LEGACY BUILDERS EDITION VOLUME I 10-25 | BAM SOUTH

SOUTH

VOLUME I | EDITION I

on the cover

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Where blueprints become belonging—and walls become hope

BERGMAN BUILD LLC

From Dirt Roads to Dream Homes WESTON HOMES Build. Lead. Serve. — The Bergman Way

BUILDERS Legacy EDITION

Faith built. Family driven. Detail defined. RESTORE BUILD & DESIGN

Chief Executive Officer Tamara Bellamy-Breen

Chief Financial Officer William Breen

Executive Publisher Mara Mather

Built America Magazine connects your brand with over 152,000 elite executives, offering an unmatched platform to elevate your presence among key decision-makers in the construction and development sectors. Whether you're launching a high-end property, seeking investment for innovative ventures, or aiming to affirm your industry dominance, our dedicated team ensures your message resonates with those who matter most. We provide tailored content solutions—from feature articles to exclusive interviews—designed to showcase your brand's uniqueness and ambitions. Embrace this opportunity to highlight your latest achievements and upcoming projects in a publication revered by industry leaders. Join us in crafting a narrative that not only reaches, but profoundly impacts, an audience ready to engage with your vision. For a partnership that transforms exposure into influence, contact our Group Publisher. Elevate your brand with Built America Magazine, where success meets sophistication.

Director of Operations Scott Carter

Business Development Managers Laura Dobson Cliff Christopher

Editor-in-Chief Skyler Grey

Production Manager Bill Gregson

Editorial Outreach Manager Brianna Jordan Darlene Muise

Chief Digital Officer (CDO)/Digital Strategy Manager Peter Gibbs

Mara Mather e: editorials@builtamericamagazine.com

editorials@builtamericamagazine.com Email for all inquiries:

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Built America Magazine | South

DEAR READER FROM OUR EDITOR

This special edition of Built America Magazine honors the South’s most impactful builders, visionaries, and changemakers—those laying new foundations of excellence while carrying forward the traditions that built this industry. From emerging talents carving their first footprints in the field to long-standing leaders whose legacies span generations, this issue celebrates the heartbeat of Southern construction: integrity, innovation, and impact.

“ We commit to fully inclusive journeying with our collaborators, ensuring their stories are shared with integrity and passion. ” From Florida to Georgia, Texas and beyond, this edition brings together the South’s finest builders, each one a testament to what endures when craftsmanship meets character. This is more than an issue, it’s a tribute to the men and women who build America from the ground up, one act of integrity at a time.

Inside, you’ll find an emotional and inspiring mix of stories that define what it means to build with purpose .

From Bergman Build LLC , where Peter Livermore shares his journey of resilience, craftsmanship, and redefining what it means to build with intention—proving that innovation and heart can coexist on every job site. You’ll meet Grayham Stowe of Weston Homes , whose faith-driven approach to homebuilding has shaped communities across Texas with honesty, precision, and grace. And through a deeply moving conversation with Annamae Kacsandi, we explore how HomeAid Orlando and its partners are building more than homes—they’re rebuilding hope. These pages are filled with leaders who remind us that legacy isn’t measured in profit margins or project size. It’s measured in the lives touched, the communities strengthened, and the values built into every beam and brick.

Warm regards, The Editorial Team

INSIDE

COVER FEATURE

HOMEAID ORLANDO

Where blueprints become belonging and walls become hope

RESTORE BUILD + DESIGN Faith built. Family driven. Detail defined.

WESTON HOMES

44 WESTON HOMES

From Dirt Roads to Dream Homes

GREEN BUILDING GROUP

Homes that Breathe, and Heal.

BERGMAN BUILD LLC Build. Lead. Serve. — The Bergman Way.

CLOSING LINES

90 THE LEGACY BUILDERS

Why Integrity Still Matters in a Changing Industry

COMING UP NEXT: VETERANS IN CONSTRUCTION TRIBUTE EDITION This special edition celebrates veteran- owned companies, leadership forged in service, and the resilience, integrity, and discipline that define America’s builders in and out of uniform.

HOMEAID ORLANDO

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | South

06 BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

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Built America Magazine | South

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MX FUEL 14" CUT OFF SAW MXF315-2XC

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OPENING LINES

The Legacy Builders Edition

In this special Legacy Builders Edition of Built America Magazine, we turn the spotlight toward the leaders shaping the soul of modern construction — not just through what they build, but how and why they build it. This issue honors a remarkable group of builders whose impact goes far beyond floorplans and finishes. These are the companies building with intention, integrity, and an eye toward the next generation. From the generational craftsmanship of Weston Homes, to the bold design-forward vision of Restore Build + Design, to the detail-driven ethos of Bergman Build LLC, and the environmentally conscious expertise of Green Building Group — these firms represent what it truly means to build a legacy. Together, they show us that legacy isn’t just about what you leave behind. It’s about what you create today — the homes, communities, and values that endure. Through every beam placed and every relationship built, these companies are quietly rewriting the rules of construction, one story at a time. This edition is a tribute to those who lead not with ego, but with purpose. Who don’t just build houses — they build trust, beauty, connection, and impact.

