Episodes
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Alexandra Chaves, Assoc. AIA, NOMA is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio where her organizational skills, professionalism and eye for detail allow her to excel. Venezuelan born, Alexandra initiated her Architecture studies in Caracas, Venezuela at Universidad Santa Maria. In 2002, she came to the US to complete her degree. She holds a Bachelorâs in Fine Arts majoring in Architecture and Masters in Architecture from SCAD. In 2006, She moved to NYC where she worked in different boutique Architectural firms dedicated to custom residential design. Alexandra finally moved to Austin in 2018 to be closer to family, and has found the working culture at Restructure Studio to be the perfect balance between being a working mom and daily work life tasks. She has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2018. She is the founder and creator and chair of the âProfilesâ interview video series subcommittee for Women in Architecture (WiA) Austin which started in 2021. In 2023 she was awarded the AIA Austin President's Award for the promotion of Austin Architecture through outstanding documentary filmmaking and in 2024 was the recipient of the AIA Austin Honors Award | Associate Member of the year. She is the current Women in Architecture Chair-Elect for Austin 2024. Moving forward, she plans to pursue licensure in Texas.
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Rebecca Osborne is the visionary founder and creative force behind Osborne & Co., a leading interior design and property styling studio based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With over two decades of experience, Rebeccaâs talent for creating sophisticated, luxury spaces has earned her a reputation for excellence. Her entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and today she leads a studio specialising in elevating the quality of life through interiors, focusing on high-end residential and commercial projects. Rebecca tailors every design to the clientâs needs, ensuring each space feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.
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In this podcast, Chris Howell, owner of SPX Fit, shares his journey from collegiate lacrosse player and Wall Street professional to gym designer, blending fitness functionality with aesthetics. From outfitting Soho House gyms to crafting bespoke home and commercial fitness spaces, Chris discusses how his designs incorporate wellness trends like saunas, plunge pools, and meditation zones.
Chris highlights the importance of customization, creating tailored environments that cater to contrasting needsâsuch as high-energy workout zones and serene wellness areasâwhile seamlessly integrating brand identity and personal stories. Examples range from branded basketball courts and turf football fields to unique multifunctional spaces, like a barn-turned-members-club in New Jersey.
Through collaboration with architectural and interior design teams, Chris ensures each project balances technical excellence with inspiring design. His work emphasizes the emotional connection between clients and their spaces, crafting gyms that not only meet fitness goals but also reflect personal values and aspirations. Tune in to explore how SPX Fit redefines gym design.
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"I started my career as a Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineer but soon realised my passion was designing buildings for people and planet. I effectively facilitate and manage sustainability outcomes within projects. I enjoy inspiring people, sharing knowledge and creating great team relationships."
In this inspiring episode, sustainability consultant Trish shares her passion for creating a built environment that respects and regenerates nature. Trish discusses integrating biophilic and regenerative principles into construction, focusing on reusing, repurposing, and healing the land rather than exploiting it. Her approach challenges the disposable culture of modern building practices, advocating for structures designed to last over a century.
đ± Designing with Nature: Trish emphasizes observing the landâits energy, cycles, and natural patternsâto create buildings that harmonize with their environment. From working with indigenous wisdom to the Living Building Challenge, her work prioritizes sustainability at every step.
đĄ Transforming Perspectives: Trishâs projects inspire "aha moments" for everyone involved, from clients to builders, by demonstrating the profound impact of thoughtful, eco-conscious choices.
đŹ Biomimicry & Innovation: Learn how natureâs designs, like mussel adhesives or palm tree systems, inform sustainable solutions in modern construction.
This episode is a deep dive into rethinking how we build, with lessons that extend beyond architecture to how we connect with our planet. Tune in to explore how intentional design can leave a lasting legacy. đ
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Join Ashley Heeren, co-founder of LoDo (Low Design Office), as she shares her journey from a creative childhood in Las Vegas to studying architecture at Yale and Harvard GSD. LoDo embraces a "low" design approach, emphasizing resource-conscious, community-driven architecture rooted in collaboration and empathy.
Discover LoDo's groundbreaking projects, like House Zero, which showcases 3D-printed concrete's potential for sustainable, modular homes with timeless appeal. Ashley dives into blending technology with familiar aesthetics, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility.
The conversation highlights LoDo's human- and environment-centric philosophy, focusing on scalable, adaptable designs that empower communities. From Casa Marianella's Posada Campus, a safe haven for vulnerable families, to inspiring modular solutions for diverse contexts, Ashley shares how architecture shapes spaces and lives.
