Style & Structure: "If Walls Could Talk"...chronicles from behind the build

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, Danielle and Joe welcome back healthy-home consultant Dr. Alanov to continue our series on building healthier spaces—this time, with a real project as the backdrop. We unpack what “healthy home” really means beyond low-VOC paint: choosing the right lot (elevation, drainage, soil), shielding bedrooms from noise/EMFs, planning mechanical rooms and water purification from day one, and why intentional design beats retrofits every time.You’ll hear how our Elliott Crossing Healthy Home Estate in Grant, Minnesota came together—from walking raw land with dowsing rods and evaluating geomagnetic stress, to rethinking HVAC, moisture control, and next-gen circadian, tunable lighting (including why price ≠ performance). We also dig into the push-pull between “green” building and human health, plus practical selection tips for cabinetry, stone, and reclaimed looks without surprise off-gassing.Whether you’re a homeowner, trade partner, or just home-curious, this conversation pulls back the curtain on decisions that quietly shape how we sleep, breathe, and feel at home.Next up: a deep dive on EMFs—what matters, what doesn’t, and how to wire smarter.What you’ll learnHow to pick land for health: elevation, drainage, soil, and neighborhood contextRoom placement that protects sleep (and why bedrooms need “quiet” infrastructure)The truth about circadian/tunable lighting and cost vs. valueWhen “green” choices can conflict with human health—and how to reconcile themSmarter specs for air, water, finishes, and cabinetry to reduce off-gassingGuest Dr. Alanov — clinician and healthy-home consultant focused on proactive, evidence-informed residential design.

Welcome to Season 3 of If Walls Could Talk! Hosts Danielle and Joe kick off this exciting new chapter with a deep dive into healthy homes—spaces designed not just for sustainability, but for true human wellness.In this season premiere, Danielle and Joe share updates on their own journey, including their recent purchase of a building for Style & Structure. Introducing special guest Dr. Nick Alenov from Alenov Wellness & Bio-Regenerative Center. Dr. Alenov brings his expertise in bioregenerative care to explore how our built environment directly impacts our health and well-being.In this episode, you'll discover:The crucial difference between "healthy homes" and "green homes"Why proactive environmental health measures matter more than everPractical, actionable tips for building or remodeling with wellness in mindInsights on indoor air quality and its effects on daily healthAn introduction to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their role in home designHow to integrate healthy building principles into your next construction or renovation projectWhether you're planning a new build, considering a remodel, or simply curious about creating a healthier living environment, this episode lays the foundation for understanding how your home can support—or undermine—your health. Join us as we explore the intersection of architecture, wellness, and everyday living.

In our season finale, Style + Structure co-founders Danielle and Joe take a playful detour from professional building to explore their ultimate personal dream homes, with insights and input from their spouses Karen and Matt. Joe, now an empty nester with his wife Karen, shares his vision for a home that balances sophisticated adult living with spaces that spark joy for their three sons and grandchildren who frequently visit. Danielle, navigating the bustling household life with her husband Matt and their high school son and junior high daughter, describes her ideal home that can accommodate teenage energy, endless friend gatherings, and spontaneous sleepovers. Listen in as they candidly discuss must-have features, dream design elements, and the personal touches that would make their dream homes truly special. It's a lighthearted, intimate look at how two seasoned builders envision their perfect living spaces after years of creating homes for others, with the loving perspectives of their partners adding an extra layer of insight. Join us for this fun, revealing season finale that proves even professional builders have their own unique home dreams!

As season 2 approaches its final chapters, Danielle and Joe dive deep into one of the most critical aspects of home construction: building a successful partnership with your builder. In this essential episode, they unpack the crucial elements of preparing for a home build, focusing on communication, budgeting, and setting realistic expectations. Learn how to choose the right builder, establish clear communication channels, and prepare for the inevitable challenges that come with construction. Our hosts break down the importance of trust, transparency, and proactive problem-solving. They'll share insights on budget management, red flags to watch for, and strategies for handling those moments when things don't go exactly as planned. Whether you're dreaming of a custom build or just curious about the home construction process, this episode is packed with practical advice and personal experiences that will help you approach your building journey with confidence. Tune in to discover how to turn potential stress into a smooth and exciting adventure!

