Business
Tad Braswell, principal of Southwyck Homes, joins the Atlanta Real Estate Forum podcast for the All About Real Estate segment to discuss upcoming Southwyck Home developments. Braswell shares how he incorporates his landscape architecture background into home and community designs with hosts Carol Morgan and Todd Schnick. An Atlanta native, Braswell attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in landscape architecture. He practiced design and worked with various design firms, developers and builders over the last 20 years before starting a new venture which would eventually become Southwyck Homes. Being a new builder in this industry is challenging but even more so during a global pandemic when things are constantly changing. Fluctuating prices on materials and houses present problems for a company that is very customer focused. “We build a quality home with very well-thought-out floor plans. We are not a custom builder, but we are semi-custom in our thought and emphasis on design and outdoor space.” - Tad Braswell Southwyck Homes experienced exponential growth in the past two years, going from building 15 homes in a single year to 70 homes in 2021. They are focused on two types of homes – active adult (residents 55 and older) and boutique homes. Four different active adult communities are currently in development, and they are finishing a boutique home community that has been in the works for 20 years. Current trends that they are focusing on incorporating into their builds are large gathering rooms, big kitchens and outdoor spaces -- a prominent movement in the home design industry. Vickery, a boutique home community, started development 20 years ago when Braswell worked with Pam Sessions and Hedgewood Homes on the beginning phases of engineering for the project. This project has now come full circle for Braswell as he is building in it! Located in Cumming, this mixed-use development is unique because lot size varies allowing for a diverse selection of single-family homes. In Milton, Southwyck Homes is developing Crossroads, a mixed-use development initially zoned and started by another builder in 2004. This is an exciting project because it’s a walkable community located across the street from retailers which is uncommon in this region, and like Vickery, each house is unique. This is not age-restricted, but it is ideal for the active adult homebuyer. The Artisan at Victory, part of the active adult bungalow collection, is comprised of age-restricted homes in Acworth. The Artisan collection acts as a flagship in the homebuilding industry, demonstrating what Southwyck Homes can offer as a new home building company. Placed in an RD3 zoning category, they build large front porches which differentiate them from competitors. Braswell particularly enjoys capitalizing on his degree by building out beautiful green spaces. In the 40-lot development for The Artisan at Victory, the neighborhood includes access to ponds, a community garden and a park. Adding amenities and green spaces such as these adds a great deal to the surrounding area. Communal spaces are essential for active adult communities because they promote gathering and camaraderie. “One of the things that give us an advantage is my background in landscape development. Finding deals, finding lots on the ground, focusing on the market around it, what the property offers and working with the landscape to make sure it all ties together.” -Tad Braswell Another active adult community currently in the works is Artisan at Cooks Farm in Woodstock, which is set for completion in two months. Sharing the lots with another developer, Southwyck Homes is responsible for half of the project. There are 67 lots available with amenities such as a clubhouse, a community garden and a pool. More Southwyck Homes communities currently in development include Nestledown Farm near Lake Lanier and Overlook at Old Atlanta in Johns Creek.