Photos by Spacecrafting

Owner/President Rebecca Remick of City Homes has already made a name for herself in the custom home building industry—not only for being a trailblazing female figure in the Twin Cities construction scene but also for the quality craftsmanship and sustainable practices to which she and her team commit. Here, she shares what’s next for her and her business—anticipating a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and innovative building practices.
What are your biggest goals or resolutions for your business?
I would like to have a greater understanding of incentives available to our clients for construction practices that reduce our environmental impact, as well as understand best practices when integrating smart home technologies during construction—such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, programmable thermostats, and home automation systems—to align with sustainability goals.
How do you plan to engage with the broader design community this year?
Engaging with the broader design community involves a balance of collaboration, education, and active participation in events and conversations. Our continued involvement in Housing First Minnesota, Women in Construction (WINC), the Midwest Design Awards, home tours, etc. all take time, but I believe [they] are necessary to enhance our professional network, position our team as design innovators, and contribute to the growth and evolution of the industry.
What’s the biggest change you hope to see in the industry?
The adoption of sustainable home design is poised to become a defining trend for 2025, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, and innovative building practices.
Sustainable design aligns seamlessly with environmental goals by reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, and promoting healthier living spaces. However, the value of sustainable homes extends far beyond ecological benefits. Modern homeowners increasingly prioritize energy efficiency, cost savings, and eco-friendly features when making purchasing decisions. Amenities like solar panels, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and electric vehicle charging ports are no longer considered luxury items—they are becoming essential components of a forward-thinking home.
Yet, as technology and energy-efficient solutions evolve, it is equally important to balance these high-tech innovations with thoughtful design principles that create spaces of warmth, coziness, and emotional connection. The goal is to craft homes that are not only sustainable but also inviting and deeply personal. Elements such as natural materials, soft textures, and adaptable layouts can bridge the gap between cutting-edge efficiency and the comforting aesthetics of home.
Incorporating these principles into sustainable home design represents an opportunity to shape the future of housing. By embracing both advanced technologies and human-centered design, we can create living spaces that resonate on every level—practical, ecological, and emotional—marking a meaningful shift toward homes that truly embody the values of 2025 and beyond.