Colony Build + Design: Redefining the Homes We Live In

By Nikki Giordano, CEO, AHBA

Bill Taylor remembers the glass block walls and postmodernism that defined homebuilding in the 1980s. Tami Taylor remembers the stenciling, border wallpaper and bathroom carpets of the early 1990s. While trends come and go, the Taylors are a staple of Anchorage homebuilding. As the owners of Colony Build + Design, they’ve spent over 40 years building premier semi-custom and custom homes in the Anchorage Bowl. 

“I have enjoyed seeing our homes evolve over the years,” says Tami. “Today, we put more thought into how a house lives, less wasted space, more focus on the rooms that matter most and larger windows and curb appeal.” 

Bill’s passion for building began in the 1970s, while building a cabin on Kodiak Island. After deciding to pursue a career in homebuilding, he founded Colony Build + Design in 1981. A few years later, his wife Tami joined the business. Together, they’ve built a legacy that includes more than 800 homes, 30 Golden Hammer awards and hundreds of happy homeowners. 

The Taylors aren’t just homebuilders, they’re friends, neighbors and active participants in the Anchorage community and homebuilding industry. Bill joined the Anchorage Home Builders Association in 1990. He served as a board member and was the AHBA president in 1996. He’s also an active supporter of AHBA’s charitable organization, the AHBA Care Endowment. 

Bill also has a long history of advocacy. When the city reviewers were taking too long to review plans, Bill and the AHBA drove the efforts in enacting legislation that allows third party plan review, which allows qualified people to review plans as another option.

Tami has been one of Anchorage’s top Realtor’s for 37 years and a three time recipient of AHBA’s Realtor of the Year award. Thanks to her keen eye for design, Colony Build + Design has received numerous design awards for kitchen, bathroom, floor plan and curb appeal. The Anchorage Home Builders Association has also honored Colony Build + Design with Builder of the Year in 1995, 2002, 2014 and the Presidential Award in 2018. 

Colony Build + Design believes in building homes that are a reflection of the homeowner. From the layout to the design elements, their team works to build and design a home that’s specific to the homeowners needs and lifestyle. Colony Build + Design brings more than four decades of experience and top-notch craftsmanship to every build, but it's their customer-first mentality that shines bright.

“A happy customer is the most satisfying part of any project,” says Bill. 

The family-first attitude extends into their business. From learning to walk at job sites to spending summers as a general laborer, Patrick Taylor has been a team member of Colony Build + Design since he was born. His interest in building stuck and he earned his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Oregon. 

Patrick worked at architecture firms and one of Central Oregon’s most renowned custom home builders as the lead architectural designer before moving back home to rejoin Colony Build + Design. As the company’s licensed architect, he brings a passion for design to every project. Thanks to Patrick, Colony is streamlining the custom home building process with in-house drafting. With 3D renderings, homeowners can see their dreams go from paper to project. 

Jason Billman, Colony Build + Design’s project manager, is another key team member. He grew up learning carpentry from his father and worked alongside his dad building homes in Glennallen. From his attention to detail to successfully managing multiple projects, he brings over 20 years of residential construction experience to Colony Build + Design.

With over 800 homes built, Colony Build + Design has mastered the process. Whether it’s a homeowner’s first build or last, the team guides every homeowner through the steps of design and choosing the right finishes. When the home is done, the team’s work isn’t over. The company has a five-page quality control checklist that’s completed before closing. 

Their commitment to the homeowner extends to the warranty. Colony Build + Design makes it a point to always complete warranty items. From start to finish, building with Colony Build + Design means a personalized process. You bring the dream and ideas, and Colony Build + Design will do the rest.