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Like Iconic Brands and Well-Designed Homes, Skilled Craft Never Goes Out of Style

April 18, 2025
By Jim Sorgatz

Fajitas cooking on a flat iron skillet.
Bill Gelbaugh brings the same precision and visual appeal to camp cooking that he delivers at Outhouse.

In today’s world of ever-increasing automation, the role of the craftsman may no longer occupy the center stage it once did—say, during the Renaissance—but the need for skilled craft has never gone away. Whether it’s clothing, jewelry, furniture, or homebuilding, there is still something deeply human—and deeply valuable—about a well-built item. A custom home, for example, with thoughtful design elements and finishes shaped to a buyer’s personality, has a presence and soul you can’t replicate with mass production.

My dad was one of those rare craftsmen. He started a one-man remodeling business at the age of 40. While technically his own company, he served just three clients—two prominent Phoenix attorneys and Rex Maughn, the founder of Forever Living Products. Rex owned properties like Mormon Lake Lodge in Flagstaff and Southfork Ranch in Dallas—yes, that Southfork Ranch. These clients didn’t shop around. They didn’t ask for quotes. They trusted my dad implicitly and paid him hourly, not because it was cheaper, but because they knew he’d deliver something unique, beautiful, and lasting. I’ll never forget the time he was asked to saw down the legs of a $10,000 antique table just to make it fit below a window with a view. That level of trust only comes from knowing the person doing the work is a true master of their craft.

Technology and Craftsmanship – A Winning Pair

Here at Outhouse, we still believe in that kind of craftsmanship. Much of our work is technology-driven, but it takes more than software to create the kind of visual clarity, consistency, and brand integrity our clients expect. It takes a trained eye, experience, and people who genuinely care about what they’re making.

Man in forest leaning over a camp stove
Bill preparing a meal in the Northern Arizona forest.

A Print Department Founded by Craftsmen

Over thirty years ago, the Outhouse print department was founded by three such people: Bill Gelbaugh, Dorian Boese, and Doug Ills. What they built together wasn’t just a production team—it was a workshop, grounded in artistry, precision, and pride in the finished product. Bill brings a meticulous sensibility to everything he touches, from client branding to color theory to campsite organization. He takes camp cooking next level, creating sumptuous, vibrantly colored vegan meals prepared with bespoke cookware . Doug, a lifelong graphic artist, is also an avid photo restorer who brings old memories back to life with an almost reverent attention to detail. And Dory—well, Dory is a man who appreciates nuance. As a devoted bourbon aficionado, he shares weekly tastings with friends, each pour accompanied by storytelling and quiet discernment. These aren’t just hobbies: they’re reflections of character. Together, the three of them infused Outhouse’s print department with the integrity and intentionality that still defines our work today.

Man sharply dressed in pink blazer  and driving cap next to bright red antique convertible sportscar.
A man with style – Pressroom Manager Dorian Boese at the Barrett-Jackson Auction.

We Elevate Builder Brands

That same care is evident in how we treat your brand’s visual details. Bill, for instance, often catches inconsistencies in logos or brand colors that others miss. He’s been known to zoom in pixel by pixel to ensure a logo prints cleanly on a brochure or displays clearly on a touchscreen. It’s the kind of attention that doesn’t just protect a brand—it elevates it.

man at computer touching up a vintage photo.
Doug Ills restoring a vintage photo

Brand Consistency Is Paramount

And that brings us to a critical point. Brand consistency matters. You may recall a time, a couple of decades ago, when fast-food chains raced to trademark color combinations. Red may dominate the landscape, but it’s the specific hues, pairings, and logo integrations that make each instantly recognizable. Homebuilders are no different. Your brand guidelines: the way your colors appear online, in print, and in your sales environment are essential to how buyers experience your brand. That’s why you need partners who not only understand that but obsess over it.

At Outhouse, our team of visual professionals ensures that your interactive floor plans, site plans, and renderings reflect your brand precisely as designed. Colors are accurate across platforms: website, brochures, signage, and more. Each run of printed material is consistent. Every rendering and virtual tour carry your identity forward with integrity and impact.

