In this episode of Not A ‘Licensed’ Architect, Stefani Thatcher sits down with Jennie Leigh Jones, a residential designer with over 30 years of experience and a deeply rooted background in the design/build world. From sketching floor plans as a child to working at Southern Living Magazine and eventually building her own design studio, Jennie brings a practical, client-first perspective shaped by decades of real-world experience.

Together, they dive into what truly sets great designers apart—going beyond drawings to interpret what clients actually mean, not just what they say. They unpack the role of communication, how to prevent costly mistakes before construction begins, and why guiding clients (instead of just following directions) leads to better outcomes.

If you’re an aspiring residential designer or working in the custom home industry, this episode will sharpen how you think, communicate, and design.

What You’ll Learn

• Why great design starts with understanding how clients live, not just what they say they want

• The power of clear communication—and how to avoid costly misunderstandings

• Why asking deeper follow-up questions can completely change a design outcome

• How to create flexible, long-term “master plans” that evolve with clients’ lives

• The importance of guiding clients without overpowering their vision

• How to handle difficult conversations while maintaining a great client experience

• Why overdelivering matters in an industry with little repeat business

• Real-life lessons from design mistakes—and how to prevent them

Chapters

00:00 – Translating What Clients Actually Mean

01:33 – Podcast Intro & Who This Is For

04:39 – Jennie’s Background in Design/Build

08:22 – Learning from Real Plans at Southern Living

13:36 – The Real Role of a Residential Designer

24:39 – Communication Mistakes & Client Clarity

35:47 – Designing for the Future (Master Planning)

Want to Be a Guest?

Do you want to be a guest on Not A ‘Licensed’ Architect or nominate someone?

👉 https://www.dostudios.co/contact

In this episode of Not A 'Licensed' Architect, Stefani Thatcher sits down with David Holtzclaw, principal of Transduction Technologies and a mechanical engineer specializing in building science and high-performance homes.

With a background in aerospace and biomedical engineering, David brings a unique, science-driven perspective to residential design—challenging common assumptions about comfort, energy efficiency, and how homes actually perform.

Together, they unpack why many homes that look great don’t always feel great to live in, and how designers can bridge that gap. From window placement and insulation strategies to HVAC systems and moisture control, this conversation breaks down building science in a way that’s practical, approachable, and directly applicable to your projects.

If you want to design homes that are not only beautiful—but comfortable, efficient, and built to perform—this episode will change how you think about your plans.

What You’ll Learn

• Why comfort—not energy efficiency—should be your starting point• How the building “shell” drives 60–80% of heating and cooling performance
• The biggest mistakes that lead to mold, drafts, and uncomfortable homes
• How window placement and orientation impact both comfort and efficiency
• Why tighter homes require controlled ventilation—not “breathing”
• When systems like heat pumps and radiant heating make sense• How to balance aesthetics, budget, and performance in real-world design

Connect with David Holtzclaw

🌐 Website: http://www.transductiontechnologies.com/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-david-holtzclaw-1364b35/

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transductiontechnologies/

Want to Be a Guest?

Do you want to be a guest on Not A ‘Licensed’ Architect or nominate someone?

👉 https://www.dostudios.co/contact

In this episode of ‘Not A Licensed Architect’, Stefani Thatcher talks with Grant Fuellenbach, founder of GO First Consulting and host of the Beyond the Bid podcast.

Grant helps builders and construction professionals implement better systems, automation, and AI tools to streamline their businesses and improve the client experience.

Together, they discuss how residential designers can identify workflow bottlenecks, use simple tech tools to save time, and build stronger processes that support growth. They also explore how better communication and systems lead to a smoother experience for homeowners.

If you want to work smarter, reduce overwhelm, and improve your design business operations, this episode offers practical insights you can start applying today.

What You’ll Learn

• Why clients don’t buy your service — they buy your process

• How residential designers become their own business bottleneck

• A simple AI-powered time audit that reveals where your time actually goes

• Tools that can streamline communication and project workflows

• How automation and systems improve the homeowner experience

• Strategies for scaling a design business without burning out

• Why better processes build trust and lead to more referrals

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome to Not A “Licensed” Architect + Meet Grant Fuellenbach

01:34 — The Time Audit Every Designer Should Try

06:09 — Using AI Tools to Organize Your Design Business

08:37 — Why Designers Become Their Own Business Bottleneck

11:25 — “People Don’t Buy Your Service — They Buy Your Process”

15:35 — The Biggest Communication Problems in Construction Projects

25:12 — Simple Frameworks to Prioritize Work and Avoid Burnout

Do you want to be a guest on Not a ‘Licensed’ Architect or nominate someone? https://www.dostudios.co/contact

Listen to Beyond The Bid hosted by Grant FuellenbachYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@beyondthebid/

Website: beyondthebid.co