A Look Inside NAHB’s 2024 International Builder’s Show

This year’s International Builder’s Show was hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center February 27-29, 2024. With about 117,000 professionals in attendance, the exhibit floor and multitude of panels demonstrated the state of the industry and the key trends and challenges we can expect for the year.

Kicking off the conference with The Nationals Award ceremony, we are thrilled to share that Covina Bowl by Trumark Homes received a Gold Award! Being recognized as Multifamily Community of the Year: Up to 4 Stories is a prestigious honor that speaks volumes about the collaboration and dedication of the project team to provide an attainable collection of townhomes that honors the historic site in Covina, CA. Congratulations to all teams honored at the award show!

WHA’s Senior Principal Bob Wilhelm spoke on an engaging panel, 20 Elevation Styles to Have on Your Radar for 2024. He was accompanied by Turner Binkley of Binkley Designed, Paul Brady of Godden | Sudik Architects, and David Copenhaver of BSB Design to examine their favorite exterior design styles and trends for 2024. Attendees learned how to strategically implement the trends discussed in today’s housing market. Bob highlighted three key elevation styles for 2024 and how regional design adapts architecture to its environment.

Starlight at Altair | Irvine, CA

Starting with Prairie, which Bob defined to be characterized by low horizontal lines, hipped or flat roofs, ribbon windows, and a conscious lack of ornamentation. Most of all, a successful Prairie design starts with a strong floor plan that allows itself to utilize these attributes and connect with the surrounding landscape. A Prairie home is one that is strong and grounded, integrating itself within the environment. A prime example would be Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House.

Starlight at Altair | Irvine, CA

He continued with the Craftsman Bungalow style, which is defined by low pitched gables with expressive end detail, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, and often, tapered columns and covered front porches. This architecture style is flexible and hungry for interpretation, thus allowing for traditional and contemporary overlays. Craftsman Bungalow’s charm lies in its comfort and coziness.

Esprit at University Park | Palm Desert, CA 

Lastly, Bob spoke about Spanish elevation styles. The romance of Spanish design is in its soft edges, variety of shapes, harmony and simplicity. This is another style that lends its artistic flexibility into many successful adaptations globally, from the large iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu to a small West Hollywood stucco bungalow. Bob is currently experimenting with Spanish styles that prove that this is not a “cheap” style option, but rather a simple and elegant influence on architecture.

Bob is hoping to see Spanish/Mission, Mediterranean, Monterey, Western Ranch, and Americana styles to make a comeback in our area in the coming years. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2024 brings.