Over the course of 2025, Pro Builder has had the opportunity to talk to some of the housing industry’s top talent. From builders to architects and more, we’re taking a look back at some of the conversations we’ve had this year and unpacking what we learned from them.
Navigating Industry Headwinds
“The greatest thing I’ve learned is the importance of building relationships and finding common ground with policymakers and local officials. ... working together for a common good just makes sense, and it works.”
-Buddy Hughes, NAHB 2025 Chairman
After Buddy Hughes was named the 2025 National Association of Home Builders' Chairman of the Board of Directors earlier this year, Pro Builder had the chance to sit down with him and discuss his past experiences, his thoughts on the current state of the housing industry, and what housing pros can do to navigate challenging market conditions. Read the full Q+A.
Proactive Home Design
“We need to think projects through and be innovative and figure out ways we can make these communities more resilient both for the community and for our clients.”
-Abeer Sweis, founding partner of SweisKloss
Abeer Sweis, founding partner of Santa Monica, Calif.-based architecture firm SweisKloss, believes builders should take a proactive approach to resilient home design. Rather than rebuilding after natural disasters, Sweis shares how builders and architects can work together to design homes that are better prepared to withstand extreme weather. Read the full Q+A.
The Evolving Build-to-Rent Market
“Entering the multifamily space is capital intensive, especially if you don’t already control the land. For many developers, the economics don’t pencil out unless they build and sell at stabilization (a level of occupancy and income expected to be maintained over time). Our advice is to be realistic about your capital structure and timeline.”
-Nick Lee, COO of Baldwin & Sons
The build-to-rent market took off in 2025, and in this Q+A, Newport Beach, Calif.-based Baldwin & Sons’ COO Nick Lee shares their long-game approach to the sector that’s helped grow the company’s revenue exponentially. Read the full Q+A.
Innovative Building Practices
"One thing we’re proud of is that our product is both sustainable and fire-resistant. In areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, it’s critical to provide housing that helps people feel safe in the event of future natural disasters."
-Sasha Jokic, founder of Cosmic Buildings
In this conversation with San Francisco-based Cosmic Buildings’ Sasha Jokic, he discusses the company’s innovative approach to building that is not only saving time and money but also creating homes that far exceed California’s wildfire and energy codes. Read the full Q+A.
Catering to What Buyers Want
“In order to be most impactful, amenities should be created based on an understanding of not only the demographics, but also the psychographics—the values, attitudes, interests, lifestyle, and aspirations—of the end user.”
-Mary Cook, founder of Mary Cook Associates
Homebuyers are not choosing where to live based solely on the home itself. In this conversation with Mary Cook, founder of Chicago-based interior architecture and design firm Mary Cook Associates, she discusses the community amenities that are grabbing homebuyers’ attention and driving sales. Read the full Q+A.
About the Author
Catherine Sweeney, Associate Editor
Catherine Sweeney is the associate editor for Pro Builder and Custom Builder Online.