In this second of two episodes, Matt Krueger talks with Travis Hendrix, an architect at KGA Studio Architects in Denver. In 2024, Travis was awarded with 3 MAME awards, Young Leader Award, Best Whole House Remodel Under 700K, and Best on the Boards Architectural Design. Also Travis was a speaker this year at the International Builders Show. Hear Travis talk about neuroaesthetics and why we like the spaces that we like in design and architecture. This is a highly visual episode. See the video on ...
Jul 18, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this first of two episodes, Matt Krueger talks with Travis Hendrix, an architect at KGA Studio Architects in Denver. In 2024, Travis was awarded with 3 MAME awards, Young Leader Award, Best Whole House Remodel Under 700K, and Best on the Boards Architectural Design. Also Travis was a speaker this year at the International Builders Show. Hear about his unconventional path into the field, his philosophy on human-centered design, how to be adaptive as an architect and how meaningful architecture...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this second episode of Built By Insights with Intentional Architecture, we talk with Jessica and Jesse Ledin of Intentional Architecture to talk about what it means to design homes that feel good. Literally and figuratively. Also This Episode has a great trivia segment with Jessica and Jesse. They also describe their own dream home (spoiler: they already live in it!) and how it reflects their values of comfort, simplicity, and intentionality. Whether you're a homeowner, builder, or just a des...
Jun 06, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode of Built By Insights , we sit down with Jessica and Jesse Ledin of Intentional Architecture, a wife and husband team based in Lafayette, Colorado, known for their thoughtful, client-focused approach to residential design. We explore their journey into architecture, what brought them to Lafayette, and how local community connections shape the way they design. From balancing creativity with practicality to aligning with a client’s goals, lifestyle, and budget, we talk about what it...
Jun 02, 2025•30 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this second episode of Built by Insights with East Slope Design Studios, Matt Krueger and Ryan Costner dive deep into the topic of Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as carriage houses or guest suites. Ryan & Matt sheds light on the growing trend of ADUs in Colorado, particularly in Boulder County, as new state legislation mandates that most Front Range Colorado municipalities must allow ADUs by June 30, 2025. The conversation explores the affordability benefits of ADUs, how they...
May 23, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this episode of Built By Insights , Matt Krueger sits down with architect Ryan Costner, founder of East Slope Design Studios. With deep roots in Boulder County, Colorado, and a background shaped by high-performance design, Ryan shares his journey from working at local firms to launching his own studio. The conversation covers some of Matt’s and Ryan’s favorite collaborative projects, including the South Vail Boulder home, the Main Street Louisville home, and an ADU studio in Louisville. They ...
May 16, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Join Matt and Alex Gore of F9 Productions as they break down how regulatory pressures and soaring material costs are changing the game for contractors and builders alike. In this episode, Alex discusses the impact of modern energy codes, shifting market dynamics, and a generational gap in skilled labor. Through candid insights and industry anecdotes, he explains how today’s construction challenges call for renewed collaboration between contractors, subcontractors, and regulators. Whether you’re ...
Apr 18, 2025•29 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Architect Alex Gore of F9 Productions started out sketching pirate ships. Today, he designs homes that solve real-world problems with creativity and precision. In this episode, Matt explores Alex’s journey, From the crash of 2008 to building an architecture firm with purpose, process, and a deep respect for how homes actually get built. Listen to hear more about his travels from North Dakota to New York to Colorado and to becoming a teacher for the University of Colorado Boulder. Alex's tiny hom...
Apr 11, 2025•37 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this special bonus episode of Built By Insights, Matt Krueger goes head-to-head with Tim and Nicole Sheehan in a lighthearted US vs. UK trivia showdown! As they test Matt on what a "skip" is and, they test their knowledge of homebuilding terms and fun cultural differences. Who takes home the bragging rights? Tune in for laughs, surprises, and a little international construction wisdom. See Tim's Work with JPAR: https://www.jparmodernre.com/ See Matt's Builds: https://www.bykrueger.com/...
Apr 04, 2025•12 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Tim and Nicole Sheehan take us inside their journey of building a custom home with Built By Krueger which was complete with surprises, challenges, and some lessons in net-zero living. The Sheehans even had to temporarily live in a camper in their driveway, they share the real behind the scenes of the process. Now that they’re settled in, they reflect on what they’d do differently (including one room they’d tweak!), how Built By Krueger handled the final details, and why the right builder makes a...
