We've got another renovation story in this episode, a mid century modern house in Michigan. My guest is Laurie Hughet-Hiller, a Michigan architect who was lucky to find her gem of a house as her first house. We talked about her house, how she approached her renovations, how to work with an architect, what to look for in a contractor and how to find one.

About our guest

An architect focused on experience-driven design that makes an impact, Laurie Hughet-Hiller, AIA is a principal at McIntosh Poris Architects. Her portfolio comprises a wide range of award-winning residential and commercial projects in the Metro Detroit area, including renovations to Mid Century Modern homes. Laurie has completed two phases of sensitive renovation of her own 1960s modern home and is about to embark on a third.

Born into an artistic family, Laurie’s late father, Roger Hughet, was Assistant Chief Designer at General Motors, credited with designing the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and having significant influence on the 1984 C4 Corvette. Laurie earned both her B.S. in Architecture and her Master of Architecture from the Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Her individual honors include the 2017 AIA Michigan Young Architect Award and the 2020 AIA Detroit Young Architect Award, in addition to McIntosh Poris’ 100-plus awards.

I do love talking about and thinking about residential landscape design. Steve Griggs, a straight talking landscape designer from New York, joined me to discuss one of my favorite subjects. We discussed what to keep in mind when considering your landscape design, why it is important to hire a landscape designer for certain projects, the high value low cost moves in the landscape and more.

About our guest:

From www.stevegriggsdesign.com:

"Steve is not your typical landscape designer. He’s been getting dirt on his hands ever since he was 16, cutting grass to earn some bucks. Working hard got him through school, where he got advanced landscaping degrees from Mississippi State University and SUNY Cobleskill College of Environmental Design and Horticulture.

He founded Steve Griggs Design when he was 25. Having previously worked with his father in the industry, he got some powerful values instilled in him: make no excuses, keep your promises, respect the deadline, and make things happen for the client. But what he saw happening in the industry was a different story.

He decided to change the status quo for good. This customer-centric approach got him the reputation of the best landscape designer in New York."

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

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Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Mona Ying Reeves, architect, renovation coach and serial renovator, joins me in this episode to talk about gender roles in home renovations. How can we change the dynamic for the future?

About our guest

Feeling stuck when it comes to navigating your renovation? Mona Ying Reeves is the House Coach that will get you past the overwhelm and moving forward. A serial renovator, architect, and behind-the-scenes design consultant to various HGTV home makeover shows, Mona founded Kickstart House to support and empower homeowners with their renovation journeys.

After years of seeing homeowners struggle with a complicated construction landscape, Mona’s on a mission to help homeowners align their surroundings and their journeys with their best lives. With Kickstart House, she’s taken her proven framework of delivering dream homes for high-end clients and refined it into a roadmap that any homeowner can follow.

In addition to coaching homeowners, Mona is a licensed architect in the state of California. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

Learn more about Mona Ying Reeves

Website: Kickstart House

Facebook: Kickstart House

Twitter: Kickstart House

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

How often do you think about your water heater? John Hynds, co-founder of Torii Industries, joins me to discuss their cheaper, more sustainable alternative to the water heaters we know today.

about our guest:

John Hynds is the Co-Founder of Torii Industries, a company pushing the boundaries of smarter, more efficient water heaters. Through high-efficiency technology and an emphasis on sustainability, his one-of-a-kind service aspires to redefine water.

A holder of two US Patents, John has found himself in Director level roles in both Sales and Engineering organizations.

As a former US Marine, John started his civilian career in Bio-Tech, then transitioned to High-Tech in the mid 1980s.

www.Toriiway.com

************************************************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help.  We...

Daryl Cohan joins me to discuss what home renovations will have the best return. Is it worth renovating a kitchen before you sell? What about adding a bedroom or a garage?

About our guest:

Daryl Cohan has been helping home buyers and sellers since 2001. She is determined to help her clients reach their goals in considers her role one of education. Her excellence in listening to her clients wants and needs have made her a "people's choice" in the Boston real estate community

*********************************************************************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help.  We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues.  Contact me for more information.

This episode is a renovation story, told by Teresa Younkin. She describes four renovations she has been through and what they taught her about life.

About our guest:

Teresa Younkin is a Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Expert specializing in helping healthcare leaders and teams bring their multi-level health IT initiatives to fruition and deliver powerful results. Leaders can be the respected leader they want to be, surrounded by an energized team that together can change the world. Teresa is a storyteller by nature who enjoys the creative process of bringing teams together to renovate a project or a house! Over the years and 4 major renovations later she shares the lessons she's learned and how she found the deeper meaning in taking things apart to build a better life.

Website: www.teresayounkin.com

Facebook group: The Leadership Collective

Twitter: @teresayounkin

Instagram: @realsmartmethod

*******************************************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of

Mandy Freeland broke her femur in an accident and realized how challenging it was to take care of herself in her house the way it was conventionally designed. We talk about what the issues were, how to address the issues and what we might all keep in mind as we alter our houses to really improve them.

About our guest:

Mandy Freeland is a mother, wife, architect, and firm owner based in Bakersfield, California. Her passion for making communities better and the architecture profession stronger has lead her to years of volunteerism in AIA, local small business organizations, historic and cultural preservation committees, advisory committees for the local high school and junior college architecture programs, and community empowerment groups. Her firm currently provides services for planning, custom residential, commercial, education, and industrial projects throughout California.

Photo credit for episode art: Stacy Zarin. Designer- Grey Hunt Interiors from the blog https://greyhuntinteriors.com/my-master-bath-reveal/

*******************************************************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White

Remodeling and construction journeys are complicated. It’s no wonder homeowners get stuck in the process. Having a roadmap means reducing frustration and always knowing your next step.

In this episode, you will discover…….

• What “roadmap” means in the context of home renovation.
• Some common mistakes homeowners make on their renovation journey.
• Whether it’s ever too late in your project to start making your roadmap.
• How to find the right expert to ask for help.

Link to Mona's Renovation Roadmap

About our guest

Feeling stuck when it comes to navigating your renovation? Mona Ying Reeves is the House Coach that will get you past the overwhelm and moving forward. A serial renovator, architect, and behind-the-scenes design consultant to various HGTV home makeover shows, Mona founded Kickstart House to support and empower homeowners with their renovation journeys.

After years of seeing homeowners struggle with a complicated construction landscape, Mona’s on a mission to help homeowners align their surroundings and their journeys with their best lives. With Kickstart House, she’s taken her proven framework of delivering dream homes for high-end clients and refined it into a roadmap that any homeowner can follow.

