What happens when builders and designers stop working in silos, and start building together?

In this episode, I’m joined by Garrett Greenhalgh, owner of GPD Builders in Cache Valley, Utah, whose approach to custom homebuilding flips the traditional “us vs. them” dynamic on its head.

From growing up on job sites with his dad to leading a respected custom home company today, Garrett’s story is a masterclass in collaboration. He shares how clear communication, trust, and mutual respect between builders and designers don’t just make construction smoother, they make homes better, clients happier, and teams stronger.

So why does this matter? Because too many projects fall apart not from lack of talent, but from lack of alignment. Garrett reveals what it looks like when everyone’s on the same page — and how that level of teamwork becomes your biggest competitive advantage.

💡 What You Can’t Miss:

🏠 Production Roots, Custom ResultsHow Garrett’s background in production building shaped his systems, precision, and efficiency in the world of custom homes.

🏠 Blueprints That Build TrustWhy complete, detailed plans save everyone — and how design alignment sets the stage for success long before breaking ground.

🏠 The Feedback Loop That Changes Everything How open communication and on-site collaboration between builders and designers lead to smarter solutions (and fewer surprises).

🏠 Collaboration is the New Competitive EdgeWhy Garrett now refuses projects without a communicative designer — and how that standard transforms every client experience.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates a good project from a great one, this episode pulls back the curtain. It’s not just about the house you build — it’s about the relationships that build it.

🎧 Hit play to discover how collaboration can turn construction chaos into creativity, and why the best homes are never built alone.

🔗 Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Building GPD Builders – Cache Valley, Utah www.dostudios.co/courses

What really defines a beautiful, functional home?

When most people think about building their dream home, they obsess over finishes — countertops, flooring, paint colors, lighting fixtures. But here’s the truth: finishes are the last 5%.

In this episode, I’m joined by Liz Powell, owner of Liz Powell Design, whose work proves that true design success starts long before you’re picking tile and paint colors. With decades of experience balancing function, flow, and timeless aesthetics, Liz shares why a strong architectural foundation is the key to every stunning finish that follows.

So why does this matter? Because too many homeowners get caught up in surface-level design choices, only to realize later that their home doesn’t work the way they imagined. Liz’s perspective reframes the conversation — reminding us that great homes aren’t styled, they’re designed.

💡 What You Can’t Miss:

🏠 Beyond the Pretty PictureWhy a home that functions beautifully is always more valuable than one that just looks beautiful.

🏠 Trust Over TrendWhy building trust with your designer matters more than chasing Pinterest-perfect ideas.

🏠 Avoiding Costly MistakesThe real risks of focusing on finishes before getting the architecture right.

If you’re dreaming, designing, or already building, this conversation will shift how you see your home — and why architecture is always the true starting line.

🎧 Hit play to rethink what “good design” really means and how to get it right from the ground up.

🔗 Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design

https://www.lizpowelldesign.com/ www.dostudios.co/courses

What does it really mean to be a design advocate in residential architecture? 🏡

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeff Fry, founder of Fry Design Company, who has spent decades raising the bar on what custom home design should look like. From pioneering CAD and BIM in the ’90s to running his own firm today, Jeff shares why clear, comprehensive plans matter — and how being an advocate for clients sets great designers apart from the rest.

So why does this matter? Because in today’s industry, too many homes are built from incomplete, 5-page plan sets that leave clients with confusion, delays, and costly mistakes. Jeff’s mission is to change that — one well-designed home at a time.

💡What You Can’t Miss:

🏠 The Industry’s Identity CrisisWhy the lack of clear distinctions between architects, designers, and draftsmen is hurting clients — and ideas on how to fix it.

🏠 Minimal Plans = Maximum ProblemsDiscover why builders often resist detailed plans (and why that’s a huge red flag for homeowners).

🏠 Design Advocacy in ActionLearn how Jeff acts as a true partner for clients, guiding them through every step — from concept sketches to the final build.

If you’re building, designing, or simply curious about what makes a home project actually work, this episode will open your eyes to the real value of comprehensive design and advocacy.

🎧 Hit play to rethink how homes get designed, built, and lived in — and why every homeowner deserves a design advocate on their side.

🔗 Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter DesignAmerican Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

www.dostudios.co/courses