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IRVINE, CA—First Foundation Inc.'s president David DePillo tells GlobeSt.com his firm is beginning to experience client demand for not only building their dream homes, but also for investor or business-related construction needs. As we recently reported, the firm is expanding its construction-lending program to offer construction lending for commercial clients, including developers and investors of retail, industrial, and multifamily construction projects. The expansion coincides with the appointment of Curt Freeman, who will oversee the offering and serve as SVP, construction products manager. We spoke exclusively with DePillo about the expansion and the addition of Freeman to the firm's team.

GlobeSt.com: What is Curt Freeman's new role at First Foundation, and what is he there to accomplish?

DePillo: Curt Freeman's role is construction products manager and overseeing the construction-lending department. He's here to provide support to clients to meet current and future construction needs and basically to make sure that we're meeting the expectations for their development needs. Curt is our liaison for our private bankers and clients. He speaks construction.

GlobeSt.com: What is behind the expansion of First Foundation's construction-lending program at this time?

DePillo: It's really based on demand from our clientele. We're starting to experience client demand for not only building their dream homes, but also for either investor or business-related construction needs.

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GlobeSt.com: What does the expansion mean for the commercial real estate industry?

DePillo: This is more client centric; we aren't necessarily trying to fill a niche or market void beyond our current client demands. However, we do feel it is an additional product offering that is important to better serve existing clients. Construction lending is not necessarily an “outbound product”; it's not a product we'll lead with in the market.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about construction lending?

DePillo: Construction lending is a specialized expertise that takes many years to develop. There are very few banks that truly understand construction lending. We feel that Curt and his team bring expertise based on 35 years of experience in markets throughout the West Coast.