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Building Without Boundaries
Living Stone Design+Build showcases what creativity and craftsmanship can execute Design+ build firms offer the unique advantage of having all key players…
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Living Stone Design+Build showcases what creativity and craftsmanship can execute
Design+ build firms offer the unique advantage of having all key players of the homebuilding process under one roof. One firm in particular, Living Stone Design+Build, takes its expertise and challenges the process of custom homebuilding, offering both a curated experience and a luxury product.
The project is 3,459 square feet with three-bedrooms, four-bathrooms, an office space and a two-car-garage. Hustle to High-End
Sean Sullivan, President and Founder of Living Stone Design+Build began working in luxury residential construction in 1995. His origin story began with little mentorship or structure, but in that environment determination manifested. Then the unexpected happened. “One day the owner came in and let everyone go,” said Sean Sullivan. “That afternoon I went to a job site and started hanging siding.”
From that day he continued finding jobs in the industry. Sullivan described the beginning of the company like many others, starting with what it could get its hands on. This led to subcontracting work, then a pivot to remodeling and renovation of existing homes.
In 2006, Living Stone Design+Build was introduced to the concept of certified homes. The company certified its first ENERGY STAR home a year later. This moment of excitement quickly fell when the housing market did that year. In 2010, the builder became one of 10 bidders on a project and decided that the process of custom homebuilding did not align. This inspired its establishment of a design + build business and philosophy.
“Our building philosophy is simple: Let’s build a better house every time, leaving the client with no regrets,” said Sullivan.
From there, Living Stone Design+Build launched ID.ology Interiors & Design, an interior design service to walk clients through the selection process.Once the company gained licensure, which it now holds in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, it began a multiyear process of interviewing architects. With the basis of a solid team, Sullivan realized that space planning and furnishing played a huge part in his mission of building happier, healthier lives. Shortly after, the team launched a nontoxic and low VOC furniture store, Atelier Maison & Co.
The spiral custom steel staircase wrapped around the vacuum tube elevator won a NAHB BALA for Best Design Detail. Hidden Falls Haven
Living Stone’s project, Hidden Falls in Flat Rock, N.C., exemplifies the tailored excellence that design + build firms build reputations on. The name draws inspiration from the waterfalls surrounding the property.
The home is 3,459 square feet with three-bedrooms, four-bathrooms, an office space and a two-car-garage. The open concept design and expansive windows welcomes natural light and views of the surrounding wooded area.
The kitchen and living room are separated by a dramatic fireplace with accordion sliding doors to maximize connectivity outside. The kitchen features a waterfall island of natural granite balanced against the gold fixtures, matte black cabinetry and teardrop-esque lights.
The bathroom is styled with a recessed tub in a bed of river rocks framed by a charming chandelier and thoughtfully placed window. The bathroom is the epitome of serene surroundings with a recessed tub in a bed of river rocks framed by a charming chandelier and thoughtfully placed window.
An intricate but unforgettable design detail is the spiral custom steel staircase wrapped around the vacuum tube elevator. This outstanding element is elegantly executed to increase mobility while adding an unexpected architectural flair to the interior. The remarkable touches continue outside. On the patio of the project is a custom recessed fireplace and conversation pit inviting conversation immersed in nature.
In addition to these stellar design details, the project can operate 100% off grid. Alongside solar panels with battery backup and rainwater collection, it is certified by ENERGY STAR, GreenBuilt Platinum & Net Zero Energy and Indoor airPLUS.
On the patio of the project is a custom recessed fireplace and conversation pit inviting conversation immersed in nature. Award-Winning Craftsmanship
The project went on to win both regional and national awards. Starting at the regional level with WNC Stars Award, Silver Craftsmanship Award and Best Sustainable Project presented by the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then the project won Best One-of-a-kind Home from the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA). Finally it achieved national recognition from the National Association of Home Builders Best in American Living Award for Best Design Detail.
“These awards are a confirmation of our hard work and craftsmanship, setting a standard for building and design as well as our commitment to sustainability,” said Austin Fox, Project Manager at Living Stone Design + Build.
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is also featured in B&D May read the print version.
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Builder sentiment reports steady increase in May
The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) of Builder sentiment reported a modest gain in May,…
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The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) of Builder sentiment reported a modest gain in May, bouncing back after April’s decrease. The HMI posted a 37 for newly built single-family homes.
NAHB cites the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could settle builders’ concerns while increasing housing supply.
“The housing market remains soft as higher mortgage rates, rising gas prices and economic uncertainty related to the war in Iran continue to dampen buyer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “However, efforts in the House to modify the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could increase the nation’s housing supply and help ease builder concerns.”
