Episodes

  • Fluent in Construction: A Female Contractor’s POV with Elizabeth Scruggs
    Nov 25 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture and Construction! In today’s episode, host Andrew Denny sits down with Elizabeth Scruggs, the general contractor and principal designer of Superior Construction and Design, LLC. Elizabeth shares her unique journey as one of the few female contractors in Middle Tennessee, her early inspiration, and the evolution of her business into a full-service firm.

    They discuss the importance of holistic design from foundations to furnishings, the role of education and community at High Point Market, and the intricacies of building a home tailored to clients' needs. Elizabeth also touches on the challenges and joys of her work, emphasizing the importance of thorough planning and design.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!


    Episode Timestamps:

    01:15 Getting to Know Elizabeth Scruggs

    02:32 Early Inspirations and First Steps in Design

    03:52 Building the First Home and Entering Construction

    07:01 Challenges and Learning Curves in Construction

    11:09 Evolution of Superior Construction and Design

    17:10 High Point Market and the Importance of Community

    24:04 Planning and Budgeting for Dream Homes

    28:13 Venturing into Commercial Projects

    30:23 The Importance of Designers in Custom Homes

    31:11 The Evolution of the Furniture Market

    37:59 Rapid Fire Questions


    Learn more about Elizabeth Scruggs and Superior Construction and Design

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.


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    40 mins
  • Holiday Gifting Masterclass with Gift House
    Nov 18 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture & Construction! In today’s episode, host Andrew Denny explores the ins and outs of holiday gifting with Jennifer Geny Slice and Leslie Rolfe Hazen from the Nashville-based Gift House. Gift House specializes in full-service gifting, providing tailored solutions for corporate events, weddings, and special occasions.

    Andrew and our guests discuss the importance of meaningful, high-quality gifts, the role of local vendors, and the meticulous process of creating personalized gifts. Jennifer and Leslie offer expert advice on what makes a great gift, essential budgeting tips, and the significance of understanding the recipient's needs.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!


    Episode Timestamps

    00:49 Meet the Guests: Jennifer and Leslie

    02:40 Jennifer and Leslie Reminisce About Meaningful Gifts in Their Lives

    04:43 Designing the Perfect Gift

    05:31 The Inspiration Behind Gift House

    07:25 Understanding the Recipient's Perspective

    10:55 The Ethos of Gift House

    12:40 Client Interaction and Customization

    16:57 Holiday Gifting Timelines

    18:20 Local Vendor Collaborations

    20:15 Avoiding Bad Gift Ideas

    21:53 Budgeting for Corporate Gifts

    25:32 Year-Round Gifting Opportunities

    28:02 Personalizing Gifts for Recipients

    29:25 Rapid Fire Questions


    Learn more about Gift House

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.


    Follow us on Instagram!

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    33 mins
  • Collaborating for the Client: Vendor Partnerships in Luxury Design with SAV Digital Environments
    Nov 11 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture & Construction! In today’s episode, host Andrew Denny explores the importance of collaboration in the luxury design space with the team at SAV Digital Environments, a leader in home technology and smart solutions for luxury residences.

    Andrew and our guests discuss how vendors from different trades can collaborate to elevate the client experience in high-end residential projects. The guests share their insights on overcoming challenges, fostering relationships, and evolving expectations in the industry, particularly with the influence of younger, tech-savvy builders.

    This episode highlights the benefits of teamwork and shared knowledge in delivering cohesive and innovative design solutions.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!


    Episode Timestamps

    00:22 Meet the SAV Team

    00:53 Exploring the Power of Collaboration

    05:30 The Importance of Relationships

    08:06 Collaboration Through Industry Groups

    14:50 Lessons from Other Trades

    22:33 The Value of Authentic Empathy

    24:37 Community and Competition in Construction

    30:19 Adapting to New Market Trends

    34:06 The Importance of Communication

    34:51 Building Relationships Through Collaboration

    37:29 Embracing Technology in Construction

    46:46 Advice for Breaking Barriers

    47:27 Rapid Fire Q&A


    Learn more about SAV Digital Environments

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.


    Follow us on Instagram!


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    51 mins
  • Designing Tomorrow with American College of the Building Arts
    Nov 4 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture & Construction! In today’s episode, host Andrew Denny explores the American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) in Charleston, SC. He is joined by Chad Urban, ACBA's CTO and adjunct professor, and Scott Moore, Texture's Vice President.

    They discuss the college's unique focus on traditional building arts like blacksmithing and timber framing, its innovative curriculum, and the opportunities it offers its attendees. They also highlight the vital role ACBA plays in preserving and modernizing artisan trades, ensuring these skills remain relevant in today's world.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!


    Episode Timestamps:

    00:52 Meet Chad Urban: From Attorney to Artisan Advocate

    02:39 The Unique Appeal of ACBA

    04:43 The History and Mission of ACBA

    06:59 Hands-On Learning and Real-World Experience

    15:55 The Curriculum: Blending Trades and Academics

    18:36 Reviving Artisan Trades: Public and Private Demand

    28:15 Character Development Through Hands-On Learning

    29:49 Career Opportunities Post-Graduation

    35:14 Student Recruitment and Media Exposure

    39:32 Faculty and Administrative Structure

    41:49 Rapid Fire Questions


    Learn more about ACBA

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.


    Follow us on Instagram!


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    45 mins
  • Southern Elegance: Exploring Charleston Design with Betsy Berry
    Oct 28 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture & Construction! In today’s episode, host Andrew Denny sits with Betsy Berry, founder and principal designer of B. Berry Interiors, in Charleston, South Carolina. Betsy shares her journey from growing up in the Lowcountry to working for one of the top design firms in New York City and eventually starting her own firm.

    Andrew and Betsy discuss Southern Charm, community, and historical preservation amidst modern influences. Highlights include the balancing act of growing a business and challenges such as the impact that weather has on historic homes.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!

    Episode Timestamps:

    01:08 Meet Betsy Berry

    03:32 Betsy’s Journey into Design

    03:51 Influence of Southern Roots

    05:30 New York Adventures

    08:24 Starting B. Berry Interiors

    12:07 Defining Southern Elegance

    14:10 Balancing Historical and Modern Design

    21:54 Sourcing Materials in Charleston

    25:43 Charleston's Expanding Design Influence

    33:14 B. Berry Interiors' Unique Approach

    35:08 Rapid Fire Questions

    Connect with Betsy

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.

    Follow us on Instagram!


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    38 mins
  • Art of the Entry with Monica Lavin
    Oct 21 2024

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    Welcome back to Couture & Construction! In this episode, host Andrew Denny sits down with Monica Lavin, the creative force behind Art of the Entry and the Lavin Label. Throughout the discussion, they explore the significance of crafting captivating entryways, from Monica's journey to starting her own design company to innovative ideas in mailbox and hardware design. Monica shares insights on using sustainable materials and creating heirloom-quality exterior accents to delight her clients and add classic curb appeal to historic neighborhoods.

    Andrew and Monica also discuss the emotional impact of well-designed entrances, the role of social media in branding for small businesses, and Monica’s journey of restoring her historic home in Charleston.

    Have a guest you’d love to hear on the show? Send us a text!

    Episode Timestamps:

    02:04 Monica's Journey: From Education to Design

    07:39 The Birth of Art of the Entry

    16:32 Design Philosophy and Inspirations

    24:12 Timeless and Inviting Entryways

    26:05 Travel Inspirations

    27:39 The Arrival Experience

    33:03 The Impact of Social Media on Small Businesses

    40:11 Manufacturing Challenges and Successes

    44:42 Future of Entryway Design

    47:15 Rapid Fire Questions


    Connect with Monica

    Instagram

    Website


    About Couture & Construction: Hosted by Andrew Denny of Textures Nashville, Couture & Construction is an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry. Through thoughtful conversations with makers and business owners, Couture & Construction is a weekly podcast that breaks down the luxury side of the construction industry. Join us as we share the stories and introduce you to the people behind beautiful spaces.

    Follow us on Instagram!


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    51 mins
  • Seamless Comfort, Luxury Upholstery with Grant Trick
    Oct 7 2024

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    Welcome back to the beginning of Couture & Construction's 9th Season! We are an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry.

    For our fourth week back & our 125th episode of the podcast, we are so excited to have the chance to dive into the new topic of furniture upholstery. We are thrilled to have on the iconic furniture maker & upholsterer Grant Trick of Grant Trick Furnishings.

    Grant teleconferences in with Andrew to discuss everything that has to get pieced together to make one of his world renowned pieces of furniture. We also get some fun insight into how Grant found his way into working with fabrics & fine-tuning his love for sewing & furniture making! Tune in to be motivated & help us continue to kick off our 9th season.

    Connect with Grant Trick:
    Website
    Instagram

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    47 mins
  • Differences in Design, Coast to Coast with Linda Grasso and Katherine Nicholson
    Sep 30 2024

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    Welcome back to the beginning of Couture & Construction's 9th Season! We are an uplifting podcast dedicated to the many different aspects of the luxury building industry.

    For our third week back & our 124th episode of the podcast, we are excited to have the to travel out west to discuss design from coast to coast. We are so elated to have on brand new guest Linda Grasso of Ventura Blvd. & returning guest Katherine Nicholson of Peacock Alley!

    Andrew travels to Los Angeles to sit down with Linda & Katherine to discuss all of the differences & some surprising similarities on luxury design styles from coast to coast. We also get some fascinating insight on the specific design pulse of Los Angeles & where things are trending! Tune in to be motivated & help us continue to kick off our 9th season.

    Connect with Linda:
    Website
    Instagram

    Connect with Katherine:
    Website
    Instagram

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    53 mins