In the heart of Greater Cincinnati, the Home Builders Association (HBA) is weaving together a vibrant tapestry of industry expertise, community spirit, and aspirational design through its annual HOMEARAMA showcase. Under the leadership of Executive Director Carmen Hickerson, who stepped into the role in late October 2024, the HBA of Greater Cincinnati continues to evolve its mission—serving as both a trusted resource and influential advocate for residential construction.
Despite being a more compact organization, the HBA’s impact spans widely. Backed by a dedicated executive committee, the HBA is home to more than 425 members—builders, remodelers, and the behind-the-scenes experts who make every home happen, from architects and engineers to flooring specialists and trusted subcontractors. It’s a community built on collaboration, care, and shared craft. “We like to say it’s where the best in the business call home,” Hickerson shares, highlighting the value of HBA membership through advocacy, networking events, and visibility in both online and printed directories.
From hosting builder breakfasts to economic forecasts and award ceremonies, HBA events foster the relationships that shape the building landscape. At the heart of these efforts lies HOMEARAMA—a cornerstone experience that brings innovation, elegance, and inspiration to life.
This year’s HOMEARAMA is shifting from rural areas to urban energy in Cincinnati’s lively Oakley neighborhood. The homes, reaching impressive three and four-story heights, feature rooftop decks, outdoor spaces, elevators, and are LEED certified. Designed with connectivity and convenience in mind, they reflect the desires of younger couples and families seeking walkability, access to shopping and dining, and proximity to the heart of the city.
Each home is priced between $1.4 and $1.7 million and offers a distinct aesthetic. From sleek modernism to classic traditional charm, they're put together by top-tier designers. Inside, visitors will discover the latest trends: smart home systems controlled by mobile devices, pet-friendly luxury vinyl flooring, and even unexpected gems like a golf simulator tucked in one home’s basement.
“We really see this as an opportunity for our builders to showcase a different style,” Hickerson notes. “I think It’s really going to be popular."
HOMEARAMA isn’t just about grandeur—it’s about inspiration. While the homes featured may lean toward aspirational luxury, the event is designed to spark ideas and help visitors imagine possibilities for their own spaces. “It’s a place to get ideas,” Hickerson explains, “and then you work with your own builder to figure out what’s attainable for you.”
This inspiration makes HOMEARAMA approachable to a wide audience. Vendors and designers offer products at various price points, creating an experience that leaves attendees wowed and empowered with practical knowledge. It’s also a reminder to trust expert builders during the construction process—balancing wishlists with budget-conscious decisions.
The collaboration behind HOMEARAMA is a testament to teamwork. From builder meetings held throughout the year to partnerships with designers and community stakeholders, the process is ongoing and dynamic. As Hickerson describes, “It really does take a village… just last week we had a two-hour meeting about scanning tickets.” Every element—from alcohol and parking permits to event layouts—is carefully orchestrated to ensure a smooth experience.
Today’s buyers crave homes that reflect their lifestyles and values. The Oakley homes face an inner courtyard with green space, bringing nature into the city. “People want more house and less lot,” Hickerson says, citing trends in connectivity and outdoor living. Rooftop decks, balconies, and porches cater to the desire for entertaining, while innovative flooring and smart technologies add function and flair.
HOMEARAMA also serves as the community's pulse—showing how homeowners are choosing neighborhood-centric, high-density living without sacrificing amenities. The development balances charm with practicality, a key theme in modern home design.
With tickets priced at $22 at the gate and $20 online, HOMEARAMA offers entertainment and insight at a great value. Each day includes special events—boutique nights, car shows, meet-and-greets with artists and designers, and live music at the pavilion complete with food vendors and a bar.
While it’s not part of HOMEARAMA itself, car condominiums will be at the end of the street, featuring climate-controlled garages for vintage and collector cars—another glimpse into niche design trends that expand the definition of “home.”
The HBA’s influence reaches across seven counties, representing the region’s top-tier builders. Through HOMEARAMA, the association showcases not just architectural excellence but the cultural force of home design. “We represent the majority of the people doing the majority of the work in this region,” Hickerson emphasizes. “It’s a showcase of what the HBA is all about.”
Visitors often fall into three categories—devoted HOMEARAMA followers, traditionalists who prefer country-style layouts, and newcomers drawn by Oakley’s urban charm. This blend ensures a diverse audience and fresh energy each year.
When asked what “home” means personally, Hickerson reflects on its deeper significance. “It’s a reflection of your lifestyle, personality, and values… it creates generational wealth and stability. Homeownership is worth attaining.”
This vision aligns with HOMEARAMA’s core belief: that homebuilding is more than architectural excellence—it’s about cultivating connection. As Hickerson states, “I don’t think that there’s anything more integral to building community than building homes.” That philosophy is seen in every floorboard and fixture on display, underscoring the event’s purpose as both a design showcase and a cultural statement.
HOMEARAMA celebrates that aspiration, offering more than polished interiors and stylish patios. It’s a celebration of craft, community, and the promise of a place to belong—a showcase of dreams rooted in reality, brought to life by the region’s most passionate builders and designers.
“I don’t think that there’s anything more integral to building community than building homes.”