Regionally, the Builder sentiment in Midwest registered a slight, one-point gain to 43 and the Northeast followed with a one point increase to 42. The South reported no change at 35, while the West dipped one point to 28.
“Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Although some regional markets, including parts of the Midwest, are showing relative strength, the housing market continues to face significant affordability challenges.”
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House approves revised housing bill
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that removes a build-to-rent (BTR) sales…
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The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that removes a build-to-rent (BTR) sales provision that would have hurt affordability and reduced much-needed housing supply. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Urban Institute, the measure would have cut rental housing supply by 40,000 to 72,000 units each year. It also would have displaced thousands of tenants annually, shrinking the rental market and putting further pressure on rents. NAHB led the push to remove the provision, which would have required purpose-built single-family rental homes to be sold within seven years.
In a time of severe housing shortages and affordability challenges, BTR remains one of the few market segments adding thousands of homes that would otherwise not be built.
“NAHB applauds the House for overwhelmingly approving the revised 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with strong bipartisan support,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB, home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “Led by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters, the package eliminates a forced-sale provision on rental housing that would have reduced supply, raises and indexes multifamily loan limits to help spur new apartment development and provides meaningful relief to community banks. We urge the Senate to move quickly to send a once-in-a-generation housing bill to President Trump to expand housing supply and address America’s housing affordability challenges.”
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BDmag.com turns 30
On May 16, 1996, bdmag.com became one of the first industry websites to go live. Adapting to the changing landscape of the print publication,…
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On May 16, 1996, bdmag.com became one of the first industry websites to go live. Adapting to the changing landscape of the print publication, Builder and Developer used its newfound online presence to continue to channel original content via online avenues and social media pages alongside its hallmark print publication.
This year marks the website’s 30th anniversary a testament to our commitment to bring industry professionals high quality stories, news and products.
For this 30-year milestone, our BDmag.com adopted a rebrand, bringing our readers a contemporary platform to access our industry insights, feature stories, breaking news, videos and more.
Here’s to many more years communicating what’s most important in U.S. housing.
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New Housing Growth Offers Opportunities
As we navigate the spring 2026 buying season, the U.S. housing market is presenting a complicated landscape. The overall trend indicates a…
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As we navigate the spring 2026 buying season, the U.S. housing market is presenting a complicated landscape. The overall trend indicates a cooling market, with slower price growth nationwide and significant differences in performance across various regions.
Cotality’s latest Home Price Index (HPI) shows annual home price growth at only 0.5%, marking the slowest increase in more than ten years. This moderation in price growth has contributed to an improvement in affordability, with the typical real principal and interest payment decreasing by 14%, prior to the Middle East conflict, from the peak in May 2024.
Despite the subdued annual growth, the HPI report notes a slight monthly increase of 0.04% in home prices from January, with projections for continued incremental rises throughout the year. These seasonal increases may signal stabilization in the broader market decline. However, recent geopolitical developments have driven mortgage rates higher, introducing an element of uncertainty for future housing market activity.
The national averages obscure a more intricate and fractured regional narrative. The most notable split has been between the resilient Northeast and the cooling Sun Belt, but recent data suggests a new divergence: Continued strength in the Northeast, renewed activity in the Sun Belt and cooling in Mountain and Northern West regions. Factors contributing to these regional variations include affordability constraints, migration patterns, job market shifts and most significantly, the supply of homes for sale. In certain areas, inventories have bounced back and surpassed pre-pandemic levels, while in others, they remain at historic lows. For example, Colorado Springs, Colo., Denver, San Antonio, Seattle and McAllen, Texas, have seen existing for-sale inventories at levels more than 60% above pre-pandemic figures.
In addition to increased resale inventory, many markets are witnessing a surge in newly constructed homes.
Cotality’s Growth Intelligence indicators highlight where growth, new construction and development are most pronounced. Four Texas metro areas, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, collectively accounted for 15% of all recently newly completed housing units. Recently completed growth instances are defined as a “year built” value in the last two years or a sale date during the last two years.
Texas as a whole made up 18% of the total. Florida contributed 13% and North Carolina 6.3%, meaning Texas and Florida together represent over 30% of new builds despite comprising only around 16% of the U.S. population.
Larger metro areas naturally account for a greater share of growth, but even when focusing on markets with the fastest new residential growth, regardless of size, many are still found in Florida and Texas.
As inventory has increased in many markets, especially with more homes available for sale, price growth has slowed and in some cases, declined. Florida, Colorado and Texas are among the top five states, excluding Washington, D.C., where home prices have fallen over the past year.
