This week, we sat down with Skyler Frandsen, one of Ivory Homes’ amazing designers, to dive into the Signature Home process. Skyler shared insights into what makes Ivory Homes' approach unique, how the design team brings homeowners' visions to life, and the latest trends in home design. Whether you're considering a Signature Home or just curious about the process, this Q&A provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Ivory Homes creates beautifully personalized spaces.

Ivory Homes Signature Home Process – Q&A

How does the design process differ for someone looking to build a "Signature Home" within Ivory Homes' portfolio compared to choosing a pre-designed floor plan?
The biggest advantage of our Signature Home process is that homebuyers get to sit down with our skilled in-house designers and architects to customize and personalize their new home to their specific wants and needs. With Ivory’s Streamline homes, this process happens behind the scenes with the same in-house team, but in a more simplified approach. Both options offer an excellent way to create a new home—it's just a matter of how hands-on the buyer wants to be in the design process.

What are the key advantages of working with Ivory Homes to create a Signature Home?
Our Signature Home plans are continuously refined by our architects and designers each year, ensuring thoughtful and well-planned designs. One of the biggest advantages is that you can create an almost custom home—without the price tag of a fully custom build. All design decisions are made in-house, and by the time the design is complete, you know the exact cost of your new home. Unlike many custom home projects where final costs can be uncertain until the build is complete, Ivory Homes provides full transparency upfront.

What sets your approach apart?
When I meet with a client to design their home, I ensure that all options and selections remain open to adjustments so they can fit within their budget. I also like to incorporate at least one unique or personalized element that makes their home feel truly special and distinct.

How does Ivory Homes ensure that each Signature Home reflects the homeowner's unique personality and lifestyle?
This is simple—we listen to our homeowners. Our design team is skilled at understanding and interpreting our buyers' wants, needs, and visions for their new home. Even if a request falls outside of our standard offerings, we often find a comparable or even better option. Every member of our design team takes pride in ensuring that no Ivory Home feels like a "cookie-cutter" home.

Can you share an example of a time when you helped an Ivory Homes client bring a unique design vision to life in their Signature Home?
We do this with every Signature buyer! One recent example involved clients who previously lived in a highly customized home and were initially hesitant about building with a production builder. With the help of an Ivory sales agent, I sat down with them before they went under contract to discuss the process and preliminary costs for creating a truly custom home within our framework. Their home, now under construction, has exceeded their expectations! They wanted their new home to reflect the timeless style of homes in Salt Lake’s Harvard/Yale area but with a contemporary twist. We used the Yorktown floor plan with thoughtful customizations, and even after 12 years in this field, I can’t wait to see it come to life!

How does Ivory Homes facilitate communication between the client, the design team, and the construction team throughout the Signature Home building process?
Because all of our design and architecture is in-house, we maintain close communication throughout the entire process. For every Signature Home, we hold multiple team meetings and touchpoints to ensure the design vision is executed correctly. We also schedule on-site meetings with the client to verify options and details as the home takes shape.

Are there any specific design trends that you're seeing among Ivory Homes' Signature Home clients?
Yes! Right now, we're seeing a lot of interest in:

• Walnut finishes
• Natural stone
• Warmer color palettes
• Larger windows and upgraded exterior doors

Ivory Homes offers plenty of options to accommodate these trends, including multiple cabinet choices, quartzite countertops, and stylized iron front doors.

How does Ivory Homes incorporate sustainable building practices and energy-efficient features into the design of Signature Homes?
Sustainability is a priority at Ivory Homes. In our Design Center, we include Moen plumbing fixtures, a leader in water conservation. Our homes as a whole are highly energy-efficient, and we work closely with our purchasing and construction teams to ensure we’re implementing the latest sustainable building practices.

How does Ivory Homes approach the design of kitchens and bathrooms in Signature Homes, considering these are often key areas for customization?
Kitchens and bathrooms are the two areas where we spend the most time with clients during design meetings. These spaces have the biggest impact on the home’s overall feel, so we encourage homeowners to invest in them. We offer a range of custom options across different price points for:

• Cabinetry
• Tile
• Countertops
• Plumbing fixtures
• Lighting

What advice would you give to someone considering building a Signature Home with Ivory Homes?
Let’s do it! You’ll see the difference in a new Ivory home—the details are carefully thought out. We can deliver an incredible home within most budgets, and our team genuinely cares about getting it right. Whether a client selects all included options or invests in full customization, our goal is to design and build a house that feels like home to them.

What is your favorite aspect of working with Ivory Homes to design Signature Homes, and what inspires you most in your work?
I’ve always said this—my favorite part of working in Ivory Homes’ Design Department is knowing that my name and skills have contributed to homes that could stand for 100+ years and shape the landscape of Utah. Few careers offer that kind of lasting legacy.