Photos: CimaDelMundo
Decades ago, after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo I moved North to San Francisco with the goal of breaking into the advertising world. The foot in the door was internship through the American Association of Ad Agencies which at least was a start—and it covered the rent. One night a couple months into my new life I was surprised to run into a childhood friend and neighbor, Jordan, in a Clement Street pizza restaurant. This was in the pre-cell-phone world (pre-Internet, too), so we exchanged phone numbers to stay in touch. Jordan warned me that when I called, the phone would probably be answered by someone saying, ‘Big Man Inn.’
The Big Man was Tad Buchanan, whom Jordan and I had known since elementary school. Tad has built a successful career doing big projects—golf resort big: eighteen holes, tennis courts, dining, spa, fitness center, and more. Likewise in real estate; not just luxury homes but thousand-plus acre tracts. Recently, I reconnected with Tad when I stumbled on a social media post announcing the launch of Buchanan the Builder: luxury home building in the Santa Barbara, California market.
Bill: Let’s talk about what’s led up to Buchanan the Builder and the value you’re bringing to your clients.
Tad: After my time at Harvard Business School, I ventured into real estate but remained a tournament golfer. Early in my career, I shifted to golf course design and development, leading to some exciting projects.
Bill: I remember you as being an exceptional golfer, #1 on the Stanford Golf team I recall. Tell me about your work as a developer in the golf world. Was that everything from the layout of the 18 holes to the clubhouse and spa?
Tad: Absolutely—each project varied. It’s akin to constructing luxury homes but on a grander scale. We assembled teams for layout, landscaping and water management, along with designing and building related facilities. Managing a golf club project spanning over 200 acres was no small feat, often involving years of planning and permitting. It was an exhilarating journey, developing courses that made the U.S. top 100, such as Estancia in Scottsdale, Arizona. That was a true labor of love that has won numerous awards. In addition, I built CordeValle Golf Club in San Jose which hosted the Women’s U.S. Open in 2019.
Bill: And then at some point you pivoted to real estate and home building.
Tad: Golf course development entailed extensive travel. When my wife and I decided to start a family, we transitioned to home building in Santa Barbara. Since moving here in 2000, I focused on home and land projects, negotiating significant land sales and building homes simultaneously. At heart, I’m a developer, and home building is an integral part of that.
Bill: Tell me about the homes.
Tad: I’m concentrating on a select number of high-end properties. One is a $40 million house in Summerland, complete with a state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system. I’m overseeing the entire development for a professional athlete. Additionally, there’s a 6,500 square-foot remodel in Montecito, boasting stunning views of the Pacific. After years in the Santa Barbara market, I’ve curated a robust team of designers, contractors, landscape architects, and technologists to ensure we assemble the right talent based on each project’s needs.
The luxury market here experiences significant relocation trends. I guide each project from site selection to move-in, which is vital for newcomers without local connections, creating tailored opportunities for every client. Each site has its challenges, and our team is dedicated to maximizing the owner’s lifestyle.
Bill: Let’s take the architect who will design or redesign the house. How are you working with that person to guide your vision and the client’s vision?
Tad: I work directly with both the designer and homeowner to clarify their objectives, what daily experiences they desire in their home. We maintain that focus in all meetings and calls. Keeping the project within budget is crucial; surprises are unwelcome, regardless of project size. My role entails ensuring clear communication with architects and contractors to prevent unforeseen costs.
Bill: Walk me through that. I can imagine the client has a certain vision, but maybe it is not fully defined. The designer and architect try to understand that vision and design accordingly. Then the contractor says, well, that’s going to be $3 million over your budget. In your role you’re positioned to say, ‘let’s do this instead.’
Tad: Indeed, but we prevent budget overruns by building strong teamwork from the outset. As long as clients stick to their plans, we can maintain the budget. Changes mid-project can introduce new costs, altering both the budget and timeline. We plan meticulously from the start, addressing unforeseen challenges as they arise, making necessary adjustments during the project.
Bill: You mentioned the Lutron system going into the Summerland house. Tell me about how you work with technology integrators.
Tad: I oversee the overall process without delving into technological details. I’m a generalist, facilitating the inclusion of specialists to handle intricate technical work. The lighting system’s design and implementation, in this case, are managed by our subcontractor, aligned with the client’s desires and the designer’s plan. My background has given me valuable insight into site orientation, shading, lighting and outdoor entertainment. Montecito, known for its expansive estates, requires a thoughtful outdoor plan. Essential elements include landscape design, irrigation, lighting, entertainment areas and more. Think pools, spas and outdoor kitchens. A project like Cima del Mundo in Montecito serves as a great reference point.
Bill: Given your geography, are there any design choices or vegetation selections aimed at fire hazard mitigation, especially during Santa Barbara’s Sundowner winds?
Tad: Absolutely, this a very big issue in this part of California. The area is prone to both fire and flood. For effective mitigation it’s all about the choice of vegetation and keeping it clear of the home structures. We like to surround the perimeter with irrigated avocado trees, which are reasonably fire-resistant. Avocado does well in this area; there are lots of commercial orchards. Avocado leaves and wood contain a high amount of moisture, which helps slow the spread of flames and makes them harder to ignite. Although fast-moving fires can scorch or damage them, the trees can function as a slow-burning barrier that helps protect nearby areas and structures.
Bill: Are there particular trees to stay away from?
Tad: The worst offenders are palm and eucalyptus, especially eucalyptus. It’s not native to California but was introduced in the 19th century. Eucalyptus significantly exacerbates wildfire risks due to highly flammable oil, shedding bark, and large accumulation of dry litter. We make sure to remove them from any property we work on.
But fires happen, so in addition to establishing the defensible perimeter, we generally add water tanks for activation during a fire. Tanks range from 25,000 to over 90,000 gallons, paired with a fire pump, ideally with a minimum of 20 PSI or greater pressure. The goal is to deliver dedicated, on-site water for sprinkler systems or even for fire department use.
Bill: Let’s step inside. What are clients asking for?
Tad: Each client is distinct, but common themes include spaces for entertainment and family interactions. Privacy and security are vital and home theater experiences should allow families to enjoy movies without worrying about outside security.
Bill: Is the home theater a key component in the entertainment?
Tad: Definitely. With ample space, a dedicated home theater equipped with surround sound creates an immersive experience, especially with new micro-LED video wall technology. More casual viewing often occurs in family rooms or even outdoors.
Bill: Let’s circle back to golf. Is the golf simulator something that many of your clients are asking for?
Tad: Yes, it’s becoming a common request, and there is some great new technology making it possible. In the Montecito remodel, we have a place for the Trackman iO system.
Bill: Tad, thanks for sharing your story with us. Let’s wrap it up with this: As a developer, what are you looking for in a technology integrator?
Tad: Given my background, I desire technology integration that is straightforward and easy for the homeowner to grasp. Ideally, it should be simple to update as well. Each client brings unique needs, so asking insightful questions helps determine how technology enhances their desired lifestyle within the overall home.
