came down to drawing people in that also believed in that mission. Once you get a critical mass of individuals that are really focused on others, you can go out into the world as a functioning business and find new ways of serving and supporting people. It sounds like the simplest tool in the box but, unfortunately, we just do not see it used a lot; turnover at other firms is rife. We see people worried about the bottom line – but when that is your focus, you lose sight of the mission: the people.

Unique spaces One successful project born out of that mission was the Inverse House: a staggering, multi-floor home that challenges traditional ideas about what a domestic space looks like. Sleek lines, industrial features, and giant glass windows create an open and inviting atmosphere that couples aesthetic freedom and practical functionality.

“The house is beautiful,” reflects Bernie, not quite able to hide his smile. “It was a tough site to work on – the building backs up onto the 14th hole of the Austin Country Club’s golf course! So, we had to circumnavigate a lot of restrictions throughout the remodeling process. It was a dramatic transformation; we took on something that was very dated and poorly lit and turned it into something truly ground-breaking. Kellen Hood, who managed the project, deserves a ton of credit. As do our wonderful clients, Chris

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MODERNHB.COM

and Leah Petri; they chose to work with MF Architecture and Lindsey Hanna Design, and trusted us in pulling it all together. This was truly a great team of thoughtful collaborators.

“As images of the house attest, the result was nothing short of spectacular,” he states.

“You will see that, unlike a conventional home, the Inverse House gets its name from the fact that its living spaces are located on the top floor and its private bedrooms are on the bottom floor. As the house is sat on a sloping lot and spills out onto this beautiful view of the golf course, Matt Fajkus, AIA and Sarah

Modern design and architecture keep elevating in Austin. The level of detail and the creativity being put out by these design firms is pushing us as builders to raise our game in every way. We need to increase our integration of technology. This is the next frontier in the residential building process and I want to put Melde at the forefront

Johnson, AIA, principals at MF Architecture decided to embrace these external factors,

the company aims to build an experience

community that looks after and supports one

making the front door the back door and

and a journey – a new life, so to speak, for its

another like this. We all want the best for each

vice versa. Everything was turned around and

clients. The key to achieving that? Once again,

other; we all want to achieve success. In doing

flipped upside down; it is a truly unique and

we return to people.

that, we can channel our collective energy and

inspiring home.”

“The success of the Inverse House all comes

create incredible buildings and experiences for

However, drawing once more on his robust

down to our team – 100 percent,” asserts

people we truly care about: our clients. Having

mission statement, Bernie is also keen to point

Bernie. “On all of our projects, the Melde

started at the bottom, I also take special interest

out that Melde is not principally concerned

team rallies together. Naturally, we have our

in making sure our Trade Partners, the ones on

with the creation of stunning buildings. Rather,

own lanes; however, I have never been in a

jobsites that can sometimes be overlooked

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45

MELDE CONSTRUCTION

or undervalued, always feel cared for and supported. An essential part of that support system is Nick Bell, COO at Melde, who not only makes sure everyone is happy, but also that they have the adequate challenges in their work to foster continuous personal and professional growth. When CFO, Jess Watson, arrived at Melde in 2017, she took our entire back of house systems to new levels. There is great chemistry in the c-suite here and by elevating each other, then, we are ultimately elevating the product we are putting out and experience of everyone involved.”

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MODERNHB.COM

ground helping the children first-hand,

and creating first-class products. To that

what we can do is use our skills and support

end, we have partnered with an innovative

the organization by giving them resources

technology company to start establishing

and building parts of the facility that will

an infrastructure for what the construction

help bring kids together – spaces where

experience can be like, and how we can use

emotional courage can be built and good

data and analytics to really see what a project

times can be had. We are, in that sense,

is going to look like in terms of cost and time

helping to foster confidence that helps these

– way ahead of the actual start date. As a team,

children step back into the world and reach

we are getting stronger and stronger; that

their potential.”

allows us to dream and build on our vision.”

As has been made evident, there is a

Changing lives

Though he acknowledges this is all

lot going on behind the scenes at Melde;

incredibly motivating, Bernie cannot help

the company takes a holistic approach to

but reaffirm Melde’s mission to offer more

construction and the way in which buildings

than just a building, with a closing remark

can change lives, and that means it is looking

that aptly summarizes this forward-thinking

forward to satisfying more clients and charities

company: “Honestly, the thing I am most

with a busy pipeline. Currently, the Austin-

looking forward to in the coming year is our

based firm is set to start three new projects

first annual company-wide retreat. The whole

with top Austin architecture firms, and Bernie

team is going out to Horseshoe Bay Resort in

promises us they are going to impress.

Texas; we want to give people the space they

“Modern design and architecture keep

need to disconnect in this always-moving,

Another way Melde seeks to elevate those

elevating in Austin,” he reflects. “The level of

hyperconnected world. We believe in the

around it is through practicing good corporate

detail and the creativity being put out by

solitude and stillness lies the answer. That is,

social responsibility. In particular, the company

these design firms is pushing us as builders

if we are bold enough to sit in it and ask the

works closely with Austin Sunshine Camps, a

to raise our game in every way. We need

questions. I cannot wait.” F

local charity that offers children from lower

to increase our integration of technology.

socio-economic backgrounds the magic of an

This is the next frontier in the residential

overnight camping experience without the

building process and I want to put Melde

barrier of cost.

at the forefront. We are dedicated to being

“Austin Sunshine Camps offers these kids a unique form of education and the

perpetually relevant.

“The times are changing – and expectations

opportunity to build relationships,” details

are too,” admits Bernie. “Therefore, we must

Bernie. “Though we cannot be on the

stay up-to-date by executing best practices

Melde Construction www.meldeconstruction.com Services: Construction firm and home builder

MODERNHB.COM

47

JENNIFER GILMER KITCHEN & BATH

Holistic design Award-winning designer Jennifer Gilmer reveals her most memorable projects

T

48

his year will mark 25 years of

National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2009

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath

Pinnacle of Design Award. Since then, the

some of the challenges in her 25 years in

(Gilmer Kitchens). Launched in

company has cemented its reputation for

business. “It’s hard to find the right mix of

1997, things started off with a

innovative, high-end, luxurious kitchen and

people, with the ability and talent,” she insists.

boom for Jennifer and the company, as an

bath designs, delivering the highest quality

“It took us around 15 years to arrive at a solid

unrivalled portfolio of work saw her sweep

and exceptional service, opening a total of

core of staff, all of whom are dedicated to the

a host of awards at ceremonies across the

three showrooms since 2017 across Maryland

business and share a single mindset about

industry, culminating in the receipt of the

and Virginia.

the importance of maintaining customer

MODERNHB.COM

Reflecting on her journey, Jennifer notes

service. Over the years, we’ve also gradually

backsplash tiling, plumbing fixtures, and more.

help bring their ideas to life. We’ll then move

improved our operations, which helped

“We offer our clients a complimentary initial

through the design process, pricing everything

to increase revenue, that has then been

consultation to discuss the design, from which

up, recommending a contractor, and then we’ll

reinvested back into the company effectively.”

we’ll provide a rough estimate of the project’s

get to work. As part of our service, we make

cost,” Jennifer explains. “It’s an opportunity

sure to be involved in the whole process from

Stylish solutions

for us to show them what we are capable

start to finish.”

Today, Gilmer Kitchens offers a range of interior

of, and how we’ll listen to their needs, and

products, including cabinets, countertops,

they can decide whether we’ll be the ones to

By investing in new showrooms, Gilmer Kitchens is defying a trend among many MODERNHB.COM

49

JENNIFER GILMER KITCHEN & BATH within the industry to digitize operations, as technological improvements have encouraged the use of virtual showrooms. But for Jennifer, the lure of a bricks-and-mortar store is far from dead. “People want to actually touch and feel and get a sense of what we can do for them,” she insists. “They need to feel good energy from us, and the showroom is the way to convey that.

“When we design a showroom, we start

We’re now focusing on remodeling the whole north showroom, investing some of the money we’ve made during a really successful year.

The design process is expected to take a good three-to-six months, with a similar time frame for the project installation

from the front and work our way back,” she continues. “We want to give our customers a holistic view, so all our displays are complete

with a strange shape. Previous companies

from the back wall which also had a bump out

with their own flooring, and the relevant

had switched out the cabinets, but they’d

which presented a challenge. The solution

appliances. In the example of our Chevvy

failed to address those fundamental issues.

was to place their refrigerator, freezer, ovens

Chase showroom, we’ve divided it into two:

When she came to me, I pointed out that by

and pantry on this wall, cladding them with

a north showroom dedicated to modern

removing a single load bearing wall, it would

door panels, so that they weren’t obvious if you

and contemporary design, and a south

transform the space. Although the expense

weren’t familiar with the kitchen. Accordingly,

showroom with a more traditional décor.

would be somewhat significant, the benefit

the appliances and pantry doors all opened to

Although it goes without saying, keeping all

would well outweigh the cost, and it would

touch; which eliminated any visible handles.

our showrooms updated is critical, as is being

help realize her dream kitchen. Once we

On top of that, we added a number of

friendly to everyone who walks through the

found that the wall could in fact be removed,

Japanese touches to the design to mirror the

door!”

I worked on the design. The result was

artefacts they had throughout their home. In

incomparable, and it really suited the client,

all, the project turned out really well.”

Asked to reflect on some of her standout projects over the years, two spring to mind

who entertains a lot, and now has a lovely

for Jennifer. “I once had a woman come to

kitchen in which to do so.

me who had been to two other companies,

“I also carried out a really unique project for

Business is booming The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in

and who had hired a design and build firm

a client who wanted to merge a set of two

early 2020 brought about a worrying time

on retainer, but wasn’t satisfied with the work

condos,” she states. “The client was a collector

for many throughout the homebuilding

they’d produced,” she reveals. “She had a very

of Japanese artefacts and other museum and

industry, including Gilmer Kitchens. While

unusual kitchen, split into a back kitchen and

gallery pieces, and they wanted their kitchen

office work moved online, the bulk of new

a front kitchen. It was an awkward space,

to tap into this passion. A door was removed

business temporarily ground to a halt,

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Most customers have spent several years with free daily ‘brown box’ deliveries, and that has significantly influenced their expectations of deliveries of every type. It’s not easy to get a 500-pound refrigerator into a second-floor walk-up, or across a covered bridge, or onto a ferry, but we do it every day.

We are a digital-first company, launching the very first appliance website. We use technology to make shopping for appliances, managing your account, and the delivery process easier. According to Newsweek magazine, our website is the number one online destination for appliance shopping, and has more than 3,000,000 customers nationwide with more than 1,000,000 appliance product reviews. AjMadison.com has the most extensive spec database in the industry, and more than 50,000 appliance options.

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JENNIFER GILMER KITCHEN & BATH

hampered by concerns around the need for

people are still working at home. Each

the time to start the process,” she continues.

social distancing and other unprecedented

designer has a floor day, where they’ll come in

“As a result, we were really busy, to the point

health and safety measures. Soon, however,

along with their design assistant.

where 2021 ended up being our best ever

operations picked back up. “We got really

52

“Because people were spending more

year, despite the challenges we began to

comfortable working via Zoom, and suddenly

time at home, they became more and

experience with mounting delays in acquiring

found ourselves in a ton of online meetings

more invested in wanting to improve their

appliances and cabinetry. At one point, we

with clients,” Jennifer tells us. “To this day,

kitchen or their bathroom, and finally had

had a line of cabinetry that wasn’t available

MODERNHB.COM

for a year. We also took the decision to begin

from junior to fully-fledged designer,” she

the project installation. We’ll also continue to

referring customers to external appliance

points out. “Accordingly, you have to get them

work on our social media marketing, trying to

dealers, because they became too much of a

trained early. Over the next three-to-five years,

bring a fresh approach to a new generation of

distraction for little financial reward.”

I need to make sure we have enough staff to

customers.” F

continue operating our three showrooms.

Talent spotting

“We’re now focusing on remodeling the

Among a number of ideas to manage the

whole north showroom, investing some

influx of new business, Jennifer toyed with the

of the money we’ve made during a really

possibility of expanding her design team. She

successful year,” Jennifer goes on. “The design

opted against it, however, realizing that the

process is expected to take a good three-

flow of business would most likely soon slow

to-six months, with a similar time frame for

Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath www.gilmerkitchens.com Services: Kitchen and bath design

down to a more normal pace. Looking back, she believes it was a decision that she got right. “Our customers were getting impatient, and our design team became worried as the volume of work continued to pile up,” she reflects. “But if people were willing to wait up to a year for their appliances, I knew they’d wait for us to have time to give focus to their projects. At our first consultation, we would begin by “wow-ing” them, knowing that this would make them okay with having to wait to start their project. We’d then explain that we were inundated with work so they’d need to wait until we could focus on their project and wait they did!

