In this podcast, architect Laura discusses designing a modular home with a very special guest. This is the first in a series on modular and panel builds.

The Architecture Happy Hour

Designing a Modular Home

Who knew five inches of snow could bring the entire state of Texas to its knees? A week of extreme cold and unprecedented snow caused near catastrophic effects on the state's electric grid and utility providers. Many homes and businesses suffered extensive damage from busted pipes and flooding. In Episode 92 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about all that went wrong during the massive winter storm that hit Texas and much of the southern US in February 2021 and how to protect your home from the freezing temperatures. In this episode: What can go wrong in extreme temperatures? What you can do to your current home to protect it? How to design severe weather safeguards into a new home or remodel? Necessary systems such as, electricity, plumbing, heating, cooking, driving, and services and food delivery are extremely vulnerable in winter weather. Products mentioned in this podcast: Armaflex pipe insulation Home generators Whole home surge protectors Portable power supplies Plumbing manifold

Designing Your Home to Survive Extreme Weather

Life at home has certainly changed in 2020. Working from home and managing kids in the same space has created new challenges. Have you changed the way you purchase groceries and bring take-out food into your home? In Episode 91 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about the many areas of home design that will undoubtedly be changed by all that we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode How will design change in these areas? Front entry porch Entry to home for family Kitchens Kids Spaces Grown Up Spaces Home Office Bedrooms  

91: How will Coronavirus Change Home Design in the Future?

A good start to any home design project includes defining your goals which means figuring out your needs, your wants, and how to pay for it. In Episode 90 and the 2nd installment of the Home Design Series on The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about what happens at the beginning of each home design project. Much time is spent helping their clients define their needs, wants, and budget. In this episode: Goals – why are we doing this? Your stage in life, desired lifestyle, and occupants will determine the types of rooms and size of space you need. Is your motivation driven by pleasure or pain? How will you enjoy the room after the remodel? What annoyance are you trying to eliminate? If you are designing around a large family with children you may want casual, open spaces with plenty of rooms that can closed and hide messes. A focus on accessibility, aging-in-place would be important if grandparents will be living with you. Formal entertaining, art collections, and fine furnishings require a different approach to the design and architecture. What does your home say about you and what should it look like? Architectural style will have influence on how rooms get laid out Contemporary vs. Colonial Open floor plan vs. more formal and separate rooms The difference between NEEDS and WANTS Make your wish list – divide it into two columns – NEEDS and WANTS. A Need is a requirement to meet your goals. A Want is an extra thing that would be really nice to have, but is not absolutely necessary. Architectural features can be considered a need or a want depending on the lifestyle you want to live: High vaulted ceilings, wood beams Arched openings Large porch, pool cabana, she shed, man cave Extra trim and details in wood work - bead board wainscoting, crown moulding Think about the amenities you need or want: Plumbing - double vanities in your Master, His and Hers toilets, steam shower, Insta-hot water dispenser in the kitchen Appliances - gourmet Kitchen with extra freezer, 4’ wide commercial gas range, glass front refrigerator, double dishwashers, double laundry upstairs/downstairs Storage - large walk-in closets, stockpile room/pantry, specialty storage for silver, jewelry, shoes, hats, collections, holidays Technology - smart house controlled on your phone, video security, surround sound, powerful WiFi, extra outlets at specific heights (sewing/workshop) or for Christmas lights (eaves), built-in reading lights by your bed, universal remotes Room for hobbies, interests - wine cellar, dog bathing room, sewing or art studio, movie theater room, golf swing simulator How to pay for it: developing a budget Start a spreadsheet and list all the rooms and features that will be in the new house or involved in your remodel. Cost per square foot room comparisons - In Dallas, Texas these spaces can range from $300 (and up) per square foot for the expensive rooms like Kitchens and Master Bathrooms, and as low as $75 per square foot for the more simple spaces like a Garage. Your average pricing will vary depending on where you live. $$$$ - Kitchens, Bathrooms $$$ - Family/Living Rooms Rooms, Master Bedrooms, Laundry/Mudrooms (lots of cabinetry), custom Closets $$ - Bedrooms, Breakfast Rooms, Offices, Playrooms $ - Garages, Covered porches (be careful of expensive doors, lighting, or finishes) If you are not familiar with construction costs in your community, you might need to contact a few general contractors to ask what's average in your area. Switching out luxury items for less expensive versions can help get a budget back in the range where you want to be. Typical Room Sizes – measure what you have and decide if you need more or less space. Be honest about how much you can spend, then subtract 10-15% for the "might-as-wells" that get added to...