An assortment of cookware and food om a pistachio-colored camp table next to an orange-colored ice chest.
A delicious meal prepared in a meticulously curated setting created by Bill.

Proudly Made In the USA

We take pride in that all our digital marketing tools: interactive maps, renderings, virtual tours, kiosks, visualizers, as well as our print collateral and sales center signage are produced by our team right here in the USA. Our home office in Phoenix, AZ houses the print facility that started it all.

Legs and shoes next to small pistachio-colored camp table with a pair of hand carved coffee mugs.  View of mountains across a field.

The Bots are Coming: Are We Ready for the Disruption Ahead?

March 10, 2025
By Jim Sorgatz

Robot with human face

Jimdroid – Created by Tabitha Warren with a little help from A.I,

The past six months have been nothing short of a revelation. Last fall, I experienced an ischemic stroke—an event that was a bit terrifying and life-altering, but also utterly fascinating. While the recovery process has been grueling, it has also given me a rare, firsthand understanding of the intricate connection between the brain and the body—something most people never have to think about.

When a stroke occurs, blood flow to the brain is cut off, damaging nerves and severing their connection to various parts of the body. In my case, I lost control of most of my left side. However, I was fortunate—my face, speech, vision, and cognitive function were largely unaffected. Even more encouraging, my doctors reassured me that I had the potential for full recovery since I could still move my fingers and toes. What they didn’t immediately share, though, was just how difficult that journey would be.

After months of intense physical therapy and relentless effort, I have regained control of most of my muscles. Just last week, I celebrated a significant milestone—full range of motion in my shoulder. Walking, however, remains a work in progress. I can do it, but let’s just say I won’t be winning any style points.

This experience has given me a deep appreciation for something most of us take for granted: the brain-muscle connection. Under normal circumstances, our muscles simply do what they’re supposed to without conscious thought. A stroke doesn’t damage the muscles themselves but disrupts the neural networks that control them. Recovery, therefore, isn’t about healing muscles; it’s about retraining the brain to find new pathways through endless, repetitive exercises.

Army of cartoon robots

What Does This Have to Do with Robotics?

We all know the robots are coming. Many of us have chuckled at videos of Tesla’s Optimus robot tripping down a hill. Skeptics argue that humanoid robots are still decades away from being truly useful, but my stroke recovery has given me a fresh perspective—I now firmly believe they’re coming much sooner than we think.

Why? Because AI learning mirrors stroke recovery in many ways. Just as my brain must repeatedly attempt movements to forge new neural pathways, AI systems refine their capabilities through repetition. The more they practice, the smarter and more autonomous they become, adapting to new tasks without explicit reprogramming. We’ve already seen remarkable advancements in autonomous driving—Tesla’s latest Full Self-Driving (FSD) version 13.2 shows just how close we are to full autonomy.

The Impending Disruption in Homebuilding

It doesn’t take much imagination to picture robots swinging hammers on job sites. But what will push the homebuilding industry toward this reality? Tariffs? Immigration reform? The growing need for affordable housing? The catalyst may not be clear yet, but one thing is certain: innovation is essential for reducing construction costs and ensuring builders can continue to thrive.

Remember Katerra? In 2015, it looked like this technology-driven, off-site construction company would revolutionize the industry. But despite massive funding, the company ultimately collapsed in 2021 due to a combination of overspending, the pandemic, and lender failures. However, Katerra was just the tip of the iceberg. Since then, AI has advanced at an exponential pace, and robotics is poised to play a crucial role in the next wave of construction innovation.

Are We Ready for What’s Next?

Probably not. Most industries are slow to embrace disruption, and homebuilding is no exception. But the shift is inevitable. That’s why homebuilders and trade contractors need to start preparing now—adapting to new technologies and finding ways to integrate AI and robotics into their processes before they get left behind.

At Outhouse.net, we’ve always been at the forefront of innovation. From launching our first interactive floor plan over 20 years ago to developing interactive site maps, kiosks, animations, virtual tours, and visualizers, we’ve continually pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in digital marketing technology. And we’re not stopping anytime soon. We, too, understand the need to stay ahead of the curve.

