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Rugged Wild Meets Refined Luxe
Colin Wright founded Cole West in 2016 after a successful career across large residential development companies in the state. He was heavily…
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Colin Wright founded Cole West in 2016 after a successful career across large residential development companies in the state. He was heavily influenced by his father, Gary Wright, a prominent developer in Utah and applied generational career lessons to his business. After 10 years of growth, Cole West remains privately owned and operated in Centerville, Utah. The company focuses on both ground-up development and strategic acquisitions.
Mid-Year Update
Bryce Willardson, Vice President of Construction, Cole West, noted the building industry in Utah is seeing more support from its local and state governments to improve housing affordability by addressing the shortage of units. The increase in permit approvals aids responsible community growth in line with market demand.
“We’re really watching three main things right now: interest rates, growth along the Wasatch Front and how quickly resale inventory is building,” said Willardson. “Utah still has strong long-term growth because of steady job creation and people continuing to move here, but affordability is a much bigger obstacle than it was a couple of years ago.”
Despite this obstacle, there still is great demand for move-up and luxury living. Willardson noted that for his clients, lifestyle is at the forefront of the planning process.
Serene at SAGE
Cole West’s latest development, SAGE, is a boutique estate community in Huntsville, Utah.
Lot 3 at SAGE is 4,403 square feet and includes four-bedrooms, five-and-a-half-bathrooms, a bunk room and a four-car garage. It sits on just over three acres with sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains. The location was central to the development, with the intentional choice to position each home with as many views as possible of the surrounding peaks and landscape while minimizing the interaction between homes.
“From my perspective, luxury today is less about excess and more about intentional living and design,” said Willardson. “In Utah’s market especially, authenticity, craftsmanship and lifestyle-driven design define true luxury.”
The facade represents a blend between transitional and farmhouse styles, using a complementary combination of stone, board and batten siding that dually blends into the rustic landscape while delivering on curb appeal. Throughout the home, Cole West capitalizes on these surroundings with large windows providing an abundance of natural light. The home comes pre-wired for motorized blinds, offering ease of upgrade. In the kitchen, custom cabinetry and large kitchen islands are paired with quartz and granite countertops, a cozy yet functional design decision. Attached to the kitchen layout is a dedicated breakfast nook with built-in convenience and more mountain views. The bathrooms charm with elevated Brizo faucets and a soaking tub. Additionally, pre-wired speaker connection delivers a whole-audio experience throughout the living room, kitchen and master bath. One of the most unique features of the home is the dedicated hot tub disconnect, installed for an easy future addition.
Behind the Beauty
While the location was central to development and offered access to nature and small-town charm, the high water table on-site was the most challenging construction headwind. To resolve this, each home was constructed using a slab on grade foundation, reducing the risk of water intrusion while eliminating the option of a basement. Additionally, beneath each slab, a gravel bed was installed to serve as a passive drainage reservoir. The reservoir allows for water to naturally flow through the gravel and out a sump-pump-equipped pipe. This forward-thinking engineering allows residents to easily resolve water removal if needed. The home also features a dual-fuel hybrid heat pump system, running on both electrical and a gas backup. This technology is in tune with the integrated smart thermostats to monitor energy usage and tankless water heaters. Cole West also roughed in an EV charger in every garage, so when homeowners are ready to go electric, the infrastructure is already there.
Looking Ahead
In the near future, Willardson anticipates the rise of AI in the architecture and design community to increase productivity and decrease the timeframe from conception to permit. In his daily construction duties, AI is integrated into scheduling between general contractor and subcontractors. He also believes the ability to process shop drawings, product data submittals, detect plan deficiencies and process payments will all continue to gain with the use of this technology.
“Over the next decade, the developers who succeed will be the ones who can combine technology with practical housing solutions that align with how people actually want to live,” said Willardson.
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 June, read the print version.
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Post-Powell Era: A Housing Market Rebound
Jerome Powell’s term as Fed Chairman is over and now begins the inevitable process of assessing his time in power with the…
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Jerome Powell’s term as Fed Chairman is over and now begins the inevitable process of assessing his time in power with the benefit of hindsight. I believe history will eventually show his tenure to have been marked by enormous mistakes that continue to distort the U.S. economy; particularly in housing where we may well remember Powell as the Fed Chairman who froze the American market.