Getting Real about Needs, Wants, and Budget for Your Home Design

You're thinking of starting a new home design project, but you're not quite sure where to start. Are you wondering, "How long does it take to build a house?" or curious about "How much does it cost to build a house?"? In Episode 89 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall roll out the first episode in their new Home Design Series, talking about the 7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project. Join Laura and Holly as they talk about the 7 things you absolutely need and the questions you need to ask when you're starting a new home design project. In this Episode: The 7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project WHAT What's on your wish list? What will your dream home look like? Have you decided on which home style you prefer? WHERE Where are you wanting to do this renovation? What do you need to know about local zoning regulations? Does your home owner's association have restrictions or design guidelines? WHEN How long does it take to build a house? What is a typical design and construction timeline? Do you have life or family events we need to work around? WHY Why do you want to do this home design project? What is the goal of the project? Is this a short term investment or your forever home? WHO Who is involved in building a house? Who will live in the house? Who are the decision makers? HOW How will this project be managed? How much does it cost to build a house? How do I know if I'm going to overbuild for my neighborhood? TEAM Should I be my own general contractor? Do I need an architect or an interior designer? What other consultants will I need for my home design project? Download the Checklist Here! Have questions you'd like us to answer? Contact us here!

7 Essentials for Starting Your Home Renovation or New Home Design Project

Planning big purchases for your home this year? Knowing the best time to buy and planning ahead can save you big bucks on things for your home. In Episode 88 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall share the best times of the year to buy items to improve your home. In this episode A month by month guide on the best time to buy things for your home Linens, bedding Carpet, flooring Home decor, furniture Televisions, electronics China, flatware Cookware, kitchen accessories Paint Patio Furniture Appliances Holiday and seasonal items Home Design Tips Our favorite apps/websites that make shopping and saving faster and easier Rakuten.com Flipp.com Wikibuy.com Camelcamelcamel.com Smile.amazon.com Store apps price scan Best Time to Buy by Category LARGE APPLIANCES: September, October, and January This is when manufacturers roll out new home appliance models, and retailers are eager to move last year's inventory. (Refrigerators are the exception. New models come out in the spring.) Also, Thursdays are a good day because it’s before the weekend and the weekend rush when aisles are less crowded. The last days of the month are also good because stores are desperate to meet quotas and are more likely to dicker over prices. Air Conditioners & Gas Grills: Fall & winter because few buyers think about warm-weather appliances when leaves and snow cover the ground. Dishwashers: December because they are much cheaper at the end of the year.  INDOOR FURNITURE: July While January is also a great month to buy furniture (post-Christmas sales, new styles are released in February, etc.), July wins out over January because: Bringing your furniture home in snowy weather conditions is difficult. Overall furniture sales are down in the summer making the discounts go up. OFFICE FURNITURE: January, After tax season & July Furniture styles are updated twice a year usually between February and August. This is a great time to take advantage of price cuts as stores make room for new inventory. Also look into any discounts on floor models. OFFICE SUPPLIES: August COMPUTERS: July July is typically a slow month for computer sales—before the back-to-school rush—so you can often find some great deals! OUTDOOR FURNITURE: August to October Stores begin clearing out their summer items in July & August to make room for their fall inventory. Generally, the further from summer, the higher the savings on patio furniture. In early August, sales are approximately 20 percent off. GARDENING TOOLS: February to April Save up to 50 percent on shovels, hoes, rakes and other gardening tools during these months. LAWNMOWERS: April, May, August, September & October (per Consumer Reports). One popular school of thought is that it’s best to buy a mower right after mowing season ends. PICNIC & BARBECUE SUPPLIES: Mid May & June In anticipation of the summer grilling and picnic season, retailers want to sell their stuff, so you’ll find deep discounts on these types of items. SWING SETS: August Since swing sets take up a lot of floor space and lose their popularity after kids go back to school, August is a popular month for sales. ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOLS: December to February The off season is the best time to buy. Some retailers will offer incentives to “early planners’ who purchase their pools in December/January/February. CARPET, FLOORING & LINENS: January Wait until January when prices have been lowered to move inventory. You can also often find a “white sale” on linens at the beginning of the year. HOME DÉCOR: January Some people like to redecorate in January to create a new look for the new year. So be on the lookout for sales and discounts at large retailers selling off last year’s looks. COOKWARE & KITCHEN ESSENTIALS: Late spring/Early summer Stores sometimes run sales on cookware and kitchen ess...