“The other risk that I very much wanted to avoid was hiring a new designer who, when our business eventually slowed, would be surplus to requirements,” she continues. “In all, I think it’s worked out well. As we go on, the issues around delays are beginning to fade, and products are becoming increasingly available. We were waiting 12 months for our cabinets, now we’re waiting four to six months, which is a welcome improvement!”

After a successful 25 years at the helm, Jennifer is now turning her mind to the next chapter, and the future of the business in the decades ahead. She believes the key to this is a continued focus on talent recruitment. “It takes a good five years for people to progress MODERNHB.COM

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KIRBY PERKINS

Buildings

that last a lifetime 54

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In the cat-and-mouse construction game, companies need strong differentiators to set themselves apart – this Rhode Island-based firm might just have the answer

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KIRBY PERKINS

K

irby Perkins Construction (Kirby

With an initial eight employees, the

employees than we do. However, we carry

Perkins) was founded by two men:

company slowly began to grow. Fast forward

out work ourselves with our own people

Jerry Kirby and Tom Perkins. The

to today, and Kirby Perkins now employs

because that means we can control both

former began working in the trade

around 130 people and several subcontractors

quality and scheduling.

during the summers of his youth, restoring

for the carpentry and labor side of the

historic houses in Newport when he had

business.

some free time. Though construction and

“Most of our subcontractors, for instance, have been with us for more than two decades

As for the services carried out by that

and are probably the best in the business,”

creating beauty with materials like brick and

impressive team, the list is extensive: from

he goes on. “We do not shop around very

timber was important to Jerry, he had other

historic renovations and furniture repairs

much. Instead, we simply hire the best to do

things occupying his time. For instance, after

to custom home construction and interior

the best job. We are very hands on with our

restoring Captain Samuel Sears’ home in

design – the company, it seems, always has

clients. Jerry and I are both involved in each

Cape Cod, MA, he moved to California and

the customer covered.

project, and we have a high-quality team of

built ‘Eagle.’

‘Eagle’ was not a house, but rather a

“We frame, finish, paint, and conduct some

project managers who can take on any job

of our own structural steel erection to a

and run with it as if it were their own. That is

12-meter sailboat that Jerry planned to

certain extent,” begins Tom. “We also have our

really important for us, and the clients agree.

compete with in the 1987 America’s Cup.

own mill shop that makes windows, doors,

They get the best customer service, and we

As a professional sailor, though, Jerry was

cabinets, and moldings, supplying most of

guarantee our workmanship for the life of the

determined to apply the rigor and discipline

the case work to the jobs that we perform.

building.”

of his sport to the construction trade.

As a company, that range of services – as well

Therefore, following the competition, he

as the people we have carrying them out –

Combining the old with the new

partnered up with his brother-in-law, Tom

really helps us to stand out from competitors.

More than 30 years after Jerry and Tom

Perkins, in 1995 to launch the company we

In fact, most contractors today subcontract

decided to launch the company that bears

know today: Kirby Perkins.

a lot of work and therefore have far fewer

their names, at least 500 projects have been completed and the construction firm has gone on to restore some of the country’s most significant buildings.

On that topic, Tom breaks down the various obstacles involved with historic renovations.

“To begin with, the biggest challenge is saving as much as you can of the original fabric of the building,” he explains. “A lot of the time, people will look at something and assume that it just cannot be saved. Instead of repairing the object or part of the building in question, they will throw it out and make a new one. Whereas, with the right talent and knowledge of how things were put together in the past, you really can salvage those small parts of history.

“Our painters are very well versed in restoring original finishes,” Tom continues.

“They understand that, back in the 1880s, homes in the area of Newport were actually glazed with varnishes in a similar way to horse carriages. Knowing these details means our team is incredibly good at recreating the original look of buildings and blending that into what has remained over time. Coupled with craftmanship, a deep knowledge of the construction trade and the history of each building we work on really gives us a leg up on the competition.”

As evidence of that, for its ‘Midcliff’ project, Kirby Perkins recently won the Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award, which

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encourages excellence in historic preservation

the company restore a Queen Anne Victorian-

custom home building. Talking us through

within Newport and across Aquidneck Island.

style home by utilizing historic photographs

one recent example is Project Manager Maxx

The award recognizes exemplary preservation

from the Newport Historical Society and the

Heerlein: “We began construction on what we

projects and acknowledges individuals or

Newport Preservation Society to emulate the

call the ‘Bristol Harbor Project’ in 2019, which is a

companies that have carried out important

original moldings of the building.

new 17,000-square-foot custom home located

contributions to the preservation of the local built environment. The ‘Midcliff’ project saw

However, as previously mentioned, Kirby Perkins also specializes in contemporary

in Rhode Island. Architecturally, it is unlike any other building around; the combination of

T H E U LTI M AT E DE SIGN

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KIRBY PERKINS

stone and veneer siding, plus slate roof and

was really important for the client; though

generations – and we are proud to have been

metal windows, makes it look truly unique.

a mansion is a beautiful thing, it can be a

a part of it.

real burden in terms of constant upkeep.

“We joined at the pre-construction stage

A legacy project

The house is going to stand the test of time

while the architect was still designing the

“We did not use any materials on the

and require very minimal exterior or interior

home,” Maxx adds. “As a result, we could

building that can rot or degrade,” he goes

support in the future since we built it with

influence the drawings in order to help the

on. “Therefore, we often refer to it as the

the highest available means of technology

construction timeline as far as practices

‘1000-Year House.’ In partnership with the

and building science, including vapor barrier

and means of structure are concerned. In

architects, we created a building that is

wall construction and insulation. It is a true

turn, the project ran a little smoother once

going to be super low maintenance. That

legacy project that can be handed down for

construction began. So, from the beginning we had a really good idea of what exactly we wanted to do for the client. Ultimately, we want to create the best possible product, so we did have an aggressive schedule to meet – and we met it. The structure of the home was completed in just 22 months, and the clients moved in from the beginning of construction. In the last year, we finished the landscaping and hardscaping; it was a major feat, and everyone gave it their all.”

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For Tom, that final point is essential. He

1880s, you can see somebody – an expert

quickly picks up on why people underscore

tradesperson from the 19th century – has

every award and success story that the

written their name and the date they worked

company has garnered. “People are everything

on the house under, say, the beautiful interior

at Kirby Perkins,” he reflects. “Over the years,

staircase. Carpenters at Kirby Perkins do the

we have had a number of father-and-son

same. One day – maybe 100 years from now

teams, and some of those fathers’ fathers also

– someone else will find it and admire the

worked as carpenters in the New England area;

work our team carried out. At the end of the

it really has a wealth of talent in the trades. I

day, that is what it is all about: working on

would say it is probably the last large area of

buildings that last a lifetime.” F

Kirby Perkins www.kirbyperkins.com Services: Construction company and custom home builder

the US that still has some skilled plasterers!

Saying that, the copper work here is also outstanding; we are truly lucky that so many expert craftspeople are nearby and want to work with us. Therefore, we always treat them as best we can.

“Our employees show pride in their work, and they value the platform we give them to show it off,” he concludes. “For instance, when we are going through a house from the

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59

OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES

Creating

tangible value

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Following a recent expansion, Old World Custom Homes is putting creativity and a passion for people first to set itself apart from the competition

E

stablished in 2009, Old World Custom Homes (Old World) has mainly operated out of North Canton to serve the northeastern Ohio region; however, recently, it has blazed new trails in the Columbus market. Talking through that

expansion and business transition with Modern Home Builders, Old World is keen to offer an insight into the inner workings and methodology of its truly unique operation.

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OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES “We are exceedingly fortunate,” begins Jim Yezbak, Partner at Old World. “Expanding to

unparalleled experience to our customers.”

“We have a strong backlog of work now in

take ownership of their entire home. Going through the design process is very scary for

a different location or region is always scary,

Columbus, which is really encouraging,” he

people, but our experience and creativity

particularly given what we’ve gone through

adds. “We offer a true custom build process.

allow us to be that guiding hand that makes

over the past few years, but when you have

Everything we do is bespoke and designed in-

the process so much more approachable.”

the right people in place, it makes the risk

house. April leads the charge on designing a

of expansion much more palatable. Our

beautiful floorplan while our interior designers

A custom approach

executive team down here (Kevin and April)

help ensure a client’s vision for that design

Modern, European, farmhouse, and traditional

shares the same passion for providing an

becomes a reality. It really allows people to

– Old World tailors its approach to the individual and their own needs. From custom architectural plans to handmade Amish

The fun thing about being a custom home builder is that we do not just offer three lighting fixtures and four flooring samples.

Instead, we visit a flooring store and work with the client to find what they want – we always look to add value. People are going to love it and live in it – hopefully forever

cabinets, Old World’s team and their skill sets mean customers can rest assured throughout what may otherwise be a fairly daunting process.

However, it is no secret that there are many home builders operating across Ohio.

It is also no secret that many of those home builders create quality houses. So what sets Old World apart?

“To a certain degree, our custom approach to each and every client sets us apart from the competition,” answers April Small,

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Architectural Designer at Old World. “Each

it easy so we have picked everything out for

While the team at Old World can clearly

client that comes to us has a different

you.’ Instead, our role is to hear what people

define what makes the company stand out,

set of needs and wants, and taking that

want – not to tell them. For me, that is our

they pause to think as we ask about projects

consultative approach uniquely allows me

biggest differentiator; we strive to capture

that are particularly memorable.

to align that with any budgetary restrictions.

what people find value in and work on that.

It’s all about setting our clients up for success

“Everybody attaches value to different

throughout the process.”

“Too many stand out!” laughs Jim. “Each project, at any scale, brings its own

rooms in a house,” Kevin continues. “It

uniqueness. The budget-conscious client is

enables them to create value in their own

just as fun and challenging as the high-end

a couple of walls around, and call it a day,”

lives. As a result, we do some really creative

client that wants to build a huge home

she says. “But we do not do that. We want

things to acknowledge and capture that

and allows us to really pull out all the stops.

to take our clients through that design and

– not just because we are creative people,

Everything has its own little niche. I think,

build process, help them to understand how

but because we work in this way to better

honestly, every single project has some small

different volumes of spaces interact with other

understand the client. That is what people

detail or feature that we try and include just

aspects of their design, what the intention is of

point to first in their feedback.

for the client.

“We could just hand over some plans, move

those spaces and to ensure we capture how

“I cannot tell you how many times we have had an initial consultation and heard the

A bright future

client sigh with relief when they realize that

As Jim goes on to explain, the plaudits for

Manager at Old World, is quick to point

we are here to listen. It is a big part of how

that must be given to April. “Each home is

towards a useful analogy to better understand

we differentiate ourselves in northeast Ohio,

a mosaic that she personally puts together,

the business and its outlook.

but even more so now in Columbus. There

layering the details so that those who have

is nobody approaching the process like us,

a deserving eye can appreciate it even

with a blank sheet of paper,” he reflects. “We

and I think that is what helps us to truly stand

more,” he reveals. “It is not for everybody. But

do not say, ‘Here is our plan, we like to make

out,” he adds.

we want to make sure that we are not just

they envision living their lives in those spaces.”

