Design VP Details Background in Enhancing Homebuyer Design Experience in Expert Interview

Sherri Drew, Vice President of Design Studios, Tri Pointe Homes

Industry veteran discusses her role in enhancing the homebuyer design experience

Builder and Developer: Talk about your role with Tri Pointe and what the builder’s design studio operations entail.

Sherri Drew: As the National Vice President of Design Studios at Tri Pointe Homes®, I oversee our design studio operations across all divisions nationwide. My role centers on ensuring a best-in-class customer experience during one of the most personal parts of the homebuilding journey—designing a home. My team and I are responsible for everything from customer satisfaction and studio revenue to maintaining design cycle times that align with construction milestones.

BD: With Spring selling season in full swing, what are some popular design trends you’re seeing in 2025 among buyers that you haven’t seen prior?

SD: We’re seeing a clear shift toward warmer, more organic design palettes. The cool grays and stark whites that dominated for years are giving way to rich, layered neutrals and natural textures that feel warm and lived-in. Stained wood cabinetry is making a major comeback, but in fresh and modern tones like white oak finishes paired with deeper brown hues for contrast.

Kitchens often feature mixed finishes, like a perimeter cabinet in one stain and the island in another complementary tone. Natural stone countertops like quartzite are also on the rise, which beautifully highlights the soft, warm hues we’re seeing. Lighter wood tones in both hardwood and luxury vinyl plank flooring are being used to add a sense of airiness to open-concept layouts.

We’re also seeing a rise in biophilic design elements. Buyers are gravitating toward deeper green accents, expanded windows and intentional landscaping to visually connect the indoors and outdoors. 

BD: Tell us about how you got your start in the industry and how you’ve seen our industry evolve over the years in regards to diversity.

SD: I’ve been in the homebuilding industry for more than 25 years, and I truly love what I do. 

I’m encouraged by the growing number of women entering and excelling in the construction industry. From the design studio to the job site to the boardroom, more women are taking on leadership roles and shaping the future of homebuilding in powerful ways. It’s inspiring to see their expertise, contributions and voices being recognized and respected throughout the homebuilding community.

I truly believe that understanding how design choices impact the way people live and how good design truly elevates a space, can be a valuable skillset for many young adults.”

BD: What advice do you have for young adults looking to break into design?

SD: I recently had the opportunity to mentor two young women preparing to pursue design degrees as they transition from high school to college. My advice to them was to stay curious, take initiative and explore the many career possibilities that are available. Whether you’re interested in helping homebuyers make selections, curating model homes or working on product development, the homebuilding industry offers a wide range of creative roles. There’s vast potential for growth and impact within this field. I truly believe that understanding how design choices impact the way people live and how good design truly elevates a space, can be a valuable skillset for many young adults.

BD: You recently spoke at IBS. What were some topics you discussed and covered?

SD: My session focused on how design can be a strategic differentiator in today’s competitive market. I shared top-selling trends in both structural and interior design options, like stackable sliding doors for seamless indoor-outdoor living, gourmet prep kitchens for larger floorplans and open stair rail designs that enhance spatial flow.

On the interior side, Tri Pointe’s most revenue-generating categories were discussed, including flooring, cabinetry and countertops. Also showcased was the Mine furniture program, which allows homebuyers to extend their personalized design journey by selecting furnishings directly from our model home collections.

One of the key takeaways was how design can directly influence purchasing behavior. Ultimately, it’s about giving customers a design experience that feels personal, exciting and uniquely theirs.

BD: What other ways are you helping to make the design process more accessible for homebuyers? 

SD: We know that the design process can feel overwhelming for some, so we’ve taken intentional steps to make it more intuitive and inspiring for homebuyers.  One of the most exciting ways we’re doing this is through our national, multi-year partnership with celebrity designer Bobby Berk. Together, we launched The BB Edit.

We also created the Style Finder — an online quiz that helps homebuyers identify their personal design style. The quiz asks questions that go beyond aesthetics to understand what makes each customer feel at home. Based on their results, buyers are matched with one of The BB Edit collections that best fits their vibe and needs.