88: Best Time to Buy Things for Your Home

If your home could make New Year’s resolutions, what would they be? Does your home dream of exquisitely appointed closets or cozy, inviting rooms for family gatherings? In Episode 87 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and residential architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about ways you can help your home be more healthy, better organized, and budget-smart in the new year! In this episode Sorting, purging, and organizing Donate to local charities, recycle, pay it forward Areas of the house that need attention, replacing, cleaning, and maintenance Air filters Clothes dryer lint exhaust Exhaust fans in bathrooms Batteries in smoke detectors Carbon monoxide detectors Fire extinguishers Lead paint Popcorn ceiling texture and asbestos Carpet cleaning Mold/mildew in bathrooms Weather stripping Low-flow shower heads and toilets LED light bulbs Water filter in refrigerator Home Design Tips How to make your New Year Home To-Do List Get organized to tackle projects each month Links AHH podcast episode 80: tidying up with marie kondo: expectations vs. reality Kidde recall on fire extinguishers Lead paint info from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Asbestos info from the EPA   Products and Resources Links below contain Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we might receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Air filters for furnace Carbon monoxide detectors Steam cleaners for floors Weather stripping Low-flow shower heads LED light bulbs 2700K color temperature About your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. Connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly The Architecture Happy Hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

87: New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

Front porch design is more important that you might think. A well-designed front porch delivers style, hospitality, and security to the front of your home. In Episode 86 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about the many facets of front porch design and what steps you can take to turn your porch from outdated to updated. In this episode Front porch nostalgia - why Hollywood loves a good front porch Porch functions - shelter, leisure, social, aesthetics, safety Considerations when designing a new porch New technology for porch design Home Design Tips - Easy ways to update an outdated porch About your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. Connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly the architecture happy hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

86: Front Porch Design: Outdated to Updated

What makes a home look the way it looks? How do you approach designing a home based on where you are designing it and what style to you like? In Episode 85 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, co-hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall talk about influences that shape home design. If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found at www.hpdarch.com/ahh85. in this episode How we are enjoying our new office What does a vacation to Hawaii have to do with home design? Designing from the inside out vs. from the outside in Classical architectural styles vs. site responsive design Geeking out over vernacular architecture How a San Franciscan deals with a hot car ride vs. a Texan Home Design Tips on Choosing Windows: available materials and choices in operation about your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly the architecture happy hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

85: Home Design Inside, Outside, and Upside Down

It's spring time and we are ready to freshen up our homes. In Episode 84 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, host and architect, Laura Davis shares her favorite trends in home decor. If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found www.hpdarch.com/ahh84. Thank you to our sponsor! Renlita Custom Opening Solutions offers custom, vertical, operable openings. Check out their website at www.renlitausa.com/ahh. in this episode Want to share with us which trends you are seeing? Visit us on social media @archhappyhour or send us a message here Trends are a great way to refresh the energy, colors, and textures in your home Blend and combine trends for unique looks Choose elements that are easy to change and less expensive but offer big impact about your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly the architecture happy hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

84: Fun Trends in Home Decor

We are unbelievably saddened by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral on April 15, 2019. With so many emotions and questions about the tragedy in Paris, France we wanted to express our support for the Parisians and the millions of people around the world who love this building as we do. A grave loss like this really brings home the importance of documenting our historic treasures. Not only to record their condition through the years, but for the unimaginable task of having to rebuild and restore a damaged building. We will be keeping an eye on this situation and we are certain to discuss the developments in future podcasts. If you are viewing these notes in your favorite podcast app, please visit our show notes page for Episode 83 to see photos and additional links. In this Episode: Shock and sadness of the devastating fire of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France Interview with David Sheppe about the restoration efforts at Saint Germain des Pres Church in Paris, Episode 81: Saving the Oldest Church in Paris How does a stone building burn? The treasures lost to the fire and extensive water damage Safety concerns and probably additional building damage during recovery Cataloging the remains and the importance of complete and accurate records of the building and artifacts   about your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly the architecture happy hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

83: Notre Dame Cathedral is Burning

Is it time to make room at your bachelor pad for that special someone? Are you getting married and preparing to welcome your new family member(s) into your home? In Episode 82 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, hosts and architects, Laura Davis and Holly Hall offer ideas for decorating and remodeling your bachelor pad into a family home. If you are viewing this in a podcast app, these show notes and episode can be found www.hpdarch.com/ahh82. In this Episode How to tone down the tell-tale signs that a single guy lives here Discover your own style and translate that to your home Family friendly furniture Upgrades to your bedroom your sweetheart will appreciate What to focus on if you are remodeling Kid-ready areas you should consider Resources Mentioned This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase we may receive a small compensation in return. Elfa closet systems by The Container Store Rubbermaid closet systems IKEA storage systems About Your Hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust. Connect with Us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly The Architecture Happy Hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   Sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