Kevin English, who serves as Division

“Think of it like this: we start each meeting

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OLD WORLD CUSTOM HOMES

operating like a cookie cutter and doing the

want – we always look to add value. People

creating here. The houses we build are not

same thing over and over.

are going to love it and live in it – hopefully

going to disappear; people are going to raise

forever.

their kids in them, have families over for the

“The fun thing about being a custom home builder is that we do not just offer three

64

“In that case, we want to give them an

holidays, and grow old in them,” he says.

lighting fixtures and four flooring samples,” Jim

opportunity to put together a dream home

continues. “Instead, we visit a flooring store

that they will never want to leave. It is not

indicates the mission that Old World is on:

and work with the client to find what they

lost on any of us – the tangible value we are

to change lives through bespoke design,

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It is a powerful message, and it clearly

architecture, and creative building. Going

a new market, especially one like Columbus

forward, the firm only aims to heighten that

which has numerous well-established and

mission.

well-respected players, is certainly difficult. To

“Ultimately, the goal is to provide the

stand apart, it’s crucial to bring a process that

Columbus market with something unique

uniquely addresses a market need and with

that we’ve found great success with in

our process and talented people, I think the

northeast Ohio.” concludes Jim. “Expanding to

future is bright for our firm!” F

Old World Custom Homes www.oldworldclassics.com Services: Custom Home Builder

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PRM CUSTOM BUILDERS

66

I

t was in 2002 that Paul Mooney graduated

Management. Pursuing his passion for high-

in the Hamptons. It was a period in which

from Michigan State University, equipped

level custom-home building, Paul ventured

Paul earned invaluable experience, enjoying

with a Bachelor of Science degree

to New York, where he began working for

positions including Chief Estimator and

and a major in Building Construction

one of the premier custom home builders

Project Manager for exclusive summer

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From concept

to completion How a personal touch is driving PRM Custom Builders’ repeat business

homes. Upon returning to his home state

of custom homes in Birmingham and

for constructing luxury homes, he took

of Michigan, Paul partnered with a well-

Bloomfield Hills.

the decision to launch his own company:

established development and building

Fast-forward to 2009, and a new era

company, managing the construction

beckoned for Paul. Driven by his passion

PRM Custom Builders (PRM). As owner and manager of the company, Paul began MODERNHB.COM

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PRM CUSTOM BUILDERS developing a portfolio of work with projects

with a broad suite of services that range

design and constructability reviews, the

located throughout Michigan’s Birmingham,

from detailed site analysis and selection, to

company’s management team works in

Bloomfield, Beverly Hills, and Royal Oak

design and planning, cost analysis, project

tandem with clients and architects to ensure

communities. Ever since, he’s worked hard to

specifications, and material selection.

project timelines are met and budgets are

earn the high regard of his clients, architects,

All of these are performed alongside

respected, with important project details

trades, and peers.

the management of every aspect of the

clearly communicated and well-defined

construction project with single-point

prior to executing any scope of work. From

throughout the US home building sector.

It’s been a difficult few years for companies

responsibility, assuring total value at every

traditional to contemporary styles, PRM builds

For many contractors worldwide, the arrival

phase.

homes of various styles and sizes. Placing

of the Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with

For even the most experienced of clients,

the homeowner at the very heart of the

the introduction of lockdowns and other

the decision to build a home can be a

process, clients are invited to create their own

restrictions, initiated a sudden and extreme

stressful one. Crucially, the team at PRM

custom exterior, incorporating any personal

change to working practice. Since then,

realizes this, and together, Paul and his team

vision, style, and creativity. The same is true

however, the industry has embarked upon

adopt a personal approach, providing each

of the interior, where PRM has a wealth of

an impressive recovery. Whereas at the time

client with a level of undivided attention that

experience when it comes to guiding clients

of the initial outbreak many were drawing

simply can’t be matched by larger companies.

in the design, decoration, and furnishing of

parallels with the 2008 financial crisis, by

PRM excels in setting clear expectations,

their homes. Once again, these are delivered

late 2021, housing prices were rising at their

and maintaining open communication with

through PRM’s well-established partnerships

fastest pace in four decades. With a strong

its clients, recognizing that building a new

with several award-winning architect and

pipeline of work, PRM was no exception.

home involves numerous moving parts, and

interior design firms in the southeastern

allows its clients to determine precisely how

Michigan area; all of which are ready to assist

Committed to quality

much or how little involvement they would

clients in making crucial decisions.

Today, PRM has developed into a full-service

like to have during the various phases of

residential building company, boasting

construction. It’s through this that PRM is

specializes in residential additions and

extensive expertise in luxury custom-home

able to achieve its consistently high levels of

renovations. The company has completed

building and renovations. From concept

customer satisfaction.

custom renovations on numerous homes

to completion, the company works closely with its clients to build their dream homes,

The first stage of PRM’s homebuilding process is design. Beginning with initial

Along with new custom homes, PRM

throughout southeastern Michigan, including the Birmingham, Bloomfield, Beverly Hills, Rochester, Royal Oak, and Grosse Pointe communities. Whether a client is remodeling a single room, adding new space, or renovating an entire home, the end result is delivered exactly to client specifications. Once again, PRM manages every aspect of its projects regardless of size or scope, guaranteeing quality and timely service.

The same is true for PRM’s numerous historical restoration projects. The company is well-accustomed to the numerous unexpected challenges that such projects can throw up, and ensures that all homes deemed to be historic landmarks are properly respected for their value to the surrounding community. Accordingly, a focus of PRM’s restoration work is integrity. Each architectural detail of a structure, including its story, is treated with the relevant degree of due care and attention. For clients selecting PRM for this type of work, it represents a signal of commitment to the original builders who first undertook the work, however many years prior.

Likewise, PRM is committed to quality across its material suppliers, vendors, and trades, widely recognized as some of the most reputable in the industry.

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Underpinning PRM’s work is an emphasis on efficient management.

Advanced software systems enable the company to keep clients well-informed during the construction of any new home.

This, in turn, drives customer satisfaction.

It’s a credit to PRM’s excellence that the company enjoys a high volume of referrals from its loyal client base to friends, family, and co-workers, which accounts for the vast majority of its work. PRM then

Pine Tree Lighting has one of the area’s largest showrooms displaying and specializing in lighting fixtures as well as home accessories, artwork, lamps, mirrors, occasional and patio furniture. Pine Tree Lighting prides itself on providing the right lighting at the right price for each client and project. Family-owned and operated for over 48 years, this third generation lighting showroom in Lake Orion, Michigan, is a full-service company providing planning and lighting design layouts for new construction, remodel, or commercial spaces. At Pine Tree Lighting, we make it easy to add a sense of style and uniqueness to every room in your home, including your outdoor living spaces. You can design the exact look you are trying to achieve at prices you can afford. We look forward to working with you on your next project! l Best of Detroit Home Award Winner l Oakland Press Best of the Best Reader’s Choice Award

repays this belief and faith through its persistence, integrity, attention to detail, and dedication to customer service, across each and every one of its projects.

Alternatively, when the company is approached by new clients, PRM provides testimonials from both current and past clients who can attest to the company’s first-class approach to homebuilding. The service doesn’t stop there. A walk-through service, in which clients are invited to visit completed projects, allows them to experience PRM’s capabilities first-hand.

Now firmly into the latter half of 2022, the outlook for the US home building industry is bright. Despite the ongoing challenges associated with the global supply chain, such as the rising cost and poor availability of raw materials, and a lack of skilled labor, construction is expected to continue on what has been a stable growth trajectory in recent years.

Residential construction is driving this renewal, which is fueled in part by low lending rates, low housing inventory in the US, and strong demand for bigger homes in the post–Covid-19 world. At PRM, the aim is to make the most of the moment by focusing on the execution of its own efficient, innovative construction practices to deliver countless more projects for its clients, complete as ever with a uniquely exciting and enjoyable building experience. F

PRM Custom Builders www.prmcustombuilders.com Services: Luxury homebuilding and renovation

Beautiful Rooms Begin At Pine Tree Lighting!

A One-of-a-kind Store For Your One-of-a-kind Home.

www.pinetreelighting.com MODERNHB.COM

69

TC BROWNE AND CO

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Striving for

perfection

World-class homebuilding is found in the details, according to Michael Browne, the Co-Founder of TC Browne and Co, which is why his business’s name has become synonymous with exquisite home builds and finishes

T

C Browne and Co (TC Browne) has established its reputation for quality and craftsmanship entirely through word of mouth. Under the leadership of Co-Founder

Michael Browne, this New York-based residential developer has curated a catalog of apartments across the Upper East and Upper West Sides of Manhattan, as well as Soho and Tribeca. Ted Chan, who is also a CoFounder, and Kiki Ong, the CCO, join our conversation with Michael to share more about the expertise the company boasts that enables it to construct homes in the heart of New York City.

Michael begins by sharing an example that demonstrates the extra attention to detail for which the company has become widely known. “We had a project,” he says, “where the plans called for a circular staircase with a square coffered ceiling above. We built it according to plan, but even though it looked good, I knew it could look even better. I told the client that I could make a radius that followed the curvature of the staircase, which would just make it look more elegant and contemporary, and they were thrilled with the result.

“From my experience, the way something is imagined when it is drawn on paper could be entirely different compared to when it is built, and I think things like that are important to remember. This is why I’ve always wanted this team to keep an open mind, and be prepared to adapt and modify when needed,” Michael expresses. This is where TC Browne’s expertise makes the difference.

Understanding New York Although detail is what TC Browne does best, it isn’t the only trait that separates the business from its competition. Kiki believes that Ted and Michael’s leadership has established a company culture of collaboration and creative problem-solving, which has made the business a leader in New York’s homebuilding industry. “The TC Browne team is really good at working together with all the stakeholders in our projects. I have visited sites with Mike where he often stops to have a chat with building staff because we value our relationships with all members of the team. I think this helps ensure the project runs smoothly.

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TC BROWNE AND CO

“On holidays, we often send meals to the

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apartments. It’s heavily scrutinized by building

we can work around things like these elevator

building staff that is working that day. We

management, shareholders and neighbors. All

issues,” Ted explains.

want them to know we see and appreciate

eyes are on this project, and there’s no leeway

Michael continues to shed light on the fact

them,” Kiki emphasizes.

for any errors. The stakes are very high. This is

that projects like this demonstrate the sort of

The discussion of onsite operations triggers

where we excel, because this is what we do.”

challenges the company frequently faces as a

the topic of favorite projects that highlight the

“Unfortunately, in the middle of our work,

result of working in one of the world’s busiest

company’s best practices, and, coupling with

the building had to do some emergency

metropolises. “We have issues with bringing up

Michael’s earlier example, the team discusses

elevator repairs, which has resulted in us

large materials, which we often have to crane

another project that they are very proud

having to close down for three months.

in. We have to get side-walk scaffolding permits,

of. This work is currently taking place, and

Although this has extended our timeline,

and there are also issues with time constraints

Michael talks about creating a 7000-square-

we’ve measured all our mill work, we’ve

and the hours within which we are allowed to

foot duplex on Central Park West with

finished our shop drawings, and ensured our

work. Added to this, most buildings have rules

stunning views of the park. “It’s the first duplex

offsite team continue with fabrication. This

that dictate the maximum time a project can

ever done in the building, so it took a lot for

means that when the job reopens, we can hit

take. When it comes to renovations, we really

the owner to get the building management’s

the ground running and finish the project on

only have between four and six months to get

approval to do it. It involves creating an

time. Our team is accustomed to unforeseen

the work done,” Ted adds. “Delays can trigger

opening in the structural slab between

challenges and always thinks about how to

stiff penalties imposed by the buildings (up to

the 11th and 12th floors to combine two

make up time and reorganize our schedule so

5000 dollars a week) to the shareholders and

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builders if the project isn’t completed on time.”

operations as possible. “Although business

doing so, he elaborates on how the company’s

However, in the many years that the

for the company is constantly fluctuating, we

success will continue to be found in the small

business has existed, TC Browne has never

do invest hugely in improving. Every year, we

moments where attention is given to those

been fined, which is a sterling testament to its

look back and reflect on what we could have

all-important details. “When all the work is done,

commitment to clients and their neighbors, as

done better and what we need to prioritize

our customer is going to be sitting in their

well as on-time project delivery. According to

for improvement. Leveraging technology

new apartment, and they might look up at the

Michael and Ted, in order to overcome these

will continue to be a big part of this. We have

ceiling and notice something that isn’t exactly

challenges, they rely heavily on an efficient

integrated a software program where the

perfect. So, before we hand it over, I always try

and hardworking team; a topic with which

client can login and know exactly where we

to spend time and sit in the apartments and

Kiki is well acquainted. “I heard somebody

are throughout each phase of the project and

take a look around, just as the client would,

say many years ago that you can tell how an

what we need from them; this could range

to see if there is anything we can correct and

organization treats its employees by how

from funds needed, to tile and paint color

improve; that is how we build. We constantly

their employees treat their customers, and I

selections. It also allows our project managers

try to perfect our work, and guarantee that all

have never forgotten that. I think that can be

to take pictures of the project and upload them

the details that often go unnoticed by most

clearly seen at TC Browne. I know our clients

so our customers can be updated without

are executed to the highest level of quality,”

are treated exceptionally because of how we

needing to come to the apartment. Often, our

Michael concludes. F

prioritize the wellbeing of our employees.

clients don’t live near the site, so they can’t see

Whatever they need, we are willing to walk

it on a daily basis. However, with the help of this

alongside them and support them through

technology, all they need to do is login to keep

their journey.”

up-to-date with our progress,” Ted shares.

