As 2009 was shaping up to be a tough year in the industry, we here at Ursula David Homes decided early on that we weren’t too proud to work for food. It turned out to be a wise decision. Though we didn’t build a single home or make a dime this year, we still managed to stay productive, reaping plenty of intangible rewards.

First came some nourishment for the mind. I’d always wanted to learn more about green building, and 2009 obligingly gave me the time to do so. In April, I took green building classes through the National Association of Home Builders and became a “Certified Green Professional.” I also took numerous workshops and now serve on the Green Building Committee for the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis. I take satisfaction in knowing that when the market improves, my next house will be much more environmentally friendly.

Next came May, when I literally worked for food. Dine Magazine and chef Jon Oliver (The Personal Palate) spent an entire day at my house, preparing and photographing amazingly beautiful and delicious food for Oliver’s first cookbook, due out next spring. My compensation came at the ensuing dinner party. (Hey, somebody had to eat all that food!)

From July to August, I once again worked for food—and spiritual nourishment—serving as the build sponsor for a veteran couple, Kurt and Stephanie Meyers, in Habitat for Humanity’s Veterans Build. Not only was I proud to help the Meyers get a much-deserved home, I was deeply touched by all of the volunteers who donated their time and energy, including a group of local homeless veterans. Food? The actual food? Oh yeah—every day, TGI Friday’s provided a fabulous lunch.

The icing on the cake came in October, when Axis Architecture and Ursula David Homes won an AIA Indiana Citation Award for a home I built that was included on the 2008 AIA tour. Building such a well-designed home was a privilege, and I’m proud to have executed the architects’ vision so faithfully and beautifully.

Now, after a year spent getting full, it’s time to get out there and work off some calories. First up, Ursula David Homes is designing a new downtown contemporary spec with Axis Architecture. Goals for the project include excellent design and build, green elements, and affordable pricing. Of course, we’d prefer to have the house under contract in advance; to that end, we’re offering a 10% discount on the lot if it sells before construction begins. It’d be great to collaborate with a homebuyer who’s in on this exciting project from the beginning.

I look forward to working on many more similarly distinctive projects in 2010. In the meantime, please enjoy these photos from a home I built at Autumn Wood Farms in Westfield; Dine Magazine’s photo shoot at my house (pictured left); and my award-winning home from the 2008 AIA tour. Photos from the Veterans Build can be found at Habitat for Humanity’s website.

Best to all,
Ursula David