82: How to Change Your Bachelor Pad into a Family Home

We hope you are as intrigued about this story of Americans working to save the oldest church in Paris as we are. In Episode 81 of The Architecture Happy Hour podcast, host and architect, Laura Davis interviews David Sheppe, President of the American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Church. This church, which is more than 1,000 years old is the sole focus of this organization's international preservation efforts. If you enjoyed your classes in European Architectural History, this episode is for you. If you have a passion for historic preservation, stay tuned. If you just love the romance and beauty of Paris, then stick around as we learn all about this fascinating historic church and the Americans who are helping to save it. See show notes and photos of the Saint Germain des Prés Church at www.hpdarch.com/ahh81   In this Episode David Sheppe’s background and how he came to be involved in these preservation efforts in Paris, France A history of the Saint Germain des Prés Church Americans don’t have the vast history of architecture to preserve like Europeans Who are these Americans who have become passionate about preserving a church in Paris? If our listeners have a building worth preserving in their community, how do they get started? Under the guidance of Architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier, a master plan of 7 tranches is being implemented Fundraising takes creativity – Adopt a Saint Germain Star™ Campaign Photos of the Church's Interior Restoration If you are viewing these show notes inside a podcast app, please visit www.hpdarch.com/ahh81 to see photos.                   Learn More www.PreserveSaintGermain.org Adopt a Saint Germain Star™ Fundraising Campaign Follow American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés on Facebook David Sheppe, President, American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés Inc., sgpusainfo@gmail.com Interested in learning more about the Saint Germain des Prés neighborhood where the church is located? Check out this book by John Baxter. (Click on book cover for Amazon affiliate link. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission, but there is no additional cost to you.)   Links to The Architecture Happy Hour episodes mentioned on this podcast: 76: Saving the Alexander Mansion 62: Never Too Old to Become an Architect   About David Sheppe David Sheppe has enjoyed a long career in international banking and now works as a financial and risk management consultant. It was while living in Paris in the 1980s that he first took an interest in the church of Saint Germain des Prés, and he has been a frequent visitor ever since. From 2013 to 2016, he was once again a Paris resident, and it was then that he became acquainted with the work of the “Fonds de Dotation,” the Paris-based fundraising arm for renovating the church. Following his return to the US in 2016, David did volunteer work for the US-based American Friends for the Preservation of Saint Germain des Prés, before joining its board in 2017. He is now leading the charge on the current Adopt A Saint Germain Star™ Campaign in the United States. David is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Cornell University. He resides in southwest Connecticut.   About Pierre-Antoine Gatier, Architect Pierre-Antoine Gatier is the architect who is supervising the preservation efforts at Saint Germain des Prés. A student of École du Louvre in 1981 and a graduate of museology in 1983, Gatier became architect DPLG in 1984 in Paris. In 1990, he became Chief Architect of Historical Monuments (Domaine de Chantilly, Theatre Lyrique de l’Opera Comique, Le Corbusier Foundation, Villa Medici and French buildings in Rome). In 2003, he was appointed Inspector General of Historical Monuments in the Rhône-Alpes, Lorraine and DOM regions. Gatier has conducted several expert missions abroad in...