Creating better experiences

a final anecdote that reiterates what is

An example of what she means is immediately

inherently entwined in the company’s DNA. In

Michael then closes our discussion with

TC Browne and Co www.tcbrowneco.com Services: Residential home builders

demonstrated when, during the conversation, Ted interjects to pay tribute to the incredible work that Kiki invests into the company. “She is truly the head of culture and processes here.

She makes sure that we are able to stick to our goals and strategies with effectiveness and efficiency, and in doing so, that our clients are happy. None of that would be possible without her dedication and commitment to the work that we want to continue to do, and the opportunities that are opening up for us.”

On that note, we then steer the conversation to prospects of the future. The trio believe that there is exciting potential for growth, and as long as the TC Browne continues its focus on its quality standards and simultaneously pushes for continual improvement in process, success for the next few years is certain. “Mike and Ted are really committed to growth in a holistic way,” says Kiki. “What I mean by that is they very much prioritize the development of all of us; our partners, our architects, and our team. This also includes creating better experiences for our clients, and maintaining our communication and dedication standards to the fantastic projects that we get to be part of.”

Both Ted and Michael agree with Kiki. For the next five years, the Co-Founders plan to continue business as usual with the added push of improving as much of the business’s MODERNHB.COM

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ROYAL TEXAN HOMES

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TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

The time is now Having carved out a strong reputation in Texas, and as a distinguished member of the Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), customers know that, when they work with Royal Texan Homes, they are getting the real deal

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ROYAL TEXAN HOMES

B

ased north of Houston, Texas and

inspired homes that are designed for modern

operating out of The Woodlands,

living. As Ashley Walker, Managing Director

Royal Texan Homes (Royal Texan) has

and Partner at Royal Texan, tells us, that is the

studio, and the breadth of knowledge our

exceeded the scope of its founding

foundation upon which every Royal Texan

designers can provide, allows our clients to

home is built.

choose beautiful selections for their home

vision. Established by Mark Garraty in 2014,

building dreams into the realm of reality.

“The finishes presented at our new design

the company almost instantly grew, quickly

One recent milestone in the business

amassing a large team of likeminded people

was the opening of Royal Texan’s very own,

explains Chrissy Bailey, Design Studio Manager

that share a passion for historical architecture,

in-house design studio at the beginning of

at Royal Texan. “Our experienced and creative

design, and construction.

2021. Since then, it has provided the firm with

team have curated products from the most

a space and platform to engage with clients

reliable vendors in the market and have

and assist them in bringing their myriad

chosen the best finishes to be displayed in the

These conceptual commonalities underpin Royal Texan’s core mission: to build historically

– without having to travel all over Houston,”

studio for people to experience in person.

“That really works to set us apart from all

We have truly cultivated a family-like environment at Royal Texan. Each member of the team is invested in the success of the company, but also in the success of individuals that make up that team. In a small company, staff must be able to reach across and help their colleagues in the same way that they would with family members, and that is what we do here

the competition,” she goes on. “It is a unique place where every client is partnered with a professional designer to work on their visions of a home. Yet, Royal Texan Texan’s range of standard features also provides our clients with an elevated starting point to achieve their dreams. It is, after all, small things that add up to make the biggest difference! In our design studio, you will often find timeless designs and classic materials intermixed as the advancement technology permits us to create historically inspired looks for clients, but are also built with the durability that modern demands require.”

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ROYAL TEXAN HOMES

Looking beyond the new in-house design studio, Royal Texan also proudly offers a set of predesigned floorplans, which offer the same level of historical architectural sensibility, but can dramatically reduce build times.

Examples include: The Stratford, which comes in at around 2300 square feet; The Trafalgar, measuring about 4250 square feet; and, the largest of them all, The Winchester, a standout home that comes in at a whopping 5500 square feet.

Timeless design options All these floorplans – and more – are given in ranges. As a result, they can be accurately tailored to specific land requirements that clients have.

“If you want to create a graceful and timeless design in your home, you start with balance and the element of symmetry,” says Ashley, having just been asked about how Royal Texan manages to balance two ostensibly antithetical design modes: the past and the present. “Historically inspired, designed for modern living – that is the philosophy behind the Winchester floorplan.

The inspiration for that incredible home comes from the beautiful cathedrals of Europe. In fact, all our floorplans, which are available to view on our website, have a

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historical design element that allows these

and that is what

plans to not only test but transcend the span

we do here. Just as

of time and epochal trends.

families will gather,

“While that in itself firmly sets us apart from

we make sure to plan

our competitors, another thing that we pride

a team event each

ourselves on – and which is, no doubt, one of

month, which serves

the most important aspects of the company – is

the dual purpose

the team behind Royal Texan,” she asserts. “We

of promoting social

all come from different backgrounds but we a

engagement and

share a passion for what we do and the reasons

the celebration of

we do it. Every employee wants to believe that

personal and career

they have value at the company they work, and

achievements.”

I can honestly say that every employee at Royal Texan adds immense value to our mission.”

Quick to corroborate that assertion is

While a firm believer in empowering its employees, Royal Texan

a discernible impact on local communities.

Chrissy: “We have truly cultivated a family-like

also operates with a robust sense of social

“We do not just base our success on the

environment at Royal Texan,” she explains.

responsibility. Since 2014, for instance, it

bottom line,” states Ashley. “Rather, we also

“Each member of the team is invested in

has worked with the Independent Schools

consider the power we have to change the

the success of the company, but also in the

District, through both direct financial support

communities in which we live and work. In

success of individuals that make up that team.

programs and volunteer initiatives.

the end, we benefit from them, and they have

In a small company, staff must be able to reach

Again, small changes add up to make the

opened their doors to us. Therefore, it is our

across and help their colleagues in the same

biggest difference. Across Willis, Montgomery,

responsibility to ensure we help make those

way that they would with family members,

Conroe, and Huntsville, Royal Texan has made

communities better.

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ROYAL TEXAN HOMES

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“To that end, we work with numerous

examples of the vast options that clients can

it proved itself in the Houston home building

school districts to assist students in need,

pick and choose from when they work with

space, it has also led by example through

help fund several local charities, and conduct

Royal Texan.”

its delivery of robust social initiatives, which

a scholarship program that encourages

“Our most recent model home is set in a

serve to give something back to the local

secondary education for local students

beautiful forest,” says Ashley. “The location

who are passionate about art, music, and

offers space and privacy, conjuring feelings

academia,” she goes on. “In 2021, for example,

of peace and security. It promotes a devotion

to-five years hold for Royal Texan, Ashley is

we were very proud to award ten scholarships

to and appreciation of the outdoors by

quick to answer: “The future!” she laughs.

to local high school students. We are also

ensuring that community development has

“Everyone finds that question tricky. However,

supporters of Compassion International, the

included hiking trails, parks, and a lake which

I am confident that we will continue to see

HUGG collective, Operation Underground

is privately stocked for fishing. We noticed

tremendous growth for the company. Indeed,

Railroad, and World Vision, and will, going

that clients were homesteading there; they

thanks to our Simply Custom product launch

forward, continue charity work through

valued a life outdoors, and thus we have

and a host of other new developments that

volunteering and donating resources to

made sure to incorporate oversized rear

we are working to be a part of, there has

community projects.”

porches across our model and showcase

never been a better time to build in Texas

homes to give families an additional space to

than right now.” F

Customizable upgrades

gather together under those beautiful and

With regards to the projects that Royal Texan

long summer evenings that residents have

has undertaken, the conversation first drifts

come to cherish.”

back into fond recollections of past homes,

Though a relatively new company, it has

before flowing back downstream into the

been made abundantly clear throughout the

present and beyond. “One project that really

course of our interview that Royal Texan has

stood out for us this past year was an English

achieved a lot in just eight years. Not only has

communities that need it most.

When asked about what the next three-

Royal Texan Homes www.RoyalTexan.com Services: Custom home builder

country-inspired estate home on Goldsmith Street in Houston,” remembers Ashley.

“The architectural style offered an elegant but soft approach to modern life, and key details included elaborate brickwork, with its tall and elegant roof pitches, as well as carefully applied copper accents, which are reminiscent of the centuries-old cottages and large manor homes that you see dotted throughout the English countryside.”

As Chrissy adds, the successful final product can be traced back to those initial design meetings at Royal Texan’s in-house studio.

“Our team wanted to transport the aesthetic of the English countryside and its homes into the interior finishes of the Goldsmith Street project,” she notes. “To achieve this, we featured an over-sized fireplace, unique trim details, exposed wood beams, and a kitchen that was large enough for the whole family.

“A similar, methodical design process went into our latest model home in Republic Grand Ranch,” she continues, bringing us back to Royal Texan’s timeline for the rest of 2022.

“That project, which we plan to open at the end of the summer, includes many of the standard features that our customers have come to expect, but also provides an example of the customizable upgrades available through our design studio. In this model home, we wanted to put forward tangible MODERNHB.COM

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HAYES BUILDERS

From the

ground up The award-winning Hayes Builders may still be a relative newcomer to the field, but the company is building its reputation based on architecturally unique, energy-efficient homes throughout Austin’s Zilker and Barton Hills neighborhoods

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TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

I

t’s been a rapid rise for Hayes Builders. Launched

certification, including a two-year housing and

in 2015, the company undertook its first project

cooling guarantee, bringing approximate savings

in the Zilker Park area of Austin, Texas, before

to a 3600-square-foot home in the region of $49 a

expanding into nearby Barton Hills. Within fewer

month.

than six years, however, Hayes had laid claim to the

Speaking to Modern Home Builders, Steven Hayes,

2021 Custom Builder of the Year Award for Austin, as

Founder and President of Hayes Builders, underlines

named by the Austin Business Journal.

the company’s commitment to building responsibly,

En-route to this accolade, Hayes has positioned

which includes the use of sustainable paints and

itself at the cutting-edge of architectural design,

glues, durable materials, and air filtration mechanisms.

with upper-end homes tailored to each individual

“We do everything according to specification to

lot, giving its clients the very best in unique living.

make sure our homes are extremely efficient,” Steven

But one thing above all is driving the company’s

comments. “They use very little energy, and they’re

success. A standout among its peers, Hayes is a

long-lasting, which eliminates waste.”

leader in the construction of energy-efficient homes.

All of Hayes’ projects come complete with LEED-

It’s an ethos to which Hayes’ clients have proved receptive. “As well as doing our part in building an

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HAYES BUILDERS energy efficient home, they understand that we have their best interests in mind,” Steven continues. “We do what we think is right for the situation, and we’ll navigate supply chain issues or other market strains to ensure we can deliver that.”

Optimistic outlook Despite much cause for celebration, the last few years have not been straightforward for anyone within the construction sector. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic placed a pause on a significant volume of building activity, and set the stage for an altogether uncertain trading environment. For Hayes, the challenge was to respond quickly to a rapidly evolving situation.

“In early 2020, everything began to shut down,” Steve reflects. “Although most of Texas remained open, the city of Austin attempted to shut down home building, before the governor stepped in to allow our work to continue.

“At that stage, we had to become extremely efficient in our operations,” he goes on. “We contacted our suppliers, vendors, and contractors to let them know where we stood on certain items, and how we wanted to reassess in the eventuality that things didn’t continue in a positive manner. We were prepared for the worst, and we set our contacts’ expectations for the possible worst. As expected, the biggest change was to make sure that all our employees were safe on the job site.

Fortunately, though, things continued to move well here, and we were able to get back to business-as-usual without too much difficulty.”

More than two years on, the impacts of the pandemic haven’t gone away, as long lead times continue to complicate the vast majority of builds. In this context, communication with key partners is more important than ever. “Of course, delays do affect our trades in the field – we have to supply them with the materials they need to finish jobs,” Steve reveals. “To that end, we’re trying to stay ahead of events, having daily conversations with our vendors and suppliers to know what’s coming.