In addition to coaching homeowners, Mona is a licensed architect in the state of California. She holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

Learn more about Mona Ying Reeves

Website: Kickstart House

Facebook: Kickstart House

Twitter: Kickstart House

_____________________________________

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit

This week Mark Ostrom, founder and executive director of Joy Collaborative, tells me about his work bringing people together to create enriching spaces for youth - and how you can apply those methods and principles to your own home.

In this episode, you will discover…….

- That designing with accessibility in mind is good for everyone.

- What kind of accommodations can make the most difference to someone with life limiting conditions.

- How to make creative and stimulating spaces on a budget.

About our guest

With nearly three decades in the architecture and design industry Mark took the bold step of combining his love for design and his passion for helping others into Joy Collaborative.

Founded in 2019 on a shoestring budget and a career filled with colleagues, Mark officially launched Joy Collaborative. Joy Collaborative is a group of impassioned doers and volunteers who help create spaces for kids with life-limiting conditions. The first Joy Collaborative space “Brave Bear” was created for Kodiak a Twin Cities child with a rare genetic disorder. The spaces are created through partnerships with the architecture & interior design community and financial donations from the corporate community. The Twin Cities 501©(3) expects to create up to 10 projects in 2021. The organization is enriched by partnerships with Lifetime Fitness, the Minnesota United, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and other generous organizations contributing to the well-being and advancement of youth.

Learn more about Mark Ostrom

Website: Joy Collaborative

Instagram: Joy Collaborative

LinkedIn: Mark Ostrom

_____________________________________

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit

Today I am talking to LaShaun Key from South Carolina, and we're discussing clients -- the good, and the bad.

In this episode, you will discover…….

- What makes a good client, and how can I be one?

About our guest:

LaShaun helps families create a home that serves as the family hub which brings everyone home to connect, reconnect and treasure family. We do this by maximizing their property’s value by materializing their dream home through creative design. After 10 years of military service an injury forced a change in career. During one of the hardest seasons of his life, a conversation with his 5-year-old daughter reignited a childhood dream of becoming an architect. Since graduating from Savannah College of Art & Design in 2010, LaShaun has works on various design projects to include multi-family, office building and medical facilities. Having the opportunity to work with some families to achieve their dream home, he found a passion for residential design. LaShaun continues to serve his community through ACE Mentors, an organization that mentors high school students in careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Serving is a major part of his beliefs. LaShaun serves clients by materializing their dream home that connects their families together.

Learn more about LaShaun Key:

Website: Key Design LLC

Instagram: Key Design LLC

Facebook: Key Design LLC

LinkedIn: LaShaun Key

********************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode...

This episode is a discussion with Isra Banks, founder and principal of Trivek Architects, about how design can affect your mood and attitude. 

In this episode, you will discover…….

• the benefits of sunlight and ventilation
• the significance of privacy in the house and its history
• how curves elevate mood
• the importance of houseplants

About our guest

Isra O. Banks, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C: is a registered architect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, founder, and principal of Trivek Architects, and a faculty at Boston Architectural College. She received her Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. Isra has over fifteen years of experience designing large and medium scale projects ranging from $2M to $57M in Boston, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. With a focus on mixed-use, sustainable and viable neighborhoods, dormitory, and hospitality.

Learn more about Isra O. Banks

Website: trivek-architects.com

_____________________________________

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects....

Jake Krokowski joins me again for an episode on how to find the right design professional for your project. Jake is a landscape architect and residential designer from South Carolina.

In this episode, you will discover…….

- How do I know if I need an architect?

- Where can I find architects online?

- How can I tell which architect will be a good fit for me?

- What should I bring to my interview with my architect?

About our guest

Jake Krokowski is a Landscape Architect and Residential Designer based in Greenville SC, and founded JWK DESIGN in 2015 “to help families create their comfortable, modern homes”. He received his Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture at Cornell University in 1999, followed by a Masters in Construction Management in 2003.

Jake started his career in high-end residential work in the New York City area, but also spent years in resort planning & design, working in both San Diego and New York, on projects from Southern California and Baja Mexico to the Mediterranean and Middle East. He then put his construction knowledge to use in rebuilding the World Trade Center and surrounding streetscapes following the 2001 attacks, a project he says he’s the most proud to have been involved in.

But, following a move to Greenville with his wife Kate in 2012, a sometimes grueling schedule as a traveling construction manager for a hotel developer, coupled with the pending arrival of his first son pushed him to return back to residential design and start his firm in 2015, a move that he says “felt like coming home”. Since then he has added another son to his family, as well as a podcast and a couple YouTube channels!

Learn more about Jake Krokowski 

Website: https://jwk.design

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtIpndhgB4YISmopKTAZHWw

Instagram: jwkdesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwkdesign/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jwkdesign/jwk-design

Links and mentions from this episode

AIA.org

Houzz.com

*************************************************

Thanks so much for listening this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends! Also give it a rating and a review. I really appreciate that.Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here-

This week I chat with Cindy Gelormini, the Paint Diva of New Jersey. Do you have trouble choosing paint colors?

In this episode, you will discover…….

- What colors are most likely to go well with my furniture and appliances?

- Why does the color I chose look so different when it’s actually in my house?

- How do I find the best person to help me with choosing paint colors?

- Why is gray so “in” nowadays?

About our guest

Cindy Gelormini is a paint expert, known as The Paint Diva of New Jersey. She is a color consultant and Benjamin Moore color expert, with 30 years of experience in the interior design world. In the 90s and early 2000s she painted murals and finishes, but then in 2005 she hung up her brushes to become an in-store designer at a paint store, where she found her niche and became an expert in her field. She has worked with thousands of buyers and sellers staging their properties, and sold real estate for five years. Her book on how to choose paint and paint color should be released this Fall.

More information

Learn more about Cindy Gelormini

Website - thepaintdivanj.com

Instagram - @thepaintdiva

Facebook - The Paint Diva

Links and mentions from this episode

- Spectrum Perspectives

- “Robbie’s World and His SPECTRUM of Adventures!”, available wherever books are sold

_____________________________________

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends! Also give it a rating and a review. I really appreciate that.Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Clubhouse users- join my club Talking Home Renovations and I'll speak with you on Saturday mornings at 10 eastern.

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show.

In 2021 I interviewed designer Cara Newhart about her mission to empower women to tackle home improvement and renovation projects on their own. I'm glad to revisit this interview in this season of women in renovations.

About our guest:

Cara Newhart is a designer and diy queen and the host of the Make Space Podcast. 

After losing her dad to cancer and without his contractor-expertise to guide her in customizing her first home, she decided to dive in without fear and tackle epic diy projects all by herself- transforming her home solo, teaching herself to use power tools, and finding the confidence to bring her design ideas to life.  

Cara is on a mission to empower everyday women to take charge of their homes and design spaces they’re obsessed with- on their terms.  