With affordability improving due to more homes entering the market, it is crucial to identify areas where early signs of development could further ease affordability pressures. Early growth instances are defined as the appearance of a new CLIP, ownership changes to a builder or developer, or shifts in land use code from a 4XX, 5XX or 6XX code to a residential code, all occurring in the past two years and not followed by events marking ongoing or completed growth.
Notably, there is a shift away from Florida and, to a lesser extent, from Texas and North Carolina. Early growth in these three states now stands at 23.3%, with Florida experiencing the largest drop: About nine percentage points. While Texas still holds a substantial share, the Midwest is seeing the most significant increases in early growth indicators relative to overall new development which is critically important as many local markets in states such as Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Kentucky, still lag pre-pandemic inventory levels by more than 30%.
Consequently, home price growth in these states remains robust: Wisconsin saw a 4.7% year-over-year increase and Ohio recorded a 3% rise, which is much stronger than the national 0.5% increase or the declines seen in Florida and Texas.
While Midwest markets show promise for future affordability improvements, regions under the most price pressure are in the Northeast, particularly New Jersey and Connecticut. However, early growth indicators do not suggest any imminent relief from new development in these areas.
By Dr. Selma Hepp. She is the Chief Economist of Cotality. She may be reached at newsmedia@cotality.com. This column is featured in May B&D, read the print version here.
This column has been posted on our Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
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Housing affordability increases in Q1 2026
Housing affordability conditions for first-time and entry-level buyers are improving at a reasonable pace. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI), in Q1 of 2026 the income share needed to buy a new home dropped 4% from Q2 2025.
Despite mortgage rate changes and overall economic uncertainty, this exhibits promising signs for housing affordability for everyday Americans. The trend continues to existing homes, where income share needed to purchase dropped from 37% in Q2 2025 to 32% in Q1 2026.
“The U.S. data for the percentage of earnings needed to purchase a new home in the first quarter is based on a national median new home price of $403,200 and median income of $106,800, said Rose Quint, assistant vice president for survey research at NAHB. “The first quarter median new home price is down slightly from $405,300 in the fourth quarter of 2025.”
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Pending home sales see 1.4% increase
According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the spring housing market saw a slight bump in activity in April, as pending home sales increased by 1.4% since March. Pending sales increased in the Northeast, Midwest and West, but declined in the South. Year-over-year pending home sales rose in the Midwest, South and West, but declined in the Northeast.
The report, released on May 19, 2026, follows the release of data indicating that the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo sentiment index notched a 3-point gain in May.
“Buyers are coming out with cautious optimism despite increasing economic uncertainty and a slight rise in mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Demand will easily be even higher once mortgage rates retreat to the levels they were at earlier this year.”
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U.S. home prices rose 0.2% in April
U.S. home prices rose 0.2% month over month in April on a seasonally adjusted basis and climbed 2.1% year over year. The Redfin Home Price Index, which uses the repeat-sales pricing method to calculate seasonally adjusted changes in single-family home prices, found that, overall, improving homebuyer demand could fuel further price gains in the coming months.
“An improving labor market is buoying homebuyer demand, which is keeping home price growth afloat,” said Redfin Senior Economist Asad Khan. “Even though prices are rising, buyers still have bargaining power because they’re outnumbered by sellers. If housing demand keeps climbing, sellers may regain some of that power, causing home prices to rise further.”
In Montgomery County, Pa., home prices climbed 2.5% month over month on a seasonally adjusted basis in April; the biggest increase among the U.S. metropolitan areas.
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Sumitomo Forestry Completes Acquisition of Tri Pointe Homes
Sumitomo Forestry announced the successful completion acquisition of Tri Pointe Homes. In closing of this transaction, Tri Pointe Homes is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Forestry America and will cease trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
Through the acquisition of Tri Pointe’s more than 160 active communities, the homebuilder expects to deliver around 15,000 units annually across 18 states. This makes Sumitomo Forestry of the highest-volume homebuilders in the nation. Sumitomo Forestry Group is engaged in a broad range of global businesses centered on wood, including forestry management, the manufacture and distribution of wood building materials, the contracting of single-family homes and medium- to large-scale wooden buildings, real estate development and wood biomass power generation.
“Together with Tri Pointe Homes and our existing five U.S. homebuilders, we are well positioned to expand scale, enhance management efficiency and improve profitability toward our Mission TREEING 2030 goal of supplying 23,000 homes annually in the U.S. by 2030,” said Toshiro Mitsuyoshi, President and Executive Officer of Sumitomo Forestry.