“Every market is unique, but overall, Austin is still only at two months of housing supply,” he continues. “Six months of housing inventory is considered equilibrium, so we’re still way under that. Nevertheless, while things may have tempered a little, we still see Austin’s longterm economic growth as going to be substantial, and we’re super-excited to be here.”

Steve’s comments point to an optimistic outlook within Hayes Builders regarding the future of Texas’s homebuilding sector – and with good reason. Job growth in the state is soaring, thanks to the arrival of a number of major manufacturers in recent years,

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including the likes of Samsung and Tesla, and shows little sign of slowing down.

“The number of companies relocating here is expanding, almost on a daily basis,” Steve tells us. “It’s definitely a huge driver of homebuilding, and will continue to be so. A lot of companies in the pipeline haven’t even arrived yet. Instead, they’re simply setting up their headquarters and moving in their top executives. Therefore, we still believe that the biggest growth in the Austin market is yet to come.”

As Steve is keen to point out, Hayes Builders takes the same tried-and-tested approach with all of its projects. “To begin, we look at

in a wall, so we then need to think creatively

builder,” Steve concludes. “We’re set to maintain

the design to make sure we have a house that

about how we can continue to deliver a high

our current growth, focusing on each individual

complements the available light,” he explains.

energy rating.”

home rather than looking broader – for

“In the case of our recent corner-lot project

Moving into the latter half of the year,

instance, thinking about how many homes

at 2109 Ann Arbor, we were able to utilize the

Hayes Builders hopes to close a total of six

we can secure in a given area, or the number

whole front side of the lot, putting the garage

more projects. In doing so, the company

of homes that we can build throughout the

towards the back, with side entry into the back

remains focused on the lucrative 78704-zip

year. We remain oriented towards the lots

of the house. As a result, the house more or

code. “We’re continually looking for new

themselves, identifying those that we think are

less wrapped around the yard, which in turn

opportunities as far as the lots are concerned,”

unique, and developing high-quality products

gave impressive views of downtown Austin.”

Steve says. “One noteworthy fact about Austin

to fit.” F

Another recent project for Hayes is 3206

is that one third of all jobs in the city sit within

Westhill Drive, situated within Austin’s most

a three-mile radius of downtown. 78704 is

desirable 78704 zip code. “3206 Westhill Drive

within that three-mile area, and so it’s set

was an extremely elevated lot at the front, and

to remain a strong opportunity for growth,

lower towards the back,” Steve indicates. “We

particularly in light of the ongoing uptick in

were able to design the house itself to really

demand.

be open to the back yard with the large trees.

“In another three to five years’ time, we

People would come in and remark upon how

expect to continue on our path as a custom

Hayes Builders www.hayesbuilderstx.com Services: Custom residential homebuilder

much it resembled a tree house, because of the way in which we were able to maintain all the large trees and foliage.

“That’s how we approach projects,” he says. “We make sure to design a house that’s going to fit well on the lot, alongside the elements that make that lot unique. Then, from there, we get the ratings and the direction we need from our energy advisors to make sure that we can offset some of our most desirable flagship features, such as large windows that boast impressive views. Those windows won’t have the level of insulation you find MODERNHB.COM

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BOURN CUSTOM HOMES

Bourn

out of adversity In its first year of business, Bourn Custom Homes had to contend with an unprecedented global health emergency – however, it has now found itself in a stronger position because of it

86

T

he story behind Bourn Custom

formally established the business in 2019,

lots of different custom home builders in a bid

Homes (Bourn) isn’t exactly

this journey started around seven years ago,”

to create our dream home. But we never really

conventional – but that’s what

begins Gary Bourn, President at Bourn Custom

found a perfect match. Therefore, my wife, Jill,

makes it so special. “Though we

Homes. “At the time, we were meeting with

and I decided to take the task on ourselves,

MODERNHB.COM

TOP TEXAS HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

and we built our very first home together as a

schoolteacher,” he adds. “After selling our first

grew, we welcomed new people into our team,

husband-and-wife duo.

custom home in 2019, that all changed; the

and that brings us right up to today.”

“Before that, I was working as a fulltime strategic consultant and Jill was a

wheels were firmly set in motion, and we chose to continue with the business in earnest. As we

Though not necessarily a comprehensive company history, Bourn has already begun MODERNHB.COM

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BOURN CUSTOM HOMES between Gary and Jill. “We were high school sweethearts,” explains Gary. “We were married at 19, and we’re still best friends. Jill has a very unique set of skills that I don’t have, and vice versa. She carries out all the design work, communicates with the clients, and holds everything together; whereas, I’m the one out and about, running the jobs, making sure the trades are showing up, and keeping our sites in immaculate condition. Coupled together, these wonderfully diverse skillsets mean that timescales are shortened and build times are reduced. There’s a constant flow between us; we’re continuing to grow together alongside the business, and there’s no sense of slowing down.

Indeed, we’re up for some pretty big awards within the San Antonio and wider Texas area this year, so we’re really excited to see where things to carve out a strong reputation in Bulverde,

place, and each pair of house keys proudly

Texas for its beautiful, 100 percent bespoke

presented to a client.

are headed.”

A different experience

homes. In that sense, its history continues to

At the heart of that history, though, will

be written with each custom-designed floor

undoubtedly remain the core relationship

In hindsight, establishing a commercial business

plan drafted, each beam carefully slotted into

underpinning the entire business – the one

in 2019, just months away from the unforeseeable arrival of the pandemic, was an incredibly risky venture. In fact, as Gary jokes, it was probably the worst thing he and his wife could’ve done. As we slowly ease out of the Covid-19 crisis, moreover, a host of other challenges have appeared, including skyrocketing energy prices, rising interest rates, and global supply chain issues.

“However, establishing Bourn in the months prior to all this was also a blessing,” reveals Gary.

“Since we were so new, we didn’t have an ageold blueprint that we had to stick to; for many companies, it was hard to detach from practices that had been ingrained over decades of work.

In contrast, Bourn was highly adaptable; we kept rolling with the ever-changing times in an unprecedented period of uncertainty with vigor.

That meant we also started planning ahead: if a project began in June, then we ordered the lumber in April; and if we needed windows for a new build, then we ordered them as soon as the contract was signed. As a result, we’ve consistently outperformed our competitors; while build times can be as high as 18 months elsewhere, ours haven’t risen above 12.

“With the tremendous adversity we faced in our first year of business, there was no choice but to be incredibly organized and detail-orientated,” he continues. “In turn, that’s enabled us to provide a different experience when it comes to a custom build. For instance, we’ve embraced technology, viewing it as a source of power to

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improve and enhance our services, rather than an obstacle to overcome. Once we’ve started a project, we update our clients with the latest progress every single week. To do so, we use an application called Trello, which is quite common, but we’ve built it out in a way that allows us to keep our clients accurately up to date, without having to constantly go back and forth via text or email. We post progress pictures, answer client questions, create materials lists, and so on. It offers our customers a sense of continuity and calm throughout what can sometimes be a stressful period of time; if they need anything, then they know where to find it. We also capture drone footage of the build process and upload it to the app, creating what we like to think of as a scrapbook for our clients, which they can then fondly look back on at the end of the whole process.”

interwoven services, supporting families and

the Texas Hills Country-based builder works

accommodating their various needs as they

diligently to make individual dreams become

build, and putting those elements together to

change over time. Whether an idyllic cottage

mesmerizing realities – time and time again.

create a unique house that clients can happily

fronting a serene pond or a mammoth estate

Bourn is also partnered with the National

call home. Bourn is proud to carry out these

with all the latest smart home technology,

Finding a perfect location, designing a dream

Association of Home Builders, the Greater

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BOURN CUSTOM HOMES

San Antonio Builders’ Association, the Texas Association of Builders, and incorporates its own rigorous quality control standards and assessments. The relative youth of the firm offers other various unspoken benefits. Indeed, Bourn is spearheading its very own gender equality drive, and Gary it determined to put a voice to it.

“In this company, Jill plays an integral role,” he asserts. “Yet sometimes, because of the gender bias within the industry, people often see my name on the paperwork, and they assume that I’m the one doing all the work. That’s certainly not the case. People don’t realize all the challenges that women face in this industry.

It can be as simple as a vendor asking her to put them in contact with the actual builder. In reality, she’s the one on that building site and she knows it inside out.

“People see a successful company led by a husband-and-wife team, and they typically assume that the husband must be doing a great job,” Gary adds. “We run this company in a completely equal way, and that’s what I attribute all our success to. Jill is unbelievably talented, detailed, and does not miss anything on-site. She’s in boots and beat-up jeans, getting stuck in and getting dirty; she’s not just sitting comfortably away somewhere going through the books. Being a woman in the

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home building industry is extremely difficult,

As our interview has made abundantly clear,

complacent, and we’ll continue to develop

and as a company we’re determined to change

that’s not entirely surprising. “Going forward

internally, becoming more focused on building

that for the better.”

with the business, we’re going to be even more

the best homes that we can within our rapidly

selective with our clients,” concludes Gary. “In

evolving market.” F

Last year, Bourn entered its Parade of Homes Project for 2021 into the Builders’ Association

the same way that people want to find a great

Awards. Needless to say, the attention to detail

builder, we want to find excellent clients. We

and capacity for bespoke design that we have

intend to maintain the size of the company

since covered was immediately recognized. The

because it works extremely well as it is; people

company won the People’s Choice Award, Best

applaud the build process, the communication,

Outdoor Living Space, Best Water Feature, Best

and the best-in-class execution. But that’s not

Interior Design, and Best Overall Home – almost

to say we won’t grow. We refuse to become

Bourn Custom Homes www.bournhomes.com Services: Custom home builder

a clean sweep.

“Being awarded all those accolades was huge for us,” admits Gary. “It showed people that Bourn is not just a simple mom-and-pop shop that can only build certain homes, but instead that it can build high-end, luxury houses to custom specifications for a diverse range of clients. Jill designed the project, creating a home that could be multi-generational, accommodating the needs of children and grandparents in the same setting. She also incorporated elements of outdoor living to reflect what our country is best known for. It was a traditional farmhouse; we used a lot of reclaimed wood, antique furniture, and big tables which could seat more than ten people at a time.

“One feature that received a lot of attention was our use of an auxiliary preparation kitchen,” he explains. “You do all your messy work and cooking in there, and they you bring it out to the main show kitchen to serve, where everything is nice and clean. When you step outside, moreover, you are greeted by an infinity edge pool, allowing you to swim while looking out at the beautiful Texan landscape.

The mixture of deep blue water and vibrant leafy greens is stunning. It’s small things like that which set us apart from the competition.”

More recently, Bourn created a waiting list for its design and build work – it’s just that popular.

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KARP ASSOCIATES

An eye for

design

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Karp Associates is celebrating its 40th year in business with the recent completion of its VUE New Canaan multi-family development, with yet more custom home and multi-family projects to come

W

hen Arnold M Karp got the “real estate bug”, it changed his life forever. Already having forged a successful career as a New York

financier, Arnold moved to Connecticut to take up a new position as CFO for a company that owned real estate, radio stations, and an insurance subsidiary.

“I decided that real estate was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” he reveals, looking back at that time, and the period that led to the launching of his own homebuilding business, Karp Associates Inc. The company started with construction of renovations and additions, before expanding its repertoire to encompass custom homes, consulting services, project management, and multi-family housing projects.

“We’re a multi-faceted construction firm, specializing in distinguished custom homes and first- rate renovations, construction management, multi-family housing, real estate consulting, and project rescue,” Arnold confirms, when speaking to Modern Home Builders. “We have seen so many different projects in our time. We’ll build anything the client wants, but we’ll also challenge them to make sure they’re getting the best project and design possible, before delivering that special project built on-time and on budget.”

Meeting clients’ needs In 2022, Karp Associates is celebrating an impressive 40 years in business – still, according to Arnold, “there’s always a twist and turn” when it comes to homebuilding. One of the company’s recent projects offers a prime example. “We’re currently building a custom home for somebody on the water,” Arnold tells us. “But just after we started the project, a big storm arrived, drawing all the dirt that we’d just moved out, back into the building foundations.”