As the host of MAKE SPACE, she helps women dive deeper than pin-worthy rooms to uncover home design strategies, learn to tackle power tool projects without intimidation and unlock the confidence to transform their spaces. 

Cara has been featured in Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, PEOPLE StyleWatch and more. She’s collaborated with brands like The Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, sleep.com and others. 

www.neverskipbrunch.com

Instagram and TikTok- @makespace

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Architect Cinda Lester joins me this week to talk about her ongoing improvements to her split level entry house in the suburbs of Chicago. She has plenty of good tips and cautionary tales to share.

Have you ever asked yourself-

What would happen if a contractor took off with my money before the job was complete?

How would I finish the project on my own without any money?

Why would I hire a professional to help me with my project?

About Our Guest:

Cinda K. Lester is an architectural storyteller, and comes to storytelling through both sides of her family tree. Though she considers herself a Chicagoan, Cinda has traveled and lived all over the US. She and her husband Henri LamBeau met in architecture school at the University of Idaho, where they both received a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). Cinda returned home from the great American West, bringing Henri along with her, and received her Master of Urban Planning and Policy (M.UPP) at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Cinda and Henri currently live in suburban Chicago with their 17-year-old son Cooper and 15-year-old daughter Kellar, both architectural storytellers in their own right, with pencil, computer and LEGO. Cinda is first and foremost a Lake Girl, and treasures every minute she can get on her water in southern Wisconsin.

website: https://1212architects.com

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Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Talk with my guests and me on Clubhouse! The club name is Talking Home Renovations and there is a standing room at 10 am eastern every Saturday. We will be discussing topics from the podcast.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios...

This episode is an exploration of the craft of old house renovation, as told by an experienced builder and designer who has revived four old homes of his own- Dave Rademacher of Rademacher Revival.

In this episode, you will discover…….

- How to work with vintage fixtures.

- How to make the new kitchens and bathrooms resonate with the feeling of the old house rather than look completely new

- Navigating the occasional challenges of updating an older home.

- How to respect the details, and the rewards of an old house renovation.

About our guest

Dave Rademacher is one half of the Rademacher Revival team, along with his wife Brittany. Together, they hold a Michigan builder’s license and have a Degree in Residential Design. They have bought and revived homes that had history and character so they could be a part of each other’s story for generations to come - an 1800’s School House, a 1927 English Tudor, an 1873 Colonial Revival and most recently a 1894 Italian Farmhouse.

Learn more about Rademacher Revival

Website - www.rademacherrevival.com

Instagram - @rademacherrevival

TikTok - @rademacherrevival

Links and mentions from this episode

@cheapoldhouses on Instagram

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Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Talk with my guests and me on Clubhouse! The club name is Talking Home Renovations and there is a standing room at 10 am eastern every Saturday. We will be discussing topics from the podcast.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Do you need a bit

This episode is the story of Jenny, and her long untouched 1969 California ranch. When she and her husband decided to do a big renovation, Jenny was just going along with what the designer he’d hired wanted, until one day her friend pointed out that she didn’t seem excited as she should be about such a big change. This inspired Jenny to go with her heart, and make some big changes the way she wanted them.

In this episode, you will discover…….

- How do I take matters into my own hands, if the architect’s design isn’t working for me?

- Is it worth it to design something that’s perfect for my needs, even if it might be a bit more difficult to sell?

- Should I get to know my house before I make changes to it?

_____________________________________

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help.  We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues.  Contact me for more...

Coastal flooding is increasing and is only going to become more frequent. How are the coastal cities going to transform as a result of climate change and rising waters? This episode is the story of the lifting of a massive historic house in Charleston SC, as told by Buz Morris of Morris Construction.

About our guest:

As Morris Construction's principle and a licensed builder and architect, Robert "Buz" Morris has been building homes since 1992. Buz approaches his profession with a passion for superior construction, aesthetic appeal, flow, and quality. Buz knows from experience the value of having a committed architect manage the full scope of a construction project.

Prior to returning to Charleston Buz worked in New York with the esteemed architecture firm of Gwathmey Siegel. Training directly under Charles Gwathmey, Buz had the opportunity to work on some of the most prominent buildings in New York, including the 256,000 sq. ft. New York Public Library.

Featured in the periodical Carolina Compass, Buz is referred to as "moving at a New York pace with a Southern attitude…he shows a determination to be closely attached to what is traditional and honest and life giving."

Looking for more information about Buz Morris and Morris Construction? Here are the links:

website: https://customhomebuilderscharleston.com/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/morrisconstructionchs/

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/morrisconstruction_chs/

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Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,

High Performance Architect Emily Mottram joins me in this episode to talk about the renovation she is undertaking at her home in Maine. She calls her renovation a pretty good renovation which is in keeping with the principles of the pretty good house (https://www.prettygoodhouse.org) which is building better than required by code until it doesn't make financial sense. Like all of us, she encountered scope creep and has some advice based on her experience.

About our guest:

Emily is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, a boutique practice specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.  

Emily received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University and is a Registered Architect in Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania; she has also previously been registered in New York and Texas. Emily is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council (MIAQC), and the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the state’s leading organization working to protect and preserve the environment.

An educator at heart, Emily also teaches building science and sustainable design at a local community college and has served as a consultant for projects in a secondary school trade program. She hosts the weekly podcast E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily and co-hosts the live-streamed BS* + Beer Show, a weekly building science show for professionals and “civilians” alike. 

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Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,

This is a short trailer,  it is a recap of what's happened and a preview of what's to come. Over the first two seasons we've built up a library of information about elements homeowners need to choose including doors and windows bath fixtures, skylights, roofing lighting. I spoke with contractors to get their advice on getting started and choosing contractor. I've interviewed architects and interior designers about their views on all sorts of topics, including psychological aspects of design and my favorite are the renovation stories. I love old houses and I love stories. So to me, this is a great addition to the episode types in season two. This third season we'll be talking more about sustainability and we will be hearing even more from architects with a new episode type called an architect's perspective. In honor of the third season, there's a new arrangement of the House Mavens Jig written and performed here by Neil Perlman on both Banjo and piano. Neil wrote the tune for me last summer and I love it and he's given me permission to use it again as my podcast theme music. I'm also very excited to announce that Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is now part of Gabl Media, the most engaged AEC multimedia network on the planet. Check out the podcasts and video channels that are part of that network at www.gablmedia.com. 

The latest news is on my website www.talkinghomerenovations.com 

Please tell all your friends about the show and subscribe. 

Thanks so much for listening to the show!

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music for the season is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects.

Wood, tile, linoleum, carpet, concrete- which flooring option is right for your home and your situation? What should you consider for the kitchen? This is my most frequently asked question, probably. Interior Designer Amy Everard joined me again on this episode to discuss the pros and cons of each flooring type.

