Kolter Homes seeks to set a new standard for active adult communities with the opening of its Ultimate Design Studio at Cresswind at Spring Haven. Under the leadership of Alissa Bennett, Director of Design Studios, this innovative space is the first of its kind for Kolter Homes and a model for future 55+ communities.

Spanning 5,000 square feet of customer-facing space, the Ultimate Design Studio offers an immersive experience, vastly expanding the traditional concept of a design studio into an entire model home rather than a typical two-car garage. "This represents a significant evolution in how we approach home design," said Bennett. "Our goal is to educate and prepare our buyers, demystifying the selection process to make it more intuitive and enjoyable."

Highlights of the Studio include:

Three Fully Operational Kitchen Vignettes: The studio features three working kitchens, a first for the company. These allow homeowners to delight their inner chefs while experiencing the functionality and aesthetics of their selections in a hands-on environment.

Two Complete Bath Vignettes: These spaces help buyers visualize their future bathrooms, aiding in informed choices to create the perfect spa bath.

Private Selection Offices: This new addition offers a serene environment for finalizing design selections, with plenty of room to spread out selections for viewing. 

Large Sample Sizes: Larger-than-before sample sizes showcase interior selections, including countertop displays with full extension glides. The design studio is meticulously organized, with color-blocking and clear labeling to reduce visual clutter while facilitating comparisons and selections. 

A well-appointed foyer with a hospitality bar and comfortable seating elevates the experience, underscoring Kolter Homes' commitment to customer satisfaction.

The design process has been reimagined to emphasize education and preparedness. Starting with the New Home Guide, buyers are introduced to the design phase early, setting expectations and building excitement. The process begins with an orientation visit, allowing customers to familiarize themselves with the space and the premium brands featured, such as MasterBrand, Cambria and Silestone – to name a few. This is followed by a selection appointment and a final authorization meeting to celebrate each new resident and the vision of their new home.

This next-generation concept is the culmination of extensive feedback from clients and designers, embodying Kolter Homes’ commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric design. “At the heart of Kolter’s philosophy is a simple question: What does the customer think about this decision?” explains Bennett. 

This approach ensures that every aspect of the design studio has been crafted with the homebuyer in mind, placing them firmly in control of the personalization process. In an era where the industry trend is towards limiting options and steering customers towards predetermined packages, Kolter Homes stands out by offering a level of personalization that respects the individuality and preferences of each buyer. "We're embracing the experiential economy, recognizing that the joy of personalizing a home extends to every detail, including selecting cabinetry," Bennett adds. This reflects a broader shift towards valuing experiences, with Kolter Homes leading the way in making the process of creating a home as memorable and enjoyable as living in it.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the first customers to experience the Ultimate Design Studio, were greeted with a surprise celebratory toast attended by over 10 team members from Cresswind at Spring Haven. "The joy and delight of the Jones family was palpable, making this milestone even more special," Bennett remarked.

The Ultimate Design Studio at Cresswind at Spring Haven is not just a place to select finishes; it's an experience celebrating the personal journey of creating a home.