Friends of Build Magazine

Ted speaks with Mike Pollari of Timberpeg Homes based in New Hampshire. Timber Peg Homes has decades of experience building and designing timber frame and log homes, and Mike highlights the importance of technology in the industry and how it has changed the way homes are built. He also talks about the evolving preferences of clients, from contemporary designs to the resurgence of log homes, and emphasizes the company's focus on customer service and the attention to detail in the design and construction process. Timber frame homes can bring unique challenges to a build site, and Mike addresses meeting those challenges head on to build a custom home that can stand the test of time.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 02:05 Introduction 
• 03:20 The Impact of Technology on Home Building
• 05:35 WHS Homes and timber framing
• 09:15 Customization and Personalization in Home Design
• 11:20 The Appeal of Timber Frame and Log Homes
• 17:10 Next ten years, industry shifts
• 22:20 The Importance of Customer Service in the Construction Process
• 30:00 Building in Different Climate Zones
• 32:30 Collaboration in Timber Frame Construction
• 34:00 Making Connections and the Grind
• 45:00 Differentiating from Competitors
• 48:15 Simplicity and Trust in the Building Process
• 52:30 Wrap up

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Mike Pollari

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Timber frame homes can provide a beautiful aesthetic even in areas with heavy snow and wind loads."
• "Ultimately, I think that, you know, an architect doesn't want to create a situation where there's going to be callbacks and issues with the house, but they have this vision of the home and how, you know, how they want it to look."
• "So that really changes on each project. We do projects where we're working directly with a builder who is creating a, maybe they're doing a 7,000 square foot home in Texas for a client and we're providing just the timber frame in the great room."

Ted speaks with Hunter Dominick, an interior designer based in Whitefish, Montana, who discusses her design philosophy and the challenges of creating diverse styles for her clients. She emphasizes the importance of early involvement in the planning process to ensure functional and well-designed spaces. Hunter also highlights the significance of incorporating personal items and sentimental pieces into the design. She discusses the value of American-made furniture and appliances and the shift towards supporting local artisans. After spending 25 years in Whitefish, Montana, she discusses her design process, the growth of the design community in Whitefish, and the misconceptions about interior designers in the industry. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers, contractors, and clients to create successful projects. Overall, she is proud of her team and the ability to create beautiful and functional spaces for her clients.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 04:50 Design Philosophy and Influences
• 08:30 Challenges of Creating Diverse Styles
• 10:05 The Importance of Early Involvement for an Interior Designer
• 21:15 Building a business in Whitefish Montana
• 25:12 The Value of a Showroom and Creating a Design Center 
• 27:25 The Growth of the Design Community in Whitefish
• 31:00 The Tipping Point for Whitefish's Growth
• 34:15 Pride in the Team and Longevity in the Business
• 38:15 Blending Different Design Elements
• 40:35 Keeping Up with Suppliers and Changing Trends 
• 44:15 The Challenges and Advancements in Lighting Design
• 46:35 Overcoming Misconceptions about Interior Designers
• 51:55 How to connect and wrap up

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Hunter Dominick 

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think that's what makes a really interesting home, is when it's not so expected and it's kind of melding these visions that typically wouldn't be put together."
• "The fixed finishes and equipment end of the design profession is probably more important than anything on the back end."
• "I'm proud of my team. We have a great team and everybody works really hard."

Ted speaks with Allison Campbell, founder of Allison Campbell Design in Utah. By building trust with her clients and practicing strong communication, Allison has scaled her interior design business to new heights. She shares with Ted how she tailors a design to each client’s personality, and the simple tricks she uses to keep each project unique. Her approach is focused on creating a welcoming and functional feel in every home, regardless of the style or design preferences. She shares her passion for her work and the excitement she feels every day, even in the mundane aspects of the job. Allison believes in constantly learning and growing in her field and encourages others to embrace failure and continue educating themselves. 

