Liz Alexander welcomes designer and podcast host Renée Biery of DeVignier Design to discuss how women—especially homeowners and sorority housing volunteers—can feel confident, informed, and effective during renovations. Renee shares how her training in drafting and construction language helped her contribute as an equal on job sites, and why job sites feel intimidating when people don’t understand the process or hesitate to ask questions. They emphasize clarifying scope before requesting bids, avoiding assumptions that lead to change orders, and choosing a contractor who feels like a good fit because projects are long and emotional. Renee advises house corporation leaders to define their role early, not pretend to know what they don’t, stay organized, be accessible for time-sensitive decisions, and set structured weekly meetings. Liz closes with a “House Hot Take” on planning storage for sorority houses.

📌 Connect with Renée:

📸 : @devignierdesign

🎙️: devignierdesign.com/podcast/

📌 Connect with Liz: 

📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠

🌐  ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠ 

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Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

00:00 Podcast cold open00:47 Meet Renée Biery of Devignier Design02:25 Design origin story04:32 Learning renovations06:58 Early jobsite lessons09:48 Why jobsites intimidate11:20 Contractor communication gaps15:31 House board leadership tips18:41 Define Your Scope19:50 Choosing the Right Contractor21:04 HGTV Expectations Check21:51 Timing Your Renovation24:30 Quoting and Client Fit27:06 Deadline Clarity Lessons29:16 Organization and Asking Questions30:53 Accessibility and Decision Systems33:30 Weekly Meetings Workflow35:45 Wrap Up and Hot Takes36:29 Storage Is Insurance37:27 Final Outro and Credits