10 minutes with… Klemm Homes director Troy Klemm
Troy Klemm is the director of Klemm Homes – a leading SA homebuilder and BDO Fast Movers SA finalist. Business Insight spoke to Troy about industry challenges and the firm’s new HQ.
How did you get into home building?
I’ve been in construction my whole career, over 25 years now. Straight out of school I completed a Bachelor of Construction Management and Economics, and I’ve worked with both small builders and large commercial firms. My strength has always been in managing and coordinating projects, bringing all the moving parts together to deliver a home. What I enjoy most is the complexity of high-end residential construction and the fact that no two builds are ever the same. That challenge, and the opportunity to create something unique for each client, is what inspires Carmel and I to keep growing our business, doing things our way, with more care, better communication and real pride in what we deliver.
What sets Klemm Homes apart from the rest?
We’re a true boutique builder. We only take on a limited number of homes each year, which means clients get our full attention. I’m involved in every build, and Carmel, who’s an interior architect, leads the design side. We work as a team, and our clients deal with us, the directors, from day one. We also work with the same tight-knit group of trades on every job. They know our expectations, and we treat them like family. That consistency really shows in the end result.
What are some trends you’re seeing in home building and are you leaning in or blazing your own trail?
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There’s definitely more awareness around energy efficiency and sustainability. Clients are thinking long term. How their homes perform, not just how they look. We’re not interested in following trends for the sake of it though. Our homes are designed to suit the people who live in them, and we’re always open to trying something different if it makes sense. We’ve even used passive house techniques on our own home, and we love helping clients explore new ideas that push the envelope.
What challenges does your sector face and how are you working to overcome those issues?
Trust continues to be one of the biggest challenges in residential construction. There’s still a lot of hesitation in the market where clients often come to us after hearing or experiencing negative stories elsewhere. From the beginning, we’ve made it our priority to build trust through transparency, consistency and genuine care. We’re proud that many of our clients build with us more than once, and the relationships often grow beyond the build itself. We’ve been invited to clients’ milestone birthdays, our kids play together – it moves from client-builder to real friendship. That level of trust doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s the foundation of how we operate and why people continue to come back to us.
You’re about to expand your HQ – tell me about those plans?
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Yes, our new headquarters in Cumberland Park officially opens on August 22. The space is nearly double the size of our current office and gives us room to grow while staying closely connected as a team. It also reflects the direction we’re heading. More considered, more client-focused, and purpose-built for the way we work. The new HQ will feature a boutique selections studio designed by Stefan Vignogna, new offices for our expanding team, and an upstairs lounge designed to foster genuine connection and collaboration with our clients.
Will it change the kinds of services you can give clients?
Absolutely. The new space includes a dedicated client area, making the entire process — from initial consults to design selections — more immersive and personalised. It’s all about improving the experience and giving clients the time, space and support to make confident decisions.
Will it change the client base too?
We’re already working with more design-focused clients who want a custom home tailored to their lifestyle. The new HQ will help us continue attracting those types of projects. But our values stay the same — high quality, low volume, and a hands-on approach.
You were recently named in the BDO Fast Movers SA awards – how did that feel?
It was a really proud moment for us and the team. Growth isn’t our main focus, quality is, but being recognised as one of SA’s fastest-growing businesses showed that staying true to our values and focusing on people pays off. It was great recognition for our staff, trades, and suppliers who’ve all contributed to what Klemm Homes has become.
What’s next for Klemm Homes?
The rebrand and HQ expansion are big steps, and they reflect a clearer, more refined direction for us. But the goal remains the same — to build beautiful, custom homes that people love living in. We’ll keep doing that, one project at a time, with the same care and pride that’s got us here.
