For some families, the idea of a dream home goes beyond one house. It might be several homes on one piece of land. A main residence with a private guest house. A home designed for grandparents and adult children to live nearby. Or a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces where siblings, parents, children, and grandchildren can have both independence and time together. This is often referred to as a family compound or multigenerational property.

And while the term may sound like something reserved for sprawling estates, the idea behind it is surprisingly simple: creating a place where family can stay connected across generations while still having space to live their own lives.

When people think about the construction industry, they often separate design from building. Designers are expected to focus on aesthetics while contractors handle execution. But for Alicia Hylton-Daniel, Co-Owner of Hylton-Daniel Design + Construction, the two have always been deeply connected.

In a recent conversation with Roll Construction, Alicia shared her journey into the world of design-build construction, the importance of intentional spaces, and why staying rooted in community matters more than rapid growth.

Black History Month offers an opportunity not only to reflect, but to learn. In the construction and design industries especially, many pioneering Black professionals helped shape the built environment while navigating barriers that often went unrecognized in mainstream history. This month, we are taking time to highlight several influential Black figures whose work and legacy continue to impact architecture, construction, and design.