About our guest:

Amy Everard is an interior designer living and working in NYC for over a decade. Amy’s mission is to demystify interior design, which she does through her podcast Soft Landing. Listen to that podcasts wherever you listen to podcasts.

Instagram-@Softlanding

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Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help.  We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues.  Contact me for more information.

Andre Lecroix joined me this episode to explain the importance of indoor home air quality and easy things people can do to improve their daily lives in small ways. Andre is a certified indoor environmentalist, certified healthy homes specialist, certified radon measurement provider, and owner of EZ Breathe Ventilation Systems. He speaks to the importance of indoor air quality as well as offers guidance and positive changes people can make to improve their IAQ (indoor air quality).

If we’ve learned anything from the past year and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is that air quality matters more so now than ever before. Even before the pandemic, the average American spent 90% of their time indoors and poor air quality can have a detrimental effect on one’s health and wellbeing. Poor indoor air quality can exacerbate allergy and asthma triggers, as well as create problems for one’s home such as premature foundation decay, musty odors, and mold and mildew buildup. As we begin to exit the pandemic and start to go back to normal, individuals are taking note of small ways that they can protect themselves and their loved ones and knowing the proper steps to take to improve one’s air quality is a small step that has a huge impact.

About our guest:

Andre Lacroix attended Lake Forest College and founded EZ Breathe Ventilation Systems with his wife Erika in 2005. The Lacroix’s have spent the last 15 years dedicated to learning about the relationship between one’s home and one’s health. In addition to EZ Breathe, Andre is a certified indoor environmentalist, certified healthy homes specialist, and a certified radon measurement provider. He is dedicated to helping individuals improve their IAQ (indoor air quality) through small adjustments that make a big impact.

website: https://ezbreathe.com/

LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-lacroix-72a49a13/

Twitter handle: @EZBreatheLLC

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Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts.  There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter (help make that a thing): @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up...

Are you looking for an attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly driveway? Landscape architect Jake Krokowski ran through the options with me in this episode in response to a listener request.

We discuss asphalt, concrete, pavers, cobblestone, permeable concrete, shells, gravel and more.

Here is the link to the permeable concrete video that Jake sent to me after the interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERPbNWI_uLw

About our guest:

Jake Krokowski is a Landscape Architect and Residential Designer based in Greenville SC, and founded JWK DESIGN in 2015 "to help families create their comfortable, modern homes”. He received his Bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture at Cornell University in 1999, followed by a Masters in Construction Management in 2003.

Jake started his career in high-end residential work in the New York City area, but also spent years in resort planning & design, working in both San Diego and New York, on projects from Southern California and Baja Mexico to the Mediterranean and Middle East. He then put his construction knowledge to use in rebuilding the World Trade Center and surrounding streetscapes following the 2001 attacks, a project he says he’s the most proud to have been involved in.

But, following a move to Greenville with his wife Kate in 2012, a sometimes grueling schedule as a traveling construction manager for a hotel developer, coupled with the pending arrival of his first son pushed him to return back to residential design and start his firm in 2015, a move that he says “felt like coming home”. Since then he has added another son to his family, as well as a podcast and a couple YouTube channels!

Links:

Website: https://jwk.design

Instagram: jwkdesign

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtIpndhgB4YISmopKTAZHWw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jwkdesign/

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jwkdesign/jwk-design

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Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode...

In this episode, I am joined by Erich Kruger from Deconstruction Works in VT.  Their tagline is Recycling the built environment.  Deconstruction is the deconstruction of a building and recycling or reusing the materials vs demolition which is just tearing down the building and disposing of the material. 

We talk about what deconstruction is, what happens to the materials, what is involved with donating materials from your deconstruction for a tax donation, what kinds of houses are prime candidates for deconstruction and if you are like me, by the end of the episode you will be sold on this approach for your project.

About our guest:

Erich Kruger has been in the building trades since 1997 when he was teaching carpentry in Antigua, West Indies as part of the Peace Corp/Crisis Corps. In Vermont he has worked for several general contractors and on his own. In 2005 he founded the non-profit ReNew Building Materials & Salvage, and has consulted with, and later ran, the deconstruction program at Finger Lakes ReUse in Ithaca, New York . He holds a degree in Wildlife Management & Environmental Ethics (minor).

Erich is happiest when he is diverting building materials at a job-site in the company of other like-minded conscientious deconstructors, or on the wood floors of a local contra dance with his family. He lives in a straw bale home he built with ecological features, including solar electric, solar hot water, composting toilet, and masonry wood heater/oven.

links

website: https://www.deconstructionworks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deconstructionworksvt/

***********************************************************

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more...

This episode is advice from just me, answering a listener's question about how to know if he should undergo a renovation at his house and how to start if he decides that is the course of action he should take. We haven't talked about this in a while on this show, so I thought it would be worth an answer.

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

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Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

This is one of the contractor shows, where I’m joined by Nathan Dishington, owner of JensenHus in Natick, MA.  We talked about HGTV and whether I should worry about the effect that it has on clients, different perspective on home renovations around the country, why home renovations cost so much and how to find a contractor who is right for you. 

The audio quality on this episode is a little bird filled, I am on Martha’s Vineyard and while I haven’t heard any trash trucks or sirens, there are a lot of birds and I can’t wait to record until they stop singing.  

about our guest, Nathan Dishington:

"After 8 years whacking my way through the bushes of professional baseball in the minor leagues, I began my career in the building trades, taking the same approach to contracting as I did as a professional athlete, I gave it my all and like many in this field, started with little experience and climbed the proverbial ladder. I have spent the last 19 years in the trenches as a carpenter, cabinet maker, general contractor, property investor, house flipper and multi family developer/owner. During that time, I learned my trade with hands on experience, by completing all the facets of residential building and remodeling. I have rehabbed abandoned apartment buildings and brought them back online, flipped over a dozen sf houses, designed, consulted and remodeled over a hundred residential addition, remodeling and building projects for my clients, including homeowners, contractors and institutions. I also spent many years operating a cabinet shop, where I built cabinets from scratch, including drawers, doors and finishing. The wide array of skills and experiences, that I have accumulated in the trades, gives me a unique perspective as a seasoned contractor and real estate investor.

As the owner of Jensen Hus, a design build firm in Natick Massachusetts I still live and die with every single project. I thrive in the weeds and and am a detail freak. I hate sitting behind a desk, but accept that it's a necessary evil of my role. 

If you want to see what I do, check out my youtube channel https://youtu.be/7YqksW867u8 where I document my unfiltered life as a small business owner, design builder and investor."

www.jensenhus.com

************************************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

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Follow me on Twitter, help make that a thing: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects.

Jeff Echols joined me to talk about this experience renovating his 1939 home in Indianapolis, IN. What is different about the way we live today versus 1939? What does it mean to modernize a house? What are the downsides of DIY?

