Article by Jennifer Miller | photos by Megan Fetters Creative

In a market where new construction often feels repetitive, True North Homes has quietly carved out a different path. Founded by Billings builder Steve and Wendi Baillie, the company focuses on thoughtfully designed homes that prioritize quality, character, and livability over volume. The result is a portfolio of houses that feel intentional and elevated, without losing sight of how people actually live in them.

“WE USE THE KINDS OF PRODUCTS YOU’D EXPECT TO SEE IN HOUSES TWICE THE SIZE, OUR GOAL IS TO ELEVATE THE EXPERIENCE WITHOUT OVERBUILDING.”

 -STEVE BAILLIE 

A BOUTIQUE APPROACH TO HOME BUILDING

From the beginning, True North Homes has operated as a small, boutique builder. Rather than producing a high volume of homes each year, Steve and Wendi take on a limited number of projects, allowing them to stay closely involved in every decision. That hands-on approach is most evident in the details.

Rather than prioritizing size for its own sake, True North focuses on thoughtful home design. What sets their homes apart is not size, but substance. Materials, finishes, and design elements more commonly found in much larger, upscale homes are thoughtfully integrated into a smaller footprint.

RETHINKING THE ROLE OF A SPEC HOME

That philosophy carries into their spec homes as well. For True North, a spec build is not a simplified version of their work. It is an opportunity to show what they do best. Steve approaches each spec home as if it were a custom project, selecting finishes and layouts that stand apart from the surrounding market. “Our intention is to build something unique, something outside of what you’ll find in the production neighborhoods.”

A THOUGHTFUL LOCATION AND A REFINED INTERIOR

The spec home currently on the market reflects that mindset. Located in a gated subdivision just minutes from schools, shopping, and downtown Billings, the home sits in a carefully curated neighborhood where only a select group of respected local builders are permitted to build. That exclusivity was a major draw for Steve.

“Your investment is protected,” he says. “You know the quality of the surrounding homes will match your own.”

Inside, the home feels layered and refined. Natural stone floors, custom cabinetry, and a lighting package that Steve describes as the house's "jewelry" elevate the interior beyond what is typical at this price point. Real alabaster light fixtures in the primary bathroom, limestone flooring, and carefully selected finishes create a sense of quiet luxury without feeling overdone.

A COLLABORATIVE DESIGN PROCESS

Design decisions at True North Homes are a collaborative effort between Steve and Wendi. Wendi leads interior design and selections, while Steve focuses on exterior architecture and structure, all with Wendi’s eye for design. Together, they balance aesthetics with function, informed by years of experience and frequent travel to larger markets.

“We spend time in other cities looking at what’s coming,” Steve says. “Billings tends to follow a few years behind, so we try to bring those ideas here in a way that makes sense for our homes.”

That forward-looking approach has guided many of their choices over the years, from roof designs to color palettes. While black-and-white exteriors are still common in Billings, True North has begun leaning into warmer, earth-toned materials that feel grounded and timeless.

LETTING CLIENTS LEAD THE WAY

For clients building a custom home, that same philosophy applies. Steve and Wendi see their roles as guides, not directors. While they always offer input, they are careful not to impose their preferences on clients.

“It’s their home,” Steve says. “They’re the ones who will live there. Our job is to help them make good decisions, not make the decisions for them.”

One piece of advice Steve offers to people building a new home is to take their time during the design and selection phase before construction begins. “When selections are done upfront, pricing is more accurate; timelines stay on track, and stress is reduced,” he says. “It takes patience, but it pays off.”

HOMES THAT FEEL RIGHT

At its core, True North Homes is built on intention. From how projects are selected to the materials used in each house, there is a clear commitment to doing things thoughtfully and well. In a fast-moving housing market, that level of care stands out.

For Steve and Wendi, success is not measured by how many homes they build each year, but by the quality of the spaces they create and the people who choose to live in them.

For more information about the spec home featured at 47 Black Canyon court  Click Here

Originally printed in the February 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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