Keep reading to meet the Legacy Builders who are shaping the future of homebuilding, by honoring the values that stand the test of time.

S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T

Since 2022, HomeAid Orlando has been bridging the gap between the housing industry and nonprofits working to combat homelessness in Central Florida. As a chapter of HomeAid—a national nonprofit founded by the building industry— HomeAid Orlando partners with local builders, trades, and suppliers to renovate, build, and maintain facilities for service organizations that support individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity. Operating at the intersection of construction and compassion, HomeAid Orlando doesn’t just fundraise—they build. By leveraging in-kind donations of labor and materials, they dramatically reduce the cost of building essential housing infrastructure like emergency shelters, transitional living spaces, and workforce housing. This approach allows nonprofit partners to focus more resources on care, counseling, and wraparound services—while HomeAid handles the bricks and mortar. But their work extends beyond the jobsite. Through their Workforce Development Program, HomeAid Orlando also creates pathways into construction careers for individuals overcoming homelessness, incarceration, or other life-altering challenges. By training, mentoring, and connecting participants with employers, they help people build not just homes—but futures. In a region facing mounting housing pressure, HomeAid Orlando is mobilizing the building community to be part of the solution. Their mission is simple but urgent: to build new lives for Central Floridians through housing and community partnerships. This commitment to purpose, people, and long-term impact is exactly why HomeAid Orlando stands at the helm of our Legacy Builders edition. Their work exemplifies what it means to build not just structures, but dignity, opportunity, and hope. Keep reading to meet other legacy builders who are changing the face of construction in the most human way possible—one home, one trade, one life at a time. Page 16-29

BUILDING A FUTURE WITHOUT HOMELESSNESS How Central Florida’s builders are turning blueprints into belonging—and walls into hope .

Written by: Skyler Grey | Editor in Chief Built America Magazine

The light turns green, and nobody notices him.

The man on the median clutching two leashes and a paper bag of dog food that isn’t his dinner. Two blocks away, a mother folds a plastic grocery sack into a makeshift diaper. Across town, a child sleeps on a bare floor because it’s easier to clean. This is the house you can’t see. The one hidden in plain sight, its walls catching the Florida sun just enough to look whole. But if you squint long enough, you’ll see the cracks in its foundation.

And HomeAid Orlando refuses to blink .

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Built America Magazine | South

Housing That Heals Creating safe spaces for those facing homelessness. Built by Builders Powered by Central Florida’s construction community. Hope in Action More than charity — it’s dignity, stability, and second chances.

“When you’ve seen what it means to not have a safe place to sleep, or a clean diaper, you realize this isn’t charity. It’s humanity.” —Annamae Kacsandi Director of Operations HomeAid Orlando

Backed by Central Florida’s building and trade community, they arrive with hard hats and calloused hands, blueprints rolled like declarations. Not to build a new skyline, but to raise something rarer: dignity, belonging, and doors that actually open. If you want to know a city’s soul, don’t look at its skyline. Look at the places where light leaks under a door that doesn’t quite close, where a grocery bag becomes a diaper, where a teenager ages out of foster care into a parking lot.

RUSS BEYMER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Then watch who shows up.

HomeAid Orlando shows up. With builder captains, trade partners, and suppliers who know that a hammer can be an act of hope. They build what breaks the cycle. They build the floor that keeps a child off the tile. They build the tiny home that becomes a lifeline. They build the kind of community that refuses to call people “the homeless” and starts calling them neighbors. “It’s personal,” says Annamae Kacsandi, Director of Operations. “When you’ve seen what it means to not have a safe place to sleep, or a clean diaper, you realize this isn’t charity. It’s humanity.”

ANNAMAE KACSANDI | DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

“ That’s how HomeAid was born, It worked because it let builders do what they do best.”

2024 FORWARD PATHS, RIBBON CUTTING

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Built America Magazine | South

A Foundation Rooted in Compassion Before there was HomeAid Orlando, there was HomeAid America, born thirty-six years ago in Orange County, California. Back then, industry leaders discovered something simple and revolutionary: when they asked builders for cash donations, few could help. But when they asked for labor, materials, and craftsmanship, the doors opened. “That’s how HomeAid was born,” Kascandi explains. “It worked because it let builders do what they do best.” Since then, affiliates have grown nationwide, each shaping the mission to local needs. In 2019, the Greater Orlando Builders Association, together with HomeAid America and a handful of civic-minded advocates, launched the Orlando chapter. At its helm stood Russ Beymer, a thirty- year homebuilding veteran who traded blueprints for purpose. “He’s been there since the beginning,” Kacsandi says. “Every site, every project, every partnership. He jokes that he talks too much—but it’s because he feels it all.” Five years later, HomeAid Orlando has become a movement. Its mission stands on three pillars: construction, community outreach, and education.

