Designers & Builders

Steve x Alyssa, Build in Public

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 public space equity. The conversation also touches on monetizing design skills and the potential for creating internal tools to improve workflow.
Takeaways
AI can be a powerful tool in architecture when integrated with human expertise.Understanding client expectations is crucial for project success and satisfaction.Smaller firms face unique resource challenges but can leverage flexibility and specialization.Sustainable design practices must be prioritized for environmental and economic impact.Equitable access to well-designed public spaces remains a critical industry challenge.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI in Architecture
03:04 Exploring Architectural Challenges and Solutions
06:06 Understanding Client Expectations and Workflow
09:10 The Role of Smaller Firms in the Industry
12:00 Design Support for Non-Architects
15:13 Target Audience and Community Impact
18:02 Sustainable Practices in Design
20:57 Internal Tools and Workflow Improvements
23:54 Design Philosophy and Public Space Equity
26:58 Monetizing Design Skills
30:09 Conclusion and Next Steps
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/

Maurice Pennington, Pennington Perspective

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 critical role of budgeting in design, and his approach to infusing personality and value into every project. The conversation explores the intersection of design and business, the importance of building community through content, and the long-term mindset needed for sustainable creative growth.
Top 5 Takeaways
Curiosity and imperfect action can lead to fulfilling, unexpected career shifts.Interior design is a long-term learning process that thrives on detail and experimentation.Budget-conscious design can still be beautiful—value doesn’t mean compromising on quality.Tools like ClickUp and Canva streamline creativity and business operations.Building community and sharing authentic content are key to expanding influence and impact.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Pennington Perspective
03:06 – From Business Consulting to Interior Design
05:49 – Early Career and Entrepreneurial Drive
09:02 – Building Homes and Discovering a Passion for Design
11:54 – Navigating Custom Home Builds During COVID
14:54 – The Importance of Details in Home Design
17:58 – Organizing the Design Process with Digital Tools
20:57 – Budgeting and Finding Value in Interior Design
24:14 – Balancing Life and Future Aspirations
26:52 – Community Impact and Personal Fulfillment
28:01 – Viewing Design as a Long-Term Learning Lab
29:57 – Building Relationships to Grow a Business
33:04 – Leveraging Influence Without Losing Integrity
34:27 – Planning for Long-Term Business Success
35:55 – Creating Authentic Content That Connects
39:01 – Engaging with the Community Through Storytelling
40:57 – Why Details Matter in Both Design and Business
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Maurice at:
https://www.instagram.com/themauricep
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauricepennington/

Jonathan Webster, JD Stairs

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 payroll and motivating a team, and how innovation—like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing—transformed their operations.
Jonathan also discusses the impact of market shifts, the importance of strong leadership, and JD Stairs’ expansion beyond Las Vegas. From organizational structure and project management to business development strategies and storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights into adapting, evolving, and growing a business in a changing economic landscape.
Takeaways
JD Stairs began as a family-run construction business, and Jonathan Webster entered the stair industry at a young age, learning the trade from the ground up.The early years were marked by real challenges, including tight cash flow and the difficulty of transitioning from a family-run operation to a scalable business.Adopting technology like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing has revolutionized their workflow, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.Hiring a president and restructuring the organization helped JD Stairs grow, enabling Jonathan to focus on innovation and long-term strategy.Storytelling, adaptability, and a strong company culture are central to JD Stairs’ success—and key to navigating market changes and expanding into new regions.
Chapters
00:00 – The Origin Story of JD Stairs
10:01 – Navigating Early Business Challenges
19:47 – Finding a Niche in the Market
27:31 – Navigating Market Changes
29:00 – Expanding Beyond Vegas
30:06 – Embracing Technology and Innovation
31:37 – Day-to-Day Operations and Leadership
32:53 – Business Development Strategies
39:58 – The Importance of Lean Manufacturing
41:11 – Innovations and Future Directions
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Jonathan at:
https://jdstairs.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jd-stairs-inc/
https://www.facebook.com/JDStairs/
https://www.instagram.com/jdstairslv/

Alyssa Olson, Co-host of Designers and Builders Podcast

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 collaboration and inclusivity in the design world.
Top 5 Takeaways
Alyssa Olson brings a unique perspective to the field with dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture, bridging the gap between built environments and natural spaces.With over a decade of woodworking experience, Alyssa integrates hands-on craftsmanship with thoughtful design, bringing authenticity to her architectural approach.Her focus on accessible design reflects a powerful mission—to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability or background, has access to beautiful, functional spaces.Through her work on affordable housing projects using reclaimed wood, Alyssa is making sustainability and equity a priority in her designs.The Designers and Builders Podcast is more than a conversation—it’s a platform for building a collaborative community of designers, architects, and makers committed to learning from each other and creating meaningful impact.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Designers and Builders Podcast
01:55 – Alyssa’s Journey in Architecture and Woodworking
04:00 – The Importance of Accessible Design
06:00 – Future Aspirations and Community Impact
08:02 – Current Projects and Learning Opportunities
10:01 – Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Alyssa:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssao/
Connect with Steve:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevelarosiliere/
https://www.instagram.com/thelarosiliere

