Brush Arbor Homes builds future-proof residences that balance tech trends with everyday comfort
As one of the most reputable homebuilders in the Virginia and Washington DC area, Brush Arbor Homes (Brush Arbor) is dedicated to simplifying the design and build process for its clients. With a firm belief that every home has a unique story, the company works closely with customers to create homes that are specifically tailored to their lifestyles and preferences. Nearly a year after our initial conversation, we catch up with Jonathan Smith, Owner, to learn more about the current status of the business.
“Thankfully, we have not experienced any dramatic changes since we last spoke. Our dedicated employees continue to be the backbone of our company, and overall, everything has remained steady and consistent within the company. However, the external market tells a different story. We have seen a huge spike in inflation during the pandemic, to a greater extent than previous fluctuations. Everybody is currently wondering whether prices will ever come down. In the building industry, once prices increase, they tend to stay high and often continue to rise. Regarding tariffs, I believe their negative effects are not nearly as severe as the aftermath of the pandemic, though we have witnessed some price hikes. Fortunately, our vendors have proven very proactive, informing us that if we place orders by a certain date, we can secure current pricing, otherwise, we may face a five-to-ten percent increase. Overall, there is a sense of unease in the home building market and this year was one of the slowest spring markets I have seen in a while. While I believe the tariffs will ultimately yield positive macroeconomic effects, in the short term, they are contributing to slower activity and rising costs,” he shares.
In the last 12 months, Brush Arbor has worked on several exciting projects that Jonathan is keen to discuss. “We recently completed our beautiful Benjamin Street residence and successfully sold it to a nice family.” We also went under contract for a project on Maugh Road, which has a slightly more modern aesthetic, without being over the top. Although we like to incorporate modern flair into some of our homes, we typically avoid going overly contemporary. Additionally, we have two projects underway on Elliott Avenue that are particularly unique. These homes are set back from the road and nestled in the woods, which adds to their charm. One of the projects is completed, and the other is expected to be finished in just a couple of weeks,” he reveals.
New trends
Modern touches have made their way into Brush Arbor’s home design and style, though the company approaches them cautiously to ensure they are functional before adopting them. Jonathan highlights the current trends in smart home features and modern home designs. “A noticeable trend is the shift towards high-tech solutions that can be operated from a smartphone. With just a connected device, homeowners can control lights, play music, manage security systems, and operate automatic awnings and screens. All these features are in demand and can be operated remotely.
“In terms of design, we are careful not to jump on every trend. On the structural side, new products are constantly being released, but we prefer to see them in use for five-to-ten years to truly understand how they work and how well they perform. These solutions may sound promising, but flaws often only become apparent over time through consistent use. For the cosmetic aspects, we aim to keep up with what people genuinely want, and social media is a valuable resource for that. Some of our team members actively monitor trends on social platforms to identify products that address practical problems rather than just following fads. For example, while building codes require a specific spacing for outlets, homeowners often dislike having them directly in their backsplashes. There are innovative solutions designed to hide these outlets and enhance functionality, which we really appreciate,” he continues.
Balancing the need to keep up with home design trends while ensuring homes remain functional for people to live in everyday is an art Brush Arbor has seemingly mastered. “For me, when a new trendy product comes out, it must solve a problem. Some clients may want specific features in their house simply because they are stylish, and it is not an issue for us as we can do anything for them. But if we are building a spec home, we are making selections in anticipation of what potential buyers will want. In such cases, our focus is on practicality, and we are particularly interested in solutions that address common complaints or meet code requirements that may be inconvenient for users. Sometimes, we test these products, and they may not perform as we had hoped, leading us to adapt and explore alternatives. For example, there are pop-up outlets that can be installed in countertops and though they may look appealing on social media, they can get stuck or fail to function properly. Even if we install them correctly, we have to consider that end users may not maintain these products as recommended, which often leads to quick failures,” Jonathan expands.
A talented workforce is essential for ensuring that Brush Arbor’s homes are built to the highest standards while keeping up with trends. As such, the company strives to create a positive culture that promotes employee retention. “Our approach centers around treating others as we would like to be treated, combined with a servant leadership model. In contrast, a construction company I previously worked for operated with the mentality if someone didn’t want to handle a task, they would simply pass it on to the person below them, a mindset that is detrimental in the long run. At Brush Arbor, the leadership team’s role is to support and uplift our team members, including the subcontractors who work on our sites. It is all about treating everyone as equals, making their jobs easier, and genuinely caring about their well-being and safety. We treat them with the same respect we extend to our clients. This approach ultimately benefits our clients, as team members take greater pride in their work,” Jonathan concludes.
Blending forward-thinking design with smart home technologies, Brush Arbor empowers clients to bring their unique visions to life, all while fostering a positive culture that fuels its continued success.