Each one anchored in empathy.

From Frontlines to Frameworks Kacsandi speaks with the calm conviction of someone who’s been on both sides of a locked door.

Before joining HomeAid, she spent more than twenty years in nonprofit work.

“I was that person with the duct tape,” she says. “Constantly on call, working seventy hours a week. Now I get to help the people I used to be. The ones holding everything together with scraps and prayer.” Her first major project with HomeAid hit home—the diaper drive. “I’m a mom of two,” she says. “When I hear about parents using plastic bags because they can’t afford diapers, it breaks me. I think back to when one ripped and I just threw it away without thinking. That was a luxury. Some parents don’t have that choice.” The first drive collected 80,000 diapers. Last summer, HomeAid Orlando reached one million. “Russ and his wife used to deliver diapers in their car,” she smiles. “Now we need trucks. That’s not just growth, it’s more than that, it’s hope multiplied.” The Man With Two Dogs Each week on her drive, Annamae passes the same man, unhoused, with two dogs.

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Built America Magazine | South

“One week, one of the dogs was gone,” she recalls. “I asked where, and he just looked at me. That was his family. Shelters don’t take pets, so he stays outside. He won’t leave them behind.” She handed him a care kit: snacks, water, a cooling towel, and kept driving, tears brimming behind her eyes. “People pass him without seeing him,” she says. “But he’s kind. He’s human. He’s worthy of love.” Those roadside care kits — simple bags of essentials — have become one of HomeAid’s most immediate, enduring acts of grace. Proof that compassion doesn’t always need drywall and lumber . Building Through the Storm “The core of what we do is building, We build for nonprofits so they can focus on serving people.” HomeAid Orlando’s first project, a small pantry renovation for a women’s and children’s center - started quietly. Then came the pandemic. Many organizations folded. HomeAid didn’t.

HOMAID ORLANDO | FIRST PROJECT PANTRY RENOVATION

STARLIGHT HOMES CARE KITS

“We started right before COVID,” Kacsandi recalls. “The fact that we survived and grew, it still amazes me.” From that humble start, the organization’s work has expanded in both scale and scope. In just five years, HomeAid Orlando has completed twelve builds valued at over $3 million , saving nonprofit partners more than $1 million through donated labor, materials, and expertise. Their projects now span micro-homes, transitional housing, facility upgrades, and community centers. A living portfolio of what collaboration can achieve. “At the core of what we do is building,” Kascandi says “We build for nonprofits so they can focus on serving people.”

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Built America Magazine | South

“Russ always says: Builders doing what they do best, so service providers can do more of what they do best.” Builders Doing What They Do Best

It’s become the organization’s unofficial mantra—and the reason HomeAid works.

Those builders are everywhere. On job sites, in boardrooms, volunteering after hours. Commence (under ODC Construction) built two Benefit Homes that fund HomeAid’s operations. Taylor Morrison and Ashton Woods led the vertical construction of the Forward Paths micro-home village.

SRC OFFICE RIBBON CUTTING

Park Square Homes, Meritage Homes, LandSea Homes, and Del-Air Heating & Cooling continue to champion projects across the region. “They’re our lifeblood,” Kacsandi says. “They manage projects, juggle their real jobs, and still show up for HomeAid. They’re not just donating, they’re leading.” Each nail, slab, and hour volunteered becomes a tangible testament to an industry that’s building beyond structures, it’s building community. The Children Without Homes Some statistics can’t be ignored. In Orange County Public Schools, more than 9,000 students are identified as homeless each year. “I have a second grader,” Kascandi says. “Every year we get a form asking if we’re homeless. It’s heartbreaking. Any one of those 9,000 kids could be sitting next to mine.” That realization sparked HomeAid’s newest initiative—hygiene kits for unhoused children.

RUSS BEYMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

VFS DIAPER DELIVERY

“These children are growing up in chaos, the least we can do is give them something small that says, you matter.”

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Built America Magazine | South

PRESENTING SPONSOR, ALLY BUILDING SOLUTIONS 2025 CHARI-TEE GOLF TOURNAMENT

This year alone, the organization has assembled roughly 5,000 care kits, including Florida-heat survival packs with sunscreen and hats, and kid-specific kits distributed through schools. “These children are growing up in chaos,” she says. “The least we can do is give them something small that says, you matter.” Building a Village for Youth Some projects change the landscape; others change lives. The Forward Paths Foundation micro-home village in Eustis, Florida did both. Ten tiny homes. Each a bridge for young adults aging out of foster care, many facing homelessness the day they turned eighteen.