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:10 Introduction and Anticipation
• 04:10 The Value and the Role of the Interior Designer as an Advocate
• 08:45 Communication and Decision-Making
• 12:00 Budgeting and Prioritizing in Design
• 15:55 The Importance of a Design Book
• 18:20 Creating a Feel in Every Home
• 21:50 Building Trust and Collaboration
• 26:20 The Designer's Problem-Solving Role
• 28:25 Creating Unique and Personalized Homes
• 30:20 Overcoming Intimidation and Building Trust
• 34:40 Passion and Excitement in the Field
• 42:50 Involve an interior designer immediately
• 44:15 Exciting projects
• 46:00 Continual Learning and Embracing Failure
• 48:25 The Importance of Education
• 49:25 The project that you’ve reflected on most
• 52:25 Getting in touch  

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Allison Campbell

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Communication, whether it's positive or negative, is key throughout."
• "Everybody has versions of the same personality."
• "I remind myself, wait, I can do this. Like, they're coming to me because I know what I'm doing."

Ted speaks with Dan Weber and Tony Schonhardt of Anacapa Architecture. They discuss their experiences in the architecture industry and their work on various projects. They talk about their backgrounds and how they ended up in Santa Barbara, the challenges they faced during the 2008 recession, and the growth of their firm. The conversation focuses on one specific project, an off-the-grid guest house, and the difficulties they encountered during the entitlement and construction process. They also touch on the concept of building green and sustainable design. The conversation explores the power of architecture to inspire and connect people to nature. The architects discuss the importance of creating tranquil and low-tech spaces that promote a sense of calmness and quiet. They also touch on the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the value of travel in shaping their design approach. The architects emphasize the significance of building strong relationships with clients and the impact it has on creating a better living experience. They express excitement about upcoming projects, including a world-class house and hotels in various locations.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 04:35 Experiences in Santa Barbara
• 08:17 Challenges of the 2008 Recession
• 15:05 Biggest challenges on exciting projects
• 17:17 Building Off-the-Grid
• 21:20 Approach to Green Building
• 24:55 Inspiring and Connecting People to Nature
• 27:05 Creating Tranquil and Low-Tech Spaces
• 31:35 The Influence of Frank Lloyd Wright
• 40:00 The Value of Travel in Shaping Design Approach
• 42:10 Building Strong Relationships with Clients
• 50:45 Exciting Upcoming Projects

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Tony Schonhardt and Dan Weber

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "The real opportunity for a project like that is not so much that we're making any demonstrable dent in improving the community or the place from a sustainability standpoint, but what we're doing is inspiring a lot of people."
• "When I look at your projects, there seems to be less chaos, more tranquility."
• "We're big fans of technology, but our buildings are low-tech. The more pure the state of the material is, the better."

Ted speaks with Kate O'Hara, CEO and creative director for O'Hara Interiors. She shares insights from her mother, Martha, who founded the company, and what it’s been like to take over a family business. Ted and Kate cover the importance of delegation, processes and procedures, and the significance of personal interactions in their line of work. Kate also shares her insight into creating custom furniture and the rewards of building strong relationships with clients.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties
• 02:25 The Influence of Kate's Grandfather and Her mother’s journey 
• 05:25 Lessons from Martha on Running a Business
• 09:10 Expanding into Austin and Business Development
• 11:55 The Significance of Photo Shoots in Showcasing Design Work
• 13:40 Balancing Big Picture Thinking and Attention to Detail
• 15:00 Transitioning from Entrepreneurship to Structured Growth
• 21:35 Expanding into New Markets and Assessing Opportunities
• 26:10 The Difference Between Remote Work and On-Site Interaction
• 32:30 Building Strong Client Relationships
• 40:55 Transitioning into a Family Business
• 44:55 Custom furniture lines
• 49:00 The Intersection of Art and Interior Design
• 51:50 Conclusion

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Kate O’Hara

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "You always want to punch up, not down."
• "Being on site makes it easier to understand the terrain, colors, and environment."
• "The level of client involvement varies based on the type of home being designed."

