architect

  • HBGI Q2 2026 reveals geographical trends in residential construction

    HBGI Q2 2026 reveals geographical trends in residential construction

    According to the Home Building Geography Index (HBGI), announced on Sept. 1, 2026, home building trends diverged across geographies in Q2. While single-family construction declined in nearly all geographic categories, multifamily construction expanded across six of the seven categories. Activity was increasingly concentrated in large metro cores and suburban counties.

    The decrease in single-family construction in the second quarter eased as these geographies contracted at a slower pace than the previous quarter. Outlying counties in small metro areas reported growth, increasing by 0.9% following four consecutive quarterly declines. The geographic composition of single-family construction continued to shift toward smaller and less densely populated markets in Q2.

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  • Registration now open for Design & Construction Week

    Registration now open for Design & Construction Week

    Registration is now open for the 14th Annual Design & Construction Week (DCW). DCW includes the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

    The largest trade show for the residential design and building industry will take place from Feb. 2-4, 2027, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

    NAHB estimates over 120,000 attendees with educational opportunities spanning 120 sessions across nine education tracks and 2,350 exhibiting brands at IBS 2027.

    “The International Builders’ Show is where the housing industry comes together to shape the future of home building. Whether you’re looking to discover the latest innovations, gain valuable business insights or build relationships with industry leaders, there is simply no substitute for being at IBS,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens. “If you want to stay competitive and connected in today’s evolving market, this is the event you can’t afford to miss.”

    NKBA will present its show programming, including the NEXTStage, the Design & Industry Awards and an enhanced Voices From the Industry (VFTI) conference. The association expects more than 600 exhibitors at KBIS 2027.

    “Our industry grows more interconnected and global each day and KBIS 2027 embodies that momentum,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA|KBIS. “As the hub uniting our industry, NKBA is excited to return to Las Vegas for an experience designed to build upon, and exceed, the energy and optimism of last year’s show. We’re committed to helping our community forge connections, discover new opportunities and drive business growth.”

    Register for IBS or KBIS

     

  • Reaching the Gold Standard

    Reaching the Gold Standard

     Combining bespoke design with efficiency, Promontory HOMES takes mountain living to new heights

    “We are seeing that clients have a desire to bring more community amenities into their homes,” said Scott Ilizaliturri, President of Promontory HOMES. 

    Across the industry, there is no singular design trend shaping 2026.  Today’s buyer wants to build for their lifestyle, whether that be prioritizing entertainment, health and wellness, convenience or all three. Ilizaliturri discussed that today’s current clients are selective, educated and prepared. They know what they want and are willing to wait to get it. 

    So for Promontory, the answer is to have options for any type of buyer: game rooms, wine cellars, home gyms, saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, oxygen therapy, elevators, en-suite bathrooms and home offices.  Yet none of these amenities would be competitive in today’s market without high-standard execution. Ilizaliturri noted that constructing the home itself is only a part of the overall experience. 

    The rest comes from offering peace of mind to buyers. With this strategy, the awards followed suit. Promontory’s Picasso model won the Gold Nugget for Best Single Family Detached Home, 2,500 to 3,000 square feet. 

    Design Direction 

    In 2010, Promontory HOMES was established in response to the growing demand for alternative luxury homebuilding. Promontory describes its vision as simple: to alleviate the stress of time and money in custom homebuilding. 

    “We believe we are in a very small niche of the market: personalized high-end luxury home building coupled with an efficient mind and focus,” said Ilizaliturri. “Many builders see these as opposites, opposing forces. We see them as opportunities.”

    With support from the developer of Promontory Mountain Club, Francis Najafi, Promontory HOMES has built over 400 homes in the growing Park City, Utah community to date. 

    The builder offers three product lines based on home size: the Villas at about 2,800 square feet, Estates customizable at 5,000 square feet and the most traditional custom homebuilding experience at the Pinnacle, estimated at 7,500 square feet. These offerings evolve to reflect market moves.

    “Many home builders are focused on rationalizing their offerings, which might add more ‘no’s than ‘yes’ to the buying experience,” added Ilizaliturri. “We look to rationalize, as it helps our business remain efficient in a constantly changing environment.”

    Picasso 

    The Picasso was designed with a reduced footprint in mind, limiting livable square feet to 2,800. Despite this, Promontory delivered four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a two-car garage and striking design elements. 

    The project enhances the constraints with single-level, open-concept living. With Picasso, Promontory’s thoughtful window placement takes advantage of the dramatic views of the landscape. Complemented by high-end finishes such as wide-plank wood floors, wool carpet and waterfall-edge stone countertops, it quickly became a buyer favorite. 

    “We had to provide a compelling reason to buy new,” said Ilizaliturri. “The result is a home that feels both luxurious and welcoming, balancing modern architecture with everyday comfort.” 

    Bradford Plus 

    The Bradford Plus provides insight into another side of Promontory’s offerings. 

    The exterior features an impressive barrel roof design with rugged yet modern materials such as stained cedar siding, natural stone and metal wall panels. 

    The rear elevation surprises with an extended cantilevered patio. Ilizaliturri noted that it gives the feeling that you are actually floating as you enjoy the outdoors. 

    Upon entering the home, visitors notice the four-sided island fireplace and three-stop glass elevators catch the eye. The level of purpose and individuality in the design is immediately clear. 

    The home is 6,807 square feet of liveable space and offers five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage. The in-home amenities focus on delivering on all aspects, with a recreation room with a wine display, pool table, wet bar, in-home sauna, hot tub and fire pit.

    Topography Challenges

    Promontory HOMES currently offers over 30 elevations, each of which can be made more bespoke. Additionally, the diverse topography in Park City ensures that no two lots are the same.

    “When you are building a plan for the first time, you discover inefficiencies, detail busts and unforeseen disconnects between plans and the site,” said Ilizaliturri. “We had to think in terms of repeatability and efficiency as we made our construction decisions, while continually laboring to protect the integrity of the original concept and design.”

    The results of both projects showcase the dedication and detail of a boutique builder, recognized by its clients and the industry.

    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 September, read the print version

  • Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026

    Texas housing market strengthens in first half of 2026

    Texas housing market activity strengthened through the first half of 2026, with closed sales outpacing last year’s levels. This suggests that underlying housing demand remains resilient despite ongoing economic headwinds and persistent affordability constraints. Sales gains have been consistent statewide, suggesting that buyers are adapting to current mortgage rates while benefiting from more stable inventory conditions and greater choice.

    Pricing trends also point to a gradually improving market environment in Texas. While home prices remain below year-ago levels, the pace of decline has continued to ease.

    As the peak home buying season comes to a close, continued improvement in inflation readings should help support market stability by reducing the likelihood of a policy rate increase.

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