Pierrette began her career in homebuilding at Pulte Homes in Las Vegas as a sales associate. She quickly climbed the management ranks at Pulte and Taylor Morrison, most recently serving as division president for Taylor Morrison’s Bay Area operations. In her career, she has overseen the development and implementation of hundreds of master-plan, active adult, high-density and luxury home communities. In 2016, she and her husband, Matthew Magleby, decided to take their vast industry experience and put it to work for the family business at Magleby Construction.
At the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in February, Pierrette will present, “Why Design Matters: An Exploration of How Great Design Can Influence Value & Impact Bottom Line.” We caught up with her to get a sneak peek into her session.
NAHB: Without giving too much away, what will people learn at your session?
Pierrette: With the ease of access to imagery and information, now more than ever clients are demanding great design and timeless aesthetic, regardless of price point. We will explore how architects, designers and builders can continue to find solutions to drive cost savings without compromising the details that make homebuying an emotional investment.
NAHB: What is the one aspect you are looking forward to the most while attending IBS?
Pierrette: I love the networking aspect of the show. Having worked in several different markets and for a few different builders, it is always fun to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
NAHB: What’s the best hangout spot in Vegas?
Pierrette: I started my career at Pulte in Las Vegas, so I’m excited to get back to my roots out there and hit up some of my former haunts—The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay is always a good time. I also enjoy attending vendor parties and exploring the showroom floor for new inspiring ideas and products.
NAHB: What do you predict will happen in the industry in the next 5 to 10 years?
Pierrette: Due to the combination of labor shortages and affordability challenges, we have started to see more influence from technology- and manufacturing-related companies that believe our industry is ripe for disruption. I think that over the next 5 to 10 years we will see an influx of investment from non-traditional players trying to help reinvent how we approach homebuilding.
NAHB: What is one piece of practical advice you would give to someone starting out?
Pierrette: Get outside of your discipline—be curious. There are so many opportunities in home building, and for those that are hardworking and willing to learn, you can gain exposure to everything from land to construction management to sales and marketing. It is a small industry so get to know people and form deep, authentic relationships. They will help you in the future.
NAHB: What’s the last book you read?
Pierrette: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I have French heritage and relatives that survived WWI and WWII. I had the amazing opportunity to return to France with my children for six weeks this past summer to explore that history, and this book had many parallels to our own family story.
NAHB: If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you’d live in the rest of your life, what are the top three features it would have?
Pierrette: #1—It would be located in Sonoma County, probably Healdsburg, California. #2—A cozy family gathering area. #3—Beautifully integrated indoor/outdoor living spaces to take advantage of great California weather and garden wine parties.
NAHB: If you could do another job just for one day, what would it be?
Pierrette: I’d be a travel blogger. I LOVE to travel and have a master’s degree in journalism, so it seems like it could be a possibility some day!
NAHB: What product would you seriously stockpile if you found out that they weren’t going to make it anymore?
Pierrette: Classic Cherry Chapstick … and wine! 😉
NAHB: What fictional place would you most like to go, and why?
Pierrette: Somewhere in a Dr. Seuss or Roald Dahl book. Those writers both inspired my creativity as a child, and it has been fun to re-explore their books through my children’s eyes.
NAHB: In three words or less, what is your prediction for the building industry in 2019?
Pierrette: Plateau
“Why Design Matters: An Exploration of How Great Design Can Influence Value & Impact Bottom Line” will take place Tuesday, February 19 from 3:30 – 4:30 PM at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Learn more about the 130+ education sessions and register at BuildersShow.com.