Over the last year, U.S. housing markets have seen two positive developments: inventories of existing homes for sale have returned to pre-pandemic levels and mortgage rates have drifted down from the 7% range to the low 6’s. Combined with a homeowner vacancy rate of just 1.1% lower than at any point from 1980 to 2020 and home prices growing more slowly than household incomes, we should be seeing signs of recovery in home sales.
Instead, existing home sales remain below even the worst years of the Great Recession housing collapse. Inventories of new homes for sale are stuck at roughly nine months of supply, near record highs. Housing starts and homeownership rates are drifting downward, even as frustration among would-be buyers grows.
Politicians call this an affordability crisis, but that misses the point. Existing homeowners are not struggling with affordability. Housing equity is at record highs, roughly $400,000 per homeowner and owner costs as a share of income remain historically modest at 18.9% in 2024, below levels seen from 2005 to 2015. Renters are not dramatically worse off either, with median rent-to-income ratios at 32%, well within the range of the last 25 years.
The real problem is market paralysis. Most homeowners are sitting on mortgages far below current borrowing rates. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, four out of five mortgage holders have rates below 6% and two-thirds are below 5%. Moving to a similarly priced home would mean sharply higher monthly payments, giving owners little reason to sell unless absolutely necessary.
The result is a collapse in what economists call filtering. Entry-level homes are no longer becoming available because existing owners are not moving up.
Builders, facing high fixed construction costs, avoid lower-margin starter homes altogether. The market is trapped in a vicious cycle: too little movement, too little supply where it is needed and prices that stay elevated because turnover remains frozen.
This mess is the direct consequence of the Fed’s extreme pandemic-era policies. Roughly $5 trillion in quantitative easing, far beyond anything the economy needed to deal with the short shock created by the pandemic, pushed mortgage rates into the mid-2’s even as home prices surged. Then the inevitable inflation caused by expanding the money supply by 40% in 18 months forced the Fed to reverse course at breakneck speed, hiking rates aggressively. Mortgage rates shot into the 7’s and the housing market seized up.
Policymakers need to focus on breaking this logjam. One obvious solution would be to make mortgages assumable again, as many VA and Federal Housing Administration loans once were, allowing owners to move without losing low-rate financing. Another would be to reduce the fixed costs of building entry-level housing such as townhomes.
Instead, politicians continue chasing headline-friendly but ineffective policies such as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), which seeks to ban large investors from owning single-family rental homes, removing yet another potential source of housing supply.
These policy choices shouldn’t be that surprising. After all, Powell leaves his post still insisting that the Fed actions of 2020 and 2021 had nothing to do with the subsequent increase in prices. Inflation, failed banks, asset bubbles and a frozen housing market that could be with us for a long time to come. This is Jerome Powell’s real legacy and one we’ll continue to grapple with in the coming years.
By Christopher Thornberg, PhD. He is Founding Partner of Beacon Economics LLC. He can be reached at chris@beaconecon.com.
This column is featured in our June issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version.
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Housing economist comments on core inflation report
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the April report for Personal Income and Outlays, outlining core inflation at 0.4% for…
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The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the April report for Personal Income and Outlays, outlining core inflation at 0.4% for the month and a 3.8%12-month inflation rate. This is an indication that on the next Fed decision on June 17, 2026 might continue March’s holding pattern.
The BEA data does not relay one singular outcome for the housing market with a varying landscape across the U.S.
“When inflation runs this hot, the Fed stays put and mortgage rates stay stuck in the mid-6s,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Cotality‘s Chief Economist and regular contributor to Builder and Developer. “That freezes the national housing market in place. But a flat national number is hiding a lot behind the scenes. In fact, at a local level, many markets are hiding a complex landscape that is completely fractured from national numbers.”
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Home buying demand ticks up
The housing market is showing signs of life; contract cancellations decreased in April 2026, indicating an uptick in homebuyers’ demand. Home-sale agreements…
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The housing market is showing signs of life; contract cancellations decreased in April 2026, indicating an uptick in homebuyers’ demand. Home-sale agreements were only down by -0.1 percentage points from March on a seasonally adjusted basis. This is tied with January for the lowest level of contract cancellations since September 2024, though the level has varied by less than half a percentage point over the last year and a half.
Contract cancellations inched down this spring as homebuyers and sellers gained a clearer sense of housing-market conditions after several years of volatility. Additionally, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined for three straight weeks in April, giving some buyers confidence in locking in a rate.
