Made to Design

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Ball State University architecture student Ethan Gustafson about his passion for classical and traditional architecture—and his vision for carrying those traditions forward.Ethan shares how he co-founded Students for Classical Architecture and Design at Ball State, studied at the ICAA Summer Studio in New York City, and developed his skills in measured drawing, classical proportions, hand drafting, and watercolor rendering.Sarah and Ethan also explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. From hand drawing to computational design, Ethan explains how emerging tools can help architects reinterpret classical forms while preserving the beauty, craftsmanship, and human-centered principles that make architecture endure.In This EpisodeDiscovering a passion for architecture at a young ageBringing classical design education to Ball StateEthan’s experience at the ICAA Summer StudioLearning the classical orders, measured drawing, and watercolor renderingWhy classical architecture remains relevantCombining hand-drawing traditions with computational designUsing technology to evolve architectural ornamentDesigning beautiful buildings with lasting materialsEthan’s internship, study-abroad plans, and future in architectureConnectEthan Gustafson on Instagram: @ateliergustafsonIndiana Regional Committee of ICAA on Instagram: @icaa_indianaICAA Chicago on Instagram: @icaachicago⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠⁠ICAA Chicago-Midwest⁠⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with John Sandvig, founder of Solace Construction, about his unconventional path from acoustical engineer to residential general contractor.John shares how his engineering background, technical expertise, attention to detail, and experience working with architects and construction teams continue to shape his approach to remodeling. He also explains how a growing interest in improving his own homes led from weekend handyman projects to a full-time construction business specializing in kitchens and bathrooms.Sarah and John also discuss the importance of collaboration between interior designers and general contractors. They explore how early communication, shared expectations, creative problem-solving, and respect for each professional’s expertise can produce a smoother construction process and a better result for the client. The conversation concludes with John’s vision for the future of Solace Construction, including building a stronger team, refining its systems, and exploring new opportunities in aging-in-place design. In This EpisodeJohn’s transition from acoustical engineering to residential constructionHow his interest in music and the built environment led to acoustical consultingTurning home improvement projects into a remodeling businessHow an engineering background informs John’s work as a general contractorThe importance of professionalism, organization, and clear communicationWhy designers and contractors sometimes experience frictionApproaching design and construction challenges as shared problems to solveWhy early collaboration leads to better estimates and project outcomesThe value interior designers bring to kitchens and bathroomsHelping homeowners translate their ideas into functional, cohesive spacesCreating a more efficient and intentional construction businessFuture opportunities in aging-in-place remodeling and healthcare design ConnectSolace ConstructionSarah Couture DesignInstitute of Classical Architecture & Art

In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Indianapolis interior designer Claudia Appel, founder of Pink Elephant Home, as she celebrates 10 years in business.Claudia shares her unconventional journey from criminal defense attorney to professional organizer and, ultimately, full-service residential interior designer. She explains how the organization, analysis, problem-solving, and creativity required in law continue to shape her design practice today.Sarah and Claudia also discuss the value interior designers bring beyond aesthetics—from helping clients avoid costly mistakes and uncovering a home’s potential to creating beautiful, functional spaces that support every stage of life. The conversation concludes with practical ideas for aging in place, including thoughtful renovations, accessible organization, home technology, and prioritizing improvements at any budget.In This EpisodeClaudia’s transition from criminal defense attorney to interior designerCelebrating 10 years of Pink Elephant HomeCreating approachable, client-centered interiorsHow legal experience informs creativity and business strategyWhy interior design is about much more than aestheticsIncreasing a home’s function and long-term valueHow designers can help clients avoid costly mistakesDesigning and organizing homes for aging in placePrioritizing meaningful improvements within a client’s budgetCreating homes that help people remain connected to their communitiesConnectPink Elephant Home on Instagram: @thepinkelephanthome⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

How can a fine art consultant help designers find artwork that feels personal, intentional, and perfectly suited to a client’s home?In this episode of Made to Design, Sarah Couture talks with Jen Nash-Kochevar, president of JNK Art Partners and co-owner of Gallery 366 in Minneapolis. Jen explains how fine art consultants collaborate with interior designers—from sourcing existing pieces and curating collections to guiding clients through one-of-a-kind commissions.They also discuss the importance of budget, the creative relationship between artist and client, and Jen’s distinctive art-gifting experiences. Sarah and Jen close by sharing how the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art brought them together and why classical art, architecture, drawing, beauty, and proportion continue to inspire their work.In This EpisodeHow fine art consultants support interior designersFinding art that complements an existing collectionCreating custom commissioned artworkBalancing an artist’s vision with a client’s preferencesEstablishing a realistic art budgetWorking with an art consultant locally or remotelyMemorable art-gifting experiences for clientsBuilding community through the ICAAThe connection between classical art, architecture, and drawingConnect⁠JNK Art Partners⁠⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

How can smart-home technology enhance daily life without detracting from a home’s beauty?Sarah Couture talks with technology consultant Jason Lehnhardt about integrating audio, video, lighting controls, motorized window treatments, networking, and other low-voltage systems into luxury homes. Jason explains how an independent technology consultant advocates for homeowners—from establishing a realistic budget and selecting the right integrator to overseeing installation and testing the finished system.They also discuss why technology planning should begin early, how architecturally discreet products help preserve a home’s design, and practical ways to prepare for future changes.In This Episode:The role of an independent technology consultantWhy technology should be planned early in the design processBalancing aesthetics, performance, and budgetInvisible speakers and other discreet solutionsWhy fewer touch panels can create a more timeless homePreparing a home for changing technologyWhy “wireless is for convenience and wired is for performance”The value of collaboration among homeowners, designers, architects, and technology professionalsJason’s experience with the Institute of Classical Architecture & ArtConnect ⁠Jason Lehnhardt Consulting⁠⁠Sarah Couture Design⁠⁠Institute of Classical Architecture & Art⁠

Sarah Couture talks with fine art consultant Jen Nash-Kochevar and landscape architect and professor Craig Farnsworth about making sketching approachable for everyone. They explore how drawing helps us slow down, observe our surroundings, remember places more deeply, and connect with a creative community. Everyone featured on the podcast is a member of the ICAA. Jen serves as the Minnesota regional chair, and Sarah serves as the Indiana regional chair.The goal is not to create a perfect, photorealistic image. A sketch can be a personal response to anything that captures your attention—from an entire building to a shadow, doorway, tree, or architectural detail.In This Episode:• What to expect on an ICAA sketching event• The connection between the mind, hand, and eye• Letting go of perfectionism• Using value and contrast to create form• Building community through shared creativity• Simple supplies for beginning sketchersLearn More•Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) — Institute of Classical Architecture & Art • Chicago-Midwest Chapter of ICAA — ICAA Chicago-Midwest • Indiana Regional Committee of Chicago-Midwest ICAA on Instagram — @icaa_indianaSuggested Supplies• Sketchbook: Approximately 5 x 8 or 8 x 10 inches. The suggested option is designed for watercolor and other wet media, but any sketchbook is suitable for dry media such as pencil and pen.• Pencil: Soft lead, from 2B to 6B• Pen: Water-resistant ink• Black watercolor pencil: 8B• Assorted watercolor pencils: Only one color is needed for each value drawing——For more from Sarah Couture Design—including services, portfolio projects, articles, and additional episodes of Made to Design—visit saracouturedesign.com