Made to Design

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with architect Jason Soderlund about the fascinating world of historic restoration and façade forensics.

Jason explains how architects investigate water intrusion, deteriorating masonry, structural concerns, and other hidden problems within a building’s exterior. From aging churches and bell towers to courthouses and historic water towers, his work combines architectural knowledge, problem-solving, and collaboration with skilled craftspeople.

Sarah and Jason also discuss the enduring relevance of classical architecture, the role of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art in Jason’s career, and how neuroscience is helping us understand the human response to beauty, visual complexity, proportion, and the built environment.

In This Episode:

• What façade forensics means
• Investigating leaks, cracks, masonry damage, and structural deterioration
• Restoring historic churches and other significant buildings
• Working with specialized contractors and craftspeople
• Jason’s path into restoration architecture
• The influence of the ICAA on his career
• Why classical architecture remains relevant
• How beauty and visual complexity affect the human experience
• The relationship between neuroscience, nature, and architectural design
• Creating buildings that are beautiful, durable, and worth preserving

Connect

• Sarah Couture Design
• ICAA Chicago-Midwest
• Indiana Regional Committee of ICAA on Instagram: @icaa_indiana

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Ball State University architecture student Ethan Gustafson about his passion for classical and traditional architecture—and his vision for carrying those traditions forward.Ethan shares how he co-founded Students for Classical Architecture and Design at Ball State, studied at the ICAA Summer Studio in New York City, and developed his skills in measured drawing, classical proportions, hand drafting, and watercolor rendering.

Sarah and Ethan also explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. From hand drawing to computational design, Ethan explains how emerging tools can help architects reinterpret classical forms while preserving the beauty, craftsmanship, and human-centered principles that make architecture endure.

In This Episode

• Discovering a passion for architecture at a young age
• Bringing classical design education to Ball State
• Ethan’s experience at the ICAA Summer Studio
• Learning the classical orders, measured drawing, and watercolor rendering
• Why classical architecture remains relevant
• Combining hand-drawing traditions with computational design
• Using technology to evolve architectural ornament
• Designing beautiful buildings with lasting materials
• Ethan’s internship, study-abroad plans, and future in architecture

Connect

• Ethan Gustafson on Instagram: @ateliergustafson
• Indiana Regional Committee of ICAA on Instagram: @icaa_indiana
• ICAA Chicago on Instagram: @icaachicago
• ⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠
• ⁠ICAA Chicago-Midwest⁠
• ⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with John Sandvig, founder of Solace Construction, about his unconventional path from acoustical engineer to residential general contractor.

John shares how his engineering background, technical expertise, attention to detail, and experience working with architects and construction teams continue to shape his approach to remodeling. He also explains how a growing interest in improving his own homes led from weekend handyman projects to a full-time construction business specializing in kitchens and bathrooms.

Sarah and John also discuss the importance of collaboration between interior designers and general contractors. They explore how early communication, shared expectations, creative problem-solving, and respect for each professional’s expertise can produce a smoother construction process and a better result for the client. The conversation concludes with John’s vision for the future of Solace Construction, including building a stronger team, refining its systems, and exploring new opportunities in aging-in-place design.

In This Episode

• John’s transition from acoustical engineering to residential construction

• How his interest in music and the built environment led to acoustical consulting

• Turning home improvement projects into a remodeling business

• How an engineering background informs John’s work as a general contractor

• The importance of professionalism, organization, and clear communication

• Why designers and contractors sometimes experience friction

• Approaching design and construction challenges as shared problems to solve

• Why early collaboration leads to better estimates and project outcomes

• The value interior designers bring to kitchens and bathrooms

• Helping homeowners translate their ideas into functional, cohesive spaces

• Creating a more efficient and intentional construction business

• Future opportunities in aging-in-place remodeling and healthcare design

Connect

• Solace Construction

• Sarah Couture Design

• Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Indianapolis interior designer Claudia Appel, founder of Pink Elephant Home, as she celebrates 10 years in business.

Claudia shares her unconventional journey from criminal defense attorney to professional organizer and, ultimately, full-service residential interior designer. She explains how the organization, analysis, problem-solving, and creativity required in law continue to shape her design practice today.

Sarah and Claudia also discuss the value interior designers bring beyond aesthetics—from helping clients avoid costly mistakes and uncovering a home’s potential to creating beautiful, functional spaces that support every stage of life. The conversation concludes with practical ideas for aging in place, including thoughtful renovations, accessible organization, home technology, and prioritizing improvements at any budget.