About our guest:

Jeff Echols studied architecture at Ball State University and left architecture to work with professional service providers on Branding and Marketing through his company Echo Engagement. . He is the Director of Brand Strategy at EntreArchitect, has a podcast Build Your Brand and another called Context and Clarity.

https://www.echoengage.com

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter, help make that a thing: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Peter Feinmann joins me to discuss the merits of Design-Build, what to look for when choosing a design build company, and why putting out a job to bid doesn't serve anyone very well.

About our guest:

Starting in 1987 from Peter's home, Feinmann, Inc. has grown into a multi-million design-build firm with over 20 employees. As a leader among both design and build professionals, Peter has received hundreds of awards, including the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's (NARI) Contractor of the Year Award and Remodeling Magazine's Remodeler of the Year.

Between thoughtful management practices, honest communication, a collaborative approach, and an emphasis on client satisfaction, Peter has instilled a set of core values that has made Feinmann successful for more than three decades.

With his mission to expand his skillsets and positively impact Feinmann, Peter recently completed a two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California in Berkeley.

visit www.Feinmann.com

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter, help make that a thing: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

We are back this week with another renovation story, this time a bungalow in Tulsa Oklahoma. Architect Katelyn Parker explains what her house means to her, how working on her house has changed her practice, what she would do differently if she could and offers good tips to first time home buyers.

Check out Katelyn's instagram account @bungalowroots, her email is kp@bungalowroots.com and her website is www.bungalowroots.com

*******************************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Jodi Swartz and I are in a meditation group together, a group made up of people who work in the construction industry. We were talking about compassion and how we really need to practice that right now in this moment of attempting to carry on as "normal" during a pandemic. There have been delays and price increases throughout and everyone seems to want to do their project and do it right now. It has been a challenge! Jodi and I have an open conversation about that in this podcast episode which hopefully will have a limited shelf life.

This episode was inspired by Jodi's blog post entitled "We Need to Talk: The Hard Truth". I've copied the full text into my episode enhancement, you can also read it here

about our guest:

Jodi Schwartz is the founder and principal designer at Kitchen Visions in Sudbury MA. Jodi marries her design talents with a desire to create more liveable, inspirational homes for her clients. Every project is unique because each family has its own particular nuances and needs. Whether you are looking for a more functional design, an open floor plan, a chef’s dream, a family gathering spot, or all of the above, she will hear you and ‘deliver the goods.’ Jodi became a Certified Kitchen & Bathroom Designer/Remodeler as well as a Universal Design specialist and space planner after remodeling 11 of her own homes. She followed her creative dream and went on to work at two large design-build showrooms. At the urging of happy clients, she founded KitchenVisions in 2011. While Jodi loves creating beautiful interior spaces, her proudest accomplishments are her two daughters, Dana and Nicole, and her son-in-law, Dan, who live further away than she would prefer...

www.kitchenvisions.com

***************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you...

Missy was a first time home buyer and faced with a daunting full gut renovation. I happen to have been her architect. Join us as we discuss her experience renovating her old house.

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

A listener wrote to request an episode on insulation- here it is! Christine Williamson of Building Science Fight Club explains the factors to consider when insulating your house. I hope you enjoy this deep dive into the subject. Christine is an accomplished building scientist who has a large following on instagram through her account Building Science Fight Club (@buildingsciencefightclub). She can also be reached through her website https://www.christine-williamson.com

About our guest:

Christine Williamson’s professional experience includes building-science consulting for the restoration of Belvedere Castle in New York City’s Central Park, forensic investigations of building failures at the air-traffic control tower of LAX, and the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, among other projects. She offers new-construction risk-mitigation consulting for residential towers, mid-rise mixed-use buildings, and production homes, as well as some of the most extraordinary private residences in the world. She has worked across North America from the Canadian Arctic to the Caribbean. 

She began her career working for architect Chris Benedict in New York City, where she performed blower-door tests on gut rehabs in Harlem and Washington Heights and assisted in the design of one of the first multi-family Passive Houses in the United States. In her current practice, she reviews drawings and makes recommendations that promote appropriate water control, air control, energy efficiency, constructability, and durability. For clients with a portfolio of upcoming projects, she assists in developing design standards commensurate with their tolerance for risk. During the construction phase, she reviews work in progress and addresses conditions or changes in sequence or scope that were not anticipated during the design phase.

In existing buildings, she investigates failures related to enclosure design and mechanical systems as well as material and installation defects. Failures include leaks, corrosion, rot, mold, odors, poor indoor air quality, and discomfort due to poor temperature or humidity control. Her experience in new construction and attendant understanding of the division of labor among the trades, and typical sequencing and construction practices inform not just her analysis in forensic cases, but also her repair and retrofit recommendations, which are designed to minimize disruption in occupied buildings.

Christine Williamson is a member and former chair of ASHRAE Technical Committee 1.12, Moisture Management in Buildings. She is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is a member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA). She is the founder of @buildingsciencefightclub (BSFC), an Instagram community dedicated to teaching building science and construction to architects and other building professionals.

She received her bachelor of arts from Princeton University and her master of architecture from New School of Architecture + Design.

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your...

Gabe and Cristina joined me this week to tell the story of their late 1700's settler's log cabin in the Blue Ridge mountains of central VA. Check out the episode enhancements for photos or their instagram feed (@bellwetherfields) or their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaq5kxmgrsVS-6PDT0DsVYQ/featured

*************************************************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

In this episode I speak with architect Donald Rattner about his research into how our environment impacts our creativity. Who doesn't want to be more creative, as creative as possible? His book My Creative Space- How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation contains 48 easy to implement tips. We talk about a few of these tips and more.

about our guest:

Architect Donald M. Rattner helps individuals and organizations maximize creativity by drawing on scientific research in design psychology. His most recent book is "My Creative Space: How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation, 48 Science-based Techniques," which has won four awards and been ranked an Amazon bestseller.

Educator and practitioner as well as author, he has taught at the University of Illinois, New York University, and Parsons School of Design. Speaking venues include the Creative Problem Solving Institute, Creative Mornings, bookstores, webinars, and corporate events. His work has been featured on CNN, in such publications as The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Better Humans, and on numerous podcasts. Rattner holds a Bachelor’s from Columbia and a Masters of Architecture from Princeton.

My Creative Space is available on Amazon (amzn.to/2WfABoB) and other major online booksellers.

Social Media

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-m-rattner-architect-b5472221/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donaldrattnerarchitect/ @donaldrattnerarchitect

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donaldrattneraia/ @donaldrattneraia

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in...

If you're looking for a tiny house, is it best to build your own, buy a pre-made house or find one to renovate? Are tiny home renovations a good idea? Ethan Waldman joins me to discuss these questions and more.

