Grace & Nell Homes reinvents new builds with a truly custom approach
Grace & Nell Homes offers a refreshing approach to the new home construction process. Clients receive the personal involvement and comprehensive design services of founder, Lauren Browne, through every step of the custom build process. As a third-generation home builder with over 20 years of experience, Lauren understands the lasting beauty of a home’s character and the importance of thoughtful design and planning, as well as ensuring only the highest quality finishes are used.
Lauren founded Grace & Nell Homes to elevate the client experience of homeownership, whether building new or remodeling an existing home. Prior to founding Grace & Nell Homes, she served as Chief Operating Officer for one of Kansas City’s largest home builders, overseeing multiple communities.
“I grew up in the business,” she shares. “My dad owned his own company, and I was COO for the family business for many years. There’s really nothing like homebuilding; it’s the perfect combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and business. When I was ready to start my own company, I wanted to continue our family legacy. I recognized a need in our Kansas City market for high-touch, premium client care in custom home building.”
Grace & Nell Homes is an award-winning, design-build firm specializing in individual, custom homes in Overland Park, Leawood, Prairie Village and Mission Hills, as well as other communities in the Kansas City and Johnson County area. From initial consultation through to post construction, every aspect of the company’s process is meticulously tailored to the client, offering the flexibility to either work from one of the company’s existing plans or to embark on a project from a blank canvas. Lauren and the team prioritize unwavering collaboration and transparent communication throughout the entire journey.
The team partners with each client through a highly collaborative and transparent process. From design planning and construction to post-completion follow-up, each project is managed with open communication, precise project management, and keen attention to detail. Lauren’s love of intuitive timeless design, combining old with new, results in a home that will be loved for generations. Throughout the process, clients have access to a portal and app, offering seamless communication, up to date timelines, and progress reports for the entirety of the project.
Establishing relationships
In addition to new home construction, the company’s complete home remodel offering mirrors its new construction process and is the perfect fit for clients who want to transform an entire home, in an established neighborhood.
“In some situations, a remodel can be a great option,” Lauren elaborates, “especially in areas of the city that are established, desirable locations. A remodel enables the preservation of the architectural integrity of a well-established home, and this type of project is as rewarding as the custom build process.”
The company creates homes that will be cherished for generations and as such, adheres to uncompromising building standards. The specifications that sit behind the walls and under the floors are equally important to beautiful finishes and include market leading energy efficiency standards resulting in a lower carbon footprint, and both lower utility and long-term maintenance costs of ownership.
“We’ve been blessed with regards to many of the more typical challenges in the industry, thanks to our approach,” Lauren explains. “I am highly communicative with my trades and with my suppliers. I strive to be proactive in terms of identifying cost trends and potential problems in the supply chain. Of course, what we experienced during the pandemic was extreme in terms of both material and labor shortages. Yet, one thing that really helps to make the process more seamless, irrespective of market conditions, is communicating with trades at the earliest opportunity. Flagging prospective projects as early as possible is extremely beneficial from a planning perspective. This approach was crucial during the pandemic and continues to be so today.”
Timeless design
Lauren and the team collaborate closely with clients to craft custom homes that truly reflect their unique preferences and aspirations. “Open concept homes with high ceilings have very much been in favor but recently, I’ve seen a nod back to more traditional layouts and people are responding positively to that shift, moving away from one big open space to slightly lower ceilings and more cased openings.
“When working with clients,” she elaborates, “I’m a big proponent of avoiding short lived trends. If a client shares their inspiration and I don’t think it will translate to longevity, I try to steer them towards something that incorporates the concept in a more timeless design. This means the client will love their home in ten or 20 years as much as they’ll love it today.
“Working in construction,” Lauren concludes, “you always have to think three, five or even ten years ahead. We’re already thinking of our next big design home for 2028, for example. Similarly, I’m also in discussions for some more master plan developments that I hope to see take shape over the next few years. I am excited for what the future holds and proud to be continuing my family’s legacy.”