The Build Project

Most of my conversations on The Build Project are with architects. This one's with a framer and it might be the clearest case I've made for why a builder belongs in the room early. Steven Reyes runs Reyes and Son Construction, the rough-carpentry crew on our last several custom homes. We talk about what pre-construction looks like from the field: showing up to a job with twenty questions instead o...

What does it actually mean to be the guide instead of the hero in luxury residential construction? In this impromptu episode, Alex reflects on a concept that’s been shaping the way Fernhill approaches custom homebuilding: trust through honest guidance. Inspired by the StoryBrand framework, this conversation explores why the client - not the builder - has to be the hero of the story, and why the be...

In this episode, we talk about what actually makes residential projects work. We break down why bringing the builder into the project early leads to better outcomes, why the traditional bid model often fails on architecturally driven homes, and why trust and transparency between architects, builders, and clients matters more than most people realize. We also dive into one of the biggest challenges...

What’s the real difference between commercial work and luxury residential....besides the square footage? In this episode, I sit down with Jason Ragan of Ragan Design Studio to talk about what happens when you take 12+ years of commercial experience (higher ed, corporate campuses, spec office) and bring it into the residential world. They unpack why client communication is the real product, how par...

What started as a series of conversations about building, architecture, and collaboration quickly became something deeper. Nearly every episode pushed me to think more critically about the construction industry, how trust is built (or broken), and what it actually takes to deliver great work in high-end residential construction. In this episode, I share the core principles that emerged across doze...

In this episode, Alex sits down with Boulder architect Nick Fiore of Flower Architecture for a candid conversation about what truly makes a good home. They break down the difference between style and substance, the invisible decisions that shape a building, the builder’s real influence on a project, and why trust and honesty matter more than any design trend. From climate-specific building science...

In this episode, We sit (virtually) down with Reece Barnes, Head of Construction Network at Adaptive and host of the Builders, Budgets & Beers podcast. What starts as a casual conversation quickly turns into a deep dive on project financials, AI, and what separates sustainable luxury builders from everyone else. Reece shares how growing up around construction shaped him, why he originally hate...

Alex sits down with Marty Brodsky, a project manager at BUILDWELL who’s spent the last decade going from sweeping floors and laying Ram Board to running some of Boulder’s most impressive custom home projects. Together they unpack what actually makes a custom home project succeed (or completely fall apart): the “blame matrix” around budgets, why going with the lowest bid almost always backfires, an...

The first Field Note explores what true luxury means in building. It’s not found in finishes or fixtures - it’s in the feeling of confidence that comes from thoughtful systems, collaboration, and trust. Because what clients really buy isn’t the detail itself - it’s the confidence that every detail has been considered.

In this episode of Build Projects, I sit down with architect Laura Marion, founding principal of Flight Architecture. We talk about what it means to grow up in a multi-generational industry, the pressures and privileges that come with it, and how to set boundaries that protect both the craft and the people behind it. Laura shares why listening is her superpower, how collaboration builds stronger p...

In this episode, I sit down with architect Mike Piché, founder of Piché Architecture, to explore what it means to design with clarity, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Mike shares insights from his career designing some of the most inspiring homes in Boulder, Aspen, and beyond. Now, as he launches his own practice, we talk about the future of luxury residential architecture, the importance of loc...

When you bring someone into your company and they become both a teammate and a mentor, you know you’ve found something special. In this episode, Alex talks with Fernhill’s Head of Operations, Michael Bettin, about his 40+ year career, their serendipitous first meeting, and the partnership that’s helped elevate Fernhill’s work. Together, they share candid stories, lessons learned, and the principle...

In this episode of The Build Project, I sat down with Harvey Hine — founder of HMH Architecture + Interiors and a major voice in Colorado’s design community — to talk about trust, communication, and the evolving challenges of building custom homes. With over 36 years in practice, Harvey’s perspective is both grounded and refreshingly candid. We covered a lot of ground — from how the building proce...

In this kickoff episode, Alex sits down with architect and AIA Colorado’s Architect of the Year, Adam Wagoner of High Low Buffalo, for an honest conversation about the state of the residential construction industry. They dig into the disconnect between design and build, why trust and transparency are essential, and how collaboration (not competition) leads to better outcomes for everyone — especia...