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Layne Deakins

Layne Deakins is the associate editor for Pro Builder, PRODUCTS, and Custom Builder. She writes feature articles, contributes HorizonTV videos, manages social media accounts, and produces e-newsletters for all three brands. Layne is a 2021 graduate of Pennsylvania State University.

Dr. Sameer Sood sees housing as a social determinant of health and is working to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. | Image: Africa Studio / Stock.adobe.com
Dr Sameer Sood Sees Housing As A Social Determinant Of Health And Is Working To Provide Housing For People Experiencing Homelessness | Image: Africa Studio / Stock adobe
Business Management

Bridging the Gap Between Housing and Health Care

By addressing social determinants of human health, such as housing, Sameer Sood's FwdSlash is helping to make affordable shelter a value-based investment
Sept. 27, 2023
Soil Connect simplifies the process of moving dirt while creating a platform for developers to connect. | Image: PickOne / stock.adobe.com
Soil Connect Simplifies The Process Of Moving Dirt While Creating A Platform For Developers To Connect | Image: Pick One / Stock adobe
Q+A

Soil Connect Is Moving Dirt and Building Relationships

Cliff Fetner created Soil Connect so builders and developers could more easily move dirt and other aggregates from jobsite to jobsite, but it has expanded to become something ...
Aug. 1, 2023
Arx employs artificial intelligence to locate, evaluate, and underwrite potential building projects within seconds to speed acquisition and development. | Image: killykoon / stock.adobe.com
Arx Employs Artificial Intelligence To Locate, Evaluate, And Underwrite Potential Building Projects Within Seconds To Speed Acquisition And Development | Image: Killykoon / Stock adobe
Q+A

Arx City’s Approach to Underwriting Deals With AI

Born out of frustration with time-consuming, inefficient deal sourcing, Tomas Garcia started Arx City with his brother to speed the underwriting process and increase housing inventory...
June 1, 2023
All images: Joel Gamble, Klassik Vizion Studios
The New American Home 2023 Is Perched On A Mountainous 05 Acre Lot In The Ascaya Luxury Community In Henderson, Nev
The New American Home

The New American Home 2023: A Haven on the Hill

Rich with creative design ideas, luxury finishes, and innovative products, The New American Home 2023 presents a sanctuary for entertainment, recreation, and relaxation
April 17, 2023
Photos: Spacecraft
The Lakeside View Of Wayzata Bay, A Custom Home Project From The 2023 Best In American Living Awards
BALA Best in American Living Awards

Luxury Meets Legacy in a Family-Oriented Lakeside Custom Home

This project from the 2022 Best in American Living Awards is inspired by its legacy and location and creates a new foundation for future generations to call home
Jan. 11, 2023
Artist's rendering of the Last Mile Lab worker training area. The Pittsburgh-based construction testing facility includes vocational training to bring more diversity to the construction workforce. | Rendering: courtesy Last Mile Lab
Artist's rendering of the Last Mile Lab worker training area. The Pittsburgh-based construction testing facility includes vocational training to bring more diversity to the construction workforce. | Rendering: courtesy Last Mile Lab
Q+A

Introducing Modular Construction to a New Labor Force

Lack of research and proper worker training is slowing the advancement of modular construction methods as an alternative way to build homes. Brian Gaudio's Last Mile Lab, in Pittsburgh...
Jan. 8, 2023
The Building Talent Foundation is working closely with employers to rebuild the construction labor force. | Photo: Wollwerth Imagery, stock.adobe.com
The Building Talent Foundation Is Working Closely With Employers To Rebuild The Construction Labor Force | Photo: Wollwerth Imagery, Stock adobe
Q+A

BTF’s Plan to Build and Retain a Talented Workforce

As CEO of the Building Talent Foundation, Branka Minic is committed to finding replicable solutions to strengthen the residential construction workforce through training programs...
Sept. 29, 2022
Over 5,000 students from across Iowa traveled to the Des Moines area to attend Build My Future 2022
Over 5,000 students from across Iowa traveled to the Des Moines area to attend Build My Future 2022
Q+A

Construction’s Next Generation: Insights From Build My Future 2022

Young would-be construction workers at the 2022 Build My Future event in Des Moines, Iowa, share their experiences and impressions about industry opportunities with Pro Builder...
Aug. 17, 2022