Designers & Builders

MeLinda Kann did not plan on becoming a millwork specialist. She went to school for teaching, then theater design, then interior design, and somewhere along the way, a drafting internship at a cabinet shop changed everything. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with the founder of MeLinda K Design Studio to talk about what it really takes to buil...

Meghan Talarowski has spent the last decade proving that Playgrounds can be so much more than plastic slides and rubber mats. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with the founder and executive director of Studio Ludo to talk about research-driven play design, why half the people in Playgrounds are not children, and what it actually takes to build publ...

Vasyl Lukyanenko left Ukraine two weeks before the war started and built a custom millwork business from nothing in the United States in just four years. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with the founder and owner of Epure Millwork to talk about precision craftsmanship, the realities of scaling a shop, and what it takes to say yes to every opp...

Chanae Richards turned a creative outlet into a thriving design practice that spans New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and beyond. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with the CEO and Principal Designer of ọlọrọ Interiors to explore how intentional design, deep listening, and community investment create spaces that truly enrich people's lives. Chanae's...

Brian Messana has spent 30 years proving that architecture is not about trends, square footage, or flashy materials. It is about how a space makes you feel. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with the co-founder of Messana O'Rorke to explore what it means to build a practice rooted in clarity, craft, and an unwavering commitment to the human experien...

What does it take to build a career, and a reputation, in one of the most demanding construction markets in the world? Daniel Monteiro, Managing Partner at Reidy Contracting Group, has figured it out, and in this episode he breaks down exactly how. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Daniel to trace his path from a childhood obsession with L...

What does it take to design buildings that feel as natural as the landscape they sit in? Lance O'Donnell, FAIA, founding principal of o2 Architecture and newly elevated Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, has spent decades answering that question in one of the most demanding climates on earth: the Coachella Valley desert. In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alys...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Mike Riddle, owner and CEO of Riddle Construction, to explore his unconventional journey from sports medicine to custom home building. Mike shares the profound lessons learned from overcoming significant challenges, including a major lawsuit and bankruptcy, and how these experiences transformed him into a bette...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Sarah Allen of Sarah Allen Design to explore her journey in the interior design industry, the evolution of her design philosophy, and the mindset shifts that transformed her business. Sarah shares candid insights on the importance of investing in your own space, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurshi...

In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Evan Goldenberg, Architect/Owner of Design Build Consultants Inc., to explore his decades-long journey in architecture, his specialized expertise in wine cellar design, and his unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship. Evan's approach to construction management and client relationships reveals how treating every proj...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Dr. Diane Jones Allen, Principal Landscape Architect with Design Jones LLC and Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Jones Allen's remarkable career bridges academia and practice, community engagement and environmental design, revealing how landscape architecture can be a powerful tool for stor...

In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Drew Lang of Lang Architecture, architect and founder of Brick and Wonder, to explore how taking agency over your career, generating your own projects, and fostering genuine collaboration can transform your path in architecture and design. Drew's journey into architecture didn't follow the traditional route. Starting with...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Roberto J. Rovira, a remarkable professional whose career spans mechanical engineering, U.S. Navy service, and landscape architecture. Roberto's unconventional path from serving as a naval officer to becoming a leading voice in landscape design reveals how diverse experiences shape creative vision and innovativ...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Jake Weber of Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects to explore how thoughtful architecture can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones. Jake believes that architecture isn't reserved for the privileged few. It's something everyone encounters daily, yet so much of our built environment lacks the car...

What does it take to build a thriving design and construction business from the ground up, especially when you arrive in a new country with nothing but determination? In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson sits down with Timothy Roman, founder of Imperial Kitchen & Bath, to uncover the remarkable journey behind his success. Timothy opens up about immigrating to the United...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson speaks with Michael DeGregorio, a principal at Hood Design Studio, about the art and practice of transformative landscape architecture. Michael shares Hood's distinctive design philosophy—creating site-specific, narrative-driven solutions rather than formulaic designs—and discusses how client trust enables creative risk-takin...

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Alyssa Olson discuss their current goals, business opportunities in design, and the challenges of navigating personal and professional chaos. They reflect on the importance of focus, meditation, and the unexpected connections that can lead to significant life changes. The discussion also touches on sustainable building materials and potential collaborati...

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Alyssa Olson discuss various themes surrounding networking, collaboration, personal growth, and the transition to freelance work. They explore the importance of social media engagement, the challenges of career changes, and the potential of podcasting as a platform for connection and visibility. The conversation emphasizes the need for action, commitment...

In this episode of Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson speaks with Joshua Seyfried, a landscape architect and founder of Studio Seyfried.  They discuss Joshua's journey from growing up on a farm in Michigan to navigating the complexities of landscape architecture and urban design. Joshua shares insights on the challenges of starting a new business, the importance of building relation...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Chelsea Kasch, founder of Chelsea K Designs.  Chelsea shares her journey in the interior design industry, emphasizing the importance of communication between builders and homeowners.  She discusses her unique approach to design, which involves being actively involved in the construction process and building st...

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere interviews Rasheeda Gray, an accomplished interior designer and CEO of Gray Space Interiors. They discuss Rasheeda's journey from marketing to interior design, her unique design style, the importance of client relationships, and the impact of technology on the industry. Rasheeda shares her experiences with television and representation in design, her aspirat...

In this conversation, Steve Larosiliere and Alyssa Olson discuss the importance of time management for side hustles, the value of market research in identifying problems, and the challenges of navigating career transitions. They emphasize the need to align purpose with design, the power of manifestation, and the significance of building a positive impact through design. The conversation also touch...

In this episode of the "Designers and Builders Podcast," host Alyssa Olson sits down with Andre Jordan Hilton of Jordan Hilton Interiors to explore his creative upbringing and transformative career journey. Growing up amidst construction sites with an architect grandfather and landscaper uncle, Andre shares how his family's legacy shaped his design perspective. He discusses pivotal projects, inclu...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Cheryl Luckett, founder of Dwell By Cheryl, who has built a successful design career by embracing honesty, consistency, and continuous learning.  Cheryl shares her insights on the importance of client relationships, the value of behind-the-scenes work, and the role of education in personal and professional growth. We explore how she has master...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Beth Diana Smith, a visionary interior designer who transitioned from a successful career in corporate finance to create bold and unforgettable spaces.  Beth shares her journey of discovering her passion for design, the importance of cultural heritage in her work, and how her business background influences her...