The future is coming fast—are you ready?

Multigenerational Living: A New Era in Home Design

December 3, 2024
By Tabitha Warren

The landscape of American households is undergoing a significant transformation, with multigenerational living on the rise. This trend, highlighted by industry voices like Sara Gutterman of Green Builder Media, has sparked a demand for innovative housing solutions that cater to the needs of families across different generations. Lennar Homes, a leading homebuilder recognized for its commitment to sustainable and forward-thinking practices, has risen to the occasion with its NextGen® – The Home Within A Home® concept. This innovative approach revolutionizing how families live together is at the forefront of this movement. .

Lennar's NextGen Home Exterior Elevation with first level floor plan
Lennar’s NextGen home courtesy of Builderonline.com

NextGen: Redefining Multigenerational Living 

Lennar’s NextGen homes offer a unique solution to the challenges of multigenerational living. These homes feature a private suite with its own entrance, kitchenette, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. This design allows families to live together while maintaining privacy and independence. Lennar emphasizes the importance of flexibility in housing design, stating, “NextGen homes offer the perfect blend of togetherness and autonomy, allowing families to live in harmony while respecting individual needs.” 

Lennar NextGen Floor Plan

The Rise of Multigenerational Households 

The trend towards multigenerational living, echoed by publications like Green Builder Media, is driven by a variety of factors, including economic pressures, cultural shifts, and the desire for closer family ties. Sara Gutterman notes, “Multigenerational living is not just a trend; it’s a reflection of the changing dynamics of American families. Forward thinking builders provide solutions that supports these evolving needs.” 

The Benefits of Multigenerational Living 

Multigenerational living offers a range of benefits for families. It can provide financial support, shared responsibilities, and emotional closeness. Sara Gutterman believes that “Multigenerational living can foster a sense of community and belonging, creating a supportive environment for all family members.” Here more about generational homes and marketing on Sara’s interview on the Home Builder Digital Marketing Podcast.  

Green Builder Media’s Next Generation Influencer Group: Amplifying the Conversation 

Green Builder Media’s commitment to understanding and shaping the future of housing extends beyond construction. Through initiatives like the Next Generation Influencer Group, the company actively engages with thought leaders and influencers like Sara Gutterman, fostering conversations about emerging trends and innovative solutions in the housing industry. You can learn more about it at their webpage: Influencing the Future.

A young man and two young women collaborating in front of a computer screen.
Happy business people working on computer by wavebreakmedia courtesy of CanvaPro

The Future of Generational Housing 

As the demand for multigenerational housing continues to grow, companies like Lennar Homes and Green Builder Media are committed to leading the way with innovative solutions. Sara Gutterman envisions a future where “homes are designed to adapt to the changing needs of families, fostering connection and support across generations.” 

Conclusion 

Lennar Homes’ NextGen concept and Green Builder Media are a few of the companies redefining multigenerational living. These companies provide innovations like flexible and supportive environment for families of all sizes, fostering connection and independence. As the landscape of American households continues to evolve, builders could learn from these smart companies and be poised to meet the needs of families with innovative and adaptable housing solutions. 

*Floor plan image courtesy of www.lennar.com/nextgen/.

Optimizing the Design-Market-Sell Continuum: Tips for Home Builders – Part 2

March 28, 2025
By Jim Sorgatz

In the dynamic world of homebuilding, a term that often echoes through the corridors of innovation is “value engineering.” Investopedia defines it as a strategic method aimed at delivering essential project functions at the minimum possible cost. This approach champions swapping out materials and methods for more cost-effective alternatives while maintaining the integrity of functionality—and, we’d argue, quality, too.

At Outhouse, this principle is at the heart of our Design-Market-Sell methodology. Our suite of services—from drafting to visual aids and digital innovations to print solutions—caters to builders across the spectrum. Yet production home builders crafting anywhere from 30 to 3,000 homes annually, stand to gain the most from our holistic approach. By integrating our seasoned Computer-Aided Design (CAD) expertise, builders can forego the hefty expense of maintaining an in-house drafting team. As our CAD wizards work their magic, our graphics and rendering teams get cracking on interactive floor plans, site maps, virtual tours, and much more, paving the way for a seamless transition to print media and sales office displays. This cohesive strategy not only accelerates your market entry but does so with significant cost efficiency. And therein lies the secret to mastering the Design-Market-Sell continuum.