“Joining the Sumitomo Forestry Group marks an exciting new chapter for Tri Pointe Homes, building on the past 17 years of standalone growth delivering over 58,000 homes to U.S. families and communities,” said Doug Bauer, Tri Pointe Homes’ Chief Executive Officer. “With a shared strategic vision, values and culture, we are well positioned to accelerate our growth while continuing to deliver design-driven homes and exceptional customer experiences.”
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House approves revised housing bill
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that removes a build-to-rent (BTR) sales provision that would have hurt affordability and reduced much-needed housing supply. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the Urban Institute, the measure would have cut rental housing supply by 40,000 to 72,000 units each year. It also would have displaced thousands of tenants annually, shrinking the rental market and putting further pressure on rents. NAHB led the push to remove the provision, which would have required purpose-built single-family rental homes to be sold within seven years.
In a time of severe housing shortages and affordability challenges, BTR remains one of the few market segments adding thousands of homes that would otherwise not be built.
“NAHB applauds the House for overwhelmingly approving the revised 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act with strong bipartisan support,” said Bill Owens, chairman of NAHB, home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “Led by House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters, the package eliminates a forced-sale provision on rental housing that would have reduced supply, raises and indexes multifamily loan limits to help spur new apartment development and provides meaningful relief to community banks. We urge the Senate to move quickly to send a once-in-a-generation housing bill to President Trump to expand housing supply and address America’s housing affordability challenges.”
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Lennar introduces new luxury community Vinova
Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, introduces the grand opening of its new luxury master-planned community, Vinova. Homes in this community range from 2,652 to 3,805 square feet with four to five bedrooms and three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half bathrooms across two upscale collections. The community features elegant design choices, prioritizing indoor-outdoor living, open concept layouts and spa-inspired bathrooms.
The builder’s distinct design choices are on display in this project, integrating its most popular features into the base price of the home. Lennar’s Vinova features Wolf® stainless-steel kitchen appliances, floor-to-ceiling tiled glass-enclosed showers and freestanding soaking tubs in owner’s suites giving the project a more tailored feel for potential buyers. Pricing at Vinova starts in the $1,400,000s.
The community is located in one of Southern California’s most desireable regions, Rancho Cucamonga, balancing accessibility to entertainment, good schools and convenient commutes.
“Panoramic mountain views, trails right outside your door and sunshine nearly every day of the year are the hallmarks of life in Rancho Cucamonga,” said Mark Torres, Lennar Inland Empire Division President. “At Vinova, Lennar has built a community worthy of that extraordinary setting and one that delivers exceptional value for today’s homebuyer.”
Photo credit: Lennar
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HUD releases report on best homebuilding practices
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the State and Local Best Practices for Home Construction Report, a series of regulatory actions for state and local governments to increase efficiency and ease regulatory barriers to housing construction and affordability. The report provides a clear starting point for all state and local governments to begin or continue an active effort to remove unnecessary burdens to home construction. Best practices are sorted into three categories: Cut Home Construction Costs, Unlock Land for New Housing Supply and Accelerate Construction Timelines.
“HUD is encouraging our state and local partners to take inventory of their regulations and policies and make changes that will lower the cost to build and enable more efficient housing supply growth,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner. “These best practices are an initial list of recommendations to facilitate growth while respecting communities’ unique needs. Adding efficiency to local building processes will result in more affordable homeownership opportunities for all Americans.”
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Builder sentiment reports steady increase in May
The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) of Builder sentiment reported a modest gain in May, bouncing back after April’s decrease. The HMI posted a 37 for newly built single-family homes.
NAHB cites the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could settle builders’ concerns while increasing housing supply.
“The housing market remains soft as higher mortgage rates, rising gas prices and economic uncertainty related to the war in Iran continue to dampen buyer demand,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “However, efforts in the House to modify the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act could increase the nation’s housing supply and help ease builder concerns.”
Regionally, the Builder sentiment in Midwest registered a slight, one-point gain to 43 and the Northeast followed with a one point increase to 42. The South reported no change at 35, while the West dipped one point to 28.
“Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz. “Although some regional markets, including parts of the Midwest, are showing relative strength, the housing market continues to face significant affordability challenges.”
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Q1 2026 Homebuilding Permit Overview
Over the first three months of 2026, there were 214,655 permits issued nationwide to construct new single-family homes. This was down 7.6% from the first quarter of 2025. However, multifamily permits grew 7.1% to 121,404 total units over the first quarter of the year.
At a state level, 12 states recorded year-over-year increases in single-family permits in March, with gains ranging from 18.6% in Alabama to 0.2% in Minnesota. Ten states issued the highest number of single-family permits, which accounted for 63.7% of all single-family permits issued nationwide. Texas led the country with 35,231 single-family home permits issued at the end of Q1 2026.