Ted speaks with Brad Leavitt, founder of AFT Construction in Scottsdale, AZ. From his beginnings as an electrician to running a successful and award-winning custom home building business, Brad shares his insights on leadership, hiring the best people, and building a brand. Through the many challenges and mistakes, Brad has persevered and learned how to overcome the obstacles in his path. Now a successful entrepreneur, he shares with Ted how he encourages the younger generation, how he retains a stellar staff, and where his company is headed next.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 02:20 Brad's Rise in the Construction Industry
• 04:40 Putting together a good team
• 07:50 The Role of Interior Designers in Construction
• 11:55 Building a Brand, Financial Management, and Systems and Processes
• 18:20 Allowing Yourself to Fail and Learning from Mistakes
• 20:55 Dealing with Shiny Object Syndrome
• 21:55 The Importance of Optimism in Leadership
• 26:25 Exciting New Relationships and Rising Stars
• 28:15 The Impact of AI on the Building Community
• 30:55 The Potential of Robots in Construction
• 32:35 The Toyota Five Principles of Problem-Solving
• 38:20 Managing client expectations and change orders
• 41:15 The Importance of Trade Skills for the Younger Generation
• 46:35 Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• 47:45 Building a Strong Online Presence through Social Media

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Brad Leavitt

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Leadership is about showing empathy and caring for your team."
• "Building a brand is crucial for business growth and success."
• "AI is going to change... how manufacturers are operating."

Episode Notes 

Ted speaks with Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder of Iconic, a design build firm located in Scottsdale, AZ. A newer builder in the market, she highlights the importance of work-life balance in the industry and the need for continuous growth and adaptation in business. Kaitlyn discusses her approach to managing her time and projects, as well as her journey in the design industry. She emphasizes the importance of staying organized and also shares her experience working on various types of projects, from small remodels to large-scale renovations, and the turning point in her career when she realized she had something special. She discusses her passion for both residential and commercial design and her plans to focus on projects that align with her aesthetic vision. Kaitlyn also highlights the importance of being open to change and having a positive mindset in a fast-paced industry. Join Ted as he hears a new perspective in an aging industry.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Background
• 03:00 Starting a Business Based on Passion
• 04:35 Embracing Change and Building a Strong Team
• 08:08 The Importance of Face-to-Face Communication
• 11:50 Finding Inspiration and Recharging Through Travel
• 16:25 Setting Goals and Celebrating Success
• 19:30 Mastering Time and Project Management
• 23:45 Finding Success in Residential Design
• 28:35 Owning a business is hard
• 32:11 How do you see the business growing?
• 39:22 Exciting Projects Coming Up
• 43:10 Building a Strong Team and Cultivating Growth

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Kaitlyn Wolfe

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Youtube

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think I just went into it like, this is my passion, this is what I love to do."
• "It's important to constantly look at your processes because you're going to change over time."
• "Face-to-face is always going to trump every other type of communication."

Ted speaks with Alisha Taylor, an interior designer with Alisha Taylor Interiors,  to discuss her journey in the industry. Alisha shares her experience of building her own successful interior design business and the challenges she faced along the way. She talks about the importance of a team mentality and the value of having a strong team with different superpowers.  Alisha’s story serves as an inspiration for young people who are navigating their own career paths and she enjoys mentoring younger designers in her interior design business.  Join Ted to hear how Alisha has tackled building trust with clients, scaling her business over the years, and where she’s headed next.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 02:20 Alisha Taylor's Journey in Interior Design
• 05:45 Building a Successful Interior Design Business
• 11:40 The Value of a Team Mentality in Design
• 22:50 Flexibility and Open-Mindedness in Design Careers
• 27:50 Encouraging children to be successful
• 30:30 Embracing the Journey
• 31:50  Mentoring the Next Generation
• 34:05 The Power of Failure
• 36:45 Guiding Clients through Decision-Making
• 39:30 The Psychology of Design
• 43:20 Spoiling Good Employees and working with great teams
• 53:40 Building Trust through Marketing

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Alisha Taylor

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Flexibility and open-mindedness are key in pursuing a career in design."
• "Having a team mentality and leveraging the strengths of each team member is essential for a successful interior design business."
• "Don't look at the goal as the end goal. The end goal is when we die. Right? We've got to enjoy every part of the journey."

