In this issue

  • Mortgages average 6.49%

    Mortgages average 6.49%

    According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released on July 9, 2026, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.49%.…

    by

    Taylor Moore

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  • B&D Interview: Heather Laminack, NAHB PWB Chair

    B&D Interview: Heather Laminack, NAHB PWB Chair

    In the July issue of Builder and Developer, Laminack discusses her and NAHB’s efforts to expand the involvement of women in the residential building industry

    Builder and Developer: Where did your interest in residential construction begin?

     Heather Laminack: I come from a long line of builders. My family legacy began with my great-grandfather, Alexander Ferrier, who emigrated from Scotland to work as a stone mason on the Texas State Capitol in exchange for land. Over generations, the family trade evolved from masonry into structural concrete, building bridges across Texas. That foundation eventually led my dad to building the energy-efficient, high-performance homes that Ferrier Homes is now known for. I started helping in the family business at just nine years old, filing paperwork. That experience later turned into cleaning job sites, working as an accounts payable clerk in high school and later serving as office manager while in college. After graduation, I stepped into the role of general manager. Now, I’m involved in every facet of Ferrier Homes’ operations from sales to design to project management to accounting.

    B&D: Tell us a little bit about your role with the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council:

    HL: I joined the PWB Council, an NAHB council dedicated to promoting professionalism among women in the residential building industry, in 2018 and am honored to serve as the 2026 National PWB Chair. I was raised to plant roots and give back to your community, and that philosophy extends to my NAHB involvement as well. Not just show up and leave, but come ready to serve and help others. 

    B&D: In this role, what are your priorities for advancing women in the residential construction industry?

    HL: As this year’s chair, I hope to build on the strong foundation laid by past leaders while expanding opportunities for skill development, networking and industry presence.

    My key initiatives for 2026 include: Relaunching a quarterly PWB Book Club focused on career growth and skill-building, expanding educational offerings through webinars, Shop Talks and workshops, strengthening workforce development initiatives such as SkillsUSA and focusing on retention by evaluating what strategies are working and where there is needed improvement. 

    B&D: Labor shortages continue to challenge builders nationwide, what role can women play in closing the skilled labor gap?

    HL: It’s not a surprise that this is a male-dominated industry, but it’s inspiring to see more women entering the residential construction world. There are more women in construction than ever before, and if we want to close the skilled labor shortage, we need to expand the workforce. Women belong and are needed in every lane of our industry, both from a workforce and a diversity perspective. Diversity is essential to achieving innovation & change; diversity of experiences, diversity of perspectives. Harnessing that diversity makes us stronger.

    B&D: What were some challenges you faced as a woman in construction? What did you learn from them?

    HL: Growing up in this industry, most of the roles I associated with women were office support staff. This is the path I took as well and learned a lot from while doing it! A barrier I faced, which I have heard others encounter as well, is when I wanted to expand beyond those duties. Women tend to be great at these roles and teams become dependent on them and scared when they want to move on! Looking back, I was waiting for someone to give me permission to step into a role that I didn’t see other women doing. But no one ever gave me that permission, I had to believe in myself and step confidently in the direction I wanted to pursue.

    B&D: What advice would you give to women entering the industry today who aspire to leadership roles?

    HL: For women considering leadership roles, locally or nationally, remember the mission is clear: Get involved! By plugging into subcommittees, working groups and task forces, members not only make an impact but naturally grow into leadership along the way. Showing up and digging into the work goes a long way. Don’t sit on the sidelines: We need your voice!

    B&D: Is there anything else you would like to add? 

    HL: Representation matters! Women of all ages need to see themselves represented in every facet of our industry. The NAHB PWB community exists to support, advocate and advance women in this core mission and our industry is better because of it.

    This is the full interview,  read the print version.

  • The Power of Perspective

    The Power of Perspective

    Why your voice is the best design tool

    My architectural design philosophy is deeply rooted in a respect for the context of place and the emotional power of space, a passion that was ignited during my college years while studying architectural history and finding my voice in my community. 