It’s not just the current challenges of building, with supply chain and weather disruptions, labor shortages can prove to be difficult as well, “Our clients and their professionals are extremely creative and exacting,” Arnold adds. “Not only are the living spaces important to clients, but special features MODERNHB.COM

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KARP ASSOCIATES such as large garages with multiple car lifts

“When I first ventured into the business years

require high design and execution to make

have become a major feature. Similarly, there’s

ago, clients would ask for a simple sliding glass

them function properly.”

barely a house we work on these days that

door,” he reflects. “Now, most of our projects

doesn’t have either an elevator, or the option

feature oversized multi slide glass door panels.

under his belt, Arnold is particularly sensitive

for an elevator in the future.

We’re building features that are interesting and

to the wants and needs of his clients. This

Now with decades of homebuilding

knowledge has served Karp Associates well

VUE New Canaan

during the completion of its recent project: VUE New Canaan, a luxury multi-family home development located in Fairfield County. Vue New Canaan is situated just steps away from the village of New Canaan, which features destination shopping, dining, and recreation, along with expedient transport links to New York City.

“What makes VUE New Canaan unique, is that it sits right in the middle of New Canaan,” Arnold tells us. “The site was largely comprised of old housing stock built during the 1930s, including mostly brick buildings with no light or air, and relatively small apartments. After we purchased the property, it took us approximately two-anda-half years and a total of $2 million to secure approval for our plans.”

Eye for design VUE New Canaan is the largest construction project to-date in the town of New Canaan, and has been accompanied by an investment of $80 million by Karp Associates. “The development consists of 59 rental units, along with 40 condos ranging in size from 1000-to2800-square-feet,” Arnold says. “We have a very nice group of people, from younger families all the way up to active seniors.”

With private balconies and terraces, and half of the plot dedicated to green space, including a natural playscape and zen garden,

A.P. Construction Company A.P. Construction Company (A.P. Construction) is a construction management and general contracting firm, headquartered in Stamford, CT. For over four decades, the company has developed extensive experience with commercial buildings, educational facilities, private clubs, healthcare and municipal facilities, and multifamily and senior living properties. A.P. Construction’s approach and attention to detail has established a reputation of integrity, quality, efficiency, and savings for its clients.

Based on a foundation of high standards for quality work, comprehensive skills, and outstanding safety performance, A.P. Construction’s average annual construction volume is over 140 million dollars, with 80+ projects per year. As a division of The Ashforth Company, a diversified real estate operating company founded in 1896, A.P. Construction provides a unique owner’s perspective, with a complete understanding of not only how buildings are built, but also how they are maintained and operated.

Among accomplishments over the past 15+ years, A.P. Construction has completed more than 50 education projects, 1,000+ multifamily units, 200 commercial projects, 35 private clubs, and eight senior living projects. All undergone with its strong and long-term relationships with architects, owners, tenants, subcontractors, and suppliers, and has resulted in over 70 percent of projects coming from repeat clients.

Celebrating the milestone of 40 years of business, the company is particularly proud of its strong, trusting and collaborative culture, commitment to giving back to the community, the long tenure of many of its employees, and its long-standing client relationships, indicating A.P. Construction is a great place to do business, and a great place to work.

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Congratulations to Karp Associates for 40 Years in Business.

A.P. Construction is proud to be part of the Karp team that successfully constructed The Vue.

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APC Karp Assoc The Vue Ad.indd 1

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KARP ASSOCIATES

the development at New Canaan is a credit

“Architect by training, and a builder by

“At the same time, we need to work with

to Karp Associates’ commitment to innovative

vocation, Robin has a great eye for design,”

our clients,” he continues. “I often joke that

design. For Arnold, that’s partly due to the

he says. “We’re always on the lookout for new

when we’ve finished a project, very rarely

unique ability of Robin Friedman Carroll, the

ideas. When a new magazine comes into the

does anyone say everything was perfect. Our

company’s Director of Design & Residential

office, we’ll pass it around, then we’ll discuss

goal is to make the experience of building a

Construction, who helped ensure features and

the designs that interest us, whether it’s a

pleasurable process and to work throughout

style important to buyers and renters were

cantilevered wall, or a completely unique

the project to create a finished product that

incorporated.

building.

meets our clients’ needs, and enhances their quality of life.”

High-caliber craftsmanship It’s been a difficult couple of years for businesses throughout the construction industry, as the Covid-19 pandemic brought projects to a halt nationwide. But amid difficult circumstances, Karp Associates and its COO, Paul Stone, demonstrated its resilience. “We continued to pay everyone, and retained all our staff,” Arnold states. “We fortunately had a few commercial projects ongoing, where businesses sought to make the most of their temporary closure by inviting us to renovate or alter their office space. In one case, we managed to add a nursery and preschool to an existing community center.

“As an employer, however, we had a responsibility to stick with our employees, even though we didn’t know whether the market was going to bounce back,” he argues. “What we found was that outside of major metropolitan areas, and once the pandemic was under control, people began to make strategic changes in living – moving from apartments in New York to homes in Connecticut. Our team communicated with our clients about what they wanted to do, in order to make sure we could realize their dreams as quickly as possible.”

Although not over, the impacts of the pandemic have taken on a new shape during

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the last year, characterized by lengthy supply

is pricing,” he goes on. “Most of our vendors

them. At the same time, we also can’t afford to

chain shortages, and associated project delays.

and suppliers will keep their quotes good for

undercharge them, so it’s about trying to be

“It’s been challenging,” Arnold admits. “Paul

a week or so, but with the cost of everyday

as flexible as we can to make sure every deal

Stone (Karp Associates COO) has us ordering

materials changing so rapidly, we’re constantly

is fair. It’s really caused us to adapt to source

windows six months in advance. We used to

having to reassess. For our clients, that means

and pay for materials earlier, storing them in

order hardwood flooring prior to sheetrocking,

we’re having to return to those who have asked

our warehouse or on a job site to ensure that

we’re now ordering the same flooring before

for a locked-in price, and explain to them that

we’re always one or two steps ahead. It’s a

we’ve even installed the foundation.

it’s no longer possible. Instead, we can provide

completely different way of thinking about

a range – otherwise, we risk overcharging

projects and time frames.”

“For 2022, the biggest challenge we have

County TV & Appliance County TV & Appliance is an essential partner to the building community. Providing an unparalleled personal experience, with a standard of excellence, reliability, and dependability are just a few reasons top industry professionals, like Karp Associates, trust County TV & Appliance with providing the appliances for their projects.

Located in Stamford Connecticut, the company services residents in Connecticut and New York, across the Fairfield and Westchester Counties. County TV & Appliances has been providing appliances of all types to builders, developers, contractors, and homeowners for over 70 years, and carries an exceptional variety of the best reputable brands, and the latest in smart home appliance technology. Our knowledgeable employees guide each client through their entire appliance purchasing journey, assessing each project with meticulous care. Big or small, there is no project that goes beyond the expertise of County TV & Appliance. Our ability to work at the pace needed to accommodate the customer is our specialty.

County TV & Appliance has had the pleasure of a long-standing relationship with Karp Associates. It has been an honor to work with them and facilitate all their appliance requirements for all size jobs. The relationship we have created together allows a seamless finished result, ensuring each project is met with perfection.

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Rick’s Plumbing Service Rick’s Plumbing Service is honored to have had the pleasure of working with Karp Associates for nearly 30 years. This business relationship has given Rick’s Plumbing Service the opportunity to work on many unique custom homes, as well as high-end larger scale developments. What sets Karp Associates apart from others is its commitment to top-notch quality. It sets exceptional standards, communicates well, and the end result is always exquisite.

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For the rest of the year, the focus for Karp Associates is on the continued delivery of projects for clients who purchased homes during the pandemic.

The company is also waiting on approval for a series of new multi-family projects, as it looks to build on the impressive work at VUE New Canaan.

“In doing so, we benefit from the long-term relationships that we’re able to establish with our clients,” Arnold says. “We

Interstate + Lakeland Lumber For over 100 years, builders, architects and homeowners have turned to Interstate + Lakeland Lumber (IL Lumber) for all their building needs. With yards in Greenwich, Stamford, Westport and Newtown, CT as well as in Shrub Oak, NY, IL Lumber is perfectly positioned to serve the building community across Fairfield and Westchester Counties. It offers much more than just lumber though. IL Lumber offers full lines of top-quality windows, doors, decking, siding, trim, millwork and more. Its molding and millwork, custom-made in the company’s Bethel Millshop, is some of the highest quality and most sought-after work in the region.

Since 1995, IL Lumber has been proud to supply Karp Associates with lumber and millwork. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to be associated with one of Fairfield County’s premier builders,” says Sheldon Kahan, IL Lumber’s President and CEO. IL Lumber is currently focused on its new window and door design center in Westport, CT. This multi-story space, which will showcase the highest quality and most advanced building products, is expected to open this autumn.

place a real emphasis on the importance of high-caliber craftsmanship as an accompaniment to the taste and lifestyle of our clients. At the same time, we’re determined to give accurate budgets and timeframes. We have lost projects where a client has demanded the completion of a project in a window that’s simply not possible. In those situations, it’s about identifying the right client, the right architects, and the right set of professionals to work with.”

Looking beyond, Arnold is hopeful that Karp Associates can continue to post impressive growth, with an even greater range of interesting projects. But equally, he’s well aware that he won’t always be the one to steer the ship.

“As I get older, I’m starting to look to the younger generation of employees we have on board,” Arnold admits. “That’s been a major shift in our strategic planning recently that we never really had to consider until now.

“We’ve recently had a few family members of the next generation join the firm. They are transitioning from other professions, such as law, because they find our business both interesting and challenging. We’re trying to bring them up to speed. While I love what I do and I never see myself retiring entirely, I would like to work fewer hours. I’m hoping that we have good people who decide that they want a chance to move the business onwards and upwards in the years to come.” F

Karp Associates www.Karpassociatesinc.com Services: Luxury homebuilding

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P&D BUILDERS

Professional

problem solvers In the midst of celebrating its 60th anniversary, P&D Builders pauses to reflect on what has made the company stand out from its competitors for so many years

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TOP OHIO HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

B

ased in Columbus, Ohio, P&D

construction with a collaborative building

efficient custom homes in both subdivisions

Builders (P&D) is a premier residential

process. For more than six decades, P&D

and on client-owned land. As Andrew Rus,

custom home builder, combining

has carved out a strong reputation in the

Marketing and Design Consultant at P&D,

timeless design and high-quality

Columbus market, constructing energy-

puts it: “We guide clients through the entire MODERNHB.COM

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P&D BUILDERS build: from the first time they walk through our door, to the time we hand over the keys, and long after moving in. At the beginning of the building process, our professional in-house design staff will get to know our clients and their goals, attending to their individual needs.

After we finalize the floor plans, pricing, and contract, our construction team will begin putting the pieces together. Our flexibility, creativity, and personalized approach during the entire process has allowed us to stand out as a builder.”

Innovative techniques More than 900+ floor plans are available to browse through the company’s online design archive. Alternatively, P&D’s design team can start from scratch, and incorporate custom features like in-law suites, home spas, cinema rooms, messy kitchens, expansive entertainment areas, and much more.

“We’ve been fortunate to partner with some incredible people, and that includes both our clients and our wider collaborators, such as our suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors,” Andrew continues. “By fostering strong relationships with all those involved in home build, we can ensure that the highest level of quality is always maintained. Columbus has proved a robust location for the company; it’s often ranked as one of the top ten US cities for growth. Originally started by Richard Dillon in 1962, P&D has a strong heritage in Columbus.

Richard’s son, Dan Dillon continues to lead P&D with his three partners: Mac Roberts, Darin Hilt, and Ed Snodgrass. With their leadership, we have been able to bring on the right people and head in the right direction.

Everyone at P&D knows what they do well, and recognition of such has helped us capitalize on our collective strengths as a team.”

Over the decades, P&D has built more than 1500 homes, often conducting repeat business for its clients and cultivating new business through positive referrals. Moreover, with over 100-plus combined years of industry experience and know-how, home building newcomers will find themselves assured during what can otherwise be an anxious time.

As Andrew makes clear, numerous factors set P&D apart from the competition. For instance, in the rapidly changing home building industry, the Columbus-based firm is proud to continue to innovate, creating new techniques

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to improve its end product. Building practices and materials, often considered upgrades from traditional building practices, are seen in every P&D home, such as two-by-six-inch exterior walls, blown wall insulation, and integrated weather resistant sheathing to improve energy efficiency ratings.

“From a wider perspective, then, we can define our success through our people, processes, systems, and reputation,” he asserts.