About our guest:

Ethan Waldman is a tiny house author, speaker, and teacher. He built his own tiny house on wheels in 2012, and has been passionately helping future tiny house dwellers on their own journeys ever since. Ethan’s guide, Tiny House Decisions, has helped thousands of readers answer the big questions about tiny houses and plan each system in their future home. He’s also the creator and host of the Tiny House Lifestyle Podcast, a show that brings you conversations with tiny house luminaries, builders, and DIYers. Ethan and his wife Ann live in their tiny house part-time in Northern Vermont.

visit his website at www.thetinyhouse.net

**************************************************************************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

We revisited episode 62 this week, 2 years later. High Performance Architect Emily Mottram joins me in this episode to talk about the renovation she is undertaking at her home in Maine. She calls her renovation a pretty good renovation which is in keeping with the principles of the pretty good house (https://www.prettygoodhouse.org) which is building better than required by code until it doesn't make financial sense. Like all of us, she encountered scope creep and has some advice based on her experience.

About our guest:

Emily is the founder and principal of Mottram Architecture, a boutique practice specializing in new homes and renovations that are beautiful, functional, comfortable, healthy, and durable.  

Emily received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University and is a Registered Architect in Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania; she has also previously been registered in New York and Texas. Emily is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council (MIAQC), and the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM), the state’s leading organization working to protect and preserve the environment.

An educator at heart, Emily also teaches building science and sustainable design at a local community college and has served as a consultant for projects in a secondary school trade program. She hosts the weekly podcast E3: Energy and Efficiency with Emily and co-hosts the live-streamed BS* + Beer Show, a weekly building science show for professionals and “civilians” alike. 

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Laura Parrish is my guest this week, talking about her historic Massachusetts properties. She bought her 1855 Italianate mansion in New Bedford about 10 years ago, and is now working on her third property, the oldest house in Bourne, MA. She loves to share her houses with others through AirBnB rentals. Laura shared what she has learned about working on historic houses and the hospitality world.

Instagram:

@_thewhalehouse_

@theminnowfalmouth

@oldcrowellfarm

Websites:

The Whale House- https://www.thewhalehousenb.com

The Minnow on AirBNB- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/679531034866064071?source_impression_id=p3_1689127039_bF0lO4%2FyWyOBYj3x

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here-...

In this episode I'm joined by Tigrilla Gardenia, a nature inspired business mentor. Tigrilla is a World Ambassador for Plant Intelligence and champions connection to nature as the basis for long-term health, happiness, and success. We discuss what plant intelligence means to the average homeowner who is planning their landscape and why those choices are more important than people think.

About our guest:

Fascinated by nature since her earliest memories, Tigrilla Gardenia turned that passion into her vocation.

Her journey began in a polyethnic childhood. She earned a degree in music and electrical engineering, entering the high-tech corporate world via RealNetworks and Microsoft in the early days of the internet.

The desire to escape the confines of the corporate world proved too strong, and Tigrilla soon began following her own spiritual path. She co-owned a circus, produced intentional dance events, taught Kabbalah, and even toured with Cirque du Soleil.

Today, she works as a Nature-Inspired Mentor and Leadership Coach. Her studies focus on Plant Intelligence, the Effects of Plant Music on Human Health, Social Innovation, and EcoSystems Thinking. Tigrilla has the honor of being a Damanhur citizen in Italy — one of the largest spiritual eco-communities in the world.

Her roots are firmly planted in the arts, communication, and the avant-garde. Tigrilla uses her expertise to empower mission-driven leaders to achieve personal and professional success by integrating nature-inspired innovation in order to bring meaning to Life and make an impact with work. She is an influential speaker and mentor, running courses and workshops on reconnection with the plant kingdom.

Always eager to learn, she studied with some of the greatest minds in bio-inspired sciences, gaining a masters degree in Futuro Vegetale (Vegetal Future): plants, social innovation, design under Stefano Mancuso, University of Florence. She has also studied Biomimicry for Social Innovation and Product Development.

www.tigrillagardenia.com is her website, some particularly useful pages are:

• Discover your Spirit Wild Plant: https://tigrillagardenia.com/what-s-your-spirit-wild-plant/
• ReConnect with the Plant Kingdom self-paced course: https://tigrillagardenia.com/reconnect-with-the-plant-kingdom/
• Join the Naturally Conscious Community: https://community.tigrillagardenia.com/

Further reading:

• Thus Spoke the Plant by Monica Gagliano
• Birthright by Stephen Kellert
• Lessons from Plants by Beronda Montgomery

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Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

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Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information,

Mark R. LePage joined me to tell the story of his little cottage in the woods of Chappaqua. Mark and his wife Ann Marie were young architects when they took on the cottage and the house grew with them as they raised their family.

About our guest:

Architect Mark R. LePage is the President & CEO of Gābl Technologies, Inc. & Gābl Media, Inc., the founder of EntreArchitect ™, and the Partner in Charge of Operations, McCarthy LePage Architects. From Gābl Media, his EntreArchitect Podcast features weekly interviews with inspiring, passionate people who share their knowledge and expertise all to help you build a better business as a small firm entrepreneur architect.

Gābl Media is a multimedia network that empowers global leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

EntreArchitect is a community and training platform that inspires your success in business, leadership and life as a small firm Entrepreneur Architect.

Are YOU an architect? Join in on the discussion at The EntreArchitect Community; the most active, most collaborative, most supportive online peer group for small firm architects in the world... and it's FREE!

Are you an ally to architects? Architects & Allies is a community of cooperation for AEC Industry Professionals; architects as well as our allies… and it’s FREE too! ********************************************************************

Visit Talkinghomerenovations.com for episode enhancements, containing photos and more information about the episodes as well as transcripts. There you can leave a voice message through speak pipe that could be included in a future episode.

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Love a review or a rating! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need a second set of eyes on your design, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network-

Cara Newhart of the Make Space Podcast joins me for a conversation about her work in the diy space.

About our guest:

Cara Newhart is a designer and diy queen and the host of the Make Space Podcast. 

After losing her dad to cancer and without his contractor-expertise to guide her in customizing her first home, she decided to dive in without fear and tackle epic diy projects all by herself- transforming her home solo, teaching herself to use power tools, and finding the confidence to bring her design ideas to life.  

Cara is on a mission to empower everyday women to take charge of their homes and design spaces they’re obsessed with- on their terms.  

As the host of MAKE SPACE, she helps women dive deeper than pin-worthy rooms to uncover home design strategies, learn to tackle power tool projects without intimidation and unlock the confidence to transform their spaces. 

Cara has been featured in Apartment Therapy, House Beautiful, PEOPLE StyleWatch and more. She’s collaborated with brands like The Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair, sleep.com and others. 

