Work in Process

Work in Process

Welcome to Work in Process, an Austin-based podcast guiding homeowners, builders, and design professionals through the journey of building high-performance custom homes in Central Texas. From client relationships to behind-the-scenes project management, each episode explores the real-world process of homebuilding in Austin, TX.

  1. Oct 14

    Ep. #37: Landscape Shouldn't be Last with Scott Cassel | The Austin Architect Series

    Send us Fan Mail Most homeowners think about the yard after the house is done, when the budget is mostly spent and the best opportunities are already gone. On Episode 37 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser steps outside with Scott Cassel of Cassel Landscape Architects to talk about why landscape belongs at the table from day one. Scott shares how he went from a career in DC politics to designing outdoor spaces in Austin, and why his firm builds every design it draws. He and Daniel dig into the details that make or break a project: Why drainage has to be solved before the foundation is poured, especially for Austin’s courtyard-style homesHow planning house and landscape as one budget keeps the yard from getting cut at the endChoosing plants that survive Central Texas extremes, from summer heat to freeze eventsBuilding west of I-35 (rock and slope) versus east (expansive clay)Keeping cedars versus clearing them, and designing around heritage oaksThe rise of the backyard as a second home, plus an honest take on artificial turfPlus a lightning round on favorite trees, underrated materials, and Scott’s dream project. Connect with Scott Cassel Landscape Architects info@cassellandscape.com | 512-693-7884 Connect with Risinger Build hello@risingerbuild.com Instagram: @RisingerBuild_ATX If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  2. Sep 30

    Ep. #36: What Drives Design with Sarah Johnson | The Austin Architect Series

    Send us Fan Mail What does it look like when architects and builders work together from the start? This season on Work in Process, we're introducing a series within a series, sitting down with local architects to discuss their design process and how they work with builders. In the first episode, Daniel Glauser is joined by Sarah Johnson, Principal at Matt Fajkus Architecture (MFA), to talk about design philosophy, client relationships, and why early collaboration leads to better homes. Sarah shares her path from a dual degree in architecture and civil engineering at Texas Tech to the UT Austin School of Architecture, and how a few weeks of helping a new professor with renderings turned into 15 years of growing MFA from a startup into a 10–15 person firm. She and Daniel dig into MFA's approach of letting the client, the site, and the program drive the design, and why natural materials and a strong connection to context make a home feel timeless instead of trendy. They also discuss what makes designing in Austin both challenging and exciting, from high design standards and city requirements to diverse topography and difficult sites, and why constraints often generate the best ideas. The conversation turns to the architect-builder relationship: bringing a builder on during schematic design, running pricing checks at every phase to keep the design aligned with the budget, and staying connected through construction to protect the design intent. This conversation shows how trust, communication, and shared vision between architect, builder, and client shape a truly custom home. In this episode: Sarah's path into architecture and the founding of MFADesigning in response to the site, the client, and the programWhat makes a design timeless vs. trendyHow MFA gets to know a client's lifestyleThe challenges and opportunities of designing in AustinTreating constraints as design opportunitiesWhy builders should join the team during schematic designConstructability vs. value engineeringCommon misconceptions about the design processArchitect involvement during constructionAdvice for anyone planning to build a custom homeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  3. Sep 16

    Work in Process | Season 3 Premiere

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Work in Process, the podcast from Risinger Build. Season 3 is here, and we’re kicking things off with a conversation about what goes into building exceptional custom homes—from the people behind the process to the design decisions, partnerships, and craftsmanship that bring each project to life. In this season premiere, Daniel Glauser, Tim Hill, and Laura Sockrider introduce what’s ahead for Work in Process. We’ll explore the many moving parts of custom homebuilding, the collaboration between builders and design professionals, and the relationships that help turn a vision into a thoughtfully crafted home. We’re taking you into conversations with local architects, revisiting the Risinger Build process, and hearing from the talented design professionals and partners who help shape the homes we build. A great home involves the people, the planning, the problem-solving, and the countless decisions made along the way. Subscribe to Risinger Build and follow Work in Process for more conversations about custom homebuilding, design, and the work behind every great build. Special Cameo - Risinger Build Office Dog, Clio And while @stilesswitchbbq isn't footing the bill for this specific conversation (yet!), they are keeping the Risinger Build team in Austin fed with award-winning Central Texas craft barbecue! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  4. Aug 12

    Ep. #34: The Many Hats of a Home Builder

    Send us Fan Mail What does a home builder actually do? In the final episode of Season 2 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser, Tim Hill, and Laura Sockrider explore the many different “hats” a home builder wears every day—from project manager and financial steward to client advisor, engineer, educator, weatherman, firefighter, and even ship’s captain. Building a custom home is about far more than managing construction. It requires coordinating people, budgets, schedules, design decisions, technical details, and expectations while anticipating problems before they happen. The team discusses why successful builders need to think ahead, “build the house in their head,” and use experience and critical thinking to keep unique projects moving forward. They also talk about the human side of building—helping clients navigate difficult decisions, providing enough information to make informed choices, and building the trust that comes from putting the client’s interests first. This conversation highlights just how much goes into successfully building a one-of-a-kind home. In this episode: The many roles of a custom home builderWhy project management is about more than constructionHelping clients make confident, informed decisionsFinancial stewardship, estimating, and predictabilityApplying building science and engineering knowledgePreventing problems before they become emergenciesWhy weather can have a major impact on construction schedulesLeadership, team culture, and managing resourcesWhat clients should expect from a great builderThis is the Season 2 finale of Work in Process. Thanks for following along this season—we'll be back for Season 3. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  5. Jul 29

