As a third-generation Las Vegas native, I was thrilled to hear that during a recent visit to the city, part of our team had the opportunity to tour a newly completed, luxury desert home by Blue Heron. The home was stunning, far beyond expectations, with every detail thoughtfully and intentionally designed.
Las Vegas has always been a place of transformation and evolution. Founded in 1905 as a railroad stop and desert oasis, the city grew rapidly through the construction of the Hoover Dam, the legalization of gambling, and the post–World War II development that shaped the iconic Las Vegas that we know today. Over the last 125 years, it has evolved far beyond its origins to become a hub for design, innovation, and bold leadership.
With that legacy in mind, I had the chance to ask Eric Lent, Chief Revenue Officer at Blue Heron, to discuss the brand’s vision, its roots in Las Vegas, and how they see home design evolving over the next century. Read on for the interview.
Design, Vision & Differentiation
21Oak: Blue Heron often speaks to the idea of “amplified living.” From your perspective, what does that mean in practice, and how does it resonate with today’s luxury buyer in Las Vegas?
Eric Lent: At Blue Heron, “amplified living” means designing architecturally significant homes that heighten the resident’s everyday experience, emotionally, physically and sensorially. It’s about creating spaces that expand how people live, entertain, restore and connect.
Today’s luxury home buyer isn’t just looking to purchase a home – they’re seeking a lifestyle hub. “Amplified living” is a direct reflection of this and Blue Heron’s homes respond by supporting wellness, providing entertaining spaces as well as privacy, and promoting self-expression.
21Oak: What makes Blue Heron’s home designs different from other luxury builders in Las Vegas?
Eric Lent: The Blue Heron difference starts with design-first thinking. We design our homes from the ground up, guided by the surrounding site, context and how the homeowner wants to live. A key example of our unique home design is what we call our “Vegas Modern” approach to building and living. “Vegas Modern” is rooted in clean, contemporary design that is also deeply regional, responding to the valley’s specific climate, topography, light and of course, the Las Vegas Strip.
Our other unique distinction is Blue Heron’s integrated model. Development, Design, and Construction work together as one team with one vision, allowing us to execute ambitious ideas with precision and consistency.
21Oak: How do you balance ambitious design with market realities such as buyer expectations, cost considerations, and long-term value?
Eric Lent: Blue Heron’s integrated design-build model which combines architecture, construction and interior design all under one roof, allows us to make informed decisions that balance ambition with feasibility. Issues including sustainability, regulations and budget are addressed early and collaboratively at the onset.
Our buyers are generally looking for homes that will age well aesthetically, perform efficiently and retain relevance over time. By prioritizing quality, timeless design and thoughtful innovation, we create homes that deliver lasting value.
Legacy, Market & Growth
21Oak: Blue Heron’s leadership includes deep generational ties to Las Vegas. How does that local perspective influence how you approach growth and community impact?
Eric Lent: Being rooted in Las Vegas gives us a long-term lens. This isn’t a market we’re passing through, it’s home. That perspective influences how we grow, where we build and the responsibility we feel to contribute positively to the Las Vegas Valley and its environment.
We approach growth intentionally, focusing on projects that elevate neighborhoods, respect the landscape and push architectural standards forward. Our goal is not just to build homes, but to help shape the future of residential living.
21Oak: Las Vegas continues to evolve beyond its entertainment-driven identity. How do you see Blue Heron contributing to the city’s broader residential and architectural narrative?
Eric Lent: Las Vegas is becoming a destination for design, innovation and lifestyle, it’s no longer just about entertainment. Blue Heron plays a role in that evolution by providing the city’s residents with architecturally significant homes that rivals any major design market.
Through our homes and communities, we’re helping redefine what desert living looks like. We see world-class residential architecture as a key part of Las Vegas’ next chapter.
Projects & Challenges
21Oak: Is there a specific home or project you’re particularly proud of? What makes it stand out for you?
Eric Lent: Rather than a single home, what stands out is our growing portfolio of custom residences and communities that consistently deliver on our design philosophy. Each project represents a collaboration between our team, the homeowner and the home’s surrounding site itself. What makes these homes special is how personal they feel while still being unmistakably Blue Heron.
21Oak: What are some of the unique challenges Blue Heron has faced as the company has grown, and how have those experiences shaped how you operate today?
Eric Lent: As demand for modern luxury has grown, so have expectations for speed, transparency, and performance.
Overcoming this has pushed us to further refine our integrated approach and processes. We responded by investing in systems, talent and partnerships that allow us to deliver architecturally significant homes with greater efficiency and visibility for clients.
Looking Ahead
21Oak: Many homeowners today are seeking not just luxury, but experience. How do you see this demand evolving over the next 5 years?
Eric Lent: Luxury is increasingly being defined by how a home makes you feel, not just its size. Over the next five years, we see homeowners prioritizing wellness and longevity for the use of their space, and looking for features that support mental and physical health. Homes will be more intimate and feel deeply intentional, versus a focus on square footage or finishes.
21Oak: What’s next for Blue Heron? New communities, innovations, or shifts in strategy?
Eric Lent: Blue Heron continues to evolve while staying true to our core principles. We’re focused on expanding thoughtfully. This means new communities, custom offerings, and continued exploration of architecturally significant design that supports modern living and wellness.
