Design Team Spotlight: Rebecca Kiszkiel, Design Coordinator

In this Pratt Home Builders Design Spotlight, we learn more about Rebecca Kiszkiel, the latest addition to our in-house interior design team. Originally from Upstate New York, she moved to Chattanooga twelve years ago, where several design jobs eventually led her to Pratt Home Builders. Transitioning from her previous position with Pratt as Closing Coordinator to Design Coordinator, Rebecca tells us about her excitement for this new chapter and provides us with some history of her love for design.

Rebecca’s passion for art and Interior Design goes beyond her time at Pratt but accelerated when she chose a major in college. She describes a pivotal conversation with her high school guidance counselor that helped narrow down the choice.

“My guidance counselor said to me, ‘I don’t want you to worry about what everyone else is doing. We’ve all been gifted with something, and you’ve got a natural interest and ability for something. What is it?'”

Knowing she was passionate about art, history, and animals, Rebecca deliberated her strengths and how they related to each passion. She narrowed the choice down to Interior Design, feeling confident in her ability to understand someone’s vision and turn it into something special. She attended RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology, in Rochester, New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts and Interior Design.

Post-graduation, Rebecca had several jobs in the design world that soon led her to Chattanooga. In 2010, she moved down to Tennessee and began working for a small local builder, where she helped with the design selection process. Shortly after, she took a job with Yessick’s Design Center as a subcontracted Interior Designer. These positions complemented Rebecca’s understanding of design and her confidence in the field.

In March of 2019, Rebecca was hired as the Closing Coordinator for Pratt Home Builders. She stayed in that position until she was recently approached with the opportunity to be a part of the Pratt design team. Rebecca was excited to work alongside another division of Pratt and eager to engage with her passion full time. She has been working diligently to familiarize herself with the Pratt design process and describes the transition so far.

“Having prior experience with design, creating contract addendums, the software system used at Pratt, combined with my background, made for a relatively easy transition. It was just a matter of understanding more of the Pratt process, how they go about doing things, and what options are most appropriate for the customers’ needs,” states Rebecca.

She explains that as the Closing Coordinator, she still interacted daily with clients in the office, such as the title company, various lenders, and our sales/marketing team. This prepared her for the customer interactions she would soon have as a design coordinator. She expresses what has been the most rewarding part so far,

“Initially, when you meet with your customer, you find out what their needs are, and you can start helping them with their vision. The most rewarding part is seeing that vision come together in the end. What I envisioned with my customer is what’s there and that the customer loves it.”

Rebecca strives to “make a home a haven” for her clients and tends to pull lots of inspiration from nature. She seeks to bring those serene aspects of the outdoors inside a home, noting a certain peace that comes with it. She spends time outside hiking and camping, finding inspiration from her surrounding environment.

Rebecca enjoys various activities when it’s time to put work down for the day. From spending time with her 20-year-old son, Karson, cooking dinner with friends, reading, traveling, painting, game nights, or antiquing, Rebecca strives to live life to the fullest. She leaves us with a great reminder that when you recognize opportunities, most often, they can be rewarding and a blessing.

“Attitude is everything. You have to realize you can’t limit yourself. Always be open to learning something new every day, big or small. Just have fun. We only have one life here to live. So go live a little!”

If you are interested in purchasing a home that has been carefully curated by our in-house design team contact one of our New Home Consultants here for more information. Throughout this year, there will be several Quick Move-In homes that will be available for purchase. Our team of professional designers makes the process easy by preselecting all finishes and colors so customers can enjoy granite, hardwoods, and today’s most stylish color schemes.

Click here if you want to learn more about our design team and their process!

Design Team Spotlight: Rebecca Kiszkiel, Design Coordinatorgmwebservices2022-05-27T21:58:13+00:00

5 Indoor Herbs to Spruce Up Your Home and Recipes this Fall and Winter

Temperatures are dropping in the Greater Chattanooga area and the colder part of Fall is just around the corner. As leaves change colors, sweaters come out of the closet, and there are fewer hours of sunlight, it’s a great time to plan new pastimes for winter months. Indoor gardening has become a favorite activity of many residents. Luckily, herbs are an easy way to begin and serve multiple purposes within the home. Indoor plants improve air quality and emotional health. Herbs also add an aromatic element to your space that can boost emotional health, and have many health benefits to boost immunity all winter long. The ones below are also versatile and perfect for a variety of cozy winter recipes that will invigorate the senses.