In the first chapter of this series, we unpacked the foundational tools every builder needs to design, market, and sell new homes. Now, let’s dive into the digital realm that captivates homebuyers and enriches their purchasing journey.

Crafting Emotional Connections: The Power of Interactive Floor Plans and Site Maps

Outhouse has been at the forefront of Interactive Floor Plans (IFPs) and Interactive Site Maps (ISMs) for over two decades, boasting a portfolio that’s as robust as it is innovative. Optimized for mobile use, these tools work like a dream on any device, aligning perfectly with the preferences of over 70% of today’s homebuyers.

Headshot of Outhouse VP of National Accounts Erin Kearney against a wood plank backdrop with the words, "Helpful Tips - Visualizers"
Erin Kearney, VP of National Accounts

Erin Kearney, our VP of National Accounts, emphasizes the importance of understanding buyer needs and adopting a personalized sales narrative. The ability to swiftly capture and analyze consumer preferences sets a builder apart in a market brimming with competition. IFPs and ISMs are more than mere marketing gimmicks; they are bridges to potential buyers’ hearts and minds, allowing them to visualize and tailor their future homes. This emotional engagement is akin to the bond formed during a car’s test drive, transforming a potential purchase of “your house” into “my home.”

Moreover, ISMs offer a comprehensive view of available lots, linking directly to elevations, IFPs, virtual tours, and more, thus streamlining the journey from lot selection to home customization.

Marrying market insights with interactive tools is critical to truly excel in sales. These technologies elevate customer interaction and deepen the emotional bond with their future homes, positioning builders as pioneers in their field.

Sketch of Marilyn Monroe against a wood plank backdrop with the words, "Helpful Tips - Interactive"

Maximizing Engagement with IFPs and ISMs

Success with IFPs and ISMs hinges on precise construction documents and strategic website placement. Marcy Smith, our incredibly talented but media-averse Graphic Department Production Manager, shares invaluable tips for optimizing these tools:

  • Ensure clarity and accuracy in your CAD files before engaging with a digital tools provider. Autodesk offers a free ‘DWG TrueView’ for this purpose.
  • Incorporate a PDF version of your CAD files for ease of reference.
  • For IFP projects, detailed CAD files minimize back-and-forth, saving time and resources.
  • Clearly delineate desired lots for ISMs, especially in master-planned communities, to avoid unnecessary costs.
  • The placement of these tools on the website is crucial; they should be prominently displayed for easy access by potential buyers, enhancing engagement and site retention.
Headshot of Outhouse partner Stuart Platt against a wood plank backdrop with the words, "Helpful Tips - Visualizers"
Outhouse partner Stuart Platt

Virtual Reality: The Frontier of Digital Engagement

Virtual Reality (VR) stands as the latest marvel in digital homebuilding tools, offering virtual tours, animations, and visualizers that transport the model home experience to buyers worldwide. Stuart Platt, an Outhouse partner, advises:

  • For interior VR projects, consider selecting from Outhouse’s extensive library of interior designs to save on costs, unless custom designs are necessary.
  • Utilize color and material visualizers to give buyers a comprehensive view of their customization options, though it’s wise to limit exterior color schemes to maintain community aesthetics.

As a quick VR refresher: Virtual Tours are user-controlled tours – buyers click from room to room. Animations are essentially a video tour. And, Visualizers are customization tools that allow buyers to select options, colors, and finishes whether it be interior cabinets and countertops, or exterior roofing, stone, and siding.

In Summary

The key to optimizing the design-market-sell continuum is to work with a sole provider like Outhouse – the outsource hub for home builders. Whether launching a new community or seeking innovative cost-saving strategies, Outhouse is here to guide you through optimizing your design, market, and sell process. Reach out today to explore how we can transform your homebuilding journey.

