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Send us Fan Mail Most homeowners think about the yard after the house is done, when the budget is mostly spent and the best opportunities are already gone. On Episode 37 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser steps outside with Scott Cassel of Cassel Landscape Architects to talk about why landscape belongs at the table from day one. Scott shares how he went from a career in DC politics to designing outdoor spaces in Austin, and why his firm builds every design it draws. He and Daniel dig into the details that make or break a project: Why drainage has to be solved before the foundation is poured, especially for Austin’s courtyard-style homesHow planning house and landscape as one budget keeps the yard from getting cut at the endChoosing plants that survive Central Texas extremes, from summer heat to freeze eventsBuilding west of I-35 (rock and slope) versus east (expansive clay)Keeping cedars versus clearing them, and designing around heritage oaksThe rise of the backyard as a second home, plus an honest take on artificial turfPlus a lightning round on favorite trees, underrated materials, and Scott’s dream project. Connect with Scott Cassel Landscape Architects [email protected] | 512-693-7884 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail What does it look like when architects and builders work together from the start? This season on Work in Process, we're introducing a series within a series, sitting down with local architects to discuss their design process and how they work with builders. In the first episode, Daniel Glauser is joined by Sarah Johnson, Principal at Matt Fajkus Architecture (MFA), to talk about design philosophy, client relationships, and why early collaboration leads to better homes. Sarah shares her path from a dual degree in architecture and civil engineering at Texas Tech to the UT Austin School of Architecture, and how a few weeks of helping a new professor with renderings turned into 15 years of growing MFA from a startup into a 10–15 person firm. She and Daniel dig into MFA's approach of letting the client, the site, and the program drive the design, and why natural materials and a strong connection to context make a home feel timeless instead of trendy. They also discuss what makes designing in Austin both challenging and exciting, from high design standards and city requirements to diverse topography and difficult sites, and why constraints often generate the best ideas. The conversation turns to the architect-builder relationship: bringing a builder on during schematic design, running pricing checks at every phase to keep the design aligned with the budget, and staying connected through construction to protect the design intent. This conversation shows how trust, communication, and shared vision between architect, builder, and client shape a truly custom home. In this episode: Sarah's path into architecture and the founding of MFADesigning in response to the site, the client, and the programWhat makes a design timeless vs. trendyHow MFA gets to know a client's lifestyleThe challenges and opportunities of designing in AustinTreating constraints as design opportunitiesWhy builders should join the team during schematic designConstructability vs. value engineeringCommon misconceptions about the design processArchitect involvement during constructionAdvice for anyone planning to build a custom homeIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Work in Process, the podcast from Risinger Build. Season 3 is here, and we’re kicking things off with a conversation about what goes into building exceptional custom homes—from the people behind the process to the design decisions, partnerships, and craftsmanship that bring each project to life. In this season premiere, Daniel Glauser, Tim Hill, and Laura Sockrider introduce what’s ahead for Work in Process. We’ll explore the many moving parts of custom homebuilding, the collaboration between builders and design professionals, and the relationships that help turn a vision into a thoughtfully crafted home. We’re taking you into conversations with local architects, revisiting the Risinger Build process, and hearing from the talented design professionals and partners who help shape the homes we build. A great home involves the people, the planning, the problem-solving, and the countless decisions made along the way. Subscribe to Risinger Build and follow Work in Process for more conversations about custom homebuilding, design, and the work behind every great build. Special Cameo - Risinger Build Office Dog, Clio And while @stilesswitchbbq isn't footing the bill for this specific conversation (yet!), they are keeping the Risinger Build team in Austin fed with award-winning Central Texas craft barbecue! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail What does a home builder actually do? In the final episode of Season 2 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser, Tim Hill, and Laura Sockrider explore the many different “hats” a home builder wears every day—from project manager and financial steward to client advisor, engineer, educator, weatherman, firefighter, and even ship’s captain. Building a custom home is about far more than managing construction. It requires coordinating people, budgets, schedules, design decisions, technical details, and expectations while anticipating problems before they happen. The team discusses why successful builders need to think ahead, “build the house in their head,” and use experience and critical thinking to keep unique projects moving forward. They also talk about the human side of building—helping clients navigate difficult decisions, providing enough information to make informed choices, and building the trust that comes from putting the client’s interests first. This conversation highlights just how much goes into successfully building a one-of-a-kind home. In this episode: The many roles of a custom home builderWhy project management is about more than constructionHelping clients make confident, informed decisionsFinancial stewardship, estimating, and predictabilityApplying building science and engineering knowledgePreventing problems before they become emergenciesWhy weather can have a major impact on construction schedulesLeadership, team culture, and managing resourcesWhat clients should expect from a great builderThis is the Season 2 finale of Work in Process. Thanks for following along this season—we'll be back for Season 3. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 33 of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser sits down with Laura Sockrider, Operations Coordinator at Risinger Build, to discuss the often-overlooked work that happens long before construction begins. With a background in interior design, Laura brings a unique perspective to the pre-construction process. From vetting potential projects and coordinating with homeowners and design teams to managing design documentation and keeping communication moving, her role helps bridge the gap between a client's vision and what ultimately gets built. The conversation explores why successful custom homebuilding starts with asking the right questions, understanding how each client actually lives, and creating a process that can respond to the individual needs of every project. In this episode, we discuss: Laura's background in interior design and how it shaped her role at Risinger BuildWhat happens during the pre-construction phaseHow Risinger Build evaluates and vets potential projectsThe importance of clear and complete design documentationHow communication keeps complex custom projects movingWhy every homeowner—and every home—has different needsThe value of involving the right people before construction beginsIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill Guest: Steve Terebeki, Aqua Permits Permitting is one of the most misunderstood—and most important—parts of building a custom home. Many homeowners assume that construction can begin once the plans are complete. In reality, permitting is a complex process involving multiple departments, site-specific regulations, and countless details that can delay a project. In this episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill have a candid conversation with Steve Terebeki of Aqua Permits. They delve into the intricacies of the process between finalized plans and obtaining a building permit. Together, they discuss: What a permit expediter actually doesThe difference between entitlements, zoning, and permittingWhy some permits are approved quickly while others take monthsCommon issues involving trees, drainage, floodplains, easements, and hillside lotsWhy Austin presents unique permitting challengesHow early due diligence can save homeowners significant time and moneyThe biggest permitting myths—and the mistakes that can derail a project before construction beginsWhether you're planning your dream home, purchasing land, or work in the design and construction industry, this conversation offers valuable insight into one of the most critical phases of the building process. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill What makes the perfect home for celebrating the Fourth of July? Is it a sprawling covered porch, an outdoor kitchen, a swimming pool, or simply a place where family and friends can gather together? In this special holiday episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill take a break from discussing budgets, project management, and building science to explore the features that make a home ideal for summertime entertaining. From outdoor living spaces and grilling setups to music, pools, front porches, and favorite family traditions, they discuss how thoughtful design creates spaces where memories are made. Along the way, they share personal stories from past Fourth of July celebrations, debate the pros and cons of popular outdoor amenities, and play a rapid-fire round of "Worth It?" featuring everything from guest houses and putting greens to outdoor TVs and ice makers. In this episode: Why outdoor living spaces define the ultimate Fourth of July homeDesigning patios, porches, and backyards for entertainingThe role of pools, shade, fans, and water features in Texas summersOutdoor kitchens, grills, and cooking preferences for hosting family and friendsThe value of front porches in building neighborhood connections"Worth It?" rapid-fire: pools, guest houses, outdoor TVs, putting greens, and moreFavorite Fourth of July traditions and family memoriesWhether you're designing a custom home, planning a remodel, or simply dreaming about your ideal backyard, this episode offers ideas and inspiration for creating spaces that bring people together year after year. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail When most people think of project management, they picture someone walking a jobsite with a set of plans, checking on trades and making sure work is being done correctly. While that’s certainly part of the job, effective project management in custom homebuilding is much broader—and much more important—than that.   In this episode of Work in Process, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill pull back the curtain on what project management really means at Risinger Build. They discuss why project management begins long before construction starts, how communication, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and decision management work together to keep projects moving forward, and why building exceptional homes requires a team—not a single individual.   Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or design professional, this conversation offers valuable insight into the systems, planning, and collaboration required to bring complex custom homes to life. In this episode: Why project management starts during design, not constructionThe five pillars of successful project managementHow schedules, budgets, and decisions are managed throughout a projectThe role communication plays in keeping teams alignedWhy custom homebuilding requires a coordinated team effortLessons learned from years of managing complex residential projectsWhether you’re planning a custom home or simply want a better understanding of how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of custom homebuilding. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill Cost Plus is one of the most misunderstood concepts in custom homebuilding. In this episode, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill break down what Cost Plus actually means, why it serves as the foundation of Risinger Build’s process, and how it creates transparency and flexibility throughout a custom home project. The conversation covers how construction budgets are developed, why estimates evolve as design decisions become more refined, and the role contingency plays in managing the unknowns that come with building one-of-a-kind homes. Daniel and Tim also discuss the importance of trust, open-book accounting, and why bringing a builder into the design process early often leads to better outcomes. In This Episode: What a Cost Plus contract actually isHow custom home budgets are developedThe purpose of contingencyCommon misconceptions about Cost PlusThe value of transparency and open-book accountingWhy early builder involvement mattersHow collaboration creates better projectsWhether you’re planