Meet seven builders who are shaping our community. From modern marvels to traditional treasures, the renowned architects, builders and designers in the following Special Section will inspire your next dream home. Each of these visionaries brings a distinctive style to the drawing board along with professionalism and flawless attention to detail.
PHIL KEAN
PHIL KEAN DESIGN GROUP
What benefit does Phil Kean Design Group provide its clients by offering multiple services under one roof ?
Our one-stop approach to architecture, interior design, kitchens, cabinetry, selections studio and construction makes the process of building a custom home seamless.
What inspired you to build the brownstones at Morse and Virginia?
I was inspired by the beauty of New York City’s iconic brownstones. My goal was to incorporate my simplistic take on traditional design with this memorable and timeless architectural style. I feel that the project represents PKDG’s uncompromising commitment to great design.
What’s the latest news at Phil Kean Design Group?
Our newest division, Phil Kean Kitchens, is revealing a luxury cabinetry line that I personally designed. We call it the Phil Kean Signature Collection.
CHARLES CLAYTON III
CHARLES CLAYTON CONSTRUCTION
What projects are on the horizon?
We feel fortunate to have some great projects already on the books for 2018 and a good number of new projects planned for summer and fall 2018. 2019 looks very strong as well, with several repeat customers in Winter Park and coastal Volusia county.
What are your clients’ favorite building styles?
We are seeing a great number of Contemporaries, West Indies, and Coastal Contemporaries. We’re also getting requests for the timeless Spanish Colonials again.
What trends are you seeing in general, and even more specifically for Winter Park?
Some of our empty-nesters and semi-retired customers are looking to build homes with less square footage but with much greater focus on efficient space planning, outdoor living, green building and sustainability. Low maintenance and low operational costs are a must.
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
The excitement and satisfaction of our customers as they see the home they have envisioned take shape from a dream, to paper, to reality, and turn out even better than ever imagined.
GREG HARDWICK
HARDWICK GENERAL CONTRACTING
What style of homes do you build?
We build all types. With our experience in whole-house renovations and one-of-a-kind or “made- from-scratch” custom homes, we understand that in many ways the style and design of a home is up to the homeowner, while the building experience and quality are up to the builder. We don’t focus on one style, which enables us to specialize in all of them.
How did you get started building homes?
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a builder. In college, I studied engineering and architecture and went on to achieve a master’s degree in engineering. My first job in 1992 was in the construction field for a Fortune 250 corporation, and in 2004, I decided to go out on my own to focus on a more personal approach to building. We are often hired for large, complex renovations and custom homes because of my engineering background.
What do you like doing for fun?
Our family loves being together and therein lies the fun. We love the water and Florida and enjoy traveling together to our favorite places all over the state. We take advantage of many wonderful staycation spots throughout Central Florida on extended weekends but also love hanging out at home swimming, fishing, and keeping up with our two kids and two lively dogs.
BRETT LUNDEQUAM
LUNDEV CUSTOM HOMES
What projects do you have planned for 2018?
In 2018 we will be building a blend of custom and spec homes in Winter Park and New Smyrna Beach. We’re very excited to be building for new and repeat clients this year and also bringing several new home projects to market. Check our website for details!
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
I love the creative and transformational aspects of homebuilding. We are an “Infill” builder so we have the opportunity to improve every neighborhood we build in. We have a great team of people working at Lundev and really enjoy the relationships we develop with our clients.
Do you have a favorite style you build?
We love many different styles, as long as they are timeless. We don’t want to build a product that will feel dated in 10 or 20 years. We have been focusing on building homes with open informal floorplans and styles emulating the colonial West Indies.
SKIP GIBSON & ZOLTAN KECSKES
ZOLTAN HOMES
What projects can we expect from you in the near future?
We have two projects in 2018 that we’re very excited about. The first is a transitional design on Via Tuscany that ties in modern amenities with the warmth of home. The second, located on Forrest Road, features a unique transitional design on an oversize lot.
Do you build specific types of homes?
We are passionate about design builds that you’re not used to seeing in other custom homes. We personally spend countless hours in unison with architectural engineers and designers on blending upscale design with functionality. Our projects typically favor a transitional design skewed to a slightly more modern, warm feel.
What challenges do you face to stay competitive?
The challenge of making each home unique by using new materials, textures, features and technology. Quality and sustainability are of the utmost importance to us.
DAVE CAHILL
DAVE CAHILL HOMES
What projects do you have planned out for 2018 so far?
This is a strong year in Winter Park and Central Florida. We have a spec house on a waterfront lot and several lake lots coming soon. The renovation market continues to stay steady as clients love their homes and locations but want to update the style.
Do you have a favorite style that you like to build?
I work closely with my architect and interior designer to build luxury homes that are timeless and pleasing to the eye.
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
My greatest enjoyment is seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces as their home comes to fruition. Customers want to be wowed the moment they enter the front door and again every time they turn the corner.
KYLE KELLY & CARL JACOBS
ELEMENT HOME BUILDERS
After building in the Windermere area for over 30 years, what brings you to Winter
Park?
A great opportunity to build nine custom homes in a gated enclave. The Reserve at Interlachen is a one-of-a-kind community, so every home will have a distinctive design.
Are you hands-on builders?
Yes, we sit down personally with each and every client, and we’re on the job site every day making sure everything is done right.
How does someone select a homebuilder?
The first step is meeting the person who is going to be physically working on your home and making sure you’re in sync. Always look at their work in various stages of construction.
What do you love about your business
Watching the clients’ excitement as their dreams come to life. There’s nothing like that final walk-through.
HOME DESIGN
Meet seven builders who are shaping our community. From modern marvels to traditional treasures, the renowned architects, builders and designers in the following Special Section will inspire your next dream home. Each of these visionaries brings a distinctive style to the drawing board along with professionalism and flawless attention to detail.
PHIL KEAN
PHIL KEAN DESIGN GROUP
What benefit does Phil Kean Design Group provide its clients by offering multiple services under one roof ?
Our one-stop approach to architecture, interior design, kitchens, cabinetry, selections studio and construction makes the process of building a custom home seamless.
What inspired you to build the brownstones at Morse and Virginia?
I was inspired by the beauty of New York City’s iconic brownstones. My goal was to incorporate my simplistic take on traditional design with this memorable and timeless architectural style. I feel that the project represents PKDG’s uncompromising commitment to great design.
What’s the latest news at Phil Kean Design Group?
Our newest division, Phil Kean Kitchens, is revealing a luxury cabinetry line that I personally designed. We call it the Phil Kean Signature Collection.
CHARLES CLAYTON III
CHARLES CLAYTON CONSTRUCTION
What projects are on the horizon?
We feel fortunate to have some great projects already on the books for 2018 and a good number of new projects planned for summer and fall 2018. 2019 looks very strong as well, with several repeat customers in Winter Park and coastal Volusia county.
What are your clients’ favorite building styles?
We are seeing a great number of Contemporaries, West Indies, and Coastal Contemporaries. We’re also getting requests for the timeless Spanish Colonials again.
What trends are you seeing in general, and even more specifically for Winter Park?
Some of our empty-nesters and semi-retired customers are looking to build homes with less square footage but with much greater focus on efficient space planning, outdoor living, green building and sustainability. Low maintenance and low operational costs are a must.
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
The excitement and satisfaction of our customers as they see the home they have envisioned take shape from a dream, to paper, to reality, and turn out even better than ever imagined.
GREG HARDWICK
HARDWICK GENERAL CONTRACTING
What style of homes do you build?
We build all types. With our experience in whole-house renovations and one-of-a-kind or “made- from-scratch” custom homes, we understand that in many ways the style and design of a home is up to the homeowner, while the building experience and quality are up to the builder. We don’t focus on one style, which enables us to specialize in all of them.
How did you get started building homes?
Since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a builder. In college, I studied engineering and architecture and went on to achieve a master’s degree in engineering. My first job in 1992 was in the construction field for a Fortune 250 corporation, and in 2004, I decided to go out on my own to focus on a more personal approach to building. We are often hired for large, complex renovations and custom homes because of my engineering background.
What do you like doing for fun?
Our family loves being together and therein lies the fun. We love the water and Florida and enjoy traveling together to our favorite places all over the state. We take advantage of many wonderful staycation spots throughout Central Florida on extended weekends but also love hanging out at home swimming, fishing, and keeping up with our two kids and two lively dogs.
BRETT LUNDEQUAM
LUNDEV CUSTOM HOMES
What projects do you have planned for 2018?
In 2018 we will be building a blend of custom and spec homes in Winter Park and New Smyrna Beach. We’re very excited to be building for new and repeat clients this year and also bringing several new home projects to market. Check our website for details!
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
I love the creative and transformational aspects of homebuilding. We are an “Infill” builder so we have the opportunity to improve every neighborhood we build in. We have a great team of people working at Lundev and really enjoy the relationships we develop with our clients.
Do you have a favorite style you build?
We love many different styles, as long as they are timeless. We don’t want to build a product that will feel dated in 10 or 20 years. We have been focusing on building homes with open informal floorplans and styles emulating the colonial West Indies.
SKIP GIBSON & ZOLTAN KECSKES
ZOLTAN HOMES
What projects can we expect from you in the near future?
We have two projects in 2018 that we’re very excited about. The first is a transitional design on Via Tuscany that ties in modern amenities with the warmth of home. The second, located on Forrest Road, features a unique transitional design on an oversize lot.
Do you build specific types of homes?
We are passionate about design builds that you’re not used to seeing in other custom homes. We personally spend countless hours in unison with architectural engineers and designers on blending upscale design with functionality. Our projects typically favor a transitional design skewed to a slightly more modern, warm feel.
What challenges do you face to stay competitive?
The challenge of making each home unique by using new materials, textures, features and technology. Quality and sustainability are of the utmost importance to us.
DAVE CAHILL
DAVE CAHILL HOMES
What projects do you have planned out for 2018 so far?
This is a strong year in Winter Park and Central Florida. We have a spec house on a waterfront lot and several lake lots coming soon. The renovation market continues to stay steady as clients love their homes and locations but want to update the style.
Do you have a favorite style that you like to build?
I work closely with my architect and interior designer to build luxury homes that are timeless and pleasing to the eye.
What do you enjoy most about building homes?
My greatest enjoyment is seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces as their home comes to fruition. Customers want to be wowed the moment they enter the front door and again every time they turn the corner.
KYLE KELLY & CARL JACOBS
ELEMENT HOME BUILDERS
After building in the Windermere area for over 30 years, what brings you to Winter
Park?
A great opportunity to build nine custom homes in a gated enclave. The Reserve at Interlachen is a one-of-a-kind community, so every home will have a distinctive design.
Are you hands-on builders?
Yes, we sit down personally with each and every client, and we’re on the job site every day making sure everything is done right.
How does someone select a homebuilder?
The first step is meeting the person who is going to be physically working on your home and making sure you’re in sync. Always look at their work in various stages of construction.
What do you love about your business
Watching the clients’ excitement as their dreams come to life. There’s nothing like that final walk-through.