In This Episode

• Claudia’s transition from criminal defense attorney to interior designer

• Celebrating 10 years of Pink Elephant Home

• Creating approachable, client-centered interiors

• How legal experience informs creativity and business strategy

• Why interior design is about much more than aesthetics

• Increasing a home’s function and long-term value

• How designers can help clients avoid costly mistakes

• Designing and organizing homes for aging in place

• Prioritizing meaningful improvements within a client’s budget

• Creating homes that help people remain connected to their communities

  
  

Connect

• Pink Elephant Home on Instagram: @thepinkelephanthome

• ⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠

• ⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

How can a fine art consultant help designers find artwork that feels personal, intentional, and perfectly suited to a client’s home?

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Jen Nash-Kochevar, president of JNK Art Partners and co-owner of Gallery 366 in Minneapolis. Jen explains how fine art consultants collaborate with interior designers—from sourcing existing pieces and curating collections to guiding clients through one-of-a-kind commissions.

They also discuss the importance of budget, the creative relationship between artist and client, and Jen’s distinctive art-gifting experiences. Sarah and Jen close by sharing how the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art brought them together and why classical art, architecture, drawing, beauty, and proportion continue to inspire their work.

In This Episode

• How fine art consultants support interior designers

• Finding art that complements an existing collection

• Creating custom commissioned artwork

• Balancing an artist’s vision with a client’s preferences

• Establishing a realistic art budget

• Working with an art consultant locally or remotely

• Memorable art-gifting experiences for clients

• Building community through the ICAA

• The connection between classical art, architecture, and drawing

Connect

• ⁠JNK Art Partners⁠

• ⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠

• ⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

How can smart-home technology enhance daily life without detracting from a home’s beauty?

Sarah Couture talks with technology consultant Jason Lehnhardt about integrating audio, video, lighting controls, motorized window treatments, networking, and other low-voltage systems into luxury homes. Jason explains how an independent technology consultant advocates for homeowners—from establishing a realistic budget and selecting the right integrator to overseeing installation and testing the finished system.

They also discuss why technology planning should begin early, how architecturally discreet products help preserve a home’s design, and practical ways to prepare for future changes.

In This Episode:

• The role of an independent technology consultant

• Why technology should be planned early in the design process

• Balancing aesthetics, performance, and budget

• Invisible speakers and other discreet solutions

• Why fewer touch panels can create a more timeless home

• Preparing a home for changing technology

• Why “wireless is for convenience and wired is for performance”

• The value of collaboration among homeowners, designers, architects, and technology professionals

• Jason’s experience with the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

Connect

• ⁠Jason Lehnhardt Consulting⁠

• ⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠

• ⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

Sarah Couture talks with fine art consultant Jen Nash-Kochevar and landscape architect and professor Craig Farnsworth about making sketching approachable for everyone. They explore how drawing helps us slow down, observe our surroundings, remember places more deeply, and connect with a creative community. Everyone featured on the podcast is a member of the ICAA. Jen serves as the Minnesota regional chair, and Sarah serves as the Indiana regional chair.

The goal is not to create a perfect, photorealistic image. A sketch can be a personal response to anything that captures your attention—from an entire building to a shadow, doorway, tree, or architectural detail.

In This Episode:

• What to expect on an ICAA sketching event

• The connection between the mind, hand, and eye

• Letting go of perfectionism

• Using value and contrast to create form

• Building community through shared creativity

• Simple supplies for beginning sketchers

Learn More

•Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) — Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

• Chicago-Midwest Chapter of ICAA — ICAA Chicago-Midwest

• Indiana Regional Committee of Chicago-Midwest ICAA on Instagram — @icaa_indiana

Suggested Supplies

• Sketchbook: Approximately 5 x 8 or 8 x 10 inches. The suggested option is designed for watercolor and other wet media, but any sketchbook is suitable for dry media such as pencil and pen.

• Pencil: Soft lead, from 2B to 6B

• Pen: Water-resistant ink

• Black watercolor pencil: 8B

• Assorted watercolor pencils: Only one color is needed for each value drawing

——

For more from Sarah Couture Design—including services, portfolio projects, articles, and additional episodes of Made to Design—visit saracouturedesign.com