Don't miss the story behind their upcoming benefit concert on Dec. 9 at Austin's Moody Theatre, supporting Casa Marianella's new campus. Tune in for an inspiring look at architecture's power to create meaningful impact!
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In this podcast episode, Generational Lighting Expertise, Garrett Neal, principal designer at Neal Lighting, discusses his journey in lighting design, deeply influenced by his father and background in stage production.
Transitioning from music management to join his familyâs business, Garrett has grown from project manager to a leader in innovative lighting solutions.
He describes lighting as a blend of art and science, explaining how it shapes mood, productivity, and even health by affecting circadian rhythms. Garrett highlights the transformation of the industry with LED technology, enabling flexible, customizable lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.
He shares insights on residential lighting technologies, including static white lighting, warm dimming, and dynamic color-changing lights, each tailored to enhance daily routines. Emphasizing layered and intentional lighting, Garrett explains the importance of ambient and accent lights to avoid harsh overhead lighting, creating warmth and visual interest. For Garrett, lighting design is a collaborative process that requires alignment with architects and designers to ensure cohesive aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on interoperability and innovation, he describes how advanced systems and smart controls are transforming spaces, making lighting a powerful, adaptable element of interior design.
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In this special TalkDesign episode, Peter Twohy flips the script, interviewing Adrian Ramsay to dive into his holistic, land-centered approach to architecture. Adrian shares his âland whisperingâ and âemotional floor plans,â methodologies that prioritize connecting deeply with both clients and the environment.
Adrian describes how his design process begins by aligning with the natural elements of a siteâwind, sunlight, and terrainâcreating homes that flow harmoniously with their surroundings. Through alpha brainwave activation, he enters a state of intuitive clarity, allowing him to understand the land's nuances, enhancing design responsiveness. His philosophy is rooted in observing the siteâs daily rhythms, crafting spaces that evolve with the land itself.
Adrian also talks about âdesign magicâ as a collaborative journey, emphasizing the synergy of client input, creative professionals, and the land. This process culminates in emotional floor plans, inspired by Sam Gosling and Christopher Travis, which bring clientsâ unique emotional needs to life through customized spaces.
Balancing the podcast, Dream Homes Revealed TV show, and architectural tours requires careful scheduling, with early-morning podcast recordings and quarterly design tours. These tours, now offered in partnership with Feast Experiences, provide immersive architectural journeys for small groups, fostering deep connections with the world of design and with each other.
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Celebrated pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, known as the "Sweet Assassin," shares insights into his journey from a rural New South Wales supermarket to international stardom. Famous for his inventive desserts and creative food pairings, Adriano reflects on his early passion for sweets, his hands-on apprenticeship, and his time working with top chefs in Paris.
Adriano also discusses the unexpected rise to fame through MasterChef, where a croquembouche challenge catapulted his career, leading to more television opportunities. Despite his TV success, Adrianoâs true passion lies in cooking and creating unique flavour combinations, blending sweet and savoury elements in unconventional ways.
Tune in to hear Adriano's exciting plans, including his upcoming food tour in Catalonia, Spain, and the artistry behind his iconic desserts!
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Anthony Laye's story is as unique as his skills. He's a gifted speaker, host, trainer, and performer who knows how to connect with people. With over 25 years of experience, Anthony has delivered more than 1000 presentations, appeared on TV and radio, and wowed audiences with his understanding of human behaviour.
Anthony started his journey as a socially awkward entrepreneur but learnt very quickly that the way he presented himself and the way he communicated had a huge impact on his success. Anthonyâs curiosity around communication led him into the world of mentalism, where he became a standout performer in one of the biggest magic shows in the world, 'The Illusionists'. His time on stage, and a semi-final place on Australia's Got Talent in 2012, taught him a lot about connecting with audiences.
From this experience, he developed 'The Confident Communicator Formula', a new way to improve communication and create meaningful relationships. Anthony's time as a mentalist showed him that his skills aren't just for the stage - they can help everyone communicate better every day.
Anthony is also an author. His book 'Get Ready For Impact - Communication Tools To Stand Out, Win Trust And Influence' offers practical tips to help people communicate better in all parts of their lives.
People love working with Anthony because he's enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and focused on helping others. His lessons can help anyone - whether you're a leader, salesperson or team member - improve their communication skills.
Imagine knowing how others see you, understanding what your customers really need, or leading a motivated, high-performing team. Anthony can show you how to do all this and more.
He doesn't just teach you how to read and influence others. He also helps you understand your own thoughts so you can become more confident and self-aware. This means you can build stronger relationships, work better together, and become a leader who truly connects with others.
Anthony Laye knows what you're thinking. And he's ready to share his skills and experience to help you and your organisation succeed. Are you ready to know what others are thinking?