Oregano

Perhaps the ultimate cold-weather herb for your ideal-health arsenal, Oregano is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral qualities. Some studies indicate it can fight diabetes and cancer. The plant will grow to approximately 10 inches tall and is easy to use in sauces and soups.

Mint

An herb that many may either love or hate, that is exactly the effect it has in nature. Mint can actually attract good bugs and repel bad ones, so it can be great to use inside as well as outside. It is versatile in that it can be used for sweet and savory dishes. During cold winter months, it is helpful to have on hand as mint has been shown to boost energy and focus.

Rosemary

Common to see as the holidays approach as a small Christmas tree, Rosemary is a wonderfully fragrant shrub that’s been used years for a number of therapeutic applications including boosting mood, energy and focus. It certainly adds beauty and a pleasant scent to indoor spaces, and if transferred outdoors can thrive locally in Zone 7. It’s perfect to keep on hand all winter long as it adds a savory dimension to chicken, potatoes and bread.

Thyme

A perennial herb with a robust scent and flavor, Thyme is also rich in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants. It is perfectly paired with other ingredients that share its Mediterranean origins: olive oil, tomatoes, and garlic. Thyme can also be used to flavor nearly anything including but certainly not limited to poultry, pork and fish.

Do you plan to start an indoor herb garden? We would love to see photos of your progress! Please consider tagging us on social media @prattliving

5 Indoor Herbs to Spruce Up Your Home and Recipes this Fall and Wintergmwebservices2021-11-01T02:44:02+00:00

These 3 Favorite Chattanooga Cocktail Spots are a Vibe

That perfect late-summer weather is here. Fall is just around the corner and there’s nothing prettier than seeing nature’s paintbrush sweep over the Scenic City. Whether you’re local to beautiful Chattanooga, Tennessee, visiting for a long weekend, or an aspiring or future resident looking to celebrate your new home adventure with a cocktail, here are some of our favorite spots that boast a unique atmosphere worthy of memory-making, excellent customer service, and a unique menu to commemorate your new home – or any day that ends in Y! After all, life is a special occasion and these spaces will provide a great backdrop to enjoy it with your favorite people.

Whiskey Thief

With one of the best views in all of the Scenic City, Whiskey Thief is the rooftop bar at The Edwin Hotel. Immerse yourself in sweeping views of Chattanooga’s famous Riverfront and iconic landmarks like The Hunter Museum and world-famous Walnut Street (one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges!). Enjoy an old-fashioned from the outdoor patio or indoors with the soaring windows and abundant natural light. We love the industrial mood and cozy wood tones accented by gorgeous green glass pendants over the bar.

State of Confusion

This Main Street hot spot is a favorite among our team for sure! Bring your whole entourage and sit at a long family table, or cozy up inside among the sunny wood tones with a view of the big patio’s shenanigans. State of Confusion offers an atmosphere that’s enjoyable in every season. With Southern favorites as well as Cuban-inspired dishes and our favorite Ceviche in town, the real crowd pleaser is their mojitos, made fresh with real cane sugar. Cheers to this great Southside Chattanooga experience!

Company at The Kinley

The secret is out! Last but certainly not least, Company, the speakeasy at The Kinley Chattanooga, is “hidden” away at this trendy boutique hotel with an indiscreet entrance. The Kinley’s austere exterior adjacent from the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo offers striking lines and a modern aesthetic, but just inside past the lounge is a space for only the best cocktail sleuths: Company bar. With stunning navy and brass tones, this atmosphere feels fabulously art-deco and warm. If you’re looking for a Instagram-worthy background for your cocktail pics, this is it. You’ll enjoy the jazzy ambience while savoring each unique note of whichever bourbon and bitters concoction Ross behind the bar recommends. Reservations recommended.

