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HBA Builder of the Year: Richard Alexander is creating his own niche in a challenging market

By Cindy Hodnett
HomePlace Writer

In almost every situation, quality products and services survive tough economic times, and the housing market is no exception. When the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem named Richard Alexander the 2007 Builder of the Year, the organization honored a devoted father, husband and builder who believes that "continually working hard to advance

your business" is the key to success.

"Whether through learning about new building techniques and materials or finding more efficient ways to do business, you can always find ways to improve," Alexander said during a recent visit to several of his completed Maplewood Avenue homes. "I feel that the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem has enhanced my career by allowing me the opportunity to interact with other professionals who help me improve my business. Over the nearly 10 years I have been a member, I have taken advantage of opportunities ranging from taking continuing-education classes to participating in legislative lobbying, to just getting to know my fellow builders and vendors better at social functions. The HBAWS does everything with a purpose, and that purpose is to promote homebuilding in a professional manner. I believe it has been an immense benefit for me."

Alexander has been on the board of directors for HBAWS for several years, and he served as the organization's president in 2007. He began his building career in 1994 after graduating from Clemson University with a bachelor of science degree in construction science and

management, and worked in commercial construction for several years before making the decision to switch to

residential. Alexander transitioned into residential construction with a position at a high-end remodeling company in Atlanta, and after a move to Winston-Salem, he went to work for K.T. Isenhour Custom Homes as a lead project manager, honing his skills for six years before striking out on his own in 2005.

"My current projects include a home for the Human Service Alliance, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization here in Winston-Salem, and I am starting another home in Montrachet," Alexander said, referencing a new community in Lewisville. "I am also in the beginning phases of the 2008 Association Home for HBA. This will be a Craftsman-style home built in West End."

Alexander explained that the lot in West End is one of just a few scattered throughout the historic community. He said that his goal with the 2008 Parade Association Home is to create a sustainable infill building project that "fits the fabric" of West End, and that he believes the public will enjoy visiting the home during the fall Parade.

"Recently, the term ‘McMansion' has been tossed around too often, and I would like to show that homes built in the midst of historic neighborhoods should be seen as progress," Alexander said. "The house will be 2,800 square feet with a two-car garage, offering all the modern conveniences and also historic charm. I will be using some of the NAHB's new guidelines for green building and will meet the requirements of the Energy Star program. It should prove to be an exciting project."

When he is not building homes, Alexander stays busy with his three children, ages 18 months, 21/2 and 6. He and his wife enjoy taking family camping trips, and Alexander even uses his professional expertise to build tree houses.

With all of the exposure that accompanies building an Association Home, Alexander expects 2008 to be a very busy year. However, he is also proud of his work in 2007 and of being named Builder of the Year for an organization he respects.

"I am grateful and humbled to be presented with this award," Alexander said. "I am especially honored that I was voted Builder of the Year by my peers in the construction industry."

Richard Alexander Custom Homes is a member of the Home Builders Association. For more information on HBA, call 336-768-5942. For more information on Richard Alexander Custom Homes, call 336-922-2401.