Mar 28, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode of Built By Insights , Matt Krueger sits down with Tim & Nicole Sheehan to explore their journey of designing and building their dream home in Colorado after 25 years in England. Tim shares his interesting work life story and they share the challenges of navigating design decisions, working with their architect Karl Whitten and designer Jackie , and balancing personal style with modern functionality. From reimagining cherished elements from their previous home to overcoming s...
Mar 21, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the final episode of our three-part series with smart home expert Alan, we break down the must-have technology for a truly intelligent home. From lighting and audio to security and climate control, Alan shares his top recommendations based on years of hands-on experience. Learn which brands stand the test of time, which ones to avoid, and how to create a seamless, integrated system that actually works. Whether you're planning a high-end home theater or just want reliable smart lighting, this ...
Feb 28, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this episode of Built By Insights, Matt Krueger sits down with Alan Crowder of Digital Home Colorado to explore how smart home technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with our spaces. Alan breaks down how a single app can seamlessly control lighting, audio, thermostats, video, sound, and even voice automation, eliminating the frustration of multiple remotes and disconnected systems. From office setups to whole-home integration, discover how solutions like Josh.ai, Lutron, Sonos, and...
Feb 21, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 27
In this episode of Built By Insights , Matt Krueger sits down with Alan Crowder, founder of Digital Homes Colorado, to explore his transition from owning Jimmy John's franchises to becoming a smart home technology expert. Alan shares his passion for home theaters, lighting control, and whole-home audio systems while breaking down the difference between connected homes and smart homes. Discover how evolving technology is reshaping modern living and how Digital Homes Colorado is leading the charge...
Feb 14, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this final episode of the Allana Lavenue series on Built By Insights , Matt Krueger and Allana dive into the future of design. They discuss the rising importance of universal design and aging-in-place strategies for retirees and millennials alike. Allana shares her thoughts on sustainability, from materials selection to eco-conscious building practices, and explores how emerging AI tools are reshaping interior design. Can technology replace the human touch? Discover how personal connections, ...
Feb 07, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In this episode of Built by Insights, host Matt Krueger sits down with interior designer Allana Lavenue to explore the creation of the stunning Parkview home. Allana shares her process of transforming a blank slate into a vibrant, personalized sanctuary that reflects the unique journeys and tastes of its owners, Pearl and Joe. From bold bohemian accents to thoughtful lighting, cork floors, and custom touches for every family member, Allana discusses the art of weaving personality, practicality, ...
Jan 31, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 24
In this episode of Built By Insights, host Matt Krueger welcomes Allana Lavenue, founder of Allana Lavenue Interiors, for a candid and inspiring conversation about the art of interior design. From her beginnings as an English major to her leap into the world of design, Allana shares how her love for storytelling and personal expression has shaped her philosophy of creating timeless, client-centered spaces. Discover Allana's process for crafting digital visual design boards, balancing aesthetics ...
Jan 24, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode of Built By Insights, Matt Krueger sits down with Brendan Kennedy from Skyhook Design to demystify the world of cabinetry. Brendan breaks down the differences between inset, face frame, and frameless cabinets, explaining their functionality, aesthetics, and cost. He also shares insights into the materials, quality standards, and craftsmanship that distinguish premium cabinetry from mass-produced options. Whether you’re designing a dream kitchen or planning a practical remodel, th...
Jan 17, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode of Built By Insights , Matt Krueger sits down with Brendan Kennedy from Skyhook Design to explore the intricate world of design-build projects. They delve into the seamless collaboration between design and construction teams under one roof, the cultural challenges that can arise, and how prioritizing profit over creativity can stifle innovation. Brendan shares candid insights into navigating client expectations influenced by unrealistic TV portrayals and the nuances of balancing ...
Jan 10, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Join host Matt Krueger on Built By Insights as he dives into the fascinating journey of Brendan Kennedy, founder of Skyhook Design. Brendan shares how his hands-on experience as a carpenter shaped his practical approach to architecture, the lessons learned from designing iconic structures like the Denver Art Museum, and the pivotal moments that led him to start his own firm. Discover how Skyhook Design blends custom home design with cabinetry expertise to create unique, eco-conscious spaces in C...
