Ted speaks with Rafael Santa Ana about his journey from Mexico City to Canada, discussing the cultural influences that shaped his architectural perspective. Owner of RSAAW in Vancouver, Rafael delves into the challenges of adapting architectural practices to different environments, the importance of questioning traditional methods, and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Rafael shares insights on the significance of collaboration in architecture and the need for innovative approaches to design. He reflects on the significance of trust between clients and designers, the necessity of quality in home design, and also shares insights on his personal journey, cultural identity, and future aspirations in the field of architecture.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:00 Introduction
• 01:50 From Mexico City to Winnipeg: A Journey of Discovery
• 06:35 The Impact of Upbringing on Perspective
• 09:20 Adapting to Different Environments
• 16:15 Questioning the Status Quo
• 22:20 The Role of AI in Architecture
• 28:15 Diverse Project Engagements and Design Philosophy
• 32:15 The Importance of Diversification in Architecture
• 34:25 Cultural Perspectives in Design Solutions
• 37:30 Innovative Problem Solving in Architecture
• 41:45 Client Trust and Project Execution
• 44:15 The Value of Quality in Home Design
• 50:05 Reflections on Cultural Identity and Future Aspirations

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Rafael Santa Ana

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "You can't cut corners when it counts"
• "You have to observe, you have to listen."
• "It's about picking and choosing the battles"

Ted speaks with Elisa Chambers, the owner of Snake River Interiors, discussing her journey from humble beginnings to running a successful interior design business in Jackson Hole. They explore themes of family, community, and the importance of relationships in both personal and professional life. Elisa shares her insights on mediocrity versus excellence, the significance of giving back to the community, and the value of happiness beyond wealth. In this engaging conversation, Elisa also reflects on the value of hard work, learning from failure, and the role of art in creating a home. Her insights provide a rich perspective on the intersection of personal fulfillment and professional success in the design industry.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction and Technical Challenges
• 02:15 Balancing Family and Career
• 06:00 The Journey to Jackson Hole
• 07:00 Mediocrity vs. Excellence
• 09:45 Building Relationships in Business
• 15:00 Jackson’s growth and change
• 19:25 Community and Giving Back
• 21:45 Client Relationships and Lessons Learned
• 22:45 The Value of Happiness Beyond Wealth
• 24:30The Journey to Finding Interior Design
• 29:40 The Evolution of a Retail Space
• 32:10 Environmental Considerations in Interior Design
• 35:35 Future Aspirations and Family Dynamics
• 38:20 Learning from Failure and Risk-Taking
• 42:00 The Role of Art in Home Design

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Elisa Chambers

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "It's about relationships."
• "Failure is not trying"
• "Art makes a home"

Ted speaks with Melinda Shirk Dorion about her journey in interior design, the transformation of her business space, and the evolving design trends in Jackson Hole. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and understanding client needs while navigating the unique challenges of designing in a mountain community. Melinda also reflects on her personal journey, the significance of mentorship, and the future direction of her company as they aim to establish a national brand known for modern rustic designs.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:05 Introduction to Elevated Living and the Western Design Conference
• 02:10 The Transformation of Elevated Living's Space
• 08:15 Design Aesthetics: Blending Modern and Rustic Elements
• 13:05 Sustainability and the Cultural Shifts in Home Design Preferences
• 18:50 Personal Journey and Mentorship in Design
• 20:00 The Unique Clientele of Jackson Hole
• 30:20 Working with Historical Homes in Jackson
• 38:45 The future of Elevated Living and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Melinda Shirk Dorion

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "This is where I wanted to live."
• "We don't do two things: live in the house or offer marriage therapy."
• "I love working in log homes."

Ted speaks with Mark Johnson, a fourth-generation stonemason and the owner of Architectural Stone. Mark shares his journey from working with his father's masonry business to establishing his own company that specializes in high-end stonework. He discusses notable projects, including the restoration of the Parthenon and collaborations with famous clients like T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush. Mark emphasizes the importance of quality, education, and innovation in the construction industry, as well as his excitement for future endeavors, including new product lines featuring petrified wood.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:10 Introduction to Mark Johnson and His Journey
• 02:10 The Evolution of Mark's Career in Stonework
• 04:15 High-Profile Projects: Rockefeller and Ralph Lauren
• 08:36 Restoration of the Parthenon: A Unique Challenge
• 16:15 Working with Notable Clients: T. Boone Pickens and George W. Bush
• 27:25 Innovations in Stonework and Engineering
• 40:50 The Importance of Quality and Education in Construction
• 51:00 Future Endeavors and New Product Lines

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Mark Johnson

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I'm a fourth-generation stonemason."
• "It was pretty much hush hush and we couldn't really tell anyone. And they didn't want anybody to think there were American people working on the Parthenon."
• "There was no such thing as a single shaft monolithic column that big in the world that we know"

Ted speaks with Matt Segerstrom owner of Modern Splendor Homes. Matt’s unique journey from a dairy farm in Wisconsin to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry is littered with challenges and obstacles that he persevered and overcame. Together, Ted and Matt explore the importance of trade skills, the challenges faced in the construction industry, and the significance of family dynamics and parenting. Matt shares insights on the Desert Dreams project, the role of technology in modern homes, and the necessity of having a strong design team. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of the construction industry and the importance of resilience and adaptability in achieving success.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 1:05 Introduction and Background
• 03:15 Career Path and Early Experiences
• 09:20 Transition to Construction and Entrepreneurship
• 08:53 Family Dynamics and Parenting
• 14:00 The Importance of Trade Skills
• 20:20 Navigating Challenges in the Construction Industry
• 22:00 Desert Dreams Project Overview
• 30:30 Technology in Modern Homes
• 37:20 Building Relationships with Clients
• 39:00 Future of Modern Splendor Homes
• 41:15 The Role of Design in Construction
• 45:25 Final Thoughts and Reflections

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Matthew Segerstrom

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I think the American dream has never been better."
• "A firm believer in a little bit of adversity can go a long ways."
• "We get the opportunity to build other people's dreams."

Ted speaks with Christian Nickum, president of Rocky Mountain Hardware, discussing the journey of taking over the family business, navigating economic challenges, and the importance of brand identity. Christian shares insights on adapting to design trends, educating dealers and customers, and the significance of collaborations with designers in the longevity of his business. The conversation also touches on production techniques, staffing challenges, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in a vision for the future of the company.

TOPICS DISCUSSED

• 01:15 Introduction and Background
• 01:55 Taking Over the Family Business
• 04:40 Growth and Challenges in Business
• 06:25 Navigating Economic Downturns
• 11:10 Brand Identity and Market Positioning
• 14:15 Educating Dealers and Customers
• 18:40 Production Techniques and Custom Work
• 20:20 The Traveling Road Show
• 21:50 Success in High-End Markets
• 25:05 Timeless Design and Natural Materials
• 27:45 Design collaborations
• 31:40 Learning from Failure and innovation
• 36:30 Staffing Challenges in a Specialized Industry
• 38:30 Managing Sales and Production
• 40:15 Lessons from COVID-19
• 41:05 The future and wrapping up

CONNECT WITH GUEST

Christian Nickum

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE

• "I wanted to do this for years."
• "Rocky Mountain is a household name."
• "We never attempt not to make mistakes."

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

CONNECT WITH GUEST

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

CONNECT WITH GUEST

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  

CONNECT WITH GUEST

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

CONNECT WITH GUEST

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."