About Next Horizon Homes

For over 22 years, Next Horizon Homes has helped clients in the Lake Norman area create custom homes, transformative renovations, and development opportunities with a process built on craftsmanship, communication, and care.

Who We Are

A Local Builder Focused on Lasting Value

 As an active member of the Lake Norman community for over 22 years, Next Horizon Homes understands the unique opportunities and character of this area. Our team guides clients through a streamlined process using proven expertise, supported by our in-house drywall and painting division and long-standing relationships with trusted trade partners who share our commitment to quality.

We bring a thoughtful, hands-on perspective to every project, whether it is a custom home, renovation, or development opportunity. Our no-surprises approach means you can expect regular updates, clear communication, and a team that treats your project with the same care and attention we would give our own.

ABOUT MATT PHILLIPS

Leadership Built on Trust, Experience, and Relationships

For more than two decades, Matt Phillips has helped families throughout the Lake Norman area bring their homes and ideas to life. As the founder of Next Horizon Homes, he has built the company around honesty, communication, quality craftsmanship, and treating clients like family.

Before entering the construction industry, Matt served four years in the military as a flight paramedic, where he developed the discipline, attention to detail, and calm-under-pressure mindset that still guides his work today.

Over the past 22 years, Matt has built strong roots in the Lake Norman community through lasting relationships with homeowners, trade partners, and local families. Clients appreciate his hands-on approach, clear communication, and ability to make the building and renovation process feel approachable and organized.

Whether leading a custom home build, renovation, or development project, Matt’s focus remains the same: helping clients make confident decisions and creating spaces that feel like home for years to come.

ABOUT MATT PHILLIPS

Leadership Shaped by Precision, Service, and Experience

 For over two decades, Next Horizon Homes has been building trust and delivering excellence in the Lake Norman area under the leadership of founder Matt Phillips. His unique blend of military precision and entrepreneurial vision has helped shape a company culture grounded in integrity, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional client care.

As a former flight paramedic in the military for four years, Matt developed a disciplined approach to detail, urgency, and communication that translates naturally into project management and client service. After transitioning to civilian life, he spent the next 22 years building strong roots in the Lake Norman community, from coaching youth sports to developing trusted relationships with the area’s finest craftsmen and trade partners.

Today, Matt’s hands-on construction experience, combined with his background managing multiple successful companies, helps guide clients with confidence from land evaluation to final touches. Whether the project is a custom home, renovation, or development opportunity, his focus remains the same: helping clients make smart decisions and achieve lasting value.

Our 7-Step Process

Step 1: Share Your Vision With Us

Every great project starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, design preferences, and long-term vision for your home. Whether you’re building a custom home or transforming your existing space, this initial consultation helps us align your ideas with a realistic plan and budget.

Step 2: Design & Discovery Phase

This is where your vision begins to take shape. During our structured Design & Discovery phase, we collaborate on layouts, selections, functionality, and overall project planning. We evaluate the details that matter most — from architectural concepts and finishes to timelines and investment expectations — ensuring the project is thoughtfully planned before construction begins.

Step 3: Sign Construction Agreement

Once the design, scope, and project details are finalized, we prepare a clear construction agreement outlining the work, timeline, and project expectations. Our goal is to provide transparency and confidence before construction officially begins, so you know exactly what to expect moving forward.

Step 4: We Secure Permits & Approvals

Our team handles the coordination of permits, approvals, and required documentation to help keep your project moving smoothly. We work closely with local municipalities, inspectors, and trade partners to ensure all work is properly approved and compliant before construction starts.

Step 5: Build

With planning complete, construction begins. Throughout the build process, we maintain consistent communication, provide progress updates, and oversee every phase with attention to craftsmanship and detail. From site preparation to final finishes, our team is committed to delivering a smooth experience and exceptional results.

Step 6: Certificate of Occupancy & Final Walkthrough

Before project completion, we conduct detailed inspections and walkthroughs to ensure every element meets our quality standards. We review the finished space with you, answer questions, provide warranty information, and make sure you feel confident and excited about your new home or renovation.