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Brookfield receives approval for 12,000 homes on retired California Navy base
Brookfield Residential just received unanimous approval from the Concord City Council to redevelop the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Northern California. Brookfield’s…
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Brookfield Residential just received unanimous approval from the Concord City Council to redevelop the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Northern California. Brookfield’s master-planned community is expected to revitalize the San Francisco Bay Area with the proposed development of 12,000 new homes, businesses, schools, fire stations and around 800 acres of dedicated parks.
Estimations are putting the cost of the project at $7 billion, with $628 million directly to the Navy.
For over two decades projects to transform the site were sidelined. For example, in 2016, Lennar was chosen as the developer for the site before parting ways in 2020.
Immediate cleanup of the site is the priority, with construction slated to begin in 2030. Brookfield Residential currently has two active communities in Northern California, Amoruso Ranch and Riversound.
“And for the first time, we have an agreement between the city, our master developer, and the Navy, over how much we’re going to pay the Navy for the 2,400 acres we’re going to develop on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station,” said base reuse director Guy Bjerke.
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Cotality reports June U.S. home price insights
Cotality released the June 2026 U.S. home price insights. The report found that overall, the year-over-year home price increase remains relatively steady at 0.4%. However, the recent surge in mortgage rates has disrupted the spring homebuying season and reversed some of the affordability gains created by the lower rates seen throughout 2025.
“Market strength suggests that some buyers remain insulated from mortgage-rate volatility and are supported by substantial home equity and stock market gains,” said Cotality Chief Economist Dr. Selma Hepp. “Meanwhile, markets that depend more heavily on traditional mortgage financing and rate-sensitive buyers are seeing prices stay relatively flat. Overall, fewer markets posted year-over-year price declines in April than in prior months, pointing to continued stabilization across the housing market.”
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Housing economist comments on core inflation report
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the April report for Personal Income and Outlays, outlining core inflation at 0.4% for the month and a 3.8%12-month inflation rate. This is an indication that on the next Fed decision on June 17, 2026 might continue March’s holding pattern.
The BEA data does not relay one singular outcome for the housing market with a varying landscape across the U.S.
“When inflation runs this hot, the Fed stays put and mortgage rates stay stuck in the mid-6s,” said Dr. Selma Hepp, Cotality‘s Chief Economist and regular contributor to Builder and Developer. “That freezes the national housing market in place. But a flat national number is hiding a lot behind the scenes. In fact, at a local level, many markets are hiding a complex landscape that is completely fractured from national numbers.”
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Home buying demand ticks up
The housing market is showing signs of life; contract cancellations decreased in April 2026, indicating an uptick in homebuyers’ demand. Home-sale agreements were only down by -0.1 percentage points from March on a seasonally adjusted basis. This is tied with January for the lowest level of contract cancellations since September 2024, though the level has varied by less than half a percentage point over the last year and a half.
Contract cancellations inched down this spring as homebuyers and sellers gained a clearer sense of housing-market conditions after several years of volatility. Additionally, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined for three straight weeks in April, giving some buyers confidence in locking in a rate.
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Brookfield receives approval for 12,000 homes on retired California Navy base
Brookfield Residential just received unanimous approval from the Concord City Council to redevelop the Concord Naval Weapons Station in Northern California. Brookfield’s master-planned community is expected to revitalize the San Francisco Bay Area with the proposed development of 12,000 new homes, businesses, schools, fire stations and around 800 acres of dedicated parks.
Estimations are putting the cost of the project at $7 billion, with $628 million directly to the Navy.
For over two decades projects to transform the site were sidelined. For example, in 2016, Lennar was chosen as the developer for the site before parting ways in 2020.
Immediate cleanup of the site is the priority, with construction slated to begin in 2030. Brookfield Residential currently has two active communities in Northern California, Amoruso Ranch and Riversound.
“And for the first time, we have an agreement between the city, our master developer, and the Navy, over how much we’re going to pay the Navy for the 2,400 acres we’re going to develop on the former Concord Naval Weapons Station,” said base reuse director Guy Bjerke.
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NAHB strives to tackle workforce gaps in housing
The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) state and local teams met with mayors, city leaders, planners and builders to address workforce development challenges as part of the America’s Housing Comeback discussion series spearheaded by the National League of Cities and the American Planning Association. The discussion allowed city leaders to hear directly from builders about the mounting challenges they face with recruitment and retention, not only for trades professionals but also for public sector staffing.
Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute (HBI), and Emily Price, HBI senior vice president of development and partnership engagement, outlined how HBI programming strengthens city workforces.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB associate vice president of forecasting and analysis, reinforced the message by providing data and insights on how labor market conditions and demographic trends affect housing development.
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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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Private residential construction spending increases in April
Private residential construction spending was up 0.8% in April 2026, following the monthly gain of 0.6% in March. Gains in single-family and home improvement spending largely drove this increase. Overall, total private residential construction spending was 1.7% higher than a year ago.
According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census, single-family construction spending increased 1.4% in April, consistent with the steady builder confidence reflected in the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
Improvement spending also increased in April, rising 0.4% for the month and remaining a bright spot year over year, with spending up 7.5% from April 2025.
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Construction employment increases in 32 states
Construction employment rose in 32 states from April 2025 to April 2026, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)on May 22, 2026. Texas added the most construction jobs, adding approximately 18,700 jobs, followed by North Carolina, Ohio, Louisiana, Illinois and Missouri. Louisiana had the largest percentage gain in the span of 12 months.
“It’s encouraging to see construction employment increasing in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the AGC’s chief economist.
In April 2026, Florida added the most construction jobs with 6,000, followed by Texas with 3,500, Massachusetts with 3,100, North Carolina with 2,700 and New Mexico with 2,600.
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March sees lowest saving rates since June 2022
According to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, March 2026 saw the lowest personal saving rates since June 2022. On a year-over-year basis, personal income was 2.5% higher in March than in April 2025. As consumer spending outpaced income growth, the personal saving rate fell to 2.6%. This data point implies households are drawing more heavily on savings to support spending.
Personal income was essentially unchanged in April 2026, following a 0.5% gain in March. Personal consumption expenditure rose 0.5% in April, following a 1% increase in March. Real spending, which was adjusted to remove inflation, increased 0.1% in April, with expenditure goods declining 0.2% and spending on services up 0.2%.
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AI Interview: AIA EVP & CEO Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP
In the June issue of Builder and Developer, Wedge shares how AIA supports the future of residential design and architecture
Builder and Developer: The American Institute of Architects first established in 1857, how has the organization evolved to serve the contemporary needs of its members?
Carole Wedge: The American Institute of Architects, founded in 1857, has evolved from a traditional trade association into a modern member-focused organization. Today, it supports architects through advocacy, business tools, continuing education and targeted resources that address key industry priorities such as practice success, climate action and diversity.
AIA serves contemporary member needs by providing industry-standard contract documents and market research, advancing sustainability through climate leadership and zero-carbon design resources, promoting diversity and inclusion through research and dedicated programming and offering more personalized benefits for professionals at different career stages. AIA’s advocacy program champions policies that empower architects to do their best work—advocating for pro-architectural business incentives, smart public investment and stronger codes and standards. By partnering with members to build a unified collective voice, the program works to shape the built environment in meaningful ways. Government Affairs monitors the legislative landscape at every level, international, federal, state and local, ensuring that the profession’s interests are represented wherever critical decisions are made.
B&D: The AIA26 Conference on Architecture & Design is from June 10-13, what can attendees expect from this event?
CW: AIA26 is the place for AEC professionals to explore the latest tools, materials and innovations shaping the built environment. Attendees can expect a well-rounded mix of professional development, inspiration and industry connection at AIA26. The event features visionary keynote presenters and nationally recognized speakers, continuing education sessions with opportunities to earn HSW credits for the year and architect-led tours showcasing notable San Diego architecture and firms. Attendees will also have time to connect with peers, firm leaders and industry partners and explore a large expo featuring leading AEC brands.
B&D: How is AIA connecting with the rest of the building industry, such as contractors, to work better together?
CW: AIA is strengthening its connection with the broader building community by partnering with the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) on a joint framework to improve architect-contractor collaboration. The effort is designed to help project teams work better together from the earliest stages of a project through completion.
The framework report, Toward Collaboration’s Future: Strengthening the Architect-Contractor Relationship, focuses on early alignment around shared goals, clearer communication protocols and earlier contractor involvement during design to improve constructability and cost certainty.