“They help them enroll in school, get jobs, learn to live independently,” Kacsandi says. “We saved them so much on the first project they banked it and are now building another ten homes on donated land in Leesburg. That’s forty new beds—forty chances.” But the true transformation came after the ribbon-cutting. “A year later, they have Christmas parties. They make pancakes together. There’s a community garden. They didn’t have family before, and now they do.” She pauses. “That one really gets me. And the fact that we get to do it again, it’s everything.” Affordable Futures, Built to Last

The next chapter unfolds through a partnership with Bright Community Trust and LandSea Homes: a duplex that will provide attainable housing for families priced out of Orlando’s surging market. “These homes will stay affordable,” Kacsandi explains. “When families move out, Bright Trust resells them below market. The residents even build a little equity. It’s dignity through design.” Affordable housing, she adds, isn’t just an economic issue, it’s a foundation for stability and community resilience. The Benefit Home: Building to Give Back While HomeAid builds for others, it also builds for itself. The Benefit Home initiative turns industry expertise into ongoing sustainability. “We secure land, our partners build a home, and we sell it,” Kacsandi explains. “The proceeds fund HomeAid. It’s builders doing what they do every day, but this time, it builds hope.“ Two Benefit Homes have already been completed with Commence/ODC Construction, and more are planned. Each one reinforces a simple message: every act of building can be an act of giving. Doing More with Less Behind all this impact stand just two staff members—Annamae and Russ. “We used to have three,” she says.

UCF KNIGHTSBUILD VOLUNTEERS CARE DAY

S P E C I A L I N T E R E S T

Built America Magazine | South

“Budget cuts made us smaller, but not weaker. Together we balance the marketing, sending the emails, coordinating the projects —it’s a lot, but it’s worth it.” Without a marketing department, HomeAid leans on the Greater Orlando Builders Association, trade events, and word-of-mouth to share its mission. “We’re not the Builders Association, we’re a nonprofit born from it,” she says. “We keep showing up, shaking hands, telling people what we do. That’s how this grows.”

A Legacy of Hands and Heart

Ask Annamae what she hopes HomeAid Orlando will be remembered for, and her voice softens. “That we opened our hearts,” she says. “That we built things that lasted— not just walls, but hope.”

She pauses before adding:

“We keep showing up, shaking hands, telling people what we do. That’s how this grows.” “All nonprofits working with the homeless are doing good work, but they can’t do it all. That’s where we come in. They need a new floor? Okay. A window? Okay. Shelves? Okay. We make it possible for them to keep helping.” It’s a rhythm as steady as construction itself, measured, enduring, and filled with purpose.

In an industry defined by foundations and frameworks, HomeAid Orlando reminds us that the most enduring structures are the ones that hold people up. It’s the builder who volunteers weekends to manage a project that won’t bring profit.

The mother who donates a box of diapers she could’ve kept for herself.

the student sitting beside a classmate without a home.

The man who won’t abandon his dogs, even if it means sleeping under the stars. This is the city we live in—and this is the city HomeAid Orlando is rebuilding, one foundation, one act of empathy, one open door at a time. And just imagine what could happen if every builder in America built one more door for someone who needs it most?

Join the builders who believe that every act of construction can change a life. Support, volunteer, or partner with HomeAid Orlando to help build doors that open to dignity and hope. Visit HomeAidOrlando.org

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Built America Magazine | South Looking for a

“When you’ve seen what it means to not have a safe place to sleep, or a clean diaper, you realize this isn’t charity. It’s humanity.” — Annamae Kacsandi, HomeAid Orlando

Meaningful Way to Give Back?

Here’s How Builders Like You Can Change Lives With Every Project Build More Than Homes— Build Hope As someone who understands the power of building, you know that a roof is more than shelter, it’s security, dignity, and the foundation of a future. HomeAid partners with the construction industry to build and renovate housing for nonprofits who serve families, veterans, youth, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Your trade. Your tools. Your heart. That’s what makes this work possible.

Become a Donor Today

Visit www.homeaid.org

Put your skills to work for something bigger

Help nonprofits access the construction they desperately need

Questions? Call (407) 461-9361 Or Scan the QR Code

Give back in the language you know best— homebuilding

Fai t h b u il t. Famil y dri v en . De t ail defined .

Scott Coty doesn’t speak in rehearsed sales pitches or dramatic taglines.

He speaks in truths—the kind that come from years spent walking job sites, solving problems before they surface, and doing work the right way simply because it’s the right way. And beside him, steady and sharp, is Brooke Coty. She’s the heartbeat of the business, designing spaces with intention and making sure every detail tells a story. Together, they are the husband-and-wife duo behind Restore Build and Design, a construction firm nestled in Georgia that is as focused on relationships as it is on results. What they’ve built isn’t just a business—it’s a reputation, carefully crafted through faith, hard work, and human connection.