    Growing up in Northern California, I witnessed a region in a constant state of flux, where older buildings were frequently demolished or abandoned, only to be replaced by structures that often lacked any connection to the existing character of their neighborhoods. This instilled in me a commitment to contextual design: the belief that any built work must be firmly grounded in its specific environment, landscape and history. 

    Consequently, my professional focus centers on the rehabilitation and renovation of existing spaces. Whether adapting a building for a new occupancy type or updating a home for a family that has outgrown its current aesthetic, there is a profound beauty in thoughtfully bringing a structure back to life, simultaneously honoring its past while ensuring it serves its future.

    This dedication to revitalizing existing homes naturally aligns my architectural practice with a study of anthropology. For me, residential architecture is a process of discovery, requiring deep layers of conversation with homeowners to uncover the narrative of their lives within their space. It is essential to understand why certain areas of a home no longer function and, just as importantly, what originally drew the residents to the property. 

    By uncovering the “origin story” of a home and understanding how clients wish to experience their daily lives, I can marry the history of the building with the needs of the inhabitants. In this capacity, I view my primary role as an architectural translator, tasked with turning a laundry list of practical concerns and emotional wishes into a cohesive, physical space that feels both personal and functional.

    My approach to this translation is further influenced by my unique personal background as the daughter of a computer scientist and an artist/naturopath. I find that the soft skills and innate curiosity of my mother blend seamlessly with the technical precision of my father. This dual perspective, balancing empathy with technical rigor, is vital in residential architecture. 

    At Kaplan Thompson, I have found an environment that encourages this equilibrium, allowing us to develop highly efficient, high-performance homes that prioritize sustainability and performance without ever sacrificing comfort or beauty. This blend of disciplines allows for a more holistic view of how a home should function as both a machine for living and a sanctuary for the soul.

    Navigating the industry as a woman presents its own set of rolling challenges, particularly in professional settings where masculine energy often dominates, such as on active job sites. Overcoming these hurdles has been a concerted effort in building confidence, an attribute that I believe evolves naturally with time and the growth of professional expertise. 

    I have found that my innate empathy is a significant asset in these environments; it allows me to read the room and meet the energy of any conversation effectively. At times, this empathy even provides the bridge to project necessary confidence externally before it is fully felt internally. My presence in these spaces is warranted and I have learned the importance of finding my footing and making my voice heard.

    To women beginning their careers in this field, I advise against suppressing the tendency to make yourself smaller to blend into the background of meetings with builders, clients or stakeholders. Your perspective carries significant weight. Even when you might not feel ready to speak up at the moment, you can be bold through your design contributions. 

    Architecture is an iterative process and diverse voices are required to find the moments that truly make a project shine. If you believe a layout shift would improve a space, take the initiative to show your team. Your unique contributions are essential to the evolution of the work.

    My experience as a mother has added a layer of complexity to my professional life that I view as a distinct asset. Parenthood acts as a universal language, serving as a way for relating to clients, builders and consultants on a more human level. I highly recommend that women in the field hold onto their innate femininity rather than stifling it to fit into the typically more masculine field of construction. 

    This authenticity is the greatest asset, allowing one to stand out not only in design but also in communication with the various players involved in a project. By integrating these personal and professional identities, we can create architecture that is not only technically sound but also deeply resonant with the human experience.

    By Grace Tisdale, AIA. She is an architect at Kaplan Thompson Architects. She can be reached at grace@kaplanthompson.com 

    This story is featured in our July issue of Builder and Developer. Read the digital print version here. 

  • Everyday Experience: The New Measure of Luxury Design

    Everyday Experience: The New Measure of Luxury Design

    Luxury design has traditionally centered on a home’s architecture, finishes and craftsmanship. Today, builders and developers are learning the power of pairing those elements with a greater understanding of how homes support the everyday living experience.

    Recent research suggests luxury buyers are investing differently now than they have in the past. Coldwell Banker Global Luxury’s 2026 Trend Report identifies “nest investing” as one of the year’s defining trends, with affluent buyers increasingly prioritizing architectural quality, outdoor living, personalization and long-term livability as they invest more intentionally in the places they call home. Those priorities are influencing how builders and designers approach the next generation of luxury communities.