Ted speaks with Ricky Perrone of Perrone Construction and discusses the evolution of Sarasota, Florida, and the focus on luxury architecture in the city. Ricky shares the importance of systems and processes in their construction business and how they adapt to different clients and stakeholders. At Perrone Construction they emphasize the need for proactive communication and setting expectations to avoid delays and cost overruns. He also highlights the significance of involving the builder, architect, and interior designer from the beginning to ensure a seamless construction process. The conversation covers topics such as addressing client concerns, value engineering, the importance of good architecture, and the role of AI in construction. 

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:25 Introduction and Discussion on Sarasota
• 03:15 The journey of Perrone Construction
• 07:22 The Importance of Systems and Processes
• 10:13 Proactive Communication and Setting Expectations
• 14:30 The Role of the Builder, Architect, and Interior Designer
• 19:15 Site Selection and Due Diligence
• 21:08 The Value Engineering Process and Keeping Customers Happy
• 30:30 The Importance of Good Architecture in Construction
• 32:35 The Role of AI in Design and Construction
• 39:36 The Beauty of Details in Home Construction

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Ricky Perrone

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "Sarasota is a dynamic city with a true focus on the arts and architecture."
• "If you set up a good system, you have a roadmap to success on a project."
• "Being proactive can save time and money on a construction project."

Ted speaks with Theresa Stirling of Theresa Stirling Art Studios. In this conversation, Ted and Theresa discuss her journey as an artist and the impact of art on personal spaces. They explore themes of self-worth, authenticity, and the power of nature in inspiring art. Theresa shares her process of working with beeswax and encaustic medium, and how she incorporates different elements into her artwork. They also touch on the challenges and rewards of being an artist and the importance of taking risks. Theresa shares her journey as an artist and the challenges and rewards of running her own business. They discuss the impact of decisions and the excitement of embracing new opportunities. The conversation ends with a discussion of their future plans and the importance of being present in the moment.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:08 Introduction and Excitement for the Visit
• 01:50 Falling in Love with Art and Making a Career Change
• 03:05 The Role of Art in Defining a Space
• 04:55 The Authenticity of Art and the Importance of Nature
• 10:40 Working with Beeswax and Encaustic Medium
• 21:42 Self-Worth and the Validation of Art
• 27:40 The Process of Creating Animal Art
• 34:25 Art as a Tool for Storytelling and Personal Expression
• 36:36 Creating Personal Connections with Clients
• 41:10 Authenticity in a World of Perfectionism
• 43:00 Taking Risks and Embracing New Opportunities
• 51:45 The Importance of Being Present

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Theresa Stirling

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• I'm always taking risks and you know, I talked to a builder one time after I took on this I said yes to a ceiling mural panel, you know collection But I didn't quite know how to do it and how I was going to book match for gigantic panels wood panels at 84 inches each and He just I said do you ever take on projects and say yes, but you're not really sure how you're going to do them And he goes, oh we do it all the time.
•  It is truly one of the purest expressions we can do. Whether you play piano or you paint large pieces of art or you build tables, you put it out to the public and everybody can have an opinion. And sometimes the opinion could be hard to hear, but it's the purest expression. 
• I'm a big fan of the law of attraction and being in the vortex. Ride the horse in the direction it's going. If it feels good, do it. That applies to the art that I create. It applies to the business and how I run it, the social marketing piece. You know, I think be yourself when you show up in social. The world is already beleaguered by people trying to look too perfect.