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This ground-up home built just south of downtown Austin was designed for empty nesters looking to accommodate both gatherings for friends and family as well as moments of serene respite.
By designing the house in a compact form and setting it against the rear set-back, we were able to congregate all the available site into a central courtyard. A second open-air structure consisting of a 2-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch sits on the front set-back line and forms the entry of the courtyard.
To address the southern exposure of the house, the 2-story dining porch is defined by a steel louvered screen, which also gives a level of privacy to the second-floor bedrooms.
The material palette of this home is simple and honest. Board formed concrete pairs with steel and stucco on the exterior. On the interior, walnut, steel and plaster mix with earthen hues within a light filled white box. All coming together in loft-like interior spaces along with interactive exterior spaces to create places for entertaining as well as contemplating.
Patrick's philosophy is to act as an extension of his clients, providing balanced solutions that align with their needs and desires. His passion for combining science and creativity started early and led him to architecture at 12. After earning his degree at the University of Texas, he worked at several prominent firms before founding FAB in 1996. As Principal Architect, Patrick oversees design, collaborating with his team to create award-winning projects that truly fulfil his clients' visions.
Pam thrives on the details and material palette that define the soul of a project. After earning a Bachelorâs in Architecture from the University of Texas, she worked in Los Angeles, where her first project was featured on the cover of Architectural Record. Since 1998, she has been Principal Architect at FAB, shaping award-winning projects across Texas. Pam loves traveling with family, blending nature and urban culture for inspiration when she's away from work.
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Sundown, a 6,000 sq ft private residence nestled in West Austin, epitomizes revitalization. Originally crafted in the 1980s by renowned architect Robert Renfro, it breaks away from conventional design rules. Like the post-modernists, the owners embraced individualism and nature in its recreation. Perched on a secluded, sloping lot, Sundown gracefully integrates with its surroundings. It steps down the hillside, spanning a tranquil stream and embracing the ravine. Meticulous attention to detail honours the original design ethos while incorporating modern innovation. Preserving its post-modern charm, Sundown seamlessly blends past and present. We've integrated top amenities while harmoniously integrating nature. Blurring indoor-outdoor boundaries, it celebrates the timeless beauty of its surroundings. Sundown stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its architectural heritage, incorporating the essence of modern living while celebrating the timeless beauty of its natural surroundings.
Joshua, founder of Hogan Architects and Development, combines a rich architectural background with a unique perspective shaped by his French heritage and Texas roots. After earning a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin, Joshuaâs philosophy was refined through his experiences living in France. There, he developed a deep appreciation for timeless elegance and attention to detail. His career spans continents, working with renowned architects like Philippe Bodin and Dick Clark, where he honed his skills in heritage preservation and innovative design. Joshua's portfolio blends tradition and modernity, from historic renovations to cutting-edge developments.
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A retired couple chose a derelict 1930âs cottage on a rhombus-shaped property in the heart of Austin, to create a modern, landscape-driven house. The quirky storybook structure hovered 4ft above grade and was crowded by two live oaks in the middle of a tight lot.
A house and habitat fuse to Austinâs urban forest with a steel and wood carport and rear arbour, cypress screen porch, a cantilevered concrete tree bench and sinker-cypress windowsills. Narrow and primary gardens bookend a permeable, cantilevered living space protecting trees and watershed. Room-size terraces settle the house into the land. ÌčVertical rough cypress clad addition with a curved metal roof is parallel to the side yard edges and skewed to the original house. Stepping inside, the entry expresses the asymmetric gabled roof, celebrating offbeat qualities. Cypress-clad walls transition gardens to white gallery walls and along with designed light make the art ordinary and the ordinary art.
Nick Deaver's journey into architecture began in West Texas, inspired by his father's work as an electrical contractor and his motherâs love for sewing. These early influences shaped Nick's vision, blending construction with creativity. His formal education at Texas Tech provided a strong technical foundation, but it was in practice that Nick developed his deep appreciation for human-centred design.
When Jes Deaver joined their firm, she broadened their scope, shifting the focus from individual homes to larger community impact. Together, they emphasize thoughtful design that resonates emotionally with people and respects the environment. Their philosophy centres around inclusivity, collaboration, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and connection to the land.
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The Hartford Residence, a 1932 home in Old West Austin, required architectural help to address flow and add living space while maintaining the home's original charm and honouring its historic neighbourhood. The team chose to maintain a single story for the 483 SF addition of a new primary bedroom suite and laundry/mudroom. Brick from the original rear façade was carefully preserved to clad the new Mudroom entrance and outdoor fireplace so they blend seamlessly with the original structure. The original layout of the living room, dining and kitchen created challenges placing furniture, had unused space and convoluted access between rooms. The revised layout creates spaces for gathering, optimizes usable floorspace and establishes visible and accessible connections from the front to the back of the house. The addition of a large island with bar seating activates unused space in the kitchen, while new windows offer connection to the backyard and cozy new screened porch.