Elevated financing costs, ongoing affordability challenges and softer builder sentiment continued to weigh on single-family construction activity, while multifamily permitting remained supported by demand for rental housing.
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These 5 design trends make a kitchen feel timeless
Regardless of fluctuating kitchen design trends, interior designers agree on one thing: Homeowners want a kitchen that feels timeless. From natural materials to layered lighting, five design trends can give the kitchen that desired look.
When it comes to designing a timeless kitchen, Diana Farberov, the founder of Artemuse Design, refers to historic homes and their finishes for guidance. She lists marble, quartzite, polished nickel and unlacquered brass as timeless elements to integrate into a kitchen design for an unchanging feel.
Luxury interior designer Krista Watterworth Alterman said that a kitchen is defined by its layered lighting, a mix of recessed, flush mount and pendant fixtures. Hardwood floors, classic tile and hidden functionality are additional features that enhance a kitchen’s design.
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What Builders Should Expect from a Designer
Every builder has a story about a designer who made their job harder. The selections that showed up three weeks late. The specification that didn’t account for the framing already in the wall. The finish schedule that reads like a mood board instead of a set of construction documents. I’ve heard more than a few of these stories because I’ve spent my career trying not to be in them.
A skilled interior designer should make a builder’s life measurably easier, not more complicated. When the relationship works, the project runs more smoothly, the client stays calmer and the finished product reflects the kind of quality that earns referrals for everyone at the table. That kind of partnership only happens when the designer understands what their role actually demands on a construction project, not just what it demands on a Pinterest board.
Here’s what I believe builders should be able to expect from any designer they bring onto a project and what they shouldn’t have to compensate for when the design side falls short.
A designer’s job isn’t finished when the drawings look beautiful.
Selections should arrive fully resolved, with lead times confirmed, substrates specified and installation requirements documented. If a tile selection calls for a specific setting material or a particular joint width, that information needs to be in the spec before it becomes a field question. If a fixture requires non-standard rough-in dimensions or reinforced backing, the plumber and framer shouldn’t be the ones discovering it during installation.
This is where designers earn their fee or lose their credibility. The standard I hold myself to is straightforward: No detail should land on a superintendent’s desk as an open question if I had the opportunity to close it first. That means doing the research, calling the manufacturer and confirming the detail; not hoping it works out in the field.
Renderings and material boards communicate vision. They serve the client, but the people actually building the project need information they can act on, like dimensions, sequences, clearances and tolerances.
A designer who understands construction sequencing can coordinate selections around the project schedule rather than against it.
They know that a large-format porcelain slab has different structural and logistical requirements than standard tile. They understand that specifying a flush-mount detail in a ceiling means coordinating with the electrician, not just the finisher.
This isn’t about a designer trying to be a builder. It’s about respecting the build process enough to learn how design decisions actually land inside of it. We are communicating in terms that translate directly to execution.
The best designers are quick to defer to the structural engineer, the MEP consultant and the general contractor’s field experience. They bring those voices into the conversation early rather than designing around them. When I pursued my CAPS certification for aging-in-place design, it wasn’t to add letters after my name. It was because decisions around blocking, clearances and threshold transitions directly affect framing and rough-in and I needed to understand how those choices land in the field before I put them on paper. Even through ASID’s vast offering of resources, including the Impact of Design Briefs and Adaptive Living Guide, designers like me are able to stay up-to-date and informed on the necessary processes to keep projects moving smoothly. That mindset, learning the downstream impact of every design decision, applies to every specialty a designer touches.
If a builder is chasing selections, interpreting vague specifications or serving as a translator between the client’s expectations and the designer’s intent, something has broken down on the design side.
Builders shouldn’t have to manage the gaps in someone else’s scope. Their energy and expertise should be directed at building. When the designer is doing their job well, the builder barely notices the design process at all. They just see the right materials arriving at the right time, with clear instructions and no ambiguity attached.
The projects I’m proudest of aren’t the ones where the design stole the spotlight. They’re the ones where the builder and I operated as a single team. The ones where the handoffs were clean, the communication was direct and the client never had to wonder who was steering the ship. That’s the standard worth building toward. I believe it starts with designers raising the bar for what our side of the partnership delivers.
By Amber Clore Morales, ASID, CAPS. She is the principal designer and owner of A.Clore Interiors, a full-service interior design firm. She can be reached at amber@acloreinteriors.com
This column is featured in May issue of B&D, read the print version.
