Not A 'Licensed' Architect

Stefani Thatcher
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Not A 'Licensed' Architect is a podcast for homeowners, industry professionals, and aspiring residential designers who want to explore the world of home design beyond the blueprints. Each episode features insightful conversations with experts and creatives, covering design inspiration, practical tips, and the personal journeys of those shaping the residential design industry. Tune in for engaging discussions that bring design to life.

Episodes

  1. The Finish Line Myth: What Interior Designers Want You to Know with Liz Powell

    5 DAYS AGO

    The Finish Line Myth: What Interior Designers Want You to Know with Liz Powell

    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

    42 min
  2. The 5-Page Trap: Why Comprehensive Design Matters with Jeff Fry

    5 FEB

    The 5-Page Trap: Why Comprehensive Design Matters with Jeff Fry

    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

    1 hr
  3. Hot Water, Cold Truths: Plumbing Insights with Clay Wengreen

    29 JAN

    Hot Water, Cold Truths: Plumbing Insights with Clay Wengreen

    What can 31 years in the plumbing trade teach us about building homes that actually work? 🚰 In this episode, I’m joined by Clay Wengreen, a Navy veteran turned plumbing expert, whose career has spanned service work, large-scale construction, and running his own business. Clay’s story begins with learning steam propulsion systems in the Navy — and comes full circle to helping homeowners design kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-house systems that truly fit their lives. So why does this matter? Because too often, plumbing is treated as an afterthought in design — leading to awkward layouts, code conflicts, and costly mistakes. Clay’s perspective shows us why details matter, and how good communication between homeowners, builders, and designers can make or break a project. 💡 What You Can’t Miss: 🏠 From Navy to New HomesHow military training on complex systems shaped Clay’s career in plumbing. 🏠Designing for Function FirstWhy kitchens and bathrooms need more thoughtful planning than just fixtures and finishes. 🏠 The Hidden Cost of Poor CoordinationHow missed communication between architects, plumbers, and framers leads to stacked bathrooms, tight plumbing walls, and venting challenges. 🏠 The Comfort of Radiant HeatWhy hot water radiant heating provides a different level of home comfort compared to forced air. If you’re a homeowner, builder, or designer, this episode will change how you think about plumbing — not just as pipes behind walls, but as a critical part of creating a comfortable, functional home. 🎧 Hit play to hear Clay’s 31-year journey and discover why great plumbing design is more than a trade skill — it’s a craft that shapes how we live. 🔗 Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design www.dostudios.co/resources https://www.facebook.com/Canyonph

    50 min
  4. Truss Issues? Nailing Down Smarter Roof Design with Ron Anderson

    22 JAN

    Truss Issues? Nailing Down Smarter Roof Design with Ron Anderson

    Ever wondered what makes a roof really work — structurally, financially, and aesthetically? 🤔 In this episode, I’m joined by my go-to truss engineer and creative problem solver, Ron Anderson, a true master of roof trusses with 25+ years of hands-on experience across every corner of construction and turning complicated plans into buildable, beautiful homes.  After a career shift sparked by an accident, Ron found his sweet spot designing trusses that are both buildable and cost-efficient (while flexing his creative side). What really makes for great truss design? Together, we chat about how detailed plans, clear communication, and smart design choices make all the difference in creating homes that are easier (and less expensive!) to build. 💡What You Can’t Miss: 🏠 The Secret Ingredient to a Smoother Build? Clear Plans + Thoughtful Dimensions.Learn how accurate wall heights, ceiling details, and simple layouts can save you (and your builder!) from headaches down the line. 🏠 Math, Magic, and Making Bonus Rooms WorkFrom attic trusses to bonus spaces, discover Ron’s insider math tricks to create rooms that feel right and hold up over time. 🏠 Design + Truss Engineering: The Power PartnershipSee how ongoing conversations between designers and truss engineers can make or break your home’s success. If you’re designing a custom home — or just truss-curious — this one’s packed with practical insight. One episode = fewer build headaches later.  🎧 Hit play and learn how to design smarter from the top down and avoid the truss troubles that even seasoned pros can fall into. 🔗Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design www.dostudios.co/courses Utah Ground Snow Load Map Ground and Roof Snow Loads for Idaho | Ground and Roof Snow Loads for Idaho

