Awakening Spaces

About 70% of the people who call me want to skip hiring an architect.

They’re trying to save money which I understand but cutting the architect is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.

I push for architects all the time, because I’ve seen how much they actually save on a project.

Yes, you pay more upfront…

But you save exponentially more in:

✔ avoided mistakes

✔ clear drawings and less questions

✔ fewer change orders

✔ smoother communication

✔ reduced conflict

✔ and avoiding the lawsuits I’ve seen far too many homeowners dragged into

It’s heartbreaking what people have had to endure simply because they didn’t have proper plans.

And here’s the thing:

Ask any good builder if they want to build without an architect.

They won’t.

They know that without clear architectural drawings, the entire project is set up for misalignment, confusion, and cost overruns.

A solid design team is not a luxury it’s the foundation for a healthy, efficient, and conscious build.

✨ Comment “EP17” and we’ll send you the link to this episode.

I hear it all the time:

“My house is only two years old… there’s no way I have mold.”

But here’s the truth:

Anytime there’s a pipe behind a wall, a toilet on tile, or any hidden moisture source, there’s potential for water damage. And according to the EPA, mold can begin growing within 48 hours of water exposure.

This isn’t about panic, it’s about awareness.

Because I’ve been on the other side of brain fog, exhaustion, and feeling like I couldn’t finish a sentence… and I know what it’s like to rebuild your life after that.

Your home can be a powerful part of your healing when you understand how it works.

Comment “EP16” and we’ll send you the link to this episode.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned through building and remediation projects? Ask questions, and pay attention to how people respond.

If you ask a contractor a simple question and they say, “Don’t worry, I’ve been in the industry 30 years,” that’s a red flag. Your contractor doesn’t necessarily have to have “healthy building” experience, but they do need to keep up with the latest building science and if not, then they should at very minimum be willing to learn.

Experience doesn’t replace the desire to learn. In fact, sometimes it can hinder it. Especially when people become complacent.

And if someone can’t answer your question clearly, or worse, redirects it with something like, “Is your husband home?” that’s your cue to move on.

You deserve to understand what’s happening in your home. So ask the questions. Take up the space. Anyone who’s unwilling to walk you through things and explain them to you in a clear, kind manner, is probably not someone you want to work with.

It’s so easy to feel gaslit by professionals, especially when we’re new to all of this house stuff!

This is your reminder, to never feel bad for wanting clarity. Go with your gut. If you feel like someone is bulldozing you, move on. There’s good professionals out there, but it can take time to find them.

We discuss this in great detail in Episode 12!

✨ Comment “EP12” and we’ll send you the link to this episode.