Out and about trying one of our #ChattLiving recommendations? Be sure to tag us @prattliving

These 3 Favorite Chattanooga Cocktail Spots are a Vibegmwebservices2021-09-03T18:37:47+00:00

Team Spotlight: Meet our Preferred Lender, Wayne Denham

While he is not technically part of the Pratt Home Builders Team, the Pratt Process would not be complete without him. Wayne Denham is the representative for our Preferred Lender, Platinum Financial. He is always just a call away with incredibly prompt service and an incredible customer-service based attitude with a heart for making everyone with a desire to call themselves a homeowner achieve that goal.

Pratt Home Builders (PHB): Wayne, tell us about yourself.

Wayne Denham (WD): I’m Wayne and I have lived in Chattanooga my entire life, been a mortgage loan officer since 1994

PHB: How long have you been working with the Pratt Home Builders brand?

WD: Since 2011 when I choose Pratt to build my personal home

PHB: We love how much you’ve enjoyed your beautiful Pratt home. As a customer, what was your favorite part of the Pratt Process?

WD: I liked the process of picking out everything from the brick to the tile, we felt like you were ordering a brand new car from top to bottom

PHB: What home plan do you live in and what is your favorite thing about it?

WD: I chose to build the Azaela Hall Plan and love the high ceilings in the living room and the open feel. It’s been the perfect home plan for our family over the years and we still love both our home plan and our community.

PHB: What are your favorite things to do and places to go in the Greater Chattanooga area?

WD: The lake is my favorite getaway, best golf courses, best restaurants, walking trails, downtown

PHB: Why do you feel now is such an opportune time to buy or build new construction in the Greater Chattanooga area?

WD: If you want to get everything you want in a floor plan to fit your furniture now is the time with incredibly low interest rates and being at such a pivotal time in our market.

PHB: Why is getting pre-approved prior to starting your home search so important, and how can prospective homeowners get in touch with you?

WD: Getting pre-approved is good to know what the payment will be for the 30 years

PHB: What is your favorite part living in the Scenic City?

WD: I can be Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, Birmingham, in two hours, so it’s convenient for an on-the-go lifestyle, and I never get tired of the beautiful mountains you can see all over the area.

Team Spotlight: Meet our Preferred Lender, Wayne Denhamgmwebservices2021-05-10T21:46:41+00:00

Pratt + HabiChatt: Women Build Team Kicks Off Fundraising

Pratt Home Builders is looking forward to partnering with HabiChatt again on Women Build. This year’s future homeowner is Tanieshia Looney. This is an event the ladies (and men) of Pratt Home Builders look forward to participating in every year. “We love having the opportunity to put in some good old fashioned elbow grease to help real people in our community. It’s one thing to donate to a cause, but another to really get on eye level with people and hear their stories and be part of them. That’s what is so special about our team. They are truly passionate about helping people right here at home,” said Brittany Shaw, Director of Digital Media.

The bio excerpt below is courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Chattanooga:

“Tanieshia Looney, mother of two and Chattanooga native, has consistently worked on making her dreams of becoming a homeowner a reality. Growing up in public housing, she had a happy childhood with her mom, dad, and brother. She was close with her family and played softball all through grade school and college. The one thing that was missing was a home that they could call their own. She was first introduced to Habitat through friends who had become homeowners themselves. After applying and ultimately dropping out of the program due to illness 13 years ago, Tanieshia is back and more determined than ever to step up to the plate of becoming a Habitat homeowner herself. Tanieshia was drawn to apply due to the partnership that Habitat provides. Instead of throwing her to the wolves of homeownership, she was happy to have Habitat walk the journey with her and become a shoulder to lean on. One of her favorite parts of being in the program is the ability to experience it with her children, Anthony and A’Nieshia. They have been given the opportunity to build their home as a family and create memories that will
last a lifetime. Tanieshia has learned many new valuable skills throughout the program, but the lessons on money management have meant the most to her. She has learned how to make smarter choices financially, so much that her mother continuously tells her how proud she is of the changes she has made. Tanieshia views her
mother as the strongest person she knows, she inspires her everyday to “finish everything that
she starts” which has given her the motivation to complete the program. When envisioning her new home, Tanieshia is looking forward to creating a peaceful environment with a stable foundation for her children. Being a mom
with a full time job, a baseball and basketball coach, and a successful hair business, things can occasionally get hectic. She strives to create a positive environment for her children to grow and thrive in.”

