Tinker Development doesn’t chase records. They set them.
In Paradise Valley, where luxury is no longer defined by square footage alone, Tinker Development has built its reputation by operating at a level where discipline, restraint, and execution matter more than spectacle. Their homes are not designed to shout. They’re designed to endure. And when they take on a project, the market pays attention.
Project Homestead is the clearest example yet.
A record-breaking sale. An ambitious residential build in Paradise Valley. A home that didn’t just raise the bar, but moved it.
This is the story of Project Homestead… a story that begins with the land.
“With a property like this, orientation was everything,” says Erik Tinker, Founder of Tinker Development. “You let the mountain lead.”
Nearly two acres in length, long and east-facing, with unobstructed views of Camelback Mountain, the lot dictated the vision before a single line was drawn.
“Working closely with architect Jim Blochberger, our team positioned the home to fully capture Camelback as the anchor of the experience,” says Erik.
A long, private driveway stretches nearly the entire length of the property, intentionally slowing the arrival and creating anticipation. The experience culminates at the front entry and great room, where the mountain becomes the focal point, framed with precision and restraint.
“We leaned into a true compound-style layout, layering mature trees, dense landscaping, and custom gates to create privacy without sacrificing scale or presence.”
That decision shaped everything that followed.
Project Homestead ultimately became the largest home Tinker Development has ever built. Realtors Jennifer Burgess and Siena Koppelman of RETSY | Forbes Global Properties held the listing.
“Knowing Homestead was the biggest project Tinker Development has done to date made this property even more meaningful for us, " says Jennifer.
Jennifer and Siena worked in collaboration with Katrina Barrett, owner of Local Luxury | Christie's International Real Estate.
“Collaborative listings can be unorthodox,” continues Jennifer. “I’m sure it raised some eyebrows amongst our peers, as co-brokered listings are not common in Arizona.”
However, this collaboration led to an unprecedented sale.
“It was a remarkable endeavor on many fronts, as far as listing a custom spec build. The sale price set a record for that part of Paradise Valley at $16,500,000, and that’s something we’re all incredibly proud of. We’re excited to see the bar set even higher for luxury builders, and we’re thrilled for what this means for the next phase of Tinker Development.”
However, the scope didn’t change Tinker’s philosophy.
“While it’s the largest home we’ve built to date, it didn’t change our approach. We relied on the same proven systems and processes that guide every project. The only variable was scale, which extended the timeline.”
That discipline lives in predevelopment. Forecasting. Scheduling. Planning well before construction begins. It’s what allows the team to manage complexity without compromising quality, even on a project of this magnitude.
What did challenge the team was the land itself.
The volume of natural desert rock that required excavation, grading, and removal was substantial and highly demanding. As any Paradise Valley builder knows, no two lots are the same, and every excavation brings surprises.
“Grading lots in PV is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”
That unpredictability made precision non-negotiable across every phase of the build. Nowhere was that more evident than in one of the home’s most defining architectural moments.
A massive custom steel skylight was introduced above the kitchen after the initial design phase. Fabricated entirely offsite, it required exact structural tolerances and flawless coordination. There would be no opportunity to adjust once it arrived.
“We knew it would be a challenge, but the execution was seamless.”
Today, the skylight is one of the most talked-about features of the home, admired by everyone who toured the property for both its scale and its restraint.
Inside, Project Homestead defies expectations. Despite its size, the home feels warm, comfortable, and genuinely livable.
“Interior designer Britany Simon elevated the project with a refined mix of wood and metal finishes, bringing personality and elegance to every space,” says Ryan Nelson, Managing Partner of Tinker Development.
While built as a spec home, Project Homestead carries a level of character and intention rarely seen at this scale. Amenities include a wine room, wellness center, pickleball pavilion, and a twelve-car, climate-controlled garage designed for serious car collectors.
“With Project Homestead, we intentionally designed for both the serious car collector through an elevated garage experience, and for those who value refined privacy through a thoughtfully composed compound layout," says Erik.
What the home required most was focus.
“We’re most proud of the level of attention poured into this build. Every partner involved showed up at the top of their game. No detail, big or small, was left to chance. Our reputation is built on more than relationships. It’s built on the quality of what we deliver.”
That mindset continues to influence how the team approaches future projects.
“Homes in PV continue to grow in scale and technical complexity, and we take pride in staying ahead of the curve, from construction methods to emerging design and technology trends.”
And then there’s the side of the story that never shows up in floor plans or listing descriptions.
“One thing is always consistent… we have fun along the way.”
Project Homestead became the backdrop for more than a few legendary moments.
Once the sportcourt was complete, WNBA star Sophie Cunningham stopped by and jumped into a one-on-one game with Hugo, the landscaper, to test the basketball hoop. Hugo gave it everything he had. The outcome was never going to end well.
“Jennifer Burgess was famously shotcreted for littering on site, purely for morale. After purchasing the property, the original owners generously gifted our team a few motorcycles, briefly turning the lot into an off-road testing ground. During framing, Tinker’s Ryan Nelson nearly took me out with a malfunctioning drone in what can only be described as an aggressive learning moment.”
Not to mention Katrina Barrett, recognized as Arizona's #1 realtor, helping execute Erik’s annual birthday prank, which escalated to include a live snake in the garage.
“At the end of the day, we take the work seriously… but not ourselves. Those moments, memories, and shared laughs are part of what makes every project special.”
Project Homestead stands now as a defining moment for Paradise Valley. A record-breaking sale backed by an uncompromising build. A home that reset expectations not through flash, but through execution.
For Tinker Development, it’s not an outlier. It’s the standard.
tinkerdevelopment.com