It also emphasizes clearly defined roles and responsibilities, proactive risk and change management and shared performance metrics for outcomes such as quality, safety and schedule. In addition, it encourages the use of digital coordination tools and promotes a culture of trust, transparency and mutual accountability.
Together, AIA and AGC are providing practical guidance that can help architects, contractors, owners and project teams reduce conflict, improve decisions and deliver stronger project outcomes.B&D: Looking to the future, what makes you optimistic about the future of residential architecture & design?
CW: While I am optimistic about new technologies and materials becoming available to expand the design capabilities of architects, I’m most optimistic about the housing crisis in the U.S.
The housing crisis is no longer being treated as a niche issue: it’s being recognized as a shared, urgent challenge and that is driving real action. We’re seeing stronger collaboration across architects, policymakers, developers and civic leaders, which is exactly the kind of alignment needed to create meaningful change.
I’m also encouraged by the role architects are stepping into. Our profession brings both design expertise and public credibility to policy conversations and that opens the door to more practical, community-based solutions. There’s growing momentum around approaches that can expand housing supply in smart, livable ways: upzoning, gentle density, infill housing, more efficient permitting and better planning for housing at all income levels.AIA has been working to advance bipartisan legislation in Congress to address housing challenges through comprehensive reform. By supporting both the House-passed Housing for the 21st Century Act and the Senate-passed ROAD to Housing Act, AIA is urging action.
AIA convened leaders from over 20 nationally focused housing organizations at the AIA Housing Summit in late 2025. AIA hosted the summit to showcase best practices, embrace diverse perspectives and explore opportunities for collaborative legislative action that would help foster collaboration, gather insights and inform housing policies.
More people are acknowledging that access to housing is fundamental and that residential design must be equitable, resilient and responsive to how people actually live. When a crisis creates this level of urgency, innovation and cross-sector commitment, it gives me real optimism about the future of residential architecture and design.This is the full interview, read the print version.
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Designing for a Greater Purpose
A well-designed space speaks to our soul. It engages all of our senses. That belief has shaped my approach to design from the very beginning.
At Ueda Design Studio, we create homes that are modern, minimal and defined by clean lines, while also fostering a strong relationship with nature. I am drawn to spaces that feel modest yet beautiful, poetic yet comfortable, elegant yet playful. I find beauty in simplicity and in the richness of natural materials. Rather than trying to overpower nature, I prefer to work with it: to invite the view in, the sun, the shadows, the wind and to celebrate the changing seasons.
I am also fascinated by how a home unfolds through movement and contrast. Not every room needs to be large. In fact, varying the size, scale and sequence of spaces can make a home far more interesting and memorable. A narrow, darker hallway can heighten the feeling of entering a bright, expansive room with sweeping views. I also try to connect interior spaces to gardens and landscapes whenever possible. If there is no garden, I may borrow the view of a neighbor’s garden. If there is no nearby greenery at all, I look to the sky. Constraints are never just problems to solve; they are often where the design begins.
My understanding of architecture was deeply influenced by growing up in and around traditional Japanese houses. What I learned from those spaces was not simply a style, but a way of thinking. To me, Japanese architecture is something you feel rather than simply see. It is carefully composed to heighten awareness of nature, the beauty of materials and the subtle play of light and shadow, all within a clear functional balance. Spaces unfold gradually, almost like a journey and are experienced with both body and mind.
My path into architecture was not a straight one. I studied business in college and worked as a stock analyst in Tokyo in my twenties. Through my work and my travels, I encountered many kinds of architecture around the world. Over time, I became increasingly moved by the power of space and began to imagine what it would mean to create places like the ones that had stayed with me. Later, a series of life-changing events made me realize how deeply the built environment affects our daily lives, both physically and emotionally.
I also became more aware of how many spaces are designed primarily for healthy people, but not enough for those who are healing, aging, sick or otherwise vulnerable. That realization gave me a strong desire to design spaces that support people more fully; places that can make us feel happier in good times, help us heal and find peace in difficult ones. That purpose still guides my work today.
After working at Olson Kundig in Seattle, where I learned high-end residential design, I started my own practice in 2016. At the time, I wondered whether I could really succeed on my own as a Japanese female architect building a practice in the United States. However, contrary to those early concerns, the parts of my identity and experience that once felt like obstacles have become some of my greatest strengths. Being a Japanese architect in the U.S., having worked in another field before architecture and being a mother of three all shape the way I see design. They allow me to approach each project from multiple perspectives, with empathy, curiosity and a broader understanding of how people live.