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Tom Reynolds is TikTok architect, a real architect who shares his experience and love for architecture with his audience of almost 15,000 followers on TikTok. Tom and I had a long talk about what to expect when you will be renovating your house, his own home renovation experiences, his career, why to hire an architect, and more.

About our guest:

Tom Reynolds is an Artist, Architect and Activist currently managing a small design firm focusing on community redevelopment and affordable housing design. Additionally, he is a partner in a political data analysis firm focusing on progressive New Jersey candidates and issues. 

Tom has an unending passion for architecture, engineering, construction and design. He had spent almost 10 years with John J Perkins, AIA as an lead architectural designer working on commercial office and warehouse design. Projects including test kitchen for a national brand, offices for financial brands, non-profits and more.

Tom Reynolds holds a LEED Green Associate credential and a FEMA certification for Resilient Design for Coastal Communities.

Tom serves as a founding member and current Vice-President of the New Jersey chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, member of the Montclair Zoning Board, and is secretary of BlueWave New Jersey

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Jess Jones is a designer in Georgia who fell in love with her mid century modern house at first sight. Join us as we discuss the history of her house and neighborhood and what makes her house special.

I met Jess through her account @tinymightymidmod on instagram. Follow her account for updates on her great house.

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Dennis Stinson of Fujitsu joined me to discuss the latest in residential HVAC. He addresses the "Full House Family Dynamic” trend and offers a series of practical, innovative and creative tips and useful information including the latest HVAC systems, leveraging “smart” technologies, maximizing energy efficiency, minimizing utility cost, as well as a some easy, inexpensive changes homeowners can make in their houses to optimize energy use and family member comfort levels

About this week's guest:

Dennis Stinson is the Vice President of Sales for Fujitsu General America, a national manufacturer with local distributors across the country, and 30-year industry veteran.

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Amy Heavilin joins me this week to discuss her experience with her 1902 Queen Anne Victorian that she and her husband Doug have been bringing back to life. I first became aware of her project on instagram, where she can be seen @amyleigh_1902 victorian. Her blog www.vivaciousvictorian.com is full of fascinating materials and beautiful photos.

About our guest:

Amy Heavilin is a high school music director from Indiana. She inspires others in the old house community to share their homes through #52weeksofhome on instagram. In her words, "My husband Doug and I are on a crazy, fun and creative journey. Though he is a leading character in this story, he’s letting me tell it, because I’m the exuberant one. He’s the quiet strength.

We love old houses, and historic preservation, and making things beautiful – especially things that someone gave up on. I’d like to think I’m pretty good at this whole renovation and design thing. Doug is WONDERFUL at making things work, making things safe, and making my ideas come to life. We hope it lasts the test of time – but then again, we’ve said “What were they THINKING?” so many times about the things we have discovered in our houses, so I am pretty sure we’ll do some awful things that someone will hate in 20 years, as well. (I’m mostly OK with that). We want to make our house grand again – I want to fill the house with dinner parties and people and love.

I’m not afraid to tackle any project, but sometimes I need to ask for help opening a jar. I’m strong willed, but not strong muscled.

He’s practical, strong, and patient. He researches the millions of ways something can go wrong so he can fix them before they happen.

Doug and I started by falling in love with old houses, and not wanting to pay for things we thought we could do ourselves – I mean, if we failed, we could always call someone. I am the imagination, the drive, and the vision. He is the practicality, the sense, and the knowledge. It’s a great team."

Check out the episode enhancement for photos or visit her blog or instagram account.

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your

So many countertop choices these days to choose from, what is best for your situation? Lili Morris and I discuss the mainstream options, pros and cons of granite, marble, soapstone, quartz and other composites as well as laminates. In the episode enhancement I discuss alternatives as well.

About the guest: Lili Morris is @house_on_everett_hill on instagram and has been helping homeowners choose their countertops in Tennessee for 4 years.

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it! Thank you for your support.

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

If you are looking for a house to renovate and really have no idea how to identify the home inspector who is right for you, this episode will help. James Brock of Boston Home Inspections joined me to discuss what home inspectors do, how their work can differ, what to look for in an inspector and inspection report and how to find the home inspector that will meet your expectations.

Jim started an instagram account a while back that now has over 15,000 followers and climbing, you can find him there @bostonhomeinspections. He is the owner of Boston Home Inspectors and has been inspecting homes for over 25 years.

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Help me spread the word about this podcast!

If you like this podcast, subscribe and tell your friends about it!

I'm going live on TikTok and Instagram once a week to answer questions and gather episode ideas. Current live times will be listed in my profile on each platform.

Join the Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Sign up for the weekly newsletter I send out a weekly information with our episode enhancements and additional information, sign up here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions, comments, suggestions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Della Hansmann is an architect who lives the experience of a mid century ranch. We discuss how she came to specialize in the housing type, what she values about ranch houses, her approach to helping homeowners and her advice about bringing one back to life.

Her podcast mid-mod remodel is a great resource for all those planning a ranch renovation https://midmod-midwest.com/subscribe/

Check out her website for a plethora of great ranch related information: https://midmod-midwest.com

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Tell me your story! Renovation Stories features homeowners who have fun and dramatic stories to tell. We can all learn from each other and I can’t wait to hear what your renovation was like. If you think your story might be right for this podcast, please send me an email- thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

This podcast is a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a rating. I appreciate your support

I'm going live on TikTok and Instagram once a week to answer questions and gather episode ideas. Current live times will be listed in my profile on each platform.

Join the Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Join our mailing list! Get a newsletter when an episode is published with insider information join here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit of design help? If you are in Massachusetts and need some design help, my Ask an Architect design help-line can help. We meet on zoom for an hour to review your issues. Contact me for more information.

Laura Parrish is my guest this week, talking about her historic Massachusetts properties. She bought her 1855 Italianate mansion in New Bedford about 10 years ago, and is now working on her third property, the oldest house in Bourne, MA. She loves to share her houses with others through AirBnB rentals. Laura shared what she has learned about working on historic houses and the hospitality world.

Instagram:

@_thewhalehouse_

@theminnowfalmouth

@oldcrowellfarm

Websites:

The Whale House- https://www.thewhalehousenb.com

The Minnow on AirBNB- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/679531034866064071?source_impression_id=p3_1689127039_bF0lO4%2FyWyOBYj3x

Thanks so much for being with us this week.  Please see the episode enhancement for this and other episodes at talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you have feedback you would like to share?  Would you like to be a guest on the podcast?  Email me at thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show and get automatic updates every Wednesday morning with the latest episode of Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven.  

Click here to get the episode enhancements sent directly to your inbox every week.

