Christopher Homes caters to clients

Teamwork has proved key to the success of Christopher Homes, a Las Vegas-based luxury-home builder, over its 23 years in business. Each new project the company takes on is a collaboration of the entire management staff.

"This is a people business and you need great people in order to build great homes," chief executive J. Christopher Stuhmer said. "Most of our key management people have been with us for 10 years or more and have risen to the top of their disciplines. We also attract new people, who are among the best in the industry and want to be part of this company because of what it does and what it represents."

Steve Hackney, company president, said all clients are considered members of the builder's team, which also includes in-house designers, purchasing agents, construction experts, interior designers and customer service representatives.

"We have an innovative way of doing business, where each buyer gets to know the key management people involved in the construction of their home," Hackney said. "From the sales process through interior design, construction, move-in and beyond, every member of our team is 100 percent focused on keeping our buyers informed and on being responsive to any questions or concerns they may have."

Clients also are treated to a unique groundbreaking ceremony.

"Prior to start of construction, we invite each of our home buyers to come out to their home site and join members of our senior management team for hors d'oeuvres, champagne and refreshments," Hackney said. "It's our way of formally welcoming each of our buyers into the Christopher Homes family and introducing them to the people who will be responsible for the construction of their home.

"It is an exciting milestone for the buyer, because generally at this point the home design has been finalized, the customizing options have been selected, and the actual construction is about to begin. The feedback we receive regarding these ceremonies is fantastic. They really make our buyers feel that they are part of the process."

On hand at the ceremony is the client's personal service liaison, who acts as the primary contact throughout construction and move-in. As construction proceeds, each client is invited to a series of on-site orientations, culminating in a final orientation when the home is finished and ready for delivery.

Christopher is developing three neighborhoods in the Southern Highlands Golf Club, a community in the southwestern valley.

The Villas offers eight single-story floor plans, ranging from 1,983 to 3,400 square feet and priced from the low $500,000s. Most are on cul-de-sacs. Buyers have the option to add another level to their homes.

The Christopher Collection features 13 single- and two-story designs measuring from 3,072 to 6,200 square feet and priced from the low $600,000s to more than $1 million. Home sites average about one-quarter acre, and include several with views.

Several options are available among the floor plans at each neighborhood, and include elevators, motor courts, courtyard fireplaces, casitas, detached guest quarters, major room additions, four-car garages, extra baths, bonus rooms, libraries, wine cellars and wet bars.

The Enclave is a gated neighborhood of 16 custom homes that will range from about 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. The home sites measure from roughly one-third acre to three-quarters of an acre and provide golf course, city and mountain views. The homes, including the lots, will be valued from about $2 million to $7.5 million.

Each buyer at The Villas and The Christopher Collection receives a membership to the private Southern Highlands Golf Club, upon application approval. Buyers at The Enclave receive a golf membership, upon application approval. The golf course is anchored by a clubhouse with formal and informal dining, a golf library, wine room, locker rooms and a pro shop.

Southern Highlands Golf Club is a guard-gated community with a security patrol.

Also featured is The Spa at Southern Highlands, which provides a variety of services in addition to tennis courts, various pools, as well as a children's pool and play area.

To visit, take Interstate 15 to the Henderson/Lake Mead exit, head west and follow the signs. The information center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

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