    Ep. #33: Designing the Process: Interview with Laura Sockrider

    Send us Fan Mail In Episode 33 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser sits down with Laura Sockrider, Operations Coordinator at Risinger Build, to discuss the often-overlooked work that happens long before construction begins. With a background in interior design, Laura brings a unique perspective to the pre-construction process. From vetting potential projects and coordinating with homeowners and design teams to managing design documentation and keeping communication moving, her role helps bridge the gap between a client's vision and what ultimately gets built. The conversation explores why successful custom homebuilding starts with asking the right questions, understanding how each client actually lives, and creating a process that can respond to the individual needs of every project. In this episode, we discuss: Laura's background in interior design and how it shaped her role at Risinger BuildWhat happens during the pre-construction phaseHow Risinger Build evaluates and vets potential projectsThe importance of clear and complete design documentationHow communication keeps complex custom projects movingWhy every homeowner—and every home—has different needsThe value of involving the right people before construction beginsIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  6. Jul 15

    Ep. #32: Behind the Permit: What Every Homeowner and Builder Should Know Before Breaking Ground

    Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill Guest: Steve Terebeki, Aqua Permits Permitting is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of building a custom home. Many homeowners assume that construction can begin once the plans are complete. In reality, permitting is a complex process involving multiple departments, site-specific regulations, and countless details that can delay a project. In this episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill have a candid conversation with Steve Terebeki of Aqua Permits. They delve into the intricacies of the process between finalized plans and obtaining a building permit. Together, they discuss: What a permit expediter actually doesThe difference between entitlements, zoning, and permittingWhy some permits are approved quickly while others take monthsCommon issues involving trees, drainage, floodplains, easements, and hillside lotsWhy Austin presents unique permitting challengesHow early due diligence can save homeowners significant time and moneyThe biggest permitting myths—and the mistakes that can derail a project before construction beginsWhether you're planning your dream home, purchasing land, or work in the design and construction industry, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most critical phases of the building process. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  7. Jul 1

    Ep. #31: The Ultimate Fourth of July House

    Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill What makes the perfect home for celebrating the Fourth of July? Is it a sprawling covered porch, an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool, or simply a place where family and friends can gather together? In this special holiday episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill take a break from discussing budgets, project management, and building science to explore the features that make a home ideal for summertime entertaining. From outdoor living spaces and grilling setups to music, pools, front porches, and favorite family traditions, they discuss how thoughtful design creates spaces where memories are made. Along the way, they share personal stories from past Fourth of July celebrations, debate the pros and cons of popular outdoor amenities, and play a rapid-fire round of "Worth It?" featuring everything from guest houses and putting greens to outdoor TVs and ice makers. In this episode: Why outdoor living spaces define the ultimate Fourth of July homeDesigning patios, porches, and backyards for entertainingThe role of pools, shade, fans, and water features in Texas summersOutdoor kitchens, grills, and cooking preferences for hosting family and friendsThe value of front porches in building neighborhood connections"Worth It?" rapid-fire: pools, guest houses, outdoor TVs, putting greens, and moreFavorite Fourth of July traditions and family memoriesWhether you're designing a custom home, planning a remodel, or simply dreaming about your ideal backyard, this episode offers ideas and inspiration for creating spaces that bring people together year after year. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

  8. Jun 17

    Ep. #30: Project Management: The Team Behind Every Great Build

    Send us Fan Mail When most people think of project management, they picture someone walking a jobsite with a set of plans, checking on trades and making sure work is being done correctly. While that’s certainly part of the job, effective project management in custom homebuilding is much broader—and much more important—than that.   In this episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill pull back the curtain on what project management really means at Risinger Build. They discuss why project management begins long before construction starts, how communication, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and decision management work together to keep projects moving forward, and why building exceptional homes requires a team—not a single individual.   Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or design professional, this conversation offers valuable insight into the systems, planning, and collaboration required to bring complex custom homes to life. In this episode: Why project management starts during design, not constructionThe five pillars of successful project managementHow schedules, budgets, and decisions are managed throughout a projectThe role communication plays in keeping teams alignedWhy custom homebuilding requires a coordinated team effortLessons learned from years of managing complex residential projectsWhether you’re planning a custom home or simply want a better understanding of how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of custom homebuilding. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Work in Process, an Austin-based podcast guiding homeowners, builders, and design professionals through the journey of building high-performance custom homes in Central Texas. From client relationships to behind-the-scenes project management, each episode explores the real-world process of homebuilding in Austin, TX.

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