Carina has worked in the architectural field in Austin since 2003 and is recognized within the community for her ability to create well-designed, sustainable dwellings in a way that clients feel they have been heard and valued in the process. Her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on two AIA Austin Homes Tours, and a number of local media outlets and publications. Carina received a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a B.A. in Architecture and Art History from Rice University in Houston. She is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is licensed by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE).
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Tucked behind a 1940's house, this new home peeks out from an alley in historic East Austin. The primary design intent was to make a compact space feel generous with tall ceilings, views to the outdoors, and changeable components. Clerestory windows look into neighbouring pecan trees and provide serene daylighting. The primary axis through the house ends in a window seat overlooking the protected backyard, nestled between neighbouring houses. Counterbalanced shed roofs nod to the gables of nearby houses in contemporary language.
Our clients are a new type of Austinite; they work from home and enjoy walking everywhere. As such, they prioritized a screen porch to enjoy the street life of the neighbourhood, but no garage. Spaces transform from live to work with foldaway cabinetry and pieces that do double duty like an island / table. The living room expands into the screen porch with glass doors that fold away.
Elizabeth Alford founded Pollen Architecture in Austin, Texas in 2008 with Michael Young, and Dason Whitsett. Elizabethâs work centers on creating engaging spaces that are carefully integrated into their surroundings, both natural settings and urban contexts. Elizabeth uses section, natural light and materiality to enrich the experience of a space. Prior to forming Pollen, Elizabeth ran her own firm, Elizabeth Alford Projects in Austin and New York, doing projects including studio renovations and farm buildings.
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The Daniel Residence is a modern re-interpretation of the shotgun typology responding to both the ownerâs Louisiana roots and the long narrow nature of her property. Visitors enter past the formal sitting room into a central vestibule which flows in an enfilade procession between kitchen / dining and the sitting. In section, 11â and 13â ceilings and extensive glazed openings offset the compact planimetric constraints of the site. Beyond the public spaces, a u-shaped stepped retaining system receives the intertwined forms of the principal suite and pool with the principal bedroom occupying a special place of prospect, looking out to the waterline. Back at the vestibule, a floating steel stair takes visitors to the second floor living space where the procession flows to an oversized screened porch overlooking Austinâs downtown skyline.
April has over 16 years of professional experience in architecture and design specializing in sustainable projects. She has designed award winning residential, commercial and institutional projects ranging in scale from large campus projects to smaller single building and residential projects. Aprilâs research and experience in sustainable design has been published internationally. Previous commercial and institutional clients have included the University of New Mexico, Institute of American Indian Arts and Girls Inc.
In a desire to focus solely on sustainable projects, April launched Clark | Richardson Architects with her partner Ed Richardson, in 2009. Many firms have a design sensibility that is either traditional or modern or somewhere in between. We have done it all. C|R approaches each project individually, looking at the needs and desires of the client, individual aspects of the site and the climate of the area and creates a design that brings it all together arriving at the most elegant solution possible. C|R designs sustainable renovation, residential and commercial projects with the goal of creating holistic experiences through form, sustainability and attention to detail.
Ed Richardson is originally from New Orleans and has practiced architecture in Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico and Texas. He specializes in custom residential and commercial architecture.
He studied architecture on at both Yale University, where he was awarded the Blanning Prize, the Parsons Memorial Medal and a merit scholarship, and the University of Virginia. Ed has instructed both undergraduate and advanced studio courses at the University of Texas and University of New Mexico.
Ed was the editor of the 39th edition of Perspecta, the Yale Architecture Journal, titled Re_Urbanism (MIT, 2007) which investigates the transformation of capital cities in the era of globalization. He has also contributed articles to MONU, Texas Architect and MasContext. He was a participant / winning entrant in AIA DesCours 2010 in New Orleans and was a panelist in the inaugural 2011 SXSW Eco conference on the topic of biomimetics.
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Perched along a verdant slope overlooking downtown Austin, the City Park Residence is delicately interwoven into the rugged beauty of its surroundings. Rolling hills frame the urban skyline, accentuated by the iconic Pennybacker Bridge. The home is suspended in dynamic tension between this extravagant panorama and the intimacy of a private court as grounded moments of pause and embrace counterbalance the constant allure of the spectacular.
