From Vision to Home
A personal approach to creating homes made to last.
East Tennessee Builder
Building a custom home starts with a vision. Turning that vision into reality takes a builder who listens, collaborates and stays committed to the details from the first conversation to the moment the keys are handed over.
At East Tennessee Builder, that relationship is fundamental to the way the company works. Its philosophy is built around integrity, quality craftsmanship, collaboration, innovation and sustainability. And the belief that exceptional construction begins with exceptional relationships.
Experience from More Than One Perspective
President and Principal Builder Jamie Smith has been in real estate since 2008, with experience encompassing new construction, investment and development. “Over the years, I found myself getting more involved in the building side; looking at plans, figuring out how a house should live, what buyers actually wanted, and what would make a property better,” Jamie says. “Eventually, it just made sense to take that experience and build the kind of homes I believed people were looking for.”
Dual Perspectives for a More Desirable Outcome
Together with Design and Selections Director Johnna Smith, the pair bring complementary perspectives to every project. “I’m looking at the floor plan, how rooms connect, where people gather, storage, traffic flow, outdoor living, and the features I think a home really needs,” says Jamie. “Johnna then brings the design perspective, helping clients select finishes, materials and colors while ensuring the home reflects their individual style.”
This collaboration will be on display at this year’s Parade of Homes, where Jamie is presenting 2228 Black Bear Circle in Tennessee National. “I’m really excited, as this year we’re presenting a villa. Designed by renowned local architect Gary Best, this is one of the smaller homes we’ve presented. For that reason, thoughtful design and function become even more important. It’s truly designed for the Tennessee National lifestyle, with every space used well, and with the right features in the right places.”
Greater Resources, Same Personal Approach
In 2024, the company was acquired by Southern Horizon Construction, bringing additional resources, advanced design technology, and improved project-management tools. The emphasis, however, remains the same; a focus on quality craftsmanship, customer satisfaction, and personalized service.
Our job is to listen, ask the right questions, and then help turn that into something we can actually build. — Jamie Smith, President & Principal Builder
That combination gives clients the advantages of greater capabilities without sacrificing the personal relationship at the heart of custom homebuilding. As Jamie explains: “Some clients arrive knowing every detail; others simply explain how they live and ask the team for guidance. Our job is to listen, ask the right questions, and then help turn that into something we can actually build.”
The Measure of Success
“I think East Tennessee is in a really interesting period right now,” says Jamie. “We have people who have lived here their entire lives alongside people moving here from all over the country, and that is changing what people expect from new construction. I don’t want to lose what makes this area special.
For us, the goal is pretty simple: keep building a great small team, take care of our clients, keep improving our craft, and build homes we’re proud to put our name on. If we’re fortunate enough that someone is still enjoying one of our homes 20 or 30 years from now and it still looks good, functions well, and feels like home, that’s a pretty good measure of success to me.”
Contact
East Tennessee Builder
11400 Parkside Drive, Suite 130
Knoxville, TN 37934