81: Saving the Oldest Church in Paris

Can home owners (who lack organizing superpowers) realistically be expected to manage the Tidying Up process? What does decluttering really look like in reality? How is the process different if you work with a professional organizer? In this episode of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Architects and hosts Laura Davis and Holly Hall review the Netflix series called Tidying Up with Marie Kondo and get candid feedback and helpful tips from professional organizer, Traci Olivares of Totally Organized. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh80. This post contains links to products we love. If you chose to purchase them, it does not increase the cost to you, but we may receive a small commission in return. The Tidying Up Movement By now you've probably heard of Marie Kondo and her #1 New York Times best-selling book called, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing. Her second book published in 2016, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up continued her popularity in the tidying up and organization arenas. In January 2019, perfectly timed with the dawn of New Year's resolutions everywhere, Netflix released the television series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. In HGTV style, each of the 8 episodes featured different families, couples, or single home owners struggling with their own decluttering challenges. We binged watched every episode eager to glean valuable tips and methods for transforming our own homes. https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/konmari-netflix/Tidying+Up+with+Marie+Kondo+_+Official+Trailer+%5BHD%5D+_+Netflix.mp4   Marie Kondo's tidying up process centers on the KonMari Method™. Followers of the method are instructed to sort through their belongings in categories rather than by location. According to Marie Kondo's website, "Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go." Clothes Books Papers Komono (Miscellaneous: Kitchen, Garage, Bathrooms, Kids’ Toys, Office) Sentimental Professional organizer, Traci Olivares of Totally Organized joined us to discuss the show. Here's what we learned: In this Episode If you have no idea where to start, follow Marie’s steps. Traci prefers to personalize the process to the home owner’s needs. If the Office, for example, is the place that is causing you the most pain, stress, and anxiety, then start there. Be honest about what you have in your home – gather all the things in one category to really see what you need to deal with. Look at the empty space in a new way. Think about where you use items. Things may not go back in the same location. Don’t make the mistake of just organizing individual drawers or cupboards without examining the location of the items in relation to where and how often the item gets used. Do the things in your home “Spark joy?” Keep only items that you love, that bring you happiness, and that you want to have with you into the future. Express gratitude to the items leaving. Rather than feeling guilty or punishing yourself for having all this “junk,” try to feel positive about giving someone else the opportunity to use these things. Before tackling your “Tidying Up” project decide what your reason is. Do you want less stress, an easier time getting ready in the morning, more independent kids, more time to entertain and have friends in your home, better relationship with your spouse? Visualize what you want the result to be. "Clutter is postponed decisions." Quote by Barbara Hemphill. Storing things takes time, energy, and space. The more resources you put towards maintaining your stuff, the less you have available for yourself and others. Psychology plays a big role in our issues around holding on to things. Acknowledge why you might be resisting letting go and give yourself permission to change.

80: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo: Expectations vs. Reality

Looking for the perfect gift for a kid who is creative, shows a curiosity for buildings, and always wants to know how things go together? Dallas Architects Laura Davis and Holly Hall share great ideas for the best gifts for future architects. See show notes at www.hpdarch.com/ahh79. Visit our blog for the 2018 Architectural Gift Guide for All Ages.   In this episode In Episode 79 of The Architecture Happy Hour Podcast, Laura and Holly are inspired by a video featuring Elton John showing that gifts received as children can often influence who we become as adults. They reminisce about toys from their childhood and offer ideas for picking that perfect gift for the design and architecture enthusiast in your life, both young and young-at-heart. Here's the video: This post contains affiliate links to products we love. If you choose to make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Picking the Perfect Gift Dive deep into a current interest NASCAR collection, race track model building and stop motion video app Exploring buildings and home design Barbie Dream House Lincoln Logs Tinker Toys Kenner Toys Girder and Panel set (Can't you just picture a little Holly playing with this set?!) H-O scale train sets Making, Designing, and Creating Ceramics Art supplies, colored pencils, paints Art kits Jewelry making and beading Sewing, quilting Leather, Weaving looms Costume making Macramé, knitting, crochet Paint by Numbers kits Stationery, stickers (Mrs. Grossman’s were Laura's favorite!), rubber stamps (she also loved Inkadinkado), and paper crafts Choose Your Own Adventure Books How do things go together? Puzzles Invisible Man and Woman models Show kids new ideas and new ways of doing things All About book series (Read about the Bathysphere and William Beebe here) Who Was book series (Laura's son likes these) This Old House and Hometime (premiered on public television in 1986 with Dean Johnson and JoAnne Liebeler) Tangent stories about black and white vs. color TVs Notable and Shareable Takeaways New technology and innovation are memorable and make an impression. Give gifts that will help the recipient grow into who they are meant to be. If a toy feeds a passion, it will be loved for a very long time. about your hosts hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall are both registered architects and interior designers in Dallas, Texas specializing in residential design. Laura and Holly co-host the popular podcast, The Architecture Happy Hour, where they share their thoughts and tips on architecture and interior design, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture. Each month, Laura and Holly organize the successful, monthly, networking happy hour also called The Architecture Happy Hour. A social networking community in the Dallas, Texas area, the events are hosted by a different business each month. The group is for professionals in architecture, interior design, real estate, and construction and is focused on creating relationships and offering business referrals to people they know and trust.   connect with us We love to hear from our listeners! Contact Laura and Holly The Architecture Happy Hour Learn more about The Architecture Happy Hour Networking Group and Podcast Facebook Twitter Instagram hpd architecture + interiors Learn more about hpd architecture + interiors Facebook Pinterest Twitter Instagram   sponsor Are you interested in sponsoring The Architecture Happy Hour podcast? We want to connect with companies that are a good match with the interests of our listeners. Please call 214.751.2304 or contact us here to receive a media kit and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

79: Best Gifts for Future Architects

hpd architecture + interiors principals Laura Davis and Holly Hall share their thoughts and tips on architecture, from helping owners select the right architect to never being too late to begin a career in architecture.

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The Architecture Happy Hour

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