“I’m not a man of many words,” Scott says. But there’s power in his few.

The projects have changed since those early days. What began with simple builds and standard finishes has evolved into full-scale custom homes, layered with thoughtful design and meticulous execution. "We started basic," Brooke reflects. "Now we think about how the countertop plays off the cabinetry, how the color palette flows from room to room. It’s all connected." And for Scott, the sweet spot is still untouched land. "Give me a pasture and a dream," he says. "I love figuring out where the house will sit, how we’ll run utilities—it’s a puzzle I never get tired of solving."

His career began in the production world, working for Pulte Homes. It was a start, but not a calling. Over the years, as his experience grew, so did his desire to do something more meaningful—something with soul. By 2017, he and Brooke had laid the foundation for Restore Build and Design. At first, it was a side project—a few builds here and there while they juggled day jobs. But over time, word spread. Quality speaks. Integrity echoes. And when people talk about Restore, they don’t just talk about the homes. They talk about the way they were treated.

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | South

You can’t fake integrity when you live down the street.

Brooke says, "Scott is happiest in the field." It’s where he thrives—answering questions, explaining processes, helping clients feel seen and heard. At Restore, communication isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation. "We tell people the good and the bad," Scott says. "It’s a big deal, building a house. And we want our clients to understand what’s happening every step of the way." He doesn’t sugarcoat. He educates. And in an industry that can often feel overwhelming to clients, that kind of transparency is rare—and deeply appreciated.

In a field where many builders cater only to high-end clients, Scott takes a different approach. "I don’t want people to feel like they’re not ‘enough’ for us," he says. "We use the same materials, the same effort, whether it’s a $150K job or a $2 million build." The goal is always the same: stretch the budget as far as it will go without compromising quality. For the Cotys, it’s not about price tags. It’s about people. That mindset earned them a fiercely loyal following. In their small town outside Athens, Georgia, Scott and Brooke see former clients regularly—at restaurants, on sidelines, in grocery store aisles. And that’s the point.

SCOTT & BROOKE COTY | OWNERS

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What sets Restore apart isn’t loud or flashy. It’s quiet. It’s in the finish work.

"Most people can’t tell why one house just feels better than another," Scott says. "But I can. It’s the arches. The drywall. The way the paint meets the trim." He inspects everything. Before drywall goes up, he’s checking framing and angles. Afterward, he goes room by room, wall by wall, making sure nothing’s overlooked.

"We don’t chase perfection, but we get close. And we do it every time."

One of the biggest factors behind Restore’s consistency is its vendors—many of whom have worked with Scott for over a decade. "Some of these guys I’ve known since before we started the company," he says. "They’re not just subs. They’re friends." “Give me a pasture and a dream. I love figuring out where the house will sit, how

we’ll run utilities—it’s a puzzle I never get tired of solving."

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transforming into extraordinary living. Guided by integrity, artistry, and a passion for what’s next, PDI continues to redefine interiors with designs that don’t just shine—they inspire. functional spaces

For more than 50 years, PDI Kitchen, Bath & Lighting has helped homeowners, designers, and builders bring sophistication to life— one detail at a time. With 13 showrooms across the Southeast and exclusive partnerships like the region’s first KOHLER Signature Stores, PDI curates inspired collections of plumbing, lighting, appliances, and hardware that strike the perfect balance between beauty and performance. Their collaboration with Restore. Design. Build. showcases what happens when craftsmanship meets innovation— 38

Brooke adds, "When things go wrong—and they always do—you want the kind of team that steps up. And ours does. Every time."

Those relationships mean jobs get done right— and quickly.

They also mean clients can count on every part of the process—from appliances to finishes—to be collaborative and reliable.

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

“We won’t sacrifice the quality of the product or the experience for our clients,”

Ironically, the project that’s drawn the most attention wasn’t built for a client—it was their own. "We had lived in that floor plan before, and we knew what we wanted to change," Brooke says. "So we built our version of it." The house is stunning, but it wasn’t built to show off. It was built to live in. "We weren’t trying to turn heads," Scott says. "But people noticed. And that’s humbling." They credit the project’s success not to design trends or Instagram likes, but to their faith. "We didn’t do this alone," Scott says. "We had a lot of help from the man upstairs."

Growth is always a question, but for the Cotys, bigger isn’t necessarily better. "We started this to have more time with our kids," Scott says. "To be present. To be parents." They take on just enough to stay busy— never so much that life slips by. "If our kids want to step into this one day, they can," Brooke says. "But we’re not forcing it. We’re just building what feels right, one house at a time." "When things go wrong—and they always do—you want the kind of team that steps up. And ours does. Every time."