Allison Handler, Allison Handler Design

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 client relationships, and the excitement of working on unique design projects. The conversation also touches on the significance of continuous learning and building a strong team to support business growth.
Takeaways
Allison Handler transitioned from a 20-year fashion career to interior design, leveraging her business degree to run her design firm.She describes her design style as modern organic, focusing on warmth and coziness while transforming clients' visions into reality.Social media, especially Instagram, has been crucial for her business growth alongside building strong personal relationships with clients.Continuous learning, exposure to new trends, and building a strong team of designers are vital for her professional development and success.Managing business growth and implementing efficient systems remain constant challenges, highlighting the importance of having a personal assistant.
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Allison Handler and Her Journey
03:11 Transition from Fashion to Interior Design
05:58 Defining Personal Style in Design
09:03 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth
11:59 Project Management and Client Relationships
15:02 Exploring Unique Design Projects
17:53 Continuous Learning and Professional Development
20:51 Building a Strong Team and Managing Growth
24:05 Showcasing a Notable Project
27:05 Challenges in Managing a Growing Business
30:02 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Micah Stanley, Lawton Stanley Architects

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 design. The conversation explores the dynamics of business partnerships, the challenges of restaurant and large-scale projects, and the growing focus on sustainable design—highlighting trends like rain screen systems, higher insulative values, and mass timber construction. Micah also shares his outlook on the architecture industry, emphasizing the value of creative, engaged clients, and his passion for public architecture. He highlights the success of the Evera project and wraps up the discussion with marketing strategies to grow visibility and keep clients connected, particularly through email campaigns.
Top 5 Takeaways:
Starting a firm takes resilience, energy, and adaptability.Strong client communication and trust are crucial for effective design.Sustainability is driving design trends, with timber and energy-efficient systems on the rise.Large-scale and public architecture projects offer rich learning and creative opportunities.Strategic marketing, especially through email, helps build visibility and client engagement.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Lawton Stanley Architects
03:06 — The Early Days of Starting a Business
05:53 — Educational Background and Its Impact
09:09 — First Major Project: Grace Restaurant
12:04 — Building Client Relationships
15:02 — Collaborative Dynamics in Partnership
18:06 — Navigating Challenges in Restaurant Design
20:58 — Large-Scale Projects and Learning Experiences
23:05 — Trends in Sustainable Design
26:21 — Business Outlook and Market Trends
28:13 — Ideal Clients and Project Aspirations
29:36 — Highlighting the Evera Project
33:08 — Marketing Strategies for Growth
You can connect with Micah at:
https://www.ls-arch.com/

Miriam Silver Verga, Mimi & Hill

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 her vision for building a legacy—whether through employee transition or family succession.
Key Takeaways
Humble Beginnings: Grew from kitchen-table startup to full-service design-build firm over 15 years.
Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizes education on budgets, allowances, and design-value pricing.
Storytelling as Strategy: Crafts spaces that reflect clients’ narratives.
Partnership Power: Collaboration with Hillary drives both success and fulfillment.
Legacy Building: Plans for business continuity through team or family stewardship.
Chapters
00:00 From Kitchen Table to Design-Build Firm
06:10 Scaling a Luxury Business Model
11:56 Educating Clients on Realistic Budgets
18:05 Vision for Long-Term Legacy
24:01 Narrative-Driven Design Philosophy
29:53 Navigating Industry Challenges
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/

Carlissa Montoya, CM Closet Design

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 networking, and the growing demand for premium storage solutions. She also reflects on how personal values and life experiences shape her business vision in the storage design industry.
Key Takeaways
Successfully pivoted to closet design after retail store closureBuilt a client-centric business focused on customized solutionsDeveloped a unique retail-merchandising approach to the organizationPrioritizes meaningful industry connections over quantityRecognizes strong market growth as storage becomes essential
Chapters
00:00 Carlissa's Career Transformation
02:48 Client Relationship Philosophy
05:57 The Audit-to-Design Process
09:02 Industry Evolution Insights
11:51 Entrepreneurial Challenges & Rewards
14:57 Strategic Networking Approach
17:52 Market Expansion Trends
21:11 Balancing Business & Life
23:51 Future of Storage Design
27:03 Personal & Professional Growth
29:49 Industry Economic Outlook
The Designers and Builders Podcast shares stories from industry leaders transforming the world of design and construction — covering behind-the-scenes insights, real-world strategies, and the trends shaping the future of the industry.
Empowering design/build professionals to grow and scale — buildergrowth.io shares the tools, strategies, and insights you need to take your business to the next level.
Connect with us at: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designersandbuilders/
Join our newsletter: https://designersandbuilders.co/
Connect with Carlissa at:
https://www.instagram.com/cm.closetdesign/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlissamontoya
Download this episode guide: 
https://designersandbuilders.co/episode1

Designers and Builders, Steve Larosiliere

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 equitable design practices. The show will explore industry insights, business growth strategies, and technology trends, with weekly episodes released on Wednesdays alongside a YouTube channel and newsletter.
Key Takeaways:
Steve Larosiliere transitions from Woodpreneur Podcast to Designers and Builders for deeper industry conversations.The podcast connects architects, designers, and builders to advance sustainable and equitable design.Co-host Alyssa Olson brings expertise in business and creative practices.Weekly episodes will cover trends, technology, and community-building for professionals.Multimedia expansion includes YouTube and a newsletter for audience engagement.