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A new year naturally invites reflection. It’s a moment to pause—long enough to look at what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth carrying forward with more intention. In an industry built on long timelines and layered decisions, that kind of reset matters. At Mark Phillips Construction, our work lives in the details: plans, budgets, schedules, materials, people, and the many small decisions that quietly shape the finished home. As we head into 2026, these are five things I’m

A calm, guided approach to making meaningful design decisions with confidence. The home design world isn’t all that different from fashion. What’s “in” one day is suddenly “out” the next…until it circles right back around with a slight update. It’s no wonder clients feel overwhelmed making choices for a powder bath remodel—let alone an entire custom home. But here’s the good news: The design process doesn’t have to feel chaotic. In fact, when it’s done well, it can be easy—an

When building a custom home, the primary closet is always one of the most exciting—and personal—spaces to plan. It’s more than just storage. It’s your daily launch pad. And when it's well thought out, it makes life easier. At the start of every project, we work with the home designer to carve out the right amount of space based on each client’s lifestyle and wardrobe needs. From there, we focus on four core zones that make up a functional closet layout: The Four Essentials 1.

In Part One, we covered closet layout basics—arguably the most important step in creating a space that actually works. Once that’s dialed in, it’s time to layer on the details that turn your closet into something special: finishes, lighting, and thoughtful little upgrades that make everyday routines feel a bit more effortless. Flooring Choices Closet flooring typically falls into one of three categories: plush carpet, hardwood, or an extension of your bathroom tile. If client

Why Builders Should Be Involved Early in the Plan Design A few years ago, we met with a family who had already invested months into drafting their dream home. The plans looked beautiful on paper — but once we walked the lot together, it was clear the driveway would have been far too steep without proper space to back in and out of the side facing garage, and storage was lacking in a few key areas. Because we were brought in before construction began, we were able to make adju