“Together, they have sustained the company for six decades. That longevity has also been a by-product of our ability to adapt and optimize those processes. Every great business has core systems; however, they can’t be run

We spend time with our clients and get to know them, their family, and about their daily lives.

In the interview process, we’re listening, taking notes, and asking the right questions. We’re not telling them what to do; rather, we’re cultivating their thoughts to help design the perfect home.

To see that hard work finally come to light when the home is complete, means that every project becomes one we love

without the right people. In that way, we’ve always heavily relied on our staff to refine our systems and be proactive when needed.

“Consequently, we seek out the latest

access an entire database of field documents

us to act and react quicker. The ability to relay

on-the-go. With this software, they’re able to

information accurately also underscores our

technology to improve our services,” he goes

pull up plans and reference design concepts

focus on communication and transparency.”

on. “For example, we recently adopted a

without having to pick up the phone and call

cloud-based software and equipped all of our

the office. Increasing our efficiency in this way,

projects, Andrew pleads the Fifth. “It’s hard to

project managers with iPads, allowing them to

not only streamlines our services, but enables

pick favorites!” he laughs. With an accomplished

When asked about some beloved past

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P&D BUILDERS

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years of history and experience. We have the appropriate systems and processes in place to not only pivot, but also be creative at the same time.

“Like many builders nationwide, the main challenge we face is with supply chain constraints and labor force,” he concludes.

“To overcome them, the first thing we ask a client to do after they’ve signed the contract is to make their core selections immediately: cabinets, appliances, plumbing, and windows and doors. That way, we ensure a head start in the process and that we’re better able to resume and noteworthy portfolio containing

spectacular. As a company, we feel fortunate

circumnavigate extended lead times to the

hundreds of homes, that’s certainly

our clients place their trust in us and that we

best of our ability. Indeed, the best way to

understandable.

have the ability to build something that will

overcome challenges is to show up every

last generations.”

day ready to go. The last two years have been

“Within every project, there’s always this overwhelming feeling that people are coming

difficult, but together we’ve got through them,

together to create something truly amazing.

History and experience

and we’re excited to keep moving forward.

The logistics, planning, and coordination that

Over the last two years, however, to complete

During the next few years, you will see us

we complete on a daily basis often are less

these kinds of projects, colossal hurdles have

balance healthy growth and the continuation

recognized, but it is worth all the effort when

had to be scaled. Solving issues related to

of what has, since 1962, made us a great

we hand over the keys to our homeowners,”

the pandemic and its enduring aftermath is a

company.”

he says. “We spend time with our clients and

persistent task at P&D.

get to know them, their family, and about

Yet, as Andrew notes, this isn’t firm’s first

their daily lives. In the interview process, we’re

rodeo with adversity. “We’re professional

listening, taking notes, and asking the right

problem solvers,” he asserts. “When problems

questions. We’re not telling them what to do;

arise, it’s likely that we’ve seen it before

rather, we’re cultivating their thoughts to help

and know how to reach a solution. Our

design the perfect home. To see that hard

status as problem solvers also goes back

work finally come to light when the home is

to the longevity of the company - behind

complete, means that every project becomes

each of our solutions, there’s more than 60

Follow P&D on Instagram/Facebook at @PNDBuilders, or visit www.pndbuilders.com. F

P&D Builders www.pndbuilders.com Services: Custom home builder

one we love.

“But there are definitely those really memorable and unique projects that leave you in awe,” he admits.

“We’ve built some incredible indoor basketball courts and swimming pools. Right now, we’re nearing completion on a really sensational project.

The plot had an existing small barndominium structure on it (a barn-style structure with a living space in it). In this particular case, we removed the siding and the large barn doors from the barndominum, and then designed and built a 5000-square-foot house to connect the two spaces, creating a truly inspiring home. The inside finishes of the home are MODERNHB.COM

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ARBOR HOMES

New routes,

new roots

For nearly three decades, Arbor Homes has been leading the way in new home construction across Indiana, having built more than 15,000 houses in the process. Now it is spreading its wings, delving into new territory across the Midwest with new offices in Kentucky and Ohio

E

stablished in 1994 by Curtis Rector,

Properties Group, which took an immediate

square feet, which incorporate modern

who still serves as company President,

interest in the renowned builder and went on

concepts while remaining at an affordable

Arbor Homes (Arbor) prides itself

to purchase the company in 2018. Since then,

price. An exciting range of floorplans – the

on creating neighborhoods with

it has helped Arbor tap into new markets.

Asheville, the Cooper, the Mulberry, the

purpose that encourage communities to

Scottsdale, and many more – are available to

come together, while also delivering high-

from success to success – externally and

quality homes at prices the average American

internally. Indeed, for the last five years, the

can afford.

company has been named as one of the

built on top of our continued success and

choose from.

“Over the last couple of years, we have

Indy Star’s Top Work Places, an award that is

expanded into Louisville, Kentucky and

Silverthorne Homes, enabling the company to

given annually based on direct feedback from

Columbus and Dayton in Ohio,” begins Ryan

tap into higher price points and offer high-end

employees.

Del Monte, Director of Sales at Arbor. “We are

In 2004, Arbor set up a sister company,

The firm primarily focusses on homes

in the process of closing our first two homes

base. This commercial diversity proved

for first- and second-time buyers, generally

at a development in Union, Ohio, which is a

attractive to Berkshire Hathaway’s Clayton

ranging from 1600 square feet up to 3000

huge milestone since this market is completely

and luxurious features to its growing customer

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Following the acquisition, Arbor has gone

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TOP OHIO HOMEBUILDERS SPOTLIGHT

new for us. Currently, we just want to keep on

Technology trailblazer

current role or move up the ladder, there is

hitting the ground running; but, we have also

The Division President of the Columbus, Ohio

always room for them to grow as individuals.

worked to streamline our processes to reduce

operation, Michael Marinangeli, echoes Ryan’s

overall build costs, the savings from which we

sentiment. He believes that drive to help

engaged by talking with them and letting

can then pass onto our buyers.

people is the product of a strong company

them know that you truly care,” he goes on.

culture.

“Our founder always says this: ‘What goes

“In this climate, with real estate prices and interest rates rising, it is – now more than

“Our ethos was established by Curtis,”

“With that mindset, you keep people

on between the walls at work is important,

ever – imperative to build affordable homes,

he explains. “He always wants to keep folks

but the most important things are that

especially for those first- and second-time

engaged and aware that their voices matter.

which go on between those at home.’ So, if

buyers that are being slowly pushed out of

While we can indeed apply that to the

something does come up, then we will be

the market,” he adds. “In doing so, we are not

average American family, we can also look

there to support you. That is life and that is our

merely highlighting a cultural need, but also –

at it internally. At Arbor, opportunities are an

approach to it.”

by tapping into it – separating ourselves from

embedded element of our employee growth

the competition.”

program. Whether people want to stay in their

Company and employee relations were redefined during the pandemic. Each one MODERNHB.COM

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ARBOR HOMES

needed the other like never before – and, as Michael notes, the primary lesson learned by many was that communication is key.

“Whether during the sales or construction process, being open and communicative was essential to stay ahead of the game,” he goes on. “Challenges have not died down. Right now, one of the biggest issues we face is the negativity in the market. Forecasts of this kind seem to snowball, particularly once picked up by the press. Whereas, in reality, there is so much demand that a deep backlog exists.

“We feel very strongly that plenty of people will be purchasing homes in the years to

We are really enthusiastic about the new land positions we have in Ohio. Our team there has been growing dramatically and in the next six months we will have established at least four new communities in Columbus. Put simply, we are set to see some big differences. Looking ahead, the goal is to find new pockets in the Midwest, where we can really help people find great value for money

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come,” says Michael. “We are staying positive because, despite everything, purchasing a home is still the best thing for people to do.

Few builders in Cincinnati and Dayton are constructing homes with a price tag of under $400,000, which only makes things more difficult for the average person. The fact we have been doing it successfully for so long gives us an advantage over our competitors and makes us confident about the future.”

“We are experiencing extreme inflation in terms of costs – upwards of 25 percent

increases since last year – and that is due

their own unique personalities. Lighting,

to supply chain issues and the fact that

cabinetry, flooring, paint colors, appliances –

routes, it seems, the company intends to lay

subcontractors must charge more because

all that makes a house a home is there to be

down new roots.

of rising labor costs,” explains Paul Metzger,

inspected, touched, and chosen, making what

Director of Land Acquisition and Entitlement.

can sometimes be a stressful process much

we would like the Arbor name to be recognized

“We are also starting to see some land prices

simpler.

as that of a leader and builder of choice for

rise in parts of Columbus, particularly where

Michael nods in agreement. By taking new

“Across Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus,

customers looking to get into a home that

Intel is building its new factory. However, we

Choice for home buyers

they might not be able to afford with other

still need to buy new lots to build new homes!

As it looks ahead, Arbor is resoundingly

builders,” he concludes. “We want to represent

For the most part, then, we must absorb those

ebullient about its new ventures in Kentucky

a viable choice for people and develop a

costs and get on with the job. In doing so, we

and Ohio. It will also offer new additions to its

strong reputation because of it. In five years, we

can keep serving our customers and enhance

already extensive lineup of homes, including

expect to be building up to 600 homes a year

our position as one of the region’s most

small and mid-size two-story houses that are

across these new markets, attracting more and

preeminent building firms.”

incredibly efficient to run.

more talent to help us grow the company. In

Attitudes and platitudes seemed to define

“We are really enthusiastic about the new

the pandemic. ‘Keep calm and carry on,’ for

land positions we have in Ohio,” says Ryan. “Our

instance, was one often passed around.

team there has been growing dramatically and

While this was certainly the case with Arbor

in the next six months we will have established

absorbing nascent financial changes in the

at least four new communities in Columbus.

market, the company was also determined to

Put simply, we are set to see some big

blaze trails with exciting new technology.

differences. Looking ahead, the goal is to find

During the Covid-19 crisis, Arbor established several processes to help

new pockets in the Midwest, where we can

turn, that means we can create more homes for the average person.” F

Arbor Homes https://yourarborhome.com Services: Home builder

really help people find great value for money.”

customers feel as if they were part of the building process, even though in reality they were confined to their current residences. One of those was the adoption of homebuildingjourney.com, an online portal that enables buyers to see, for example, all the tasks their assigned superintendent or construction has completed on that particular day.

Simplified process In short, customers can stay up-to-date with the latest developments on their new home.

Whereas many other companies might offer updates just once a week over the phone; at Arbor the process is much more interactive, and invites buyers on board with the process – something that was taken away from many during the pandemic.

Digital services such as these support the company’s strong physical presence, which is most evident through its impressive, stateof-the-art 3200-square-foot design center.

Connected to the company’s main office, the design center handles appointments on a daily basis, and prospective buyers are offered three hour sessions with experienced consultants who will help guide them through the entire design process.

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SCOTT HEKSTRA BUILDERS

Appreciating

the little things

Putting life before work, Scott Hekstra Builders shares its unique approach to creating some of west Michigan’s most impressive custom homes

I

t has been quite the journey – and it

about building,” adds Scott. “That turned out

all started with my grandpa,” begins

to be great advice. Dad went into contracting

corporate world that was waiting for him was

Scott Hekstra, President at Scott Hekstra

and my uncle went into framing. From a very

simply not conducive to those salad days of his

Builders, who sat down with us to share

early age, then, home building was always

youth, which were carefully shaped and planed

the incredible story behind the business

a big part of family life. Throughout school,

by framing and home building – not office

that proudly bears his name. “He immigrated

I would work with my father and my uncle,

work. In 2015 then, Scott Hekstra Builders was

from the Netherlands and became a builder,

learning how to frame houses, cover roofs,

founded to channel that passion and share it

working on his own houses in the US.”

and create elegant soffits with intricate

with the rest of the west Michigan region.

It soon became a family affair. Scott’s father and uncle started working for the family

tongue and groove.”

Working as part of that family unit served

What kind of company would it become?

