Designers & Builders

In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson speaks with Niki McNeill Brown, an interior designer who transitioned from a pre-med background to pursue her passion for design.  Niki discusses her journey into the field, the importance of psychology in understanding space, and her client-centered approach to design. She shares insights on creating functional spaces that cater to dive...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere interviews Lauren Ashley, founder of Lauren Ashley Experiences. Lauren shares her journey from struggling to find a job in interior design to creating her own successful business. She discusses the importance of understanding client needs, the challenges of balancing creativity with business demands, and the role of tech...

In this recap episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere reflects on insights gained from the previous interviews with industry professionals. He highlights common themes such as the importance of relationships, the challenges faced in the design and build industry, and actionable insights for aspiring designers. The conversation emphasizes the value of unique backgrounds, th...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere and co-host Alyssa Olson welcome Antonio Deloatch from Antonio Deloatch Designs. Antonio shares his inspiring journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming a successful designer in New York City. He discusses the importance of community, the hustle behind landing his first clients, and the recent recognit...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Alyssa Olson speaks with Tiffany White from Midcity Design Group about her unique journey into interior design, which began with an MBA and a career in federal contracting. Tiffany discusses the integration of neuroscience into her design process, emphasizing the importance of sensory experiences in creating spaces. She also highlights he...

In this episode of Designers and Builders, host Alyssa Olson interviews Jason Easterly from E&S Builders. Jason shares his journey in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of transparency, reliable communication, and efficient project management.  He discusses the systems he has implemented to revolutionize the home building process, ensuring clients are well-informed and satis...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere and Alyssa Olson explore the integration of AI in architecture, discussing the challenges faced by architects, the importance of client expectations, and the role of smaller firms in the industry. They delve into the need for design support for non-architects, the impact of sustainable practices, and the significance of publi...

In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Maurice Pennington of Pennington Perspective to talk about his unconventional journey from business consulting to interior design. Maurice shares how curiosity and “messy action” opened the door to a fulfilling design career. He discusses how he handled the challenges of building homes during COVID, the cr...

Episode Summary In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere sits down with Jonathan Webster of JD Stairs to explore the evolution of his family-founded business. Jonathan shares how the company transitioned from its construction roots to become a standout in the custom home market. The conversation dives into the challenges of early growth, including meeting payro...

Episode Summary In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere and co-host Alyssa Olson dive into Alyssa’s journey in architecture and woodworking, highlighting how her diverse background fuels her passion for accessible, community-centered design. They discuss her current projects, including affordable housing initiatives, and share their vision for fostering collab...

In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Allison Handler, an interior designer who transitioned from a successful career in the fashion industry to establish her own design firm. Allison shares her journey, the skills she brought from fashion to design, and how she developed her unique style. She discusses the importance of social media in growing her business, the challenges of managing clie...

In this episode of the Designers & Builders Podcast, Steve Larosiliere interviews Micah Stanley, partner at Lawton Stanley Architects. They cover the early journey of launching the firm, the impact of architecture education, and how strong client relationships shape successful projects. Micah reflects on their first major project, Grace Restaurant, and how it influenced their approach to desig...

Miriam Silver Verga of Mimi & Hill traces her firm’s evolution from kitchen-table designers to a 20-person luxury design-build studio. She reveals how addressing industry pain points fueled growth, emphasizing client education, storytelling in design, and systems-driven project management. Miriam discusses the challenges of construction budgeting, the value of her partnership with Hillary, and...

Carlissa Montoya shares her transition from retail to becoming a leading closet design professional on this episode. She highlights the critical role of client relationships, how closet design has evolved from luxury to necessity, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Carlissa discusses her signature approach that blends retail merchandising with organizational expertise, the strategic value of n...

n this introductory episode of the Designers and Builders podcast, host Steve Larosiliere shares his journey from hosting the Woodpreneur Podcast to launching a new platform focused on conversations in design and construction. He introduces co-host Alyssa Olson, outlining the podcast’s vision to connect architects, designers, and builders while fostering a community focused on sustainable and equi...