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integration of custom cabinetry, bespoke furniture, and premium prefabricated options —each piece tailored to elevate the spaces it inhabits. Their work aligns perfectly with Restore Build & Design’s philosophy: That a home’s integrity begins in the details. From carefully matched finishes to custom layouts that balance style and structure, Luxe Cabinetry & Design’s creations reflect a shared commitment to quality, collaboration, and enduring design.

When it comes to cabinetry that blends precision, functionality, and timeless beauty, Luxe Cabinetry & Design brings craftsmanship to a new level. Based in Jefferson, Georgia, and serving Metro Atlanta and Northeast Georgia, the company is known for its seamless

"We don’t chase perfection, but we get close. And we do it every time."

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When asked what he wants people to remember about Restore, Scott doesn’t hesitate: "That we were different. That we did things the right way. That we treated everyone with respect." He doesn’t expect everyone to like him. But he hopes no one can say they were treated unfairly.

"That’s the standard. That’s the legacy."

For Restore Build and Design, it’s never been about volume or spotlight. It’s about the quiet promise kept when someone answers the phone, shows up on time, and builds your home as if it were their own. And when the last nail is set and the truck pulls away, what’s left behind isn’t just lumber and tile.

It’s peace of mind. It’s trust, built layer by layer.

It’s the sense that someone didn’t just build your house— they honored it.

Building more than homes — restoring faith in what true craftsmanship means. Visit their website below to connect with the team and start building your dream home. www.restorebuilddesign.com

From Dirt Roads, to Dream Homes

Written by: Skyler Grey Editor in Chief | Built America Magazine

Some builders are forged in boardrooms. Others are born of the earth—from red Texas clay, sweat-lined brows, and the quiet echo of faith whispered on a job site. Weston Homes was never meant to be a mass production machine. It was built, brick by brick, beam by beam, with heart, humility, and an unwavering belief that quality is not a feature—it’s a promise. Founded in 2016 by Grayham Stowe, Weston Homes has never chased the spotlight. Instead, it chased purpose. “We build the houses that we would want to live in,” Grayham says. It sounds simple. But in a world quick to cut corners, that principle stands like bedrock.

Quality Over Quantity— Always That was it. “It’s been off to the races ever since,” he says. But these weren’t palatial estates. They were starter homes. Thoughtfully sized. Carefully priced. Built not for prestige, but for people. Before he was a builder, Grayham worked in excavation—moved dirt, studied land, and watched homes rise from the dust. But it wasn’t enough to observe creation from a distance. “I was always interested in that… just the whole creation of the deal,” he reflects. The moment his first son was born at 20, something shifted. There was clarity, a calling. He partnered with a few others and built six homes—and they sold.

“We’re not trying to do this for a season, we’re trying to be around for a long time.” Grayham Stowe Owner | Weston Homes —

“You want to sell a product that pertains to the biggest pool of people,” he explains. “So, I’ve always stuck to starter homes. It’s our bread and butter. It’s gotten us through a lot of markets that other guys didn’t make it through.” And in an unpredictable housing climate, that kind of quiet wisdom is the anchor buyers crave. Weston Homes isn’t chasing volume. They build 10 to 15 homes a year. That’s it. “We’re not building so many houses that we can’t pay attention to our projects,” Grayham says. “Every house we build, we’re able to put in a bunch of effort.” This is not lip service. From 1,600 to 1,900 square feet, every Weston home is touched by integrity. “We do everything by the book. We treat people how we’d want to be treated.” That golden rule lives in every seam of drywall, every square foot of flooring. When asked what sets Weston Homes apart from the sea of builders around Fort Worth and across North Texas, Grayham doesn’t hesitate: “My faith in God,” he begins, quietly but surely. And then—“Attention to detail.” His voice carries the cadence of someone who has learned not just to build homes—but to build trust. “We’re not trying to do this for a season,” he says. “We’re trying to be around for a long time.”

Where You Build Matters—And So Does Why

46 BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Owner | Weston Homes Grayham Stowe

“Warranty work is huge. If a house has any issues after closing, you want to make sure those clients feel heard. That they feel solid about the choice they made.” 47

Weston Homes doesn’t plant their roots in oversaturated markets. “We stay out of the very compact competitive areas,” Grayham says. Instead, they turn toward the counties—Hood, Parker, Johnson, Tarrant—places where the land breathes, and families come looking for space, stillness, and stars.

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“People are moving from the cities to the country these days,” he observes. And so that’s where Weston Homes meets them: where affordability meets peace, where quality isn’t sacrificed for profit, and where a house still feels like home. They’re not interested in chasing the skyline. They’re chasing something deeper—something slower, something more human. There’s a softness in how Grayham talks about the building process, one that belies the grit it takes to do the work. Weston Homes doesn’t just build a product—they build an experience. From custom cabinets to handpicked finishes, they walk their clients through every decision. “We’ve created this process that makes everything really smooth and easy,” Grayham says. “We try to take off all of the heavy burdens, the worries behind the scenes, and keep those to ourselves—so that buyers can just have fun with it.” They don’t build for customers. They build for people. Families. First-time buyers. Generations to come. And when the keys are handed over, Weston Homes doesn’t disappear. “Warranty work is huge,” Grayham says. “When a house has issues after closing… you want to make sure they feel heard. That they feel solid about the choice they made.” It’s not just good business— it’s good character.