Well, the clue is in the name.

framing business. In time, they were ready to

as a successful conduit for an education in the

split off and begin their own company.

building trade. Yet, prompted by his father,

someone owns you – and I like my freedom,”

Scott left the industry and attended Davenport

admits Scott. “If my team works really hard

grandpa said they should create separate

University, where he completed his degree in

during the week, then sometimes we will

businesses because they had different ideas

Marketing and Business Management.

take the Friday off. Everything comes down to

“However, instead of starting a joint venture,

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When Scott returned to Michigan, the

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“If you are employed, it always feels like

client is putting a lot of money into; though we might know that the home will turn out beautifully in the end, we need to be able to establish trust with customers to communicate that assuredness. Like my father did with his business, Scott Hekstra Builders bears my name; customers know that name is associated with high-quality home building, so it always pleases them to know that their questions will be relationships: both with your team and with

a grill on-site, and we will go out hunting or

answered by myself – the owner – rather than

your customers. In terms of the former, usually

fishing and cook up that fresh meat at lunch

someone they do not know.

once or twice a week I will go out and buy

together. Little gestures like that save your

coffees and lunch for the guys. Alternatively,

team money, which they can then save or

married to your builder for the next year,”

on that Friday off, we will play golf together.

spend on their families. Like life, business is all

he continues. “As such, you must be able to

about the little things.”

speak your concerns. If I get the feeling that a

“Life is not all about work,” he goes on.

“Certainly, we work hard and give each project

“I always tell my clients that you are basically

client is not quite right, then I will recommend

everything we have; but life is about enjoying

Valuable relationships

them another builder; there is plenty of work

time with friends, family, and everything God

Along with a solid work ethic, the importance of

out there, so it is not so much about the

has given us. Recognizing that fact allows you

strong relationships between business owner,

size of the project but, rather, the working

to keep your team motivated. My name is tied

the team, and then the client is something

relationship you can build from it. In doing so,

to the company, and the team all know my

that has been passed down by generations

if something should come up, then the client

wife and children; in fact, if we are working

in the Hekstra family. “With clients, robust and

knows we will never pass the buck. Instead,

nearby, then they will typically come over for

responsive relationships are essential,” asserts

we will acknowledge the problem and make

lunch or dinner. Right now, we have installed

Scott. “We are working on a house that the

it right.”

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SCOTT HEKSTRA BUILDERS

...Our client wanted it on a 45-degree angle to offer more privacy.

We took that one step further and made the back face straight west, allowing them to watch beautiful sunsets as they have a quiet drink and look out over their land. To bolster that vision, we created a big, covered deck to create the perfect spot for hosting friends and family: somewhere to sit with a hot toddy and reflect on life Special project

Surrounded by woods, Scott envisioned a

perfect spot for hosting friends and family:

As Scott goes on to highlight, project

private oasis: a place that his client could relax

somewhere to sit with a hot toddy and

innovation is fueled by that shared sense of

and spend time with family – to cherish the

reflect on life. Ultimately, God created this

trust. The intricate ties between a builder and

little things, as he might say. Through several

world for us to enjoy. Our homes should

their client enables the former to bring the

design changes, Scott was able to create a

reflect that. Of course, that poses several

latter’s dreams into the realm of possibility.

refined and cost-effective plan. For instance, a

challenges; however, we aim to overcome

proposed barn was swapped out for a garage-

them and make something truly special for

pictures suggesting what their ideal home

Often clients will bring Scott several

on-garage unit, saving over 50 percent of the

the client.”

might look like. Here, the client is placing their

costs already allocated to the barn build.

trust in Scott Hekstra Builders to transform that spark of inspiration into a home for life.

“In terms of the house, the floor plan stayed

Future considerations

the same from the beginning,” remembers

Scott Hekstra Builders had to quickly become

Scott. “Our client wanted it on a 45-degree

familiar with challenges when the pandemic

designs using CAD software, and then work

angle to offer more privacy. We took that one

hit. Covid-19 proved to be a test of resilience

with clients through various revisions of

step further and made the back face straight

for companies all over the world, and it was

their dream home. One successful project

west, allowing them to watch beautiful

no different in west Michigan.

completed by virtue of this process is The

sunsets as they have a quiet drink and look

“One of the biggest obstacles we have

Modern Farmhouse, which is located on an

out over their land. To bolster that vision, we

faced has been staffing,” reveals Scott. “At the

impressive four-acre estate.

created a big, covered deck to create the

minute, we exist in a worker’s market; there

Scott will then use that spark to draw up

Standale Lumber has been selling lumber and building supplies in Grand Rapids and West Michigan for over 70 years Any project, from building to remodeling and up-dating inside and out, we can help with your project from concept to completion. We will help you through the entire process, whether you’re a contractor or homeowner and make sure you’re satisfied. Our staff is the most experienced in the business and you will find that their knowledge and experience will keep your project running smoothly.

We realize that for most homeowners and builders alike, their homes are their most prized possession, so why not trust a business with 70 years of experience to help with your home and building needs. Standale Lumber is proud to be called your local and hometown home center and lumber store.

We promise there isn’t a friendlier or more knowledgeable staff than ours.

Whether you’re a builder, remodeler or home owner, you owe it to yourself to check out our extensive product line that we offer at affordable, competitive prices.

• Rough lumber • Roofing and siding • Doors and windows • Interiors doors • Decking and railing • Pole barns for any use

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are a lot of jobs around. More often than not,

now have a lead time of up to 20 weeks

for a good home – for all the little things –

people will take one before quickly moving

depending on the brand, and that all adds

remains the same. At Scott Hekstra Builders,

onto another. The challenge, therefore, is to

to the stress of home building. It has been

we will keep fostering that appreciation for

find staff and retain them over the course of

a steep learning curve. Lumber prices have

many years to come.” F

multiple projects – only then can you build

shot up and interest rates are flip-flopping;

up internal rapport and a sense of trust, which

however, we remain unperturbed. Going

can then be translated to the client.

forward, we intend to overcome these issues

“Another issue brought on by the

and continue building beautiful bespoke

pandemic is supply chain disruption,” he

homes, particularly those with zero-barrier

concludes. “Our entire scheduling process

entryways since, in the end, we are all getting

has been scrambled; windows, for instance,

older. While we might age, our appreciation

Scott Hekstra Builders www.scotthekstrabuilders.com Services: Custom home builder

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113

PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES

The white glove approach Built to last: Patterson Custom Homes’ turnkey service has cemented its place as Orange County’s top custom homebuilder

A

s the largest independent builder

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Specializing exclusively in building custom

Covid-19 pandemic gave way to months of

of custom homes in Orange

homes and luxury estates, there are a number

supply chain shortages and delays, many

County, California, Patterson

of reasons why clients elect to join the

of which continue to this day. But here too,

Custom Homes (Patterson) has

Patterson family. Perhaps most obviously, the

Patterson proved itself more capable than

completed more than 300 homes, thanks to

company prides itself on delivering projects

most. As the largest independent custom

its full-time staff of over 30 people, and a large

of the upmost quality; it’s said that a Patterson

home builder in Orange County, the company

network of trusted subcontractors. An award-

home is built to last for generations, thanks

drew upon its pulling power with the most

winning team, Patterson is raising the bar in

to the company’s deployment of exclusively

skilled subcontractors in the area, enabling

custom home construction with its ‘white

top-quality materials, and innovative, industry-

it to continue building homes faster than its

glove approach’, encompassing all aspects of

leading practices that go far beyond what’s

competitors.

the construction process, from tear-down to

required by typical building code.

Although most general contractors don’t

finished home, including permitting, project

Even the best homebuilders have had

management, problem solving, and quality

their challenges over the last few years, as

bidding process has begun, clients going to

control.

the disruption brought on by the initial

Patterson find themselves supported with

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come to the party until the construction

At Patterson, it’s believed that what separates extraordinary new home construction from ordinary new home construction, is detail.

Accordingly, the next stage in the Patterson process is specification development. Here, the company’s Project Coordinators create a comprehensive, all-inclusive Specifications Book cataloguing every component of a project, including plumbing fixtures, cabinets, appliances, finish carpentry, paint colors, and more. Once done, bids will be obtained from subcontractors and vendors, and the overall budget will be confirmed. A Decision Deadline Schedule then helps to keep the build schedule on track.

When it comes to project management, one of the many advantages of working with a general contractor that has a large full-time staff is that it’s not just one person trying to do everything. Once the build is underway, Patterson’s dedicated Operations Manager uses specialized software to track all aspects of scheduling, giving clients the ability to see exactly where things stand. The Controller will track all expenses and provide detailed monthly billings, while an Office Administrator will stay on top of insurance and lien release challenges. Finally, Patterson’s in-depth project close-out process includes a full inspection by an Independent Home Inspector. Andrew Patterson himself then joins clients and the Project Manager, Customer Service Manager, and Custom Care Manager for a detailed walk-through of the home, to compile a final ‘punch list.’ Upon move-in, clients then receive a Comprehensive Close-Out Package with copies of all contracts, invoices, releases, city documents, manuals, and warranties, as well as photographic documentation of the project.

Patterson’s largest project to-date is a 14,000 square foot waterfront home, located expert assistance even before a lot has been

to validate the views, review city restrictions,

in Newport Harbor. At the time of its sale

identified, or an architect has been retained.

municipal easements, and more. It’s then

in 2019, the home broke the record for the

It’s this early involvement that allows the

that the home design process begins. Once

largest sale in the area, eventually totaling just

company to help value engineer its clients’

again, Patterson’s status as the top custom

over $35 million. Since then, the company has

projects, identifying where it’s worth investing

home builder in Orange County enables

continued to go from strength-to-strength.

more money and where a less costly option

the company to draw upon its strong

Celebrating its 20th year in business in 2021,

will provide the desired results.

working relationships with the area’s premier

Patterson now boasts a portfolio of over 236

architects and interior designers, providing

custom homes, and has received more than

process, Patterson leverages its long-

introductions, and matching the best-fit for

35 awards and honors. The company has also

standing relationships with local real estate

any proposed style. Once retained, Patterson

supported more than 45 local events and

professionals to identify the perfect lot for

collaborates closely with the architect to

programs during its existence, as part of an

its clients. After confirming that the desired

create a custom home that fits within all of the

ethos of giving back to its communities.

lot is feasible, the company brings in expert

customer’s desired function, design, and cost

consultants, including soil and pool engineers,

parameters.

As part of the land and lot acquisition

In 2022, the company achieved even more success, winning Platinum in the MODERNHB.COM

115

PATTERSON CUSTOM HOMES Single-Family One-of-a-Kind Custom Home

held during the 2022 International Builders’

Once a customer enters their scheduling

5,001-6,000-square-foot category in the

Show in Orlando, Florida.

preferences, Patterson’s automated scheduling

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)

system will then create a maintenance

the finished home. After the build, a house

schedule for the next year. Each maintenance

Located in Costa Mesa, California, the winning

needs to be properly maintained. That is

appointment is overseen on-site by the

home (titled ‘The 20th Street Project’) was

where the Patterson Custom Care comes

company’s Custom Care Manager, to ensure all

designed by Brandon Architects and built by

in: a one-of-a-kind turnkey preventative

work is completed to the Patterson standard.

Patterson.

home maintenance program, designed to

Following completion, in addition to providing

free customers from the time, hassle, and

service reports with notes for every service

bedrooms and five bathrooms, along with

energy needed to keep up with the routine

provided, customers also receive periodic

a detached, 615-square-foot pool house

maintenance needs of their new custom

Report Cards showing all services performed.

complete with a game room, full bath, and

home. The program includes everything big

These documents become part of a home’s

an indoor-outdoor bar. Built on a lot nearly

and small that should be addressed on an

permanent record, and can be invaluable

half an acre in size with a depth that is five

ongoing basis, from properly maintaining

when the home is sold or passed down to the

times its width, the yard additionally includes

hardwood floors, to servicing HVAC units and

next generation. It’s all part of the Patterson

a solar-heated pool, a sunken fire pit with an

adjusting garage doors. Everything within the

promise to build homes that last. F

adjacent outdoor fireplace, an athletic court,

service is carried out seamlessly, automatically,

an outdoor dining area, and a patio space

and professionally.

The 4839-square-foot house includes four

116

But the Patterson service doesn’t end with

Best in American LivingTM Awards (BALA).

covered by a metal trellis. The interiors of the

The starting point for the program is a

main house are open and combine the best

complete home profile assessment, during

of traditional French design with modern

which Patterson’s team will note all of the

features and amenities. The results were

home’s specifications, before tailoring the

announced at the virtual award ceremony

maintenance program to individual needs.

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Patterson Custom Homes www.pattersoncustomhomes.com Services: Turnkey homebuilding

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MODERN

HOME BUILDERS

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