Not So Big Life Design: The Architecture of Wealth | Sarah Susanka | 220

What if the smartest move on your road to FI isn't buying a bigger house, but shrinking the footprint, clearing the clutter, and finally designing a life that actually fits? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Susanka, the architect behind the bestselling "Not So Big House" movement. We talk about what happens when you stop building for appearances and start building for how you really live. Sarah shares how growing up in England, then landing in car-centric suburban Los Angeles made her question why Americans kept buying "hamburger bun but no hamburger" houses full of unused rooms.   This episode covers: Sarah Susanka's origin story and how suburbia pushed her toward architecture  The difference between building bigger and building better  Why unused rooms are the housing version of lifestyle bloat - How right-sizing a home parallels right-sizing a life  The design power of light, ceiling height, flow, and multi-use space  How small architectural moves can create huge changes in mood and function  Why old thought patterns can clutter a life just like unused rooms clutter a house  The connection between beauty, sustainability, and building things that last  How Bill used Sarah's ideas in his own home design and life redesign  Why intentional design matters even more for late starters making a reset spaces. . === SUPPORT  THE  SHOW === 📩 Sign up for our newsletter 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website  🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"  🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question . ===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS=== F.I.R.E. For Dummies Did you know that co-host Jackie Cummings Koski, CFP®, AFC® is also author of "F.I.R.E. For Dummies"? This is the perfect guide for anyone looking to move from the basics of their finances to reaching F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence, Retire Early) and enjoying the time freedom it creates. Even if you feel behind on your finances, the steps in this book will help you catch up sooner than you ever imagined.  Learn from someone who actually achieved F.I.R.E. in her 40s even after getting a late start  Covers everything from basics to advanced strategies in one guide  Practical solutions for early retirement obstacles like health insurance and early withdrawal penalties  👉🏽 https://a.co/d/01umGgeh  (currently 40% off on Amazon)   For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners . RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW Sarah's Website Not So Big Design Principles for House & Life with Sarah Susanka Sarah TedX talk 📗The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live The New Urbanism The Not So Big Bungalow   . ⏰ Related Episodes How Clutter Steals Your Time (And How to Get It Back) | Rose Lounsbury | 188   . 📌Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.