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Expressive yet Timeless
Camelot Homes’ building philosophy is rooted in the belief that luxury should be both beautifully designed and deeply livable. Easier said than done for most builders, but Camelot Homes delivers.
A 50 Year Legacy
Their story begins as a family-founded homebuilder over 50 years ago. While retaining its intentional focus on architecture, design and the luxury experience, Camelot Homes evolved to embrace the homebuyer of today. The definition of luxury is shifting with a rising demand for expressive architecture, indoor-outdoor living, advanced building technologies and a heightened focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The builder’s approach is predictive, not reactive.
Julie Hancock, Board Member at Camelot Homes describes the company’s building philosophy as simple: Building right and treating people right or don’t build at all. She describes a fine line between beauty and quality, both need to prevail. “We’ve always believed great homes come from the intersection of design, function and discipline,” said Julie Hancock.
The company culture plays a large role in the success of the builder. Last year Camelot introduced an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. “We’ve built a culture where people are expected to think for themselves, be a problem solver and to do the right thing,” said Hancock. “When people have ownership, they stop thinking like employees and start thinking like builders and operators: That changes everything.”
Bespoke Blueprints
Cammie Hancock Beckert grew up visiting job sites and walking model homes with her parents on weekends. To her, it simply felt like a way of life rather than a defined career path. Her passion for the business developed when she joined the family company and began working in sales.
Camelot Homes worked closely with architect Bob White on the White Horse community project. The elevated, custom-level design resonated with buyers and led to increased interest from clients wanting to build similar homes on their own lots. The combination of strategic planning, market demand and prior experience ultimately led to the creation of Cameron Custom, where Hancock Beckert leads as the Division President.
“Working across both Cameron Custom and Camelot Homes has given me a unique balance of perspectives, the creativity and flexibility of custom homes alongside the discipline and systems of a larger production builder,” said Hancock Beckert. “As Cameron Custom has evolved, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor team members in areas like preconstruction planning, client communication and navigating complex projects.”
Under Hancock Beckert’s leadership, one of Cameron Custom’s projects, Whisper Rock is a custom-edition of Camelot’s Gold Nugget award-winning Cheval floorplan features The home features four-bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, a den and a separate casita. At 5,673 square-feet, the interiors are guided by expert design with thoughtful lighting placement, accents of gold hardware and modern Calacatta Viola marble in the kitchen, fireplace and primary bath. The project is grounded by Camelot’s seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living, bringing the warm aesthetic of the desert inside.
The Edge at Joy Ranch
An example of Camelot’s high-bar for community execution is the Edge at Joy Ranch. This site was chosen for its balance of privacy without isolation.
The architecture of the Edge at Joy Ranch leans towards a sculptural, postmodern-inspired massing. The home uses butterfly roofs and mono pitches to create dimension and textured exterior design in three complimentary colors to add contrast.
Underneath this is the decision to uphold luxury living with sustainability. In a desert environment, the optimized building orientation mitigates heat gain while maximizing daylighting. High-performance glazing and insulation improve comfort and energy use without sacrificing expansive views.
The exterior spaces function as true extensions of the interior rather than isolated amenities. While the deep overhangs and strategically placed apertures enhance airflow and passive cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The layout of the architecture and landscape design allows for ease of movement with entry points of large sliding doors in nearly every room.
Camelot plays on the give and take of expressive design, instilling art in the architecture while being a home to live and grow in.
Photo Credit: Camelot Homes
By Sofia Feeney. She is the Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at sofia@builder.media.
This story is also featured in B&D May read the print version.
This story is posted on our Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
Exclusive Feature
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Building Without Boundaries
Living Stone Design+Build showcases what creativity and craftsmanship can execute Design+ build firms offer the unique advantage of having all key players…
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Residential construction material prices are up
According to the most recent Producer Price Index (PPI), input prices for residential construction rose in April. Various factors are raising costs around the U.S., but particularly for the residential market energy prices are at the forefront.
The PPI for final demand rose 1.4% in April following a 0.7% increase in March. Excluding energy prices rising, building materials are also up 3.7% from a year ago. Apart from goods, services also saw a significant incline from a year ago.
“Long-distance motor carrying service prices rose 10.4% in April and were 18.3% higher than a year ago, while local motor carrying service prices rose 1.4% in April and were 6.3% higher than a year ago,” said Jess Wade, economist and director of tax and trade policy analysis at the National Association of Homebuilders. “These are the two transportation services that are represented as inputs in the residential construction price index.
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Design choices that inspire tranquility
Homeowners are seeking spaces that inspire tranquility and prioritize wellness. Design trends are shifting towards interiors that are softer and more personal to balance everyday living.
