Madi Mali Homes: Why we do what we do

When I was a kid, I knew I was destined to build something. I loved playing with blocks, Tinkertoys, Lincoln Logs and my brother’s erector set. I was fascinated by the ability to contemplate shape, composition and stability – simply by manipulating each piece.

Later in my childhood, when I asked my parents for a subscription to Architectural Digest and Elle Decor for my birthday, I realized I had caught the “Design/Build bug.” I began drawing houses on artist sketch pads, moving the furniture around in our house, taking over holiday decorating, and being persistent in asking my parents to take me to any model home, open house or homes tour within driving distance from my small hometown of Bridgeport, Ill. I’m not sure that the flowers I learned to make from tissues in second grade did much for my mom’s dining room table, but I was creating and I was happy.

By high school, I had discovered that I wasn’t terribly successful in algebra but geometry seemed to turn me on. I had watched my father and grandfather run a successful construction and excavating business for many years, and I quickly learned – after spending my summers working there – that I wanted to do more than just paint fences and pull weeds. Subsequently, the next few years of birthdays involved a “real” drafting set and hand tools engraved by my father that I still keep with me today.

After being offered a cheerleading and academic scholarship at Indiana State University, I became very interested in the university’s Construction Management and Architecture programs. It was there that I designed my first home and office building. Four years later, I married my biggest champion, Angela, and we were off to California to start our life together.

Fast forward 20 years, after roles as a job coordinator, project estimator and building inspector (in which I was able to pick and choose from the best subcontractors in the area), Madi Mali Homes was born. Having two beautiful daughters in the family now, Madison and Malerie, the name just seemed right.

Over the last 13 years, we at Madi Mali Homes have remained passionate about our philosophy for building homes. We believe it’s less about how many we build and more about the quality and care that is put into each one of them. We don’t have a huge staff, multiple project managers, nor do we utilize outside influences regarding how the business is supported and run. We simply want to build beautiful homes for people who appreciate the time, energy and creativity it takes to make a Madi Mali home special. Our clients are unique, diverse and successful in their lines of business. They value the relationship with their builder as much as we value the relationship with our clients, which is why to this day, we can still call many of them close friends. We celebrate with them and are completely honored to share special memories in something so vital that we created together.

On Father’s Day today we are reminded that – although the work is very important – we are also so lucky to be able to share it with those around us. We just celebrated our “Lucky 13th” year in business and are so grateful to our team, clients, subcontractors, trade relationships, friends and family for always reminding us that our success would never be measured in dollar signs.

To this day, I still find myself driving by the first house I ever built. It brings me joy to know that it still looks as good as it did the day we moved in. Many personal moves and client projects later, experiencing both success and hard times, I’m proud that people still want us to create their custom homes. Whether it’s a brand-new house, remodel, basement finish or interior design project, we treat each client the same, regardless of their budget. Yes, it might take a little longer, but anything worthwhile shouldn’t happen overnight.

I still subscribe to Architectural Digest (it’s a bucket-list goal to be featured in its pages someday) and enjoy visiting and supporting the great work that my colleagues do in the annual HBA Parade of Homes. We also have loved being a part of the annual Symphony Designers’ Showhouse, in addition to supporting many local charities and events. We’ve also been lucky enough to take part in works for HGTV and have dreams of having our own show on the network someday. Ultimately, we never want to lose sight of what’s most important. Although we take great pride in creating beautiful spaces for our clients, our true success is measured by the joy and love that happens inside.

This story was originally published June 19, 2016 at 12:08 AM.