The Habitat for Humanity Women Build is about building housing by women for women. The program has been a success for over two decades. Each team is responsible for raising $2,500 toward the goal. The Pratt Home Builders team plans to host two fundraiser nights. Please check @PrattLiving Facebook and Instagram for updates on the build and fundraisers. The team would love your support at these events. #WeBuildCommunity

MAY 13^TH – THURSDAY AT PIE SLINGERS IN ROCK SPRING,GA – THE PRATT TEAM WILL GET 10% OF THE WHOLE DAY (TAKEOUT, DELIVERY, DINE IN)

JUNE 8^TH – TUESDAY AT McAlister’s IN FORT OLGETHORPE, GA – THE PRATT TEAM WILL GET 10% OF SALES BETWEEN 5-9 PM

JUNE 14TH, 15TH, 16TH – MARCOS PIZZA at 2009 DAYTON BLVD., RED BANK, TN – 25% GOES TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WOMEN BUILD

Pratt + HabiChatt: Women Build Team Kicks Off Fundraisinggmwebservices2021-04-30T20:57:33+00:00

Team Spotlight: Judy Carpenter

PHB: Tell us about how you came to work at Pratt Home Builders.

Judy Carpenter: Well, I started to work for Mr. Pratt in our little home town in, Inverness, Mississippi in 1984 in the propane & oil business as a bookkeeper. In 1995, he sold those businesses and asked me to come with him to Chattanooga on his next venture. He had already bought Bradley Propane in Cleveland. He had moved his family to Chattanooga five years prior so he was ready to be here full time with them. Our girls were out on their own, so we jumped at the chance to live somewhere different in that season of our lives.

PHB: What were your favorite things about Chattanooga when you arrived in the city?

JC: The mountains for sure! I had been raised in flat land all my life and we had vacationed the year before to the Ozarks. I came back telling Mr. Pratt that when I retired I would move to the mountains…guess he remembered that when he ask me to come with him to Chattanooga…lol.

PHB: What are a few words you’d use to describe the atmosphere?

JC: If you mean the city, I would say it’s big enough to have all you need for living a full life no matter what age you are, including the medical side, since my husband has had health issues most of the time we’ve lived here so that was important to us. But it also has that small town feel in a lot of ways. We came from a town of 1,200 so it seems big to us. The beauty is unsurpassed by anywhere you can travel I think. Having our daughters, granddaughters and great grandson here to enjoy all this is so special to us.

PHB: What’s been the most special part of working at Pratt over the years?

JC: Watching it grow and having all the great relationships I’ve made over the years even with employee’s no longer here that I still keep in touch with. Jennifer Dorsey, Bill Thompson and myself are the only ones still here from the beginning. It wasn’t always easy work but rewarding for sure.

PHB: Tell us about your role at the company.

JC: I’ve always worked alongside Mr. Pratt with the financial aspect of the company. I love bookkeeping and have learned so much from Mr. Pratt over the years so guess you could say I was self-taught with his guidance. I did take some business courses in college so guess that has help along the way.

PHB: You built in a Pratt community recently. Tell us about your favorite parts of that process.

JC: Going almost every day seeing the progress of our home coming together. It was a good/bad process in that we were so anxious to finish and get moved in. We love living in Amberbrook Gardens and the neighborhood is a perfect place for all type of families to come together. We have neighbors on one side of us our age and the other side young couple with kids, who are both very good friends now. The ability to walk our neighborhood & ride our golf cart while feeling safe is a huge blessing also. Our great grandson, Zeke loves riding the golf cart with us.

PHB: What home plan did you choose and what’s your favorite thing about it?

JC: We choose the “Savannah”. The open living area that extends out onto our screened porch is my favorite. Actually we choose it because it was the smallest square footage and we were downsizing in yard & home to take care of.

PHB: What’s your favorite thing about living in a Pratt community?

JC: It’s a perfect place for all sizes and ages of families to come together. We have neighbors on one side our age & the other side a young couple with kids. We are good friends with both of them now. The ability to walk our neighborhood and ride our golf cart while feeling safe is a huge blessing also. Our great grandson, Zeke loves riding the golf cart with us.