49 The Human Side of Building

Family-Owned. Faith-Filled. Subcontractor Strong.

Weston Homes is built on family—and built with family. “My dad actually helped me start my company,” Grayham shares. “He taught me the ins and outs of how to build a company with integrity.” That same ethic threads through Weston’s entire supply chain. After years of trial and error, the company has curated a tight-knit network of subcontractors—many of them family-owned themselves.

“These guys, we love them,” Grayham says. “We wouldn’t have the quality of work and the reputation we have if we didn’t have the subcontractors we work with.” They’ve become more than partners. They’re part of the DNA. “We know they’re good people. They handle their side of things. They handle their warranty work without us even having to ask.”

That kind of reliability? You can’t teach it. You have to live it.

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“It’s our first development, two-acre to four-acre lots. Rain harvesting. Water wells. We’re trying to make it a Stowe Vista: The Dream Gets Bigger For the first time, Weston Homes is building not just homes—but an entire community. In Rio Vista, Texas, the company is launching its first residential development: Stowe Vista. “It’s our first development,” Grayham says, his voice lifting with pride. “Two-acre to four-acre lots. Rain harvesting. Water wells. We’re trying to make it a self-sufficient neighborhood.” This isn’t about real estate. It’s about resilience. “We’re doing some interesting things that really stand us apart,” he says. The first 14 homes are slated for construction this September—and if the past is any indicator, they’ll be more than houses. They’ll be statements. They’ll be promises.

self-sufficient neighborhood.”

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N 54 BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

With the North Texas housing market booming, the temptation to scale fast is real. But Grayham is cautious. “We’ll never get to the point where we can’t control the quality of work we do,” he says. “But I do think there’s a lot of room to grow.” It’s a rare mindset—ambitious, but grounded. Focused not on flipping volume, but on sustaining value. “I see us working with more investors,” he adds. “I think we have the potential.” But potential, for Weston Homes, doesn’t mean compromising core values. Growth will come—but never at the cost of craftsmanship. Growth With Guardrails

Building for Tomorrow. And the One After That.

Legacy is a word too often thrown around by companies that haven’t earned it. But when Grayham says it, you believe him. “I hope the time I’ve spent is just appreciated,” he says. “Not always taking the option of making more money—but making sure we have a high quality product.” His voice softens when he speaks of his sons —three boys, already watching their father work with wonder. “They’re really interested in what I’m doing,” he says. “I hope that they one day help me grow this company. That they see the quality we bring. That we keep the reputation—and the legacy—of Weston Homes going.”

If they can build a thriving, solar- powered, storm-proof, community-rooted town in the

middle of Florida—what’s stopping the rest of us? And in that moment, the full weight of what Grayham is building becomes clear. It’s not just foundations and floor plans.

S P E C I A L E D I T I O N BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

It’s a future. A philosophy.

A family blueprint stretching decades forward.

Weston Homes is more than a business. It’s a quiet ministry — of homes, of hope, and of handing down something better than wealth: wisdom, faith, and a name worth carrying.

If you're ready to create a home built on integrity, inspired by craftsmanship, and grounded in faith, Weston Homes is ready to bring your vision to life. Explore their work and legacy of building with purpose on instagram: @westonhomestexas Built on Faith. Crafted with Purpose.

Homes That Breathe, and Heal

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Built America Magazine | South

The first thing you notice isn’t the glass or the steel.

It’s the air.

There’s a crispness to it - a sense of stillness that’s almost startling - the way you imagine the world must feel before dawn. Sunlight spills across sleek lines and clean forms, but what you feel most isn’t grandeur. It’s calm. “That,” says Green Building Group founder Ned Malik, “is the point. People spend 80% of their lives inside a building. It should be the healthiest place they are.” It’s a striking philosophy — and an even more striking reality — from a company that has quietly become one of the most respected high-end sustainable builders in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. Over the past fifteen years, GBG has fused luxury and longevity, pushing past the industry’s slow-to-change traditions to prove that homes can be both elegant and ecological. Sanctuaries that nurture well-being while treading lightly on the earth. A Pivot Born from Crisis The story of Green Building Group began, as so many revolutions do, in the middle of a collapse. “We started the company back in late 2009,” Ned recalls.

“PEOPLE SPEND 80% OF THEIR LIVES INSIDE A BUILDING. IT SHOULD BE THE HEALTHIEST PLACE THEY ARE.”

