NIE Custom Homes Build Management Team

With over 25 years of combined real estate and construction management experience, the North Idaho Experience (NIE) team manages your entire custom home build.

The Architects of Your North Idaho Legacy

At NIE Custom Homes, we believe building a luxury estate in the Pacific Northwest should be as breathtaking as the landscape itself. Based in Coeur d’Alene, our unified design-build firm was founded on a single, uncompromising principle: absolute transparency in high-end construction.

We are not just contractors; we are your dedicated owner’s representatives. Navigating Kootenai and Bonner County real estate, steep-slope engineering, and strict shoreline setbacks requires deep, hyper-local expertise. By keeping land acquisition, architectural drafting, and heavy construction under one roof, we eliminate the friction and costly delays that plague the traditional building industry.

Our reputation is built on our 100% Fixed-Price Promise. Whether you are developing a fully custom lakefront retreat or a pre-designed forested property, we fiercely guard your budget, timeline, and vision. Partner with NIE Custom Homes, and experience the premier standard of North Idaho craftsmanship.

Your Trusted North Idaho Build Team

YOUR NORTH IDAHO HOMEBUILDING PARTNER.

Jon Cantrell

- Owner -

Born and raised in Idaho, I come from a multigenerational construction family where craftsmanship, integrity, and hard work were more than just values — they were a way of life. After spending 20 years in Law Enforcement, including serving as a SWAT team member, I’ve returned to my roots with a clear mission: to carry on the legacy of quality construction and build homes that truly matter.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I learned how to connect with people from all walks of life. I also came to understand that a man’s word is his bond — and once broken, it can’t be repaired. That same principle now guides my work in the homebuilding industry. I approach every project with honesty, commitment, and a deep respect for my clients’ trust.

Spencer Mortensen

- Owner -

With sixteen years of experience in law enforcement in the Coeur d Alene area, in recent years, Spencer has transitioned into construction and manufacturing project management.

Spencer leads projects with a focus on seamless execution, cost control, and stakeholder alignment. His background includes five years of project management in custom home building, along with hands-on experience in CLT manufacturing and supervisory roles.

Spencer has recent experience with mass timber project management, bringing a detail-oriented approach to complex CLT and glulam structures.

Jay Pearson

- Draftsman -

I was born and raised in Alaska, where I developed a deep appreciation for rugged landscapes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and purposeful design. For the past 20 years, I’ve called the Inland Northwest home, drawing from its natural beauty, changing seasons, and unique way of life.

With more than 35 years of experience, I specialize in creating custom residential designs that are both distinctive and highly livable. I believe great design starts with clear, concise communication and a personal connection with each client.

Tracy

- Interior designer -

With over 25 years of experience, Tracy is an accomplished interior designer, decorator, and project manager known for bringing vision, organization, and heart to every project. She has a natural ability to listen closely, read people, and translate her clients’ needs and wants into thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect both style and purpose.

From initial concept to final details, Tracy is highly task-oriented and committed to achieving each client’s end goal. She oversees every phase of the process—coordinating and scheduling subcontractors, maintaining timelines, and ensuring exceptional quality throughout.

custom home process under one roof

With deep local expertise, a trusted network of architects and tradespeople, and a client-first approach, we guide you through every step of the custom home process from finding the perfect lot to handing you the keys.

Expert Land Acquisition & Vetting

Seamless Design & Architecture

Streamlined Permitting

Dedicated Project Management

Fierce Buyer Advocacy

NIE Custom Homes

Handled. From Dirt to Decor.

Whether you’re building a legacy retreat, your forever home, or an investment property, we make the journey personal, seamless, and grounded in the values that make North Idaho living so special.

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Our Services

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Custom Home Building Process North Idaho
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12-14 months Delivery

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10-12 Months Delivery

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8-10 Months Delivery

Ready to build your dream home?

CUSTOM & PRE-BUILT HOMES IN NORTH IDAHO.

Bring your vision to life with a team that knows North Idaho inside and out. From lot acquisition to the final walkthrough, we are here to build a home around your exact lifestyle. Schedule your free discovery call today to see what’s possible.

Tracy

- Interior designer -

With over 25 years of experience, Tracy is an accomplished interior designer, decorator, and project manager known for bringing vision, organization, and heart to every project. She has a natural ability to listen closely, read people, and translate her clients’ needs and wants into thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect both style and purpose.

From initial concept to final details, Tracy is highly task-oriented and committed to achieving each client’s end goal. She oversees every phase of the process—coordinating and scheduling subcontractors, maintaining timelines, and ensuring exceptional quality throughout.

Her ability to multitask and manage complex projects, including out-of-state builds, makes her a trusted partner for both homeowners and industry professionals. In addition to her project work, Tracy has served as a judge for Parade of Homes, bringing her trained eye for design, craftsmanship, and overall presentation to the evaluation process.

Known for her approachable and helpful nature, she builds strong relationships with clients and teams alike. Grounded in her faith, Tracy approaches her work with integrity, care, and a commitment to serving others well.

Jay Pearson

- Draftsman -

I was born and raised in Alaska, where I developed a deep appreciation for rugged landscapes, thoughtful craftsmanship, and purposeful design. For the past 20 years, I’ve called the Inland Northwest home, drawing from its natural beauty, changing seasons, and unique way of life.

With more than 35 years of experience, I specialize in creating custom residential designs that are both distinctive and highly livable. I believe great design starts with clear, concise communication and a personal connection with each client.

My approach is handson and collaborative. I work closely with homeowners and builders to simplify complex decisions, maintain clarity throughout the process, and ensure the final design feels intentional, functional, and timeless. Every home I design is tailored to its owners, the site, and the surrounding environment, resulting in spaces that feel personal, grounded, and enduring.

Spencer Mortensen

- Owner -

With sixteen years of experience in law enforcement in the Coeur d Alene area, in recent years, Spencer has transitioned into construction and manufacturing project management. Spencer leads projects with a focus on seamless execution, cost control, and stakeholder alignment. His background includes five years of project management in custom home building, along with hands-on experience in CLT manufacturing and supervisory roles. Spencer has recent experience with mass timber project management, bringing a detail-oriented approach to complex CLT and glulam structures.

Throughout his career, he has successfully overseen 50+ projects across North America, building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and subcontractors to keep projects on time and within budget while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Jon Cantrell

- Owner -

Born and raised in Idaho, I come from a multigenerational construction family where craftsmanship, integrity, and hard work were more than just values — they were a way of life. After spending 20 years in Law Enforcement, including serving as a SWAT team member, I’ve returned to my roots with a clear mission: to carry on the legacy of quality construction and build homes that truly matter.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I learned how to connect with people from all walks of life. I also came to understand that a man’s word is his bond — and once broken, it can’t be repaired. That same principle now guides my work in the homebuilding industry. I approach every project with honesty, commitment, and a deep respect for my clients’ trust.

While I’ve been fortunate to make a real impact in public service — helping to save and change lives — I’ve discovered a new kind of fulfillment in handing over the keys to a newly built custom home. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing we poured our heart and soul into every detail and delivered a home that doesn’t just meet expectations, but exceeds dreams.

I specialize in building high-quality custom homes across Idaho, with a focus on craftsmanship, transparency, and client satisfaction. Life is short, and I believe in making the most of it — by building homes that families love to live in and are proud to call their own.