PHB: What do you like to do in your spare time?

JC: When weather allows I love being outside planting and taking care of my yard. I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes. I’m now working on a recipe book I can hand down to my granddaughters. Just shortly being semi-retired and having a little more time on my hands I’m still trying to figure out what to do with that extra time.

PHB: What are your top 3 favorite places for dinner or entertainment?

JC: Going to the movies use to be and hoping that will return. Riding up the mountains to see the view which never gets old. We like walking downtown and going to the Choo Choo and eating at Stir. We like to eat at locally owned restaurants when we can. For fast food, Chick-Fil-A is our favorite.

PHB: What is your favorite memory working at Pratt Home Builders?

JC: This may sound silly but moving into the building we are in now! When we moved to Chattanooga, we were in a very small office off Signal Mtn Rd. Then we moved to Manufacturers Road to two different locations then made the move where we are now.

Team Spotlight: Judy Carpentergmwebservices2021-02-28T19:36:40+00:00

Local Supporting Local: Shop Small this Holiday Season

As a locally owned, family-operated business, we are always supporters of “shopping small”. This year, it’s more important than ever before. When you shop small, your local dollars impact the neighbors in our community.

Here are a few of our very favorite local businesses with products and services that would make great gifts this holiday season.

Feed

Rustic House Candles

Bees on a Bicycle

Niedlov’s

Garden Vignettes

Local Supporting Local: Shop Small this Holiday Seasongmwebservices2020-11-30T21:58:38+00:00

Editorial: Dare to Dance to Benefit Emergency Housing

By Brittany Shaw, Pratt Home Builders New Home Matchmaker and Dare to Dance 2020 Castmember

It’s hard to believe Dare to Dance month has already come and gone! I’ve had a few weeks to reflect on this incredible event in this most unique of years. I can’t say enough about the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga as well as all the generous sponsors and donors who helped us fund Emergency Housing for the Kidney Foundation, despite whatever financial challenges they may have faced in 2020.

Editorial: Dare to Dance to Benefit Emergency Housinggmwebservices2020-10-31T23:12:48+00:00

Team Spotlight: Chris Scott, New Home Consultant

What’s your name and how long have you been with Pratt Home Builders?

My name is Chris Scott; I have worked for Pratt Home Builders for 4 months.

How long have you lived in Chattanooga?

I moved to Chattanooga in early 2008.

What’s your background in?

I spent a long time in the Restaurant & hospitality business from 2008-2020.

What inspired you to get into real estate?

I bartended a private real estate function late last year and after talking to so many realtors at the function; I thought it would be a great transition from the bar business.

What do you like best about working at Pratt Home Builders?

I would say all the team members I get to work with, the mentorship of my broker, and the wonderful buyers/prospective buyers I get to know.

What have been some of your favorite memories with the homebuyers you’ve worked with so far?

Its hard to pinpoint a favorite memory so far with home buyers. I have truly loved walking Cherrybark Lane with all the wonderful people who have chosen Creekside Hampton Meadows as their landing spot for their new home.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love getting out on the water, working on trying to learn how to fly a plane, and play golf occasionally.

What’s a quote that inspires you?

A quote I love is: “People don’t care what you know till they know that you care.”

What’s your favorite book or movie?

Favorite Movie: The Power of One

Is there anything else we should know about you?

Little Extra Info: Really like NBA Basketball. I used to work for the Memphis Grizzlies which is our pro basketball team in Memphis.

What are you looking forward to most about continuing to help homeowners find their future homes?

It is so rewarding to help individuals from all over and all walks of life find & build their perfect home. The friendships that come out of this are absolutely great.

Team Spotlight: Chris Scott, New Home Consultantgmwebservices2020-09-01T17:45:58+00:00

Featured Community Video: Engel Park

Our newest East Brainerd community is well underway in the first phase. As you can see in the video, it’s easy to go wherever you need to be! Minutes from the Interstate, whether you need to get to Nashville, Knoxville or Altanta, or simply go downtown or to Hixson from this new construction community.

Featured Community Video: Engel Parkgmwebservices2020-07-25T14:13:52+00:00

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