Jan 03, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this captivating episode of Built By Insights , host Matt Krueger welcomes Jacqueline Chavanu of French Design Formula, an interior visionary, to share the remarkable story behind her French Provincial dream home and her inspiring journey from Colorado to Amsterdam. Jackie’s lifelong admiration for French culture and architecture shaped every detail of her “soul house,” from a stunning Sun King fireback imported from the Netherlands to reclaimed wood flooring salvaged from 1950s tractor trail...
Dec 27, 2024•36 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In this heartfelt episode of Built By Insights , Matt Krueger sits down with Jacqueline Chavanu of French Design Formula. A former collaborator & client at Built By Krueger, Jackie shares her inspiring journey from her early days in Nebraska to becoming a successful interior designer in Seattle and eventually moving to Amsterdam. Hear her stories of childhood inspiration, pivotal career shifts, and award-winning projects, including features in Seattle Homes and Better Homes and Gardens . Jac...
Dec 20, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Interior design meets innovation in this exciting episode of Built By Insights ! Matt Krueger hosts Jenny Ackemann from Layered Design Concepts in a fascinating showdown: Jenny vs. AI . Who knows design terms better? From timeless classics to cutting-edge trends, they dive into the art of describing designs and how AI stacks up against the creativity and intuition of an expert designer. Tune in to explore the balance between personal expertise and evolving technology in today's interior design w...
Dec 13, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of Built By Insights , host Matt Krueger sits down with Jenny Ackemann, Founder of Layered Design Concepts. With over 18 years of experience in Interior Design, Jenny has a knack for transforming houses into homes that perfectly align with her clients’ lifestyles and visions. Matt and Jenny reflect on their collaborative projects, the seamless integration of design and construction, and the art of understanding clients' unique needs. Jenny shares her journey from growing up in a ...
Dec 06, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this Episode of Built By Insights, Matt Krueger interviews Kay Hiroyo Galligan and Tamara Layman from KATA by Design. Together, they explore the dynamic process of designing custom homes. Our guests share how they combine tools like Revit, hand-drawn sketches, and even cardboard models to bring their clients' visions to life. Learn how they balance creativity with practicality, how trust transforms the design process, and why designing for happiness is at the heart of their philosophy. Discov...
Nov 22, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this Episode of Built By Insights, Matt Krueger interviews Kay Hiroyo Galligan and Tamara Layman from KATA by Design. Together, they delve into the Japanese concept of Kata , meaning "form," and its influence on their approach to design. This conversation explores how design impacts well-being, functionality, and artistry. Listen in as Kay and Tamara share personal histories, professional philosophies, and how they balance innovation with timeless traditions in their craft. See more Episodes ...
Nov 15, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Join Matt Krueger on Built By Insights as he dives into an inspiring case study with Lawrence Smith, who, alongside his family, embarked on the journey of building their dream custom home. From the initial steps of needing a personalized space to the final touches of move-in day, Lawrence shares his unique perspective on each step: design, the conceptional, the building of the house, the selection of the items, and more. Listen as Lawrence recounts the collaboration with Built By Krueger and his...
Nov 08, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode of Built By Insights, host Matt Krueger dives into a rich conversation with Lawrence Smith, a longtime friend, client, and VP of Construction Management Solutions at Trimble, a technology leader in construction. Lawrence shares his journey from a land surveying start in the UK to pioneering cutting-edge digital solutions at Trimble in the U.S. They discuss how technology like robotic total stations, 3D modeling, and SketchUp visualization tools are reshaping both commercial and r...
Nov 01, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 12
In this inspiring episode of Built By Insights, host Matt Krueger sits down with Adam Popp, a veteran and recipient of a custom-built home through Homes For Our Troops, alongside his wife, Amanda. Adam, a Guinness World Record holder, shares his incredible journey of overcoming physical challenges after his injury and how this new home will transform his family’s day-to-day life. Amanda reflects on the life-changing support they've received and the importance of living in a home designed specifi...
Oct 25, 2024•20 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode of Built By Insights, host Matt Krueger sits down with Adam and Amanda Popp to discuss their inspiring journey as recipients of a Homes For Our Troops home. Adam, a veteran who lost his leg in combat, shares his incredible story of perseverance, from recovering in the hospital to breaking barriers and becoming a multi-time Guinness World Record holder. He opens up about his personal evolution and learning how to lead by example. Adam talks about his journey into clinical rehabili...
Oct 18, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 10