Growing Sales with Bitmojis – a Lesson for Home Builders from Ralph Lauren

October 2, 2024
By Jim Sorgatz

How resilience, agility, and focusing on what matters most lead to success in both retail and in home building.

Ralph Lauren Bitmojis on Snapchat
Ralph Lauren Bitmojis on Smapchat

Who knew Ralph Lauren had their own Bitmojis? In a recent webinar featuring Matthew Shay, President & CEO of the National Retail Federation, and Patrice Louvet, President & CEO of Ralph Lauren, the two men discuss the importance of resilience and agility in 2020. Hired in 2017, Patrice is a brand guy and was brought on board to, “write the next great chapter of the iconic brand.” How the company interacts and engages with consumers is where Patrice centers his attention. And that is why, when the pandemic hit, this rather traditional brand stepped outside the box and designed their own Bitmojis for Snapchat. Launched in August, there have already been more than 3 million downloads. Building amazing partnerships with social media in recent years is one of the company’s greatest strengths.


An “opportunity in crisis,” the shift to digital moved light-years ahead in 2020.


Heavily focused on what the digital age wants, Patrice believes digital will become like electricity – we won’t notice it, but it will be everywhere, and it will power everything. An “opportunity in crisis,” the shift to digital moved light-years ahead in 2020.

What was most interesting about this webinar is how retail and home building share many of the same challenges and goals. To move the company forward in the Twenties, Patrice has 5 primary areas Ralph Lauren is targeting:

  1. Elevate and energize the brand – bring in a new generation of consumers.
  2. Shift to direct-to-consumer. Stores will continue to play an important role, but online sales are growing.
  3. Digital
  4. International expansion
  5. Develop high-potential, under-represented categories
Robot finger touching house icon - a symbol of the digital revolution
A tech-savvy generation of home buyers has accelerated the digital revolution.

In the homebuilding industry, the pandemic along with a tech-savvy generation of home buyers has accelerated the digital revolution. Sales centers will still play an integral role, but much of the interaction between builders and buyers will take place virtually. International barriers are being toppled as builders crisscross “the pond.” Landsea Homes and Sekisui House (Woodside Homes) are just a couple of examples. And, builders are constantly working to develop under-represented categories – affordable housing for one.

Also needing attention are four areas affected by Covid that Patrice believes are here to stay:

  1. Health and safety have become a huge factor in human behavior and will continue to be for quite some time, if not indefinitely.
  2. The move to connectivity – people are not going to quit using apps and having home deliveries. Mom and grandpa just learned how to do all that!
  3. Consumers are looking for a personalized experience.
  4. Importance of values and purpose, “What difference will we make?” Consumer response to companies focusing on these has been amazing. Authenticity is a core Ralph Lauren brand value.

With the world staying home, resilience, agility, and focusing on what matters most have become critical to the success of every business.


Three valuable lessons Patrice learned from Covid:

  1. Focus on what matters most
  2. Resilience
  3. Agility

Companies who quickly learned these lessons and adapted have survived and even done well.

This insightful webinar brings home the importance of your brand, company culture, and marketing. As home builders, our industry tends to not be on the cutting edge. We have been building and selling homes the same way for 100+ years. Builders have been making strides forward, but nothing prepared us for the events of this year. With the world staying home, resilience, agility, and focusing on what matters most have become critical to the success of every business. Engaging with consumers online is key. This is where Zoom, Online Sales Counselors, CRMs like TopBuilder and Lasso, chatbots like those powered by AtlasRTX, and online marketing tools including Interactive Floor Plans, Virtual Tours, Matterport Tours, and Visualizers play an integral role. Focusing on what the digital age wants, and thinking outside the box (Snapchat Bitmojis anyone?) to write the next great chapter of your iconic brand are keys to success.

Interactive Floor Plan
Drive engagement on your website with the Outhouse Interactive Floor Plan.

On a final note, Patrice talks about citizenship and sustainability. Companies like Ralph Lauren cannot be successful if they don’t take the lead. Consumers and partners expect it. “People will remember you for what you did and the way you behaved.” These words hold true for home builders as well.

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