Step 7: Celebrate New Beginnings

The final step is our favorite — welcoming you home. Whether it’s a custom home, renovation, or transformed living space, we believe every project marks the beginning of a new chapter. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with our clients and remain a trusted resource long after the project is complete.

Our Team

Meet the People Behind the Process

Our team brings together leadership, design, project management, operations, and support to help every project move forward with clarity and care. From early planning through final completion, each member of Next Horizon Homes plays an important role in delivering a better client experience.

Matt Phillips

Owner & Builder

Matt sets the company’s strategy and vision while ensuring each project meets the highest standards of quality.

Jim MacDonald

VP of Client Concierge

Jim ensures homeowners have a smooth and positive experience from start to finish.

Kathryn Arthur

VP of Operations

Kathryn oversees operations to keep projects organized and on schedule.

Chelsea Mills

Selections & Procurement

Chelsea coordinates materials and vendors to keep projects supplied and on schedule.

Todd Crane

Construction Superintendent

Todd manages new home construction to ensure quality and timely completion.

Brandon Evans

Assistant Superintendent

Brandon supports job site coordination and assists with daily construction operations.

Tara Setzer

Designer

Tara guides homeowners through design selections that balance style and function.

Kharla Dayrit

Architect

Kharla prepares floor plans, elevations, and assists with estimating.

Justin Bosley

Finance Manager

Justin oversees budgets, financial tracking, and company finances.

Joseph Gavine

Marketing

Joseph manages marketing and branding to connect future homeowners with Next Horizon Homes.

Matt Phillips

Chief Executive Officer, Sales & Estimating

Jim MacDonald

VP of Operations

Mike Palmer

Director of Construction

Kim Jones

Job Coordinator

Jo-Ann Ramey

Finance

Chelsea Mills

Market Assistant

Brandon Evans

Project Manager

Todd Crane

Superintendent

Joseph Gavine

Marketing Assistant

Tara Setzer

Designer

Mandy Phythian

Designer

Kharla Dayrit

Blueprint & Estimating Architect

Mariel Edubos

Admin, Materials & Permits, Job Costing, HR Functions

Our Core Values

The Principles Behind Every Project

Rooted in Community

As a local builder, we invest in the neighborhoods we build in and care about our long-term impact.

Design Build Guidance

From layout ideas to finishes and functionality, we help guide your project with design insight and practical planning from the beginning.

Accountability at Every Level

We own the process from design to delivery and hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standard.

Forward Momentum

We constantly seek better ways to serve, grow, and improve, from adopting better technology to refining our systems.

Trust

We build lasting trust with clients, partners, and each other through honesty, reliability, and consistent follow-through.

MISSION AND VISION

Built Around Relationships, Craftsmanship, and Long-Term Value

Our Mission

We build more than homes. We build lasting relationships through careful listening, precise execution, and spaces our clients are proud to live in, invest in, and share.

Our Vision

We create custom homes, thoughtful renovations, and purpose-driven communities shaped by craftsmanship, client experience, and long-term value.

VISIT OUR DESIGN CENTER

Distinctive Design and Development in the Lake Norman Area

Next Horizon Homes proudly builds throughout and near the Lake Norman area, serving communities including Denver, Iron Station, Maiden, Lincolnton, and Sherrills Ford. We focus on custom home building, renovations, and land development throughout this growing region of North Carolina, with experience in both waterfront and inland properties.

Design Center

7680 Townsend Dr. Denver NC. 28037

(704) 966-0510

License

NC GC LICENSE #82063

READY TO START THE CONVERSATION?

Let’s Talk About What You Want to Build

Whether you are considering a custom home, renovation project, or development opportunity, Next Horizon Homes is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We would love to learn more about your goals and show you what is possible through a complimentary initial consultation.

READY TO START THE CONVERSATION?

Let’s Talk About What You Want to Build

Whether you are considering a custom home, renovation project, or development opportunity, Next Horizon Homes is here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. We would love to learn more about your goals and show you what is possible through a complimentary initial consultation.

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