The residence first reveals itself as a modest one-story structure and elegantly repairs the landscape scar left by the demolition of its predecessor, years prior. A sloping garden transforms the remnant hillside cut and descends to a covered, breezy terrace, with pool, lawn, and view beyond. Profiled wood and native stone complement the warmth of mahogany window walls at the exterior. Inside, dexterous wood and steel form functional millwork and sculptural details that minimize quotidian visual noise to refocus on the dramatic natural surroundings.
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The Bryker Woods Residence is home to the owners of Hunt Architecture. In 2022, after living on their Bryker Woods lot for four years, the couple relocated their existing 1941 bungalow (to another site) and built a new home to complement the 400 SF rear studio they built two years prior.
Respecting the scale of the historic neighbourhood while designing a house that was current, efficient, and innovative was a top priority. The single-story structure, clad in brick and vertical cedar siding, utilizes a mix of gable and flat roofs. The result is a home that sits comfortably in the neighbourhood while also feeling notably different.
At only 2,040 SF, this modestly sized house provides a unique volume of space with ample natural light, proving that smaller spaces can have a big impact. A central spine, aligned with a large skylight above serves as the main path of travel through the house and separates the public from the private functions of the house.
Hunt Architecture used their small lot to its fullest potential, providing both a comfortable home for their young family and an office for their growing business, both within steps of each other.
Brittany earned her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The University of Texas in Austin. Prior to joining Hunt Architecture, Brittany worked on a range of cultural and institutional projects at Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners in New York City. Brittany has previously taught at the University of Texas School of Architecture in Austin.
Nick earned his Master of Architecture from Yale University and Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University. Prior to cofounding Hunt Architecture, he was an Architect at Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners, where he worked on a range of institutional and residential projects. Nicholas is a Registered Architect in States of New York and Texas.
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From the beginning, the clients adored the Bridle Path property. The expansive lot featured a charming yet notably outdated split-level residence, surrounded by lush tree coverage and a bonus accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at the rear. Instead of demolishing the house outright, the project aimed to maintain the essence of the 1950s split-level while integrating modern elements and creating versatile spaces for everyday living. Through relatively simple, yet strategic moves, a home can undergo a significant transformation with relatively little intervention. A straightforward realignment of wall heights and the fascia created a striking visual reference line from the exterior. By embracing multifunctional areas, the design sought to maximize usage while minimizing unnecessary square footage. Rather than expanding the existing footprint, the architect repurposed the carport to accommodate additional space blending the new and old seamlessly with the goal of respecting the property's and preserving its character in the neighbourhood.
Maggie has loved the art and science of architecture since she was young. Raised by an engineer and an artist she was exposed to the field through her uncle who, in the 1950s, trained under Frank Lloyd Wrightâs protĂ©gĂ©. Wylie went on to earn a Bachelors in Architecture from the University of Arizona in 2009 and subsequently moved to Austin. After almost six years in design-build and construction project management, Maggie launched Point B with a mission to deliver an enjoyable, streamlined client experience by pursuing an effective synergy between design and construction. She seeks design solutions that are founded on candid conversations about the realities of budget, the construction process and client requirements. With the help of a great team of employees and incredible clients, Wylie has conceptualized and grown Point B into a successful and expanding practice that is woven into the fabric of Austinâs rapidly growing built environment.
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Discover architectural diversity, community engagement, and sustainable innovation at the AIA Austin Homes Tour with Ingrid Spencer.
1. The Austin Homes Tour offers a unique opportunity for the public to explore custom-designed homes and engage with architects, contractors, and designers. It's a chance to see beautifully executed designs and learn about the thought processes behind them.
2. The tour fosters a culture of collaboration among architects and designers, who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with each other and with tour attendees. It's a collegial environment that encourages learning and problem-solving.
3. The webinars associated with the tour provide valuable insights into the design philosophies of the architects and interior designers involved. These webinars are a great way for both the public and design professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the featured homes and the people behind them.
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Jane Ledger is a Perth-based interior designer who is self-proclaimed âobsessedâ with helping people create their dream home.
After nearly 20 years in the corporate sector - as a lawyer, project manager and HR executive - Jane decided to pursue her creative passion. This means she brings a unique and very handy skill set to the design and construction process!
Jane specialises in designing custom interiors for private residential clients including renovations, new builds and interiors furnishings. Sheâs recently expanded into turn-key services for luxury apartments.
She also hosts the popular Inside Design podcast and has built a community of more than 25 thousand on instagram @janeledgerinteriors.
Jane loves spending time with her partner Raffaele (her âfirst loveâ boyfriend. They reunited after 32 years apart, omg) by the ocean, digging her toes into the white sands of the beautiful WA coastline and wave-frolicking.
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