Sustainability is also central to our practice. I believe every home should respect the environment, protect health, conserve energy and endure for generations. That requires both sound building science and timeless design principles. But sustainability is not only technical; it is also emotional. A truly sustainable home is one that people love, care for and want to preserve for years. I believe homes should serve the needs of today while also anticipating how life may change over the next ten, 20 or 50 years. A home should age with dignity, growing richer and more meaningful over time. That long view shapes both the way we design and the materials we choose.
I am also passionate about remodeling because it requires understanding an existing structure, uncovering its character and weaving the old and the new into a coherent whole. It can be more challenging than new construction, but also deeply rewarding.
At a time when so many older homes are demolished and replaced by buildings with little character, thoughtful remodeling feels especially important. It saves resources, reduces waste and honors the craftsmanship and stories already embedded in a place. That is also an essential part of residential architecture.
Nahoko Ueda, AIA, is the Principal of Ueda Design Studio. She can be reached at nahoko@uedads.com
This column is featured in our June issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version.
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Blue Heron Redefines Building in Vegas
Tyler Jones founded Blue Heron with a vision to redefine luxury living in the desert, recognizing an opportunity to move beyond traditional homebuilding. He created a design-driven company rooted in modern architecture, environmental responsiveness and experiential living. The idea was to create a homebuilding company centered around innovation, craftsmanship and deep connection to the Las Vegas landscape.
Blue Heron’s building philosophy is rooted in what the company refers to as “Vegas Modern.” This approach is grounded in designs that withstand the harsh desert climate, prioritize wellness and sustainability, while ensuring each home feels modern and in touch with the luxurious charm of Las Vegas.
“Our design philosophy has always centered on the idea that the spaces we inhibit should actively support how we want to live, including physically, mentally and over the long term,” said Jones. “At Blue Heron, that means integrating architecture, technology and environment in a way that feels effortless and deeply intentional. We’re not just designing homes, but creating living ecosystems that prioritize air, water, light and human performance.”
The builder’s design philosophy is evident in the Priva project, located in the MacDonald Highlands region of Henderson, Nev.
A Challenging Climate
Blue Heron seamlessly integrates the indoor and outdoor environments, enhancing wellness while bringing natural beauty to the forefront of the Priva project. Rather than shy away from construction in a harsh climate, the builder uses biophilic design so the project can withstand extreme heat while still feeling luxurious.
“We’ve embraced technology, advanced building systems and sustainability standards to meet the demands of a more informed and environmentally conscious buyer,” said Gonzalo Romero, Chief Design Officer at Blue Heron.
The builder approached the project’s design as a direct response to both environmental forces and human experience. The home’s architecture has layered planes and strategic overhangs to mitigate solar gain, while expansive glazing is carefully positioned to capture views without compromising performance. The company also installed advanced HVAC systems and smart home technology to optimize energy performance. The home’s seamless indoor-outdoor design reduces reliance on artificial lighting and encourages natural ventilation throughout. All of these strategies showcase Blue Heron’s commitment to sustainable luxury.
“The goal is always to create a home that feels open and connected, yet remains comfortable year-round in a desert climate,” said Romero.
Building with Precision
Development on Priva began in the early design phase with extensive site analysis and planning, followed by construction throughout 2024. Blue Heron completed the home in October 2025. The project’s topography allows architecture to actively engage with the landscape. The home is positioned along a ridge to create a cohesive, elevated streetscape of Las Vegas while maintaining individuality. Designing on such a prominent ridge line required careful precision from the in-house architectural and design teams. The project’s location was also the primary challenge; balancing expansive openness while adhering to environmental performance in Nevada required meticulous planning. Large glass openings had to be carefully engineered to maintain both comfort and efficiency. The builder designed the 8,800 square-foot home with a strong emphasis on flow and energy to create a sense of harmony within the project. Priva’s exterior is defined by a composition of intersecting planes that create depth, shadow and movement through the day, producing a dynamic facade that evolves with the sun.
Designing for Luxurious Lifestyle
Luxury and Las Vegas go hand-in-hand; a belief that Las Vegas native Jones founded Blue Heron on. That belief is embedded in Priva’s design. Romero described the project’s design as both bold and restrained; modern yet grounded through materiality and proportion. Floor-to-floor ceiling pocket glass doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. The project’s great room features doors that open to panoramic views and an infinity pool, bringing the elevated feel of a luxury resort without having to sacrifice the comfort of home. Priva enables effortless entertainment, complete with a wine room, media lounge, in-home gym and multiple gathering areas to inspire connection.
