Great homes don’t start with blueprints — they start with conviction.

In this episode of the BuildX Podcast, host Buz Artiano sits down with Christine Monaghan, Founder and Principal of Christine Monaghan Architecture + Planning, to explore a career shaped by courage, creativity, and a refusal to follow a conventional path.

With over 27 years in the industry, Christine shares how she moved from fine arts to architecture, walked away from “safe” desk jobs, started her own business more than once, and ultimately built a studio rooted in collaboration, sustainability, and human-centered design.

Her story is deeply personal.

From climbing scaffolding as a painter to leading award-winning architectural teams, to launching her own practice while raising a family, Christine’s journey reflects a belief that architecture isn’t about ego or trends — it’s about people, process, and long-term impact.

• Why architecture and interior design must work together, not compete
• How Christine’s Architectural Design Assessment (ADA) de-risks projects early
• What homeowners misunderstand most about ADU costs, timelines, and zoning
• How to future-proof homes for aging, accessibility, and changing family needs
• Why transparency and collaboration matter more than perfection
• The emotional reality of starting — and restarting — your own business

“You don’t leave your process — because every time you do, you remember why you had it in the first place.” — Christine Monaghan

This conversation is essential listening for homeowners, builders, architects, and families navigating renovations, ADUs, or new construction — especially those looking to design spaces that truly support life as it evolves.

“Architecture isn’t about showing off. It’s about finding the best solution for real people.” — Christine Monaghan

You built your life with intention.
Your home should reflect that.

00:00 Introduction & Welcome
01:10 Christine’s path from art to architecture
04:45 Quitting the desk job & betting on herself
08:20 Early career lessons & industry reality
12:30 Starting over with kids & a new firm
16:40 Building a process that protects clients
21:15 Architectural Design Assessments explained
26:50 Collaboration with builders & engineers
33:10 Interior design, construction & full-service architecture
40:30 ADUs, zoning, budgets & reality checks
49:00 Aging in place & accessible design
56:45 AI, technology & the future of design
01:00:20 Lightning round
01:02:00 Final thoughts & takeaways

👇 Learn more from Christine Monaghan
🌐 Website: www.cmarch-design.com
📲 Instagram: @christinemonaghanarchitect
🔗 LinkedIn: Christine Monaghan Architecture + Planning

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