From the Honeycomb

Navigating a residential architecture project is about more than beautiful drawings—it’s about building a strong partnership between the client and architect. In this episode, Katerina shares practical advice for homeowners on how to become respectful, informed, and effective collaborators throughout the design and construction process. She explains the differences between architects and designers...

Katerina sits down with Charlotte Lilley, founder of The Retreat Comany , to talk about her journey from the corporate tech world to building a business centered around connection, travel, and community for women. Together they dive into what inspired Charlotte to leave the traditional career path behind and how she turned the idea of curated retreats into a thriving business. Charlotte shares the...

In this week's episode Katerina sits down with horticulturist and entrepreneur Amanda Laney for a conversation about curiosity, reinvention, and the courage to follow an unexpected path. Amanda shares how her professional journey began in the culinary world before evolving into horticulture, a transition that reshaped both her career and her perspective on growth. Through hands-on experience and e...

In this week's episode Katerina sits down with Jayven Colon, passionate salsa and bachata dancer and founder of Alliance Dance Academy, for a heartfelt conversation about movement, community, and what it really takes to build something of your own. Jayven shares how his journey into dance began almost by accident in high school, where he started teaching friends during lunchtime without realizing...

In this first solo episode of the year, Katerina reflects on a year marked by growth and meaningful transformations—both personally and professionally. She shares honest insights into the expansion of her business in late 2025, the lessons learned through navigating a full workload, and the importance of tracking project timelines with intention. Katerina also opens up about experiencing personal...

In this episode, Katerina sits down with Avideh Haghighi, architect and founder of Zero Houz , to explore what it truly means to commit to sustainable living through architecture. Avideh shares her unconventional path into the profession, rooted in a deep love for art, and how sustainability captured her interest long before it had a name.  The conversation dives into the financial realities of bu...

In the first episode of 2026, Katerina welcomes back Tiffany Teoh the founder of The Traveller Series for an honest conversation about growth, resilience, and evolution—both in life and in business. The discussion reflects on how personal transformation can directly influence leadership, decision-making, and the way a company moves forward. Tiffany shares her decision to merge two brands into one,...

In the final episode of From the Honeycomb for 2025, Katerina and her husband Jesse reflect on a year that brought both unexpected challenges and meaningful wins. In this honest conversation, they share what it looked like to run their businesses through shifting economic conditions, client and consultant dynamics, and increasing responsibilities—while staying grounded in purpose and discipline. T...

In the last guest episode of the year, Katerina sits down with landscape architect and founder of Milliman Design Studio, Emily Milliman, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, and community. Emily shares how her journey into landscape architecture began with a deep love of art and design, and how she continues to weave those passions into her work today. Emily opens up...

In this final episode of the Women in Architecture series, Katerina sits down with architect and Mentor Dino founder, Katelyn Rossier, about her journey over the past two years—both as a new mother and as an entrepreneur reshaping how mentorship and education show up in the architecture profession.  Katelyn shares her experiences launching Mentor Dino Academy in 2023, her vision for bridging knowl...

In the third episode of the Women in Architecture series, Katerina sits down with multidisciplinary designer Feyi Quadri about her journey over the past year and the lessons she’s learned about rest, self-care, and avoiding burnout in the demanding field of architecture.  Feyi reflects on past goals, the challenges she faced, and her decision to take a sabbatical to prioritize her well-being. Thei...

In the second episode of the Women in Architecture series, Katerina sits down with architect and business owner Liz Sydnor about her journey navigating the second year of running her own business. Liz reflects on the growth and lessons she’s experienced, including the importance of letting go of certain roles to protect her well-being and the ongoing challenge of finding balance between work and p...

In the first episode of the Women in Architecture series, Katerina is joined by Shadia Jaramillo, a project architect and co-founder of AIA Florida Northwest Women in Architecture. Their conversation explores how architects can create balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.  Shadia shares her journey of career growth, the joy she finds in her work, and why gratitude...

In this special anniversary episode of From the Honeycomb, join Katerina as she reflects on four years of podcasting—the whirlwind journey, lessons learned, and the creative outlet the podcast has become. She shares her gratitude for her business and listeners around the world, highlights the top five episodes, and looks back at the standout conversations that shaped this past year. Katerina also...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Katerina is joined by her husband Jesse for a behind-the-scenes look at life as an architect-contractor duo. Together, they reflect on recent growth in their businesses, express gratitude for personal and professional milestones, and answer listener questions. From discussing job stress and team expansion to sharing laughs during a light-hearted Q&A, K...

In this insightful conversation, Katerina is joined by structural engineer Amy Maskal, known for her humorous perspective on the engineering profession. Together, they explore how humor can be a powerful connector in the workplace and on social media—especially in a field that often takes itself seriously. Amy shares her unique journey into engineering and how she carved a niche in bleacher and gr...

On this week's episode, Katerina sits down with Diane Gatza, founder of California Maternity Leave Consulting , who shares her inspiring journey from civil engineer to passionate advocate for women navigating the complex world of maternity leave. Diane opens up about the health challenges that shaped her path, her transition into motherhood, and how those experiences ignited her mission to empower...

In this inspiring conversation, architect and entrepreneur Phephe Rose shares her architectural journey and the bold moves that led her to launch her business, Brush Up Your Space. From a childhood love of drawing to navigating the challenges of architecture school, Phephe reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her path.  She opens up about the realities of managing multiple ventures, the les...

In this episode, Katerina returns from a brief hiatus to share reflections on her evolving entrepreneurial journey. She opens up about recent shifts in the podcast, the current challenges within the architecture industry, and the personal growth that has come from stepping back. From navigating the economic slowdown in Q1 of 2025 to making difficult decisions in her business, Katerina shares a tra...

In this episode, Katerina sits down with Erin Fantozz, a designer whose expertise is shaped by her dual degrees in interior design and architecture. Erin shares the story of her journey in the design industry, from an early passion for creating spaces to the pivotal moments that led her to establish her own business. She reflects on the challenges she faced balancing the demands of a growing caree...

On this week's episode, Katerina welcomes Jodie Snyder, a registered Ayurvedic lifestyle and wellness coach, to share her inspiring journey into Ayurveda and the creation of Hina Hale , a tranquil sanctuary on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Jodie reveals her path to self-healing, the value of structured routines, and the powerful role nature plays in the healing process. The conversation explores the...

In this week's episode, Katerina sits down with Amy Edwards, founder of Markedly , to explore the art of marketing for architects and designers. Amy offers advice on marketing effectively on a budget, building trust through valuable content, and setting clear business goals to guide your strategy. She highlights the importance of focusing on strategy over tactics, committing to long-term success,...

In this reflective episode, host Katerina opens up about the challenges she faced in 2024 and her journey toward slowing down in 2025. After experiencing burnout, Katerina shares her decision to take a hiatus from the podcast, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care. With her word for the year, slow down, she explores how setting boundaries and focusing on personal g...

In the final episode of 2024, Jesse and Katerina look back on their entrepreneurial journeys over the past year. With Jesse’s word of the year, “build,” and Katerina’s, “create,” as guiding themes, they share how these intentions shaped their professional growth. Together they dive into why they both feel rooted in residential construction, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of the fie...

In this candid solo episode, Katerina takes you behind the scenes to reflect on the final stretch of the year and share her journey through Q4. With no script and plenty to vent about, she opens up about unexpected twists in her business and personal life, offering an honest look at the lessons learned going into her second year as a business owner—lessons that have been even more eye-opening than...