Back to Business: New Year’s Resolutions From Local Industry Pros

We asked four local builders, architects, and interior designers their business goals and resolutions for the coming year
“Colonial Charmer,” photographed by Taylor Hall O’Brien

We’re always striving toward something—whether it’s overcoming the final supply chain hurdles, celebrating a new client inquiry, or simply making it to Friday. The goals and resolutions we set are meant to challenge and inspire us, driving both personal growth and the evolution of our businesses and the work we create. As the New Year approached, we caught up with four local business owners to explore how they plan to grow and refine their companies this year. From trends they’re excited to embrace (and those they’re ready to leave behind) to strategies for staying inspired and avoiding burnout, they shared their insights, ambitions, and plans for the year ahead.

Mark D. Williams

Mark D. Williams, Mark D. Williams Custom Homes & The Curious Builder

Balancing the demands of leading his eponymous custom home-building company while brainstorming ideas for his next podcast, Mark D. Williams is undoubtedly a busy man. Here, he shares just how his two companies plan to make the best of the coming 365.

MD: What are your biggest goals or resolutions for your businesses?

MDW: We are in the final stages of completing our first spec home in 16 years, which we’re calling Mysa Hus (Swedish for “cozy home”). This home is designed around Scandinavian philosophy, and we’re developing a custom brand and method as we bring it to market. We plan to break ground in April in Cottagewood’s charming community. We’ve also sold half of Honey Hill in Orono and aim to sell the remaining three lots by Q2. This will complete a picturesque community of six acreage lots, “where nature meets luxury.”

TCB: We’re thrilled to bring back “The Curious Collectives: Builder, Designer, and Architect” in Minnesota, along with expanding the Curious Builder Collective to three new locations: Atlanta, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Our podcast goal is to hit 150,000 downloads by the end of next year.

“Medicine Lake Contemporary,” project photographed by Troy Thies/Chelsie Lopez

Are there any specific challenges you’re aiming to tackle?

MDW: Navigating the market amidst inflation and uncertain price fluctuations. Encouraging clients to move forward after a year of hesitation has been a challenge we’re ready to overcome.

How do you plan to improve your client experience?

MDW: Great question! We’ve spent several months reflecting on and refining the “client experience.” We’re mapping out a comprehensive journey from the first interaction to the one-year follow-up. This framework will guide our team and provide transparency for clients. Our industry needs a significant infusion of hospitality, and we’re excited to prioritize that.

How do you plan to stay inspired and avoid burnout this year?

MDW & TCB: We have big goals to bring our community together through Sauna Camp locally in Minnesota and Bootcamp in Zion, Utah, this year. Additionally, we’re training for several large trail running races this summer. The commitment to early-morning exercise and being part of a community of amazing people energizes us and those around us to bring their best to work for our clients and trade partners.

“Deephaven Dream,” project photographed by Troy Thies/Chelsie Lopez

How will you engage with the broader design community?

TCB: We’re hosting The Curious Design Collective and The Curious Architect Collective, each involving groups of 20–30 individuals. These gatherings will focus on tackling business challenges together. We plan to hold eight four-hour sessions throughout the year, bringing together the best, brightest, and most passionate professionals to elevate and grow collaboratively.

What’s the biggest change you hope to see in the industry?

MDW & TCB: Collaboration over competition. It’s spreading like wildfire, and it’s incredible to witness!

Keep the inspiration flowing! Click the below photos to read the goals and resolutions of Coco Perry Design, Imprint Architecture + Design, and City Homes.

 

Pamela Cariveau, Coco Perry Design

 

Jeremy & Sara Imhoff, Imprint Architecture + Design

 

Rebecca Remick, City Homes

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