About Longleaf

Longleaf is about creating lasting communities through the art of building and developing.

We do this by delivering finished works in which we take great pride. Relationships are the key factor in all we do, whether with a land planner, surveyor, utility or site work partner, or any number of trades. Building trust with each person is paramount, as each person involved contributes to the finished product. Each project is an opportunity to live into the practice of "making all things new" by the works of our hands. Through years of living and working in the older neighborhoods of Durham, we have developed an appreciation for the intricate details of a home. We see our work as an opportunity to steward investments well, breathing new life into the land and materials we use. Our hope is that these resources contribute to building a legacy of blessing for generations to come, touching lives along the way.

Miles Honeycutt, Owner

Miles is the heartbeat of Longleaf, managing day-to-day operations, acquisitions, and contract procurement. A proud Tarheel from Greenville, NC, he graduated from UNC-CH in 2005 with dual degrees in Business Administration and Spanish. His love for North Carolina runs deep, and he treasures everything our beautiful state has to offer.

His favorite college course was BUSI 126, focused on real property, and it ignited his passion for the building and real estate industry. Recognizing Durham as the perfect place to put down roots, Miles founded Longleaf Building & Restoration Inc. in 2011 after gaining valuable experience in residential real estate and construction. He believes in continuous learning and improvement, viewing each project as an opportunity to be a good steward of the resources we’ve been given. For him, it’s vital to study market trends in homebuilding to create spaces that enrich lives for generations to come, fostering communities where meaningful connections can thrive.

Above all, Miles finds his greatest joy at home with his wife, Catherine, and their four energetic boys: Jackson, Charlie, Stuart, and David. Together, they've discovered that houses truly become homes when they create spaces where life and community flourish. When he’s not working, Miles loves to immerse himself in nature, finding inspiration in God’s creation through activities like hunting, fishing, playing golf, hiking, and watching the beauty of a nesting bluebird or a soaring hawk. His warm spirit and dedication to building not just homes, but also lasting connections, make him a cherished member of the Longleaf team.

Licensed General Contractor

License # 72868

Kevin Smith, Project Manager

Kevin's journey in construction began with a heartfelt experience helping to build a camp in western North Carolina, where he discovered his passion for creating beautiful spaces and providing exceptional service. His skills flourished as a carpenter for a high-end custom home builder in Greenville, SC, where he learned the art of turning clients' hopes and dreams into reality with care and attention to detail.

Before joining Longleaf in October 2020, Kevin and his wife, Anna, dedicated four enriching years to an NGO in Nicaragua, where they became fluent in Spanish and embraced the spirit of community.

In his free time, Kevin loves to explore Durham’s food scene. He enjoys music and cherishes outdoor adventures with Anna and their son, Fischer, as well as their furry friend, Goose.

With a detail-oriented approach, Kevin is dedicated to making your home-building journey a seamless experience, ensuring you feel secure and confident every step of the way.

Kat Prentice, Designer and Operations Coordinator

Kat grew up in Scotland County, North Carolina, and studied Family and Consumer Sciences Education at Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC, with coursework in interior home design, textiles, and sewing. During and after college, she traveled internationally, supporting non-profits and children in challenging situations. Kat then spent nine years teaching in public and private schools, with much of her time helping children with learning difficulties. Through teaching, she developed a deep appreciation for organization, clear communication, and investing in people—especially those often overlooked.

Kat's love for design began in childhood, observing her mother’s natural talent for home design. As an adult, she tackled her own kitchen renovation as a stay-at-home mom, teaching herself skills like tiling, cabinet painting, and shelving installation. This sparked a passion for helping others create homes that reflect their true selves.

Now, Kat channels her love of design into her work with Longleaf, helping clients transform their spaces into meaningful havens. She enjoys building trusting relationships, learning their stories, and creating homes that reflect their unique essence—becoming the backdrop for their lives. When not working, Kat enjoys walking, reading uplifting books, and spending time with her husband, Jonathan, their two children, and rescue pup, Harry, in South Durham. She loves hosting friends, family, and neighbors, bringing people together for any occasion. Kat believes every day is a gift and life’s greatest joy comes from sharing it in community.