—Ned Malik | President

“It was mostly because I had always been involved in real estate. This was actually my second company. I sold my first, and we had a non-compete, so we weren’t able to get back into what we were doing before. We wanted to do something related to real estate… and then, of course, the 2008– 2009 crisis hit.”

“We wanted to build homes that were green and sustainable and would provide the owners a healthier environment to live in,” he says. “People spend most of their lives indoors and the quality of that environment matters.”

A Mind Built for Building

Ned’s vision for GBG is sharpened by a rare trifecta of expertise: engineering, business, and law. “I have an engineering degree from George Washington University,” he explains. “That helped me understand the dynamics of solving puzzles and putting things together. How to break a problem down into smaller chunks and solve it at its very core. My MBA from Johns Hopkins helped me understand the business end of things, and my law degree helped me understand the legal dynamics of running a business.” It’s this multi-lens perspective that allows him to approach construction like both an art and a system — deeply creative, yet relentlessly precise.

NED MALIK | PRESIDENT

With traditional brokerage faltering, Ned saw an opening and a responsibility. “We pivoted to development work,” he says, “and started focusing on providing sustainable construction, which I thought was much needed in the industry, because it’s a very old-school industry that doesn’t really change very often.” That decision would reshape not only Ned’s career but also the landscape of luxury building in the DMV.

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | South

“We want them to feel, first and foremost, that it’s not just four walls and a roof. That the homes are built with purpose, with intention.”

“Education helps you understand all different aspects of running a business,” he says simply. “I think all of those backgrounds helped me to be a better business person.” Redefining Sustainability. One Detail at a Time When Ned talks about sustainability, he doesn’t speak in buzzwords. He speaks in building envelopes and water tables, argon-filled panes and porous pavers. “Sustainability has to start from design,” he says. “From how we demo the old building.. by recycling a lot of the older building items that could be reused or recycled in a responsible way, to the very systems that make the home breathe.” At GBG, sustainable design isn’t a certification plaque. It’s a principle.

“A lot of organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council tend to focus on much larger projects,” Ned notes. “We wanted to take some of that approach and bring it to a home environment… particularly single-family homes or small boutique buildings.” That means LED lighting, clean filtered water, advanced HVAC systems, double-pane argon gas windows, and building walls with 2x6s instead of 2x4 s to allow for thicker insulation and higher R-values — all standard in a GBG home. “We’re even switching to R22 insulation,” Ned says. “We use closed-cell spray foam. We use porous pavers instead of pouring concrete. We manage our own rainwater on site, capturing water underground so it won’t create flooding in the yard. It’s about doing things that are good for the environment and good for the homeowner.” For Ned, sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, it means quite the opposite. “We have a multitude of different models that our clients can pick from,” he says. Craftsmanship with Conscience

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Built America Magazine | South

“We tend to focus on modern, contemporary designs. What we’ve noticed is that a lot of our clients prefer having modern, contemporary homes that are eco-friendly and sustainable.” It’s a delicate dance — harmonizing sleek minimalism with deep environmental performance — and one GBG has mastered by embedding elegance into every engineered detail. “It’s about constantly reinventing,” Ned says. “Trying to keep up with the demands from the consumer side of things, but also, in some ways, leading the industry and driving consumer behavior. Change is not easy. We like to be at the forefront of providing things that are more unique and more elegant and high-end. Not just your average cookie-cutter homes.”

“If you walk out of a room, the room should know there’s nobody there and the lights automatically turn off” ”

BUILDERS EDITION Legacy

Built America Magazine | South

Ask Ned the real key to GBG’s success, and he won’t point to technology or awards. He’ll point to people. “Construction is a team effort,” he says. “It’s a team environment. So you do have to have quality folks. Not just on your team, but your external team. From your suppliers, your vendors, your contractor to your subcontractors. They all need to be top-notch in order to deliver a quality product.” That collaboration is woven into GBG’s very process, from design charrettes to detailed checklists that ensure nothing is missed. “We try to use systems, checklists and things like that so we don’t miss items or go back and correct them later,” Ned explains. “We do focus a lot on quality control and providing quality assurance to our clients… to make sure we deliver a quality product.” The Power of Partnership

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Built America Magazine | South Designing for the DMV and Beyond Operating in the DMV presents its own unique challenges, and GBG has turned those into a proving ground. “The region has gone through quite a bit of climate change over the past decade,” Ned says. “We have four seasons here. It’s not Florida or California. We have to deal with extreme heat and sometimes extreme cold. So you do have to build your homes to address both.” That means robust envelopes, airtight construction, and materials chosen not just for beauty but for endurance. “We’ve been using 2x6s for a long time,” Ned notes. “We use higher R- values, closed-cell insulation, and other things that help mitigate climate effects and provide a healthier environment for the occupants.”

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