    56 min
  5. Detail or Disaster: Designing Homes That Actually Build Well with Steve Coppieters

    15 JAN

    Detail or Disaster: Designing Homes That Actually Build Well with Steve Coppieters

    Why do many people hate their custom home experience? In this episode,  I’m joined by one of my favorite builders to collaborate with, Steve Coppieters, general contractor and founder of Stonegate Homes, who brings over three decades of building experience (including $20M homes in Park City!) and a reputation for putting the client first, always. Steve’s approach? Build homes that don’t just look good on paper—they actually feel right to live in. His superpower lies in spotting small issues before they become expensive regrets, and he’s got stories to prove it. What really makes for a great floor plan from a builder’s point of view? We dive into why detailed plans, builder-designer collaboration, and constant client communication are the real foundation of a smooth build. 💡What You Can’t Miss: 🏠 Buildability Begins on Paper Discover what details (like accurate elevations, wall heights, and product specs) can prevent costly miscommunication and rework later on. 🏠 Collaboration as the Competitive Advantage Why walking your own projects post-construction—and actually asking builders for feedback—will elevate your future designs. 🏠 Client Communication is a Design Tool Hear how Steve navigates indecisive clients, gets to the root of what they want, and keeps the experience positive even through big changes. 🏠 Architect vs. Builder Plans: What’s Missing? Understand the gap between architectural drawings and field execution—especially when builders default to what they’ve “always done.” 🏠 Designing for Decisions, Not Just Looks From electrical walkthroughs to laundry layouts, learn how to design spaces that work for how people actually live. 🏠 What Builders Wish Designers Knew Steve shares what slows builders down, what makes a plan a dream to work from, and how to be the kind of designer builders want to work with again. If you’re designing a custom home, working with builders, or just trying to avoid costly construction surprises—this episode is packed with perspective from someone who’s seen it all. 🎧 Hit play and learn what builders wish you knew before you print your plans. 🔗Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design www.dostudios.co/courses I’m Listening, Too! What’s been your biggest “plan vs. build” moment? Leave a comment down below—I’d love to hear your story. And don’t forget to check out our free guides on builder hiring, client communication, and selections. https://www.dostudios.co/resources

    57 min
  6. Why I Started This Podcast (and Why the Name Matters)

    15 JAN

    Why I Started This Podcast (and Why the Name Matters)

    I’m Stefani Thatcher—home designer, detail geek, and proud owner of a travel gallery full of random doors, windows, and the built environment. (Yes, sometimes more architecture pics than family ones. Oops.) Here’s the deal: I’ve been designing homes for 25+ years, and I am insanely passionate (bordering on obsessed) about helping people create beautiful, personal spaces they actually love living in. Spoiler alert! I’m technically not a licensed architect. And that tiny word “licensed” carries a lot of weight in this industry. This show is about pulling back the curtain, clearing up the noise, and making the design + build process less intimidating—and maybe even joyful for everyone involved. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: The real reason behind the name Not a Licensed Architect Why the word “architect” is so heavily guarded (yep, even if you’ve been designing homes for decades) The gray area where thousands of professionals—like me—actually work Why your dream home doesn’t have to be a nightmare project A sneak peek at the conversations ahead: licensed architects, designers, builders, contractors, and more 🌱 Why This Matters This podcast isn’t about turf wars or job titles—it’s about making home design more transparent, practical, and human. Whether you’re a homeowner dreaming big or a pro geeking out on great design, my hope is you’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and maybe a few laughs along the way. 🔗Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design www.dostudios.co/courses

    9 min

Trailer

About

Not A 'Licensed' Architect is a podcast for homeowners, industry professionals, and aspiring residential designers who want to explore the world of home design beyond the blueprints. Each episode features insightful conversations with experts and creatives, covering design inspiration, practical tips, and the personal journeys of those shaping the residential design industry. Tune in for engaging discussions that bring design to life.

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