Reviews and ratings help my show gain traction and credibility.  Please leave a review here- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-home-renovations-with-the-house-maven/id1481716218

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on Facebook: Talking Home Renovations

Follow me on Twitter: @talkinghomereno

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Talking Home Renovations with the House Maven is part of Gabl Media, the largest, most engaged AEC network on the planet.  Visit www.Gablmedia.com for great content. 

Sign up for the weekly newsletter- I send out the episode enhancements every Wednesday morning,   sign up here

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig, written and performed by Neil Pearlman, www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

The idea for this episode came from a listener question. The question was- How to expect the unexpected? I immediately thought of asking the men at Behind the Studs, a home improvement podcast that I have been listening to lately. We discussed architect/contractor relationships and the importance of working together, and narrowed down what can come as a surprise during construction.

About the guests this episode, Colin Shaw and Jimmy Driscoll

Colin was raised on the CT shoreline. He's a husband, a dad, soccer coach extraordinaire, and all around awesome guy. He is the owner of Shaw Remodeling, a renovation company based out of Niantic CT. You'll most often find him out on job sites, at the grocery store, or any where his kids are.  He loves home improvement, and especially enjoys the transformations from beginning to end during the projects.  Most of all, he loves the crazy stories that come with the territory.

Jimmy was born and raised in Methuen, then bounced around Massachusetts. Left for NYC in '86 and moved to CT in '94. He's been an actor and a rock star, written, directed, and produced. College was good but he still hasn't graduated from that school of hard knocks yet. Ahh, but it's getting better. Nothing like swimming down stream.  And if that isn't enough, Jimmy also owns Dreyfus Construction, a home improvement company in Clinton CT. That's where the real show begins. 

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Tell me your story! Renovation Stories features homeowners who have fun and dramatic stories to tell. We can all learn from each other and I can’t wait to hear what your renovation was like. If you think your story might be right for this podcast, please send me an email- thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

This podcast is now a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a rating. I would really appreciate any of the above.

Join the Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Join our mailing list! Get a newsletter when an episode is published with insider information join here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects. www.demiosarchitects.com

Email questions for future episodes to thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

Do you need a bit...

Join me as I speak with landscape designer Carol Moyles about how to go about planning your landscape renovation.

About this week's guest:

Carol A. Moyles is a landscape designer with more than 25 years of work and 300 completed projects. Her portfolio includes a wide range of academic, recreational, real estate, and residential projects. Carol strives for conceptual clarity in shaping landscapes, collaborating with owners, municipalities, institutions, and the public as part of an integrated design process. By listening to project requirements in relation to understanding context and specific site and environmental conditions, she is able to synthesize issues and solve problems—and create beautiful landscapes.

Carol’s love of horticulture and design began at the University of Delaware, where she received an undergraduate degree in Plant and Soil Sciences. Her early work experience in the mid-Atlantic region included landscape design, horticulture, and the nursery trade. She holds the Master of Landscape Architecture degree from Cornell University and has lived in Washington DC and Boston, with professional experience working in small and large multi-disciplinary landscape architecture firms in these metropolitan areas.

An Accredited Professional in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Carol has been an active participant in completed LEED projects in New England. In addition, she has given presentations on the role of landscape architecture at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP); the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA); and Athletic Business (AB) Conferences. She currently serves on the Thesis and Degree Commendations Committee at the Boston Architectural College (BAC); the Executive Committee of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA); and the Town of Belmont’s Historic District Commission (HDC).

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Tell me your story! Renovation Stories features homeowners who have fun and dramatic stories to tell. We can all learn from each other and I can’t wait to hear what your renovation was like. If you think your story might be right for this podcast, please send me an email- thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

This podcast is now a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a rating. I would really appreciate any of the above.

Join the Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Join our mailing list! Get a newsletter when an episode is published with insider information join here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the editor of the show. www.RayBernoff.com

Music at the beginning and end of the episode is The House Maven's Jig by Neil Pearlman, performed by Troy MacGillivray and Neil Pearlman www.neilpearlman.com

Show Cover Art by Sam White www.samowhite.com

This podcast is a production of dEmios Architects.

This episode is the first in a new series called Renovation Story. My guest for this renovation story is Kim Tierney, owner and caretaker of Bloomfield Farm, a beautiful stone house in Virginia built in the 1700s. I have been following her account on TikTok and am grateful that she took the time to record her story of acquiring the house, her approach to preservation, the history of the house and her challenges.

Instagram: @bloomfieldfarmrestoration

Facebook: Bloomfield Farm

TikTok: @bloomfieldfarm

YouTube: bloomfieldfarmVA

About this episode's guest

"We’re so happy to have you along for our great adventure of renovating our 1775 stone farm house in Virginia. This has been a dream in the making for over 30 years. We are honored, blessed, humbled and thrilled to be the new owners and the ones to bring this gorgeous gal back to life.

I’m a writer by love. A rehabber by happenstance ~ mostly because I’ve never had enough money to buy what I want ~ so I buy the broken homes and fix them hopefully to their original luster. A Virginian by birth. An old house lover by soul. A caretaker by heart. And quite frankly ~ a go-getting / risk-warrior out a shear might (and quite possibly a handful of stupidity in there too). All of what I am has led me to Bloomfield. Now I get to see what she and I will become now that we’ve joined forces.

So combining all my “talents” (using that term loosely) and the talents of my husband, Rod and many other able bodied folks along the way – I have decided to blog about our rehab adventure.

Note that Rod and I are a couple of grassroots, spit & glue-ing, elbow grease-ing, hardworking, determined, hard headed folks. If we can fix it ourselves – we will. So that alone will be comical to many!

Thanks for coming along for the ride. We hope to make you belly laugh at our trials & tribulations. Make you smile at our successes. Thrill you with our adventures. Cry along with us at our failures. But most of all ~ we hope you enjoy the journey with us.

Oh! A word of warning… be careful what you wish for. Because if you write me and say you’re envious, I’m sure I can find a paintbrush somewhere with your name on it!

Thank you for your support and mostly for loving and believing in Bloomfield too! She’s truly a gem."

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Tell me your story! Renovation Stories features homeowners who have fun and dramatic stories to tell. We can all learn from each other and I can’t wait to hear what your renovation was like. If you think your story might be right for this podcast, please send me an email- thehousemaven@talkinghomerenovations.com

This podcast is now a member of the design network- www.designnetwork.org

Help me spread the word about this podcast!

Send a link to this show to 3 of your friends who you think could use information about home renovations. If you like the podcast, please leave a review and a rating. I would really appreciate any of the above.

Join the Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/TalkingHomeRenovations

Follow me on instagram: @talkinghomerenovations

Join me on TikTok: @The House Maven

Join our mailing list! Get a newsletter when an episode is published with insider information join here

Thanks to Ray Bernoff, the...