While bulb temperature may seem like a small detail, lighting has the power to transform the feeling of a home. Morgan Howard, founder and principal designer of Morgan Britt Interiors in Atlanta, Ga., selects 2700K bulbs to bring warmth into a space.
According to Lauren Branch, owner and principal designer of Kéfi Home Interiors in Raleigh, N.C., adding wooden elements to a home can bring an additional layer of warmth. Branch notes that she is talking about more than the standard floors or side tables.
“Try it on the walls or the ceiling,” said Branch. “Wood has an innate ability to bring in warmth and comfort (that) not many other materials can match.”
Adding plants into a project brings the outdoors inside, soothing nervous systems and enhancing air quality.
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Pending home sales climb to the highest level since 2023
In April, pending home sales hit the highest level since February 2023, rising 2% from the month before. This is the largest increase since March 2025. Existing home sales also climbed to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.33 million, the highest level since February 2023.
The median U.S. home sale price rose 2.4% year-over-year in April to $396,173, the biggest increase in 13 months, as house hunters came off the sidelines amid a stabilizing job market. The April jobs report showed an increase in hiring, which likely helped boost housing demand.
“Homebuyer demand increased significantly at the end of March following a relatively quiet period in January and February,” said Dawn Kane, a Redfin Premier real estate agent working in both Maryland and Pennsylvania. “This is the first time post-pandemic I’ve felt the frenzy and comeback of a true spring market.”
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May 2026
This issue of Builder and Developer features an array of perspectives on projects from design+build to a large-scale homebuilder.
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House approves revised housing bill
The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment to the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act that removes a build-to-rent (BTR) sales…
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New York’s housing plan delivers record-breaking progress
On May 5, 2026, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced record-breaking progress toward the state’s five-year housing goal, with more than 22,000 affordable homes created or preserved during Fiscal Year 2025-26. This marks the highest single-year production for Hochul’s five-year housing plan.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal has financed the creation or preservation of more than 81,000 affordable homes over the first four years of the housing plan, putting the state on track to meet its goal of 100,000 affordable homes ahead of schedule.
“New York is tackling the housing crisis head-on by building more homes, faster and making our state more affordable for families,” said Hochul. “This record-setting year complements my Let Them Build initiative and shows what’s possible when we combine smart policy with strong investment. We’re going to keep pushing forward to ensure that every New Yorker has access to a safe, affordable place to live.”
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Home sales see an increase over two consecutive months
Sales of new U.S. single-family homes increased this year for two consecutive months, in February and March, just in time for the spring buying season. New home sales surged 7.4% to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 682,000 units in March. Sales increased to a rate of 635,000 units in February from 583,000 units in January, when they were weighed down by harsher weather conditions in the winter months.
Despite the strong sales in March and February, new housing inventory remained high, indicating that the housing market remains in the homebuyer’s favor. With supply still elevated, the median new house price dropped 6.2% to $387,400 in March from a year earlier. Builders are continuing to offer incentives to attract homebuyers.
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Builders’ incentives prove successful, new home sales rise
New U.S. home sales increased in March after a slow start to the year. A main reason for the boost is the incentives offered by builders, according to Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist at First American. Builders continued to adjust prices in March to attract homebuyers; a strategy that paid off. New single-family home sales were up 3.3% compared to a year ago and up 7.4% compared to February 2026.
The median price for new homes sold in March was $387,400, down 6.2% compared to a year ago and down 5.3% from February.
“Builders are adapting to the market — reducing prices, offering incentives and shifting to smaller homes — to meet buyers limited by affordability constraints,” said Kushi. “The housing market is showing some spring bounce, proving that demand is there, but only at the right price. Yet, that demand remains fragile and highly sensitive to affordability and economic uncertainty.”
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Incentives are driving potential buyers
Two of the country’s largest homebuilders, D.R. Horton and PulteGroup are investing in incentives for buyers. Mortgage rate buydowns, covering closing costs and overall price cuts can help close the sale for potential buyers. Both builders saw a jump in orders in Q1 of 2026, 11% for D.R. Horton and 3% for PulteGroup.
However getting these buyers to the door are costing the builders in earnings results. Net income attributable to D.R. Horton for its second fiscal quarter decreased 20%. While PulteGroup reported its home sale gross margin was 24.4%, compared with prior year gross margin of 27.5%. However, neither are planning on cutting these incentives soon.
“New-home demand remains impacted by affordability constraints and cautious consumer sentiment, said D.R. Horton CEO Paul Romanowski. “Our sales incentives increased during the second quarter, and we expect incentives to remain elevated for the rest of the year, with the level dependent on demand, mortgage interest rates, and other market conditions.”
“Our ability to offer low fixed-rate mortgages and other incentives is certainly helping solve the affordability riddle for some,” said PulteGroup CEO Ryan Marshall. “But this comes at a price, as incentives in the quarter reached 10.9% of gross sales price.”
The use of these incentives may draw some short term headwinds, but they keep builder momentum in the market.
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Cotality releases May 2026 home price insights
Cotality released its May 2026 U.S. home price insights report on May 5, 2026. Despite year-over-year price growth continuing to slow, the report noted that, looking ahead to March 2027, data suggests a broader market rebound. As recent trends have shown, if mortgage rates ease, pent-up demand will likely break loose, sparking positive activity in the housing market.
Home values increased for the second straight month, with a slight 0.3% uptick from February to March. Cotality Chief Economist Selma Hepp said in her report that the national housing market is currently caught in a crosscurrent of pent-up demand and affordability challenges.
“The housing market is currently stuck in a holding pattern,” said Hepp. “Although housing inventories have been on the rise in many markets, broad discounting is still rare, keeping prices high. In fact, asking prices of newly listed homes continue to trend more than 2% above closing prices, suggesting that very few sellers are budging on their expectations.”
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Freddie Mac releases April fixed-mortgage rates
According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate (FRM) averaged 6.34% in April, 16 basis points (bps) higher than March. The average 15-year rate also increased by 13 bps to 5.69%. Despite the recent increases, both the FRM and average 15-year rates remain 39 bps and 21 bps lower than a year ago, respectively.
Mortgage rates increased last month as ceasefire negotiations remain inconclusive. At its latest meeting, the Federal Reserve (Fed) held the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%, as inflation remains elevated alongside continued economic expansion. In other news, the Fed announced that Jerome Powell’s term as Chair will end next month and that he will remain on the Board of Governors.
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Lennar introduces new luxury community Vinova
Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, introduces the grand opening of its new luxury master-planned community, Vinova. Homes in this community range from 2,652 to 3,805 square feet with four to five bedrooms and three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half bathrooms across two upscale collections. The community features elegant design choices, prioritizing indoor-outdoor living, open concept layouts and spa-inspired bathrooms.
The builder’s distinct design choices are on display in this project, integrating its most popular features into the base price of the home. Lennar’s Vinova features Wolf® stainless-steel kitchen appliances, floor-to-ceiling tiled glass-enclosed showers and freestanding soaking tubs in owner’s suites giving the project a more tailored feel for potential buyers. Pricing at Vinova starts in the $1,400,000s.
The community is located in one of Southern California’s most desireable regions, Rancho Cucamonga, balancing accessibility to entertainment, good schools and convenient commutes.
“Panoramic mountain views, trails right outside your door and sunshine nearly every day of the year are the hallmarks of life in Rancho Cucamonga,” said Mark Torres, Lennar Inland Empire Division President. “At Vinova, Lennar has built a community worthy of that extraordinary setting and one that delivers exceptional value for today’s homebuyer.”
Photo credit: Lennar
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Rise in new home sales sparks life in housing market
According to newly released data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau, sales of newly built single-family homes rose 7.4% in March, to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 682,000 units. The pace of new home sales is up 3.3% from 2025, marking a positive shift in housing market conditions.
“An uptick in new home sales reflects improving demand conditions, supported by a modest pullback in mortgage rates and ongoing supply constraints in the existing home market,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a homebuilder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “Builders are gradually increasing production, but elevated construction costs and labor shortages continue to limit the pace of expansion.”
“Looking ahead, the rise in new home sales points to a modest strengthening in residential construction activity in the near term,” said Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB’s assistant vice president for forecasting and analysis.
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Housing’s share of the GDP falls below 16%
According to the most recent GDP estimates from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Q1 of 2026 recorded housing’s share of the economy at 15.9%. This is reportedly the lowest share since 2019 and it is down .6% from a year ago. Residential Fixed Investment (RFI) was 3.7% of the economy, recording a $1.2 trillion seasonally adjusted annual pace. While the single-family RFI fell 8.2%, the multifamily RFI rose 1.9%.
“Residential construction, measured by residential fixed investment, fell at its fastest pace in over three years, while household expenditures on housing services continued to remain steady,” said Jess Wade, economist and director of tax and trade policy analysis at the National Association of Homebuilders. “However, the housing share of GDP lagged during the post-Great Recession period due to underbuilding, particularly in the single-family sector.”
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Controlling The Build Narrative
Homebuyers are creating a narrative about your company from every interaction, intentional or not. Smart builders use psychological principles to shape their…
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