True North Builders creates homes that elevate Arizona living and bring clients’ dreams to life
Established in 2015 by Jeff Lupien, who remains the owner today, True North Builders strives to deliver spaces that mirror clients’ needs, dreams, and aspirations. Providing comprehensive services spanning the entire construction process, the company works closely with customers to assist them through preconstruction services like budgeting, scheduling, and constructability evaluations, as well as construction and personalized post-construction maintenance programs.
“We focus on highly customized homes and high-finish commercial buildings,” Jeff opens. “Our work is primarily found in and around the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley areas of Arizona, and I have a personal history of great projects in these locations spanning nearly 25 years. Most of our history involves highly customized contemporary homes and private clubhouses, all of which have been specifically designed to complement the surrounding desert landscape.
“We are typically brought in early to work with the design team and assist them in crafting a plan to meet the client’s vision. Our process starts with budgeting and construction planning at the conceptual design phase, and we continue this process as the design evolves. Getting involved early in the process creates a more efficient design, allows us to properly plan for the construction phase, and enables the client to make value-based decisions while the design is progressing.
Design creativity
“To deliver a personal approach to each client, we rely on a combination of systems and great people,” he states. “I am heavily involved in the preconstruction process, working with the designated project manager and superintendent to create a specific communication plan for the client. We’re always working to enhance the client’s experience but keeping them abreast of progress is key, as it allows them to make informed decisions, which is crucial to ensuring the project remains on track and meets their expectations upon completion.”
Elaborating on his journey into the construction industry, Jeff explains: “I grew up on a family farm in North Dakota, and when I was old enough to drive, I started working as a painter and laborer at a multi-family construction site. I was immediately drawn to the construction industry, and I continued to work my way through college as a carpenter and remodeler.
“After receiving a bachelor’s degree in construction management from North Dakota State University, my wife and I decided to move to Arizona, and we immediately fell in love with the desert. I spent the first 14 years here working for a large construction company, primarily completing high-end custom homes and clubhouses. Now more than ten years after the foundation of True North Builders, it is safe to say that I love what I do and continue to feel grateful to work with the very best clients, architects, designers, and tradespeople.”
Turning to projects, Jeff is keen to highlight a recently completed contemporary custom home in Paradise Valley. “This home is in a beautiful setting, situated in the
heart of Paradise Valley, just north of the well-known landmark, Camelback Mountain, and just south of Mummy Mountain,” he shares. “The architect, Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative, did a great job of positioning the house to capture the mountains from several vantage points, and while the home has a lot of glass, it is a surprisingly private setting.
“On a personal note, I just love the color tones used in the house, especially the millwork, and the shadows created from the exterior trellis give an always-changing interest to the spaces. The interior designer, Holly Wright of Holly Wright Interiors, did a fantastic job of creating interior spaces that complement the overall architecture. This home is like a piece of art, yet somehow a very livable and comfortable place. It is projects like this one that always make me appreciate the creativity of design professionals.”
Aside from custom homes, True North Builders also offers design and construction services for high-end clubhouses. “Our approach to clubhouses is similar to homes in that we must understand the clients’ needs and develop a plan that achieves these goals,” Jeff says. “While some aspects are nearly identical, things like building codes, commercial kitchens, and the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems vary significantly from the residential projects.”
Personal touch
Towards the end of our conversation, Jeff reflects on the market in Arizona before sharing what’s next for True North Builders. “The Phoenix market has grown at an incredible pace, putting pressure on the labor market,” he shares. “Custom builders and subcontractors are always searching for new talent, and while it can be hard to find, there are plenty of opportunities for clients who want to build their own home.
“At True North Builders, our priorities do not change significantly throughout the years; we are always finding innovative ways to improve our operations a little bit every day, take care of our clients and teams, and evolve through slow and steady growth. We’re very excited to be breaking ground on a 20,000-square-foot estate home in Scottsdale later this summer, and we have several significant custom remodel projects starting in early fall, as well as ongoing work on a number of private country clubs.
“We will continue to operate within our niche of ‘high-finish construction’ and be highly selective of the projects that we pursue,” Jeff concludes. “I project that our company will expand significantly as we work to bring in the next generation of passionate professionals. Our delivery methods will improve through the advancement of AI and other technologies, but the importance of connecting with our clients on a personal level will not change.”