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/

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

1. Curiosity and imperfect action can lead to fulfilling, unexpected career shifts.
2. Interior design is a long-term learning process that thrives on detail and experimentation.
3. Budget-conscious design can still be beautiful—value doesn’t mean compromising on quality.
4. Tools like ClickUp and Canva streamline creativity and business operations.
5. 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/

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Adopting technology like 3D scanning and lean manufacturing has revolutionized their workflow, driving efficiency and continuous improvement.
4. Hiring a president and restructuring the organization helped JD Stairs grow, enabling Jonathan to focus on innovation and long-term strategy.
5. 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/