By: Matt Emma
Michele Cervantez of Shea Homes Shares Insights on the Future of Residential Design.
Today’s homebuyers are looking for more than beautiful finishes – they want homes that support the way they live, work, gather, and grow. From flexible floorplans and multigenerational living to personalized design choices and technology integration, today’s new homes are expected to adapt to changing lifestyles while maintaining timeless appeal.
Few professionals understand this evolution better than Michele Cervantez, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes Northern California.
With more than two decades of experience in California homebuilding, Cervantez has built a career that blends residential sales, marketing, interior design, and model home merchandising. Her unique perspective allows her to understand not only what buyers are looking for today, but also how thoughtful design influences long-term satisfaction and everyday living.
“People want homes that work beautifully for their lives today while remaining functional for years to come,” says Cervantez. “The most successful designs aren’t simply following trends; they’re creating spaces that feel comfortable, adaptable, and timeless.”
At Shea Homes, that philosophy guides every stage of the homebuilding process. As one of the nation’s largest privately owned homebuilders, the company has the flexibility to tailor communities and floorplans to the needs of each market rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
“Our ability to thoughtfully design for each community allows us to respond to how people actually live,” Cervantez explains. “Whether we’re creating an urban condominium, a family neighborhood, or an active adult community, we focus on delivering homes that are both beautiful and highly livable.”
Among today’s most requested design features are open-concept gathering spaces, flexible rooms that can serve multiple purposes, generous storage, integrated technology, and layouts that accommodate multigenerational households. Rather than emphasizing short-lived design trends, Shea Homes prioritizes lasting functionality and enduring style.
The design process also considers how daily routines may shift over time. A room used as a home office today might later become a nursery, guest room, or hobby space. By planning for these transitions, builders can give homeowners greater flexibility without requiring major structural changes as their households and priorities develop.
Personalization also plays an increasingly important role in the homebuying experience. Through Shea Homes’ Design Studio, buyers have the opportunity to select finishes and features that reflect their individual tastes, from cabinetry, flooring, and countertops to lighting, paint colors, and decorative details, creating a home that feels uniquely their own.
Understanding regional preferences is another key component of Shea Homes’ success throughout Northern California. The company develops communities that serve buyers at every stage of life.
Communities such as Orchard Grove in Brentwood offer spacious homes with flexible living areas for growing families, while Serenity in Livermore provides opportunities for first-time homebuyers seeking quality construction and modern design. Along California’s Central Coast, Rooftops at The Dunes appeals to empty nesters and second-home buyers looking for low-maintenance living paired with thoughtful architecture and exceptional community amenities.
That commitment to quality has earned Shea Homes significant industry recognition, including Community of the Year honors for both Orchard Grove and Serenity, as well as Builder of the Year recognition from the Building Industry Association Bay Area MAME Awards.
Beyond awards, Cervantez believes lasting value comes from building homes that continue to meet homeowners’ needs as life evolves.
“A well-designed home supports everyday living in ways homeowners appreciate for years,” she says. “Our goal is to create communities where people don’t simply buy a house; they find a place that truly feels like home.”
As California’s housing market continues to evolve, Cervantez sees thoughtful design, personalization, and adaptability remaining at the forefront of what buyers value most. For Shea Homes, these principles continue to shape communities that combine beauty, functionality, and lasting quality throughout Northern California.
