Favorite Features to Include in a Build

Cyndi Burge

RP Communities  

One of my favorite parts of designing a home is incorporating large windows and outdoor living spaces. These features not only enhance the beauty of a home but also make it more livable and inviting. Outdoor spaces offer flexibility and are ideal for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying Chattanooga’s beautiful seasonal changes. Whether it’s a cozy covered porch, an expansive patio, or a thoughtfully placed deck, these areas extend the living space beyond the walls of the home. Large windows are another must-have in my builds. They allow natural light to pour in and create a bright, open feel while also showcasing the scenic surroundings that make this area so special. I also love including decorative light fixtures – what I like to call the jewelry of the home. These finishing touches bring character, warmth, and a sense of style that truly make a space feel complete.

Carolyn Ritchie

Advanced Energy Engineering & Design, Inc.

When approaching a new building design from a mechanical perspective, we like to include features that enhance efficiency, comfort, control, sustainability, and ease of maintenance. We like to think outside the box when working with the owner and architect to provide equipment that can achieve zoned air conditioning that allows the users to individually control their comfort levels. Along with this, we like to include smart thermostats and a true building automation system to achieve energy optimization in all systems that run the building. Another great technology that we like to include is a dedicated outdoor air system that provides fresh ventilation to improve indoor air quality and is great for controlling humidity independently. All of these elements along with high-efficiency air conditioning units allow us to leave our owners satisfied.

Kent DeReus

A. Perry Homes 

As a design-build firm, we have the privilege of creating homes that are truly customized to our clients’ dreams and lifestyles. Our favorite features are those personal touches that transform a house into a home – spaces for life’s most remarkable moments. These can be dramatic, like a grand staircase perfect for prom photos or a foldaway exterior wall that frames a breathtaking view. They can also be heartwarming, like a custom cabinet for grandmother’s china or a layout designed around a cherished heirloom table. They can also be fun and practical – think hidden offices, dreamy pantries, or even a golf simulator and an outdoor cabana by the pool. What we love most is weaving in the unique details that make each client special, thoughtfully reflected in the homes we design for them.

Ashley Stinson

Cain Development, LLC 

Incorporating modern comfort features with classic styling is so important to me when working with a client on their new home. Finding what is important to them on the way they want their new home to function and then blending innovative products with timeless materials and colors gives the best of both worlds. The smallest details when creating spaces often pack the biggest punch. I think of those touches as the “jewelry of a project,” and being thoughtful with placement and presentation is key. A simple turn of a tile, detail of a countertop, special trim feature, or the hardware on the cabinets can set the space apart. It is so important not to forget the small things when looking at the big picture.

Photo by Matt Treft/Creative Revolver

Larry Waldrep

Waldrep Construction, LLC

Typically, we love whatever features are the favorite of our clients. However, if we do have the opportunity to build a spec home, our favorite feature would be a covered outdoor living space that allows clients to be able to enjoy all four seasons. We like to incorporate fireplaces, heaters, and even additional fans to ensure that the porch is comfortable all year long. For added convenience, we prefer to connect the outdoor space to the kitchen and main living areas of the home so it can open up and provide better flow and additional space for gatherings. Whether used for intimate family dinners, quiet relaxation, or hosting friends and loved ones, a covered outdoor living space can truly transform a home.

Photo by Jimie Luangrath/Creative Revolver

Wade Wright

George Wright Construction, inc.

The kitchen and great room are truly the heart of a home. They are where people naturally gather, so I focus on creating high-impact spaces that blend everyday function with standout design. These are the areas where I like to highlight craftsmanship – whether it’s through custom millwork, striking stone accents, or other quality materials. It’s about more than just the build – it’s about creating spaces that feel intentional, lived-in, and unforgettable. I want these rooms to serve a purpose while also reflecting the personality and the lifestyle of those who live there. Whether it’s a quiet morning coffee or a lively party, these spaces are designed to feel effortlessly beautiful and perfectly suited to real life.

Eddie Lawson

Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.

Statement ceilings using custom trim and molding are one of my favorite features to include in a build because they transform a space from standard to standout. Trim work adds structure and style – it frames a room, defines transitions, and gives the entire design a polished feel. Ceilings are often overlooked, but they offer a blank canvas for creativity. Whether it’s exposed beams, tongue-and-groove paneling, or coffered panels, these elements draw the eye up and add architectural interest. At Interior Trim & Supply Inc., we believe it’s those thoughtful touches that turn a house into a home – details that reflect craftsmanship, character, and a well-thought-out design.