Step into the realm where architecture meets innovation on "Building Connections: Inside the Blueprint with NCS." Hosts Danielle and Joe lead an engaging exploration alongside special guests Sam and Elizabeth from NCS (North Central Sales), a beacon of excellence in the world of manufacturers' representation. Together, they unveil the intricate dance between quality craftsmanship and strategic partnership, revealing how NCS empowers builders to navigate the maze of product choices with confidence. Join us as we peel back the layers of construction, uncovering the collaborative efforts that shape the homes of tomorrow. From ethical consultation to cutting-edge technology, discover the blueprint for success in every structure, and the unwavering commitment driving NCS forward in an ever-evolving market landscape.

We have Chris from C&J Stoneworks to talk all about interior and exterior stone. Listen along as we discuss the install, trends and more.

We have one of our trade partners in the home technology field in the studio with us today. We will discuss everything from audio, home theaters, security systems and more. Kristin also has an exciting new venture that AO has been working on for the past few years and ready to launch... a new lighting company! It is going to cover all the features of smart lighting and design. Listen along as we dive into how to deck out your home.

We have Dave from Tanglewood Carpentry in the studio with us today. He is our main guy who puts the beautiful finishing touches on our custom homes. Whether or not we are adding in built-ins, wall features or custom furniture, Dave can do it all. Listen along as we talk about some of our favorite projects we have collaborated on.

We build the houses, but these ladies decorate them! We have some of our favorite trade partners that we collaborate with, Theresa and Alicia from Dwell and Gather. We are going to dive into the world of interior design and what their process is. It is such a fun part of building a home, actually seeing it come to life with decor. Listen along now!

Abby and Andy help our clients find the perfect lot to build their dream house on. We will dive into the process of looking for that perfect lot and discuss inside tips straight from the experts.

It is the season finale, and we have a special episode for you! We have taken you through the entire build and now we want you to hear what our homeowners have to say about the experience. We have Lindsey and Blake in the studio to discuss the ups and downs of the build process and what it was like to have their home on the Parade of Home Tour with us.

Well, the day is finally here when we get to hand over the keys to the new homeowners. We have our new home specialist Eric with us today to walk us through what a closing looks like. This is the day we all have been waiting for, and we want it to run smoothly. Listen along as we near the end of our first season!

We are nearing the end of the build and Claire is going to go through our quality walk-thru phase. This is such an important part of the build, because it is our final check to see if the home is perfect before we hand over the keys. Listen along as we take you through this phase of the build.

We are coming to the end of out build and landscaping is the icing on the cake when you build a new home. Danielle and Joe are going to talk about all the things you have to consider when thinking about your landscape design. They will talk about past projects they have done and walk you through exactly what you need for your home.

We have Lindsey as our guest in the studio today with Danielle and Joe to talk about staging the home with decor! Now that the home is finished being built, this is the exciting part of moving into your home. As a home builder, we have the opportunity to showcase these homes on a tour that Minnesota puts on twice a year, and the staging and decor really bring these homes to the next level.

Sarah from Manomin Resawn Timbers is in the studio with us today talking about one of our favorite topics...BEAMS. If you have been following us or out to any of our model homes, you know we love using beams. There are so many other things they do with their reclaimed wood, and Sarah is going to discuss it all with us.

We are at the stage of the home build when we are adding in the finishing touches...the lighting fixtures! We have David in the studio with us from Creative Lighting. He is the ultimate expert for all things lighting in the home. Listen along to learn more about decorative and essential lighting in your home.

We have our ultimate expert Alana from Ferguson to talk all things plumbing and appliances. We have worked with her for years and we are discussing such an important [art of the build. Ferguson is such a huge company that is around the entire country, but having Alana as our personal go-to person has made it feel like we are their only customers! There is so much to talk about on this topic, from pricing, styles, and materials...listen along to learn more.

There are so many different countertop materials that you can choose from when designing your custom home. Danielle and Joe are going to discuss the different materials and what their favorites are for different spaces in your home.

For a lot of people, cabinet install is their favorite day, because it really starts to feel less like a big empty box, and more like a home you can live in. We have Theresa from AllInc. in our studio to talk about our cabinet design process and install day. She is going to share some of her favorite tips that she has learned from being in the industry for 30 years! Listen along to learn more.