    These considerations are reflected in communities like Lakeview Ridge, a new gated community by Tri Pointe Homes in Lake Las Vegas. Designed in collaboration with design expert, Emmy-winning TV host and author Bobby Berk, the community demonstrates how architecture, interiors and landscape can create homes that respond to both their surroundings and modern lifestyles. The community features 53 residences ranging from approximately 2,579 to 3,991 square feet, with each homesite positioned to take advantage of the lake backdrop, mountain vistas and the surrounding desert landscape.

    “Your surroundings affect every aspect of your life, including your physical and mental well-being,” Berk said during an event unveiling the model homes. “My passion is creating spaces that are designed and organized in a way that nourishes one’s spirit.”

    Tri Pointe Homes created open-concept gathering spaces at Lakeview Ridge to support flexibility,
    entertaining and comfortable living for evolving lifestyles.

    Outdoor living is one trend that’s shifted from an amenity to an essential part of the home. Rather than existing separately from daily life, courtyards, covered patios and outdoor gathering spaces are designed as natural extensions of kitchens, great rooms and dining areas to better support entertaining, relaxation and daily routines.

    The National Association of Home Builders found that builders are adding more usable living space through porches and patios, with 68% of new homes incorporating porches and 64% incorporating patios. Houzz likewise identified outdoor living areas as a major home design trend, noting that covered porches are beginning to rival interior living rooms. With advanced performance fabrics and design centered around comfort, many porches now include elements like sofas and chairs, rugs, pillows, TVs, fireplaces and climate-control features.

    Tri Pointe Homes leveraged natural light, soft materials and layered textures to create comfortable bedrooms at Lakeview Ridge inspired by the tranquil character of Lake Las Vegas.

    Communities like Lakeview Ridge see outdoor living as a key focal point. Gated courtyards welcome residents before they even enter the home, expansive walls of glass frame the natural surroundings and covered outdoor living areas encourage a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. Rather than separating homes from their environments, the architecture is intended to strengthen that connection as part of the daily living experience.

    Connection to place is established indoors as well. At Lakeview Ridge, rather than applying a single design aesthetic across every home, Berk created three distinct interior collections inspired by the character of Lake Las Vegas. “Japandi Noir” blends mid-century modern influence with the quiet restraint of Japandi design, while “Luxe Waterside Retreat” channels a modern lake house sensibility through sun-faded neutrals, sage green, muted blue and textural materials. “Espresso Elegance” offers a moodier expression of luxury with darker woods, paneled walls and rich, tactile finishes.

    Large sliding doors enhance the indoor-outdoor experience at Lakeview Ridge, furthering Tri Pointe’s
    intentional design strategy of blending interiors with the home & natural setting.

    Together, Berk’s three collections showcase how regional inspiration can feel sophisticated rather than literal. The lake, desert and mountain setting informs the palette and materials, while each collection offers its own personality through comfort, livability and timeless design.

    Personalization also continues to shape expectations within the luxury market. Buyers enjoy homes that feel curated before move-in, with opportunities to tailor finishes and design choices without starting from scratch. Lakeview Ridge provides personalization experiences through The BB Edit, Bobby Berk’s set of 10 unique collections designed exclusively for Tri Pointe Homes, along with the builder’s Design Studio and online Style Finder, which help homebuyers identify selections that align with their individual tastes.

    Private outdoor spaces at Lakeview Ridge elevate the luxury appeal, extending Tri Pointe’s premium
    living experience beyond the home’s interior.

    For builders and developers, the approach to luxury is becoming more well-rounded and centered on the entire living experience. Luxury buyers are looking beyond premium finishes alone, placing greater value on the ways architecture, interiors and landscape work together to create homes that feel intuitive, adaptable and connected to the people who live in them.

    Communities like Lakeview Ridge illustrate how thoughtful design can elevate everyday living, not simply through tangible materials or amenities, but by creating spaces that foster connection to others, nature and place. It’s an approach that suggests the future of luxury won’t simply be measured by what a home includes, but by how intentionally it supports the people who live there.

     

    Photos Courtesy of Damian Tsutsumida

    By Christine Rombouts. She is the senior contributing editor at Builder and Developer.

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