Panterra Homes, with Jeff Payne at the helm, was the clear choice to receive the Central Oregon Builders Association Builder of the Year Excellence Award for 2017.

Each year, COBA members nominate companies they feel are fitting and deserving to receive the prestigious award. Nominees are voted for by COBA members, whose votes are based on multiple factors, including industry accomplishments and civic activities plus involvement with the association and membership activities.

“Jeff Payne did a great job representing the association by giving his time and energy to serve COBA members,” said Tim Knopp, executive vice president of COBA. “He pursued a key issue to COBA members and the community, which is lack of labor force in Central Oregon. He helped make great progress and brought some great awareness on that issue.”

A third-generation Oregonian, Payne’s real estate career began in 1981 in Portland. At the time, he specialized in subdividing, remodeling rental homes and building new entry level homes. Payne and his family moved to Bend in 2000. Since that time, Panterra Homes has concentrated on custom homes, accessible housing and occasional remodels.

Panterra Homes earned its Green Building certification as well. Green building begins with the home layout by taking advantage of orientation of sun or shade for a more energy-efficient home. This type of building also minimizes waste and uses products that last longer and are sensitive to the environment.

Payne served as the president of COBA during 2017 and took a break from the home building business last year to concentrate on that role. He is now ready to focus on efforts to build mixed use and high density living—the new wave of housing encouraged by the City of Bend.

Panterra’s current development is located off Chandler Avenue and will include retail space and 11 condominiums. Like all Panterra Homes (pan meaning wide and terra another word for earth), this project will be customized and offer universal design, also called aging in place.

Payne, a certified Universal Design builder since 2008, explained that Universal Design means building an obstacle-free home that is accessible to people of all abilities. It provides the greatest amount of access to the greatest number of people. Features that help eliminate barriers might include zero-step entrance (easier entry for baby strollers, wheelchairs, children and the elderly), wider doorways and hallways, carpet-free flooring, turnaround room in the bathroom and lever handles on doors.

Because Panterra Homes isn’t a production builder, Payne is able to make himself available at the home sites and via phone to answer any questions or concerns. Payne prides himself on being the best value contractor, not the lowest price contractor. Payne knows the home buying process isn’t just about the actual construction, but includes budgeting, timing, determining features, landscaping and planning for future needs, including aging in place.

“Seeing a home from conception to completion is so satisfying,” said Payne. “The best part of my job is working with the home buyer to find out what is important to them right now and years down the road.”

In addition to serving as the 2017 COBA president, Payne has served on several boards and commissions, including the Oregon Building Codes Board, Bend Accessibility Advisory Committee, Energy Trust of Oregon and the City of Bend Planning Commission. In 2016, Panterra Homes was awarded COBA’s Remodeler of the Year award. This past year in particular, Payne has been involved with Bend Chamber’s Youth Career Connect, plus working with the Bend La Pine Schools and other builders to encourage and recruit students into the building trades.

An advocate for affordable housing, Payne gives back to his community with his involvement in Habitat for Humanity and assisting with the current expansion of Bethlehem Inn.

He also speaks to other builders on the subject of universal design.

Without hesitation, Payne’s recommendation to home builders in the area is to join COBA.

“It’s such a tight-knit, professional organization. Instead of being competitors, we seek each other out for advice. I’m proud to have served this past year as president and to be a COBA member,” said Payne.