The dining area’s open design on the first floor embodies the same look as a luxurious, vacation penthouse, further elevating everyday living. Dual staircases connect the two stories for both functionality and enhanced movement. Romero described the large, circular driveway as “wealth-embracing,” reinforcing arrival and symbolism. That same wealth-embracing look is what defines the Priva project, bringing a luxurious flare to the Nevada desert.
“Priva represents a convergence of intention, performance and experience,” said Romero. “It’s about how architecture can shape the way people live, connect and feel within a space. This home is a clear expression of where the future of home is headed.”
Photo Credit: Blue Heron
By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.
Exclusive Feature
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AI Interview: AIA EVP & CEO Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP
In the June issue of Builder and Developer, Wedge shares how AIA supports the future of residential design and architecture Builder and…
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NAHB strives to tackle workforce gaps in housing
The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) state and local teams met with mayors, city leaders, planners and builders to address workforce development challenges as part of the America’s Housing Comeback discussion series spearheaded by the National League of Cities and the American Planning Association. The discussion allowed city leaders to hear directly from builders about the mounting challenges they face with recruitment and retention, not only for trades professionals but also for public sector staffing.
Ed Brady, CEO of the Home Builders Institute (HBI), and Emily Price, HBI senior vice president of development and partnership engagement, outlined how HBI programming strengthens city workforces.
Danushka Nanayakkara-Skillington, NAHB associate vice president of forecasting and analysis, reinforced the message by providing data and insights on how labor market conditions and demographic trends affect housing development.
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10 cities lead new home construction
Consumer Affairs analyzed data on new building permits and new-construction home sales across the 150 largest U.S. metros in early 2026. The data ranked areas based on both the number of new-build permits issued and the number of new homes sold, with each factor weighted equally. Based on the analysis, 10 cities are leading the charge in new home construction, with thousands of new housing permits issued and more than 15,000 newly constructed homes sold.
Four of the top cities in new home construction were in Texas, with Dallas holding the leading spot. The city had 11,327 new building permits issued and over 3,000 new construction homes sold.
Houston follows closely behind in second place, followed by New York, Phoenix, Atlanta and Los Angeles, respectively. Austin, Texas, ranked No. 7, followed by Washington, D.C., Charlotte, N.C. and San Antonio.
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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.”
Latest Issue
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June 2026
This issue of Builder and Developer features our mid-year housing update and insights into the future of luxury living.
Exclusive Feature
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Designing for a Greater Purpose
A well-designed space speaks to our soul. It engages all of our senses. That belief has shaped my approach to design from…
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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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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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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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Housing market shows signs of stabilization
According to a recent Redfin analysis, the housing market is beginning to show signs of stabilization. Approximately 35.4% of U.S. home sellers cut their asking price in April 2026 as an incentive to attract homebuyers. This marks a slight decrease from 35.6% in March and down from a record high of 36.6% in August 2025.
Price cuts have become slightly less common due to the housing market beginning to stabilize. Homebuyer demand is rising, which is helping sellers regain negotiating power. In response to an improving job market, homebuyers are beginning to return. Although buyers are still slightly outnumbered by sellers, which prompted sellers to lean more into incentives, they are less so than before, indicating a shift in the power balance.
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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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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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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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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.
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Southern California Housing Market Forecast
According to the California Association of REALTORS, March 2026 showed fluctuating patterns for existing, single-family homes across the state. Across Southern California, there was a 3% increase in year-over-year home sales. The median home price saw a 0.3% increase year-over-year, reaching around $880,000 in March.
While a modest gain, it indicates that prices are no longer skyrocketing or falling significantly. Overall, it is a sign of a market that is trying to find its equilibrium.
Looking toward the rest of the year, prices are expected to continue their trend of modest, steady growth. If economic conditions continue to stabilize, inflation remains in check and if mortgage rates begin to ease consecutively, sales volume could see an uptick.
Exclusive Feature
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Blue Heron Redefines Building in Vegas
Tyler Jones founded Blue Heron with a vision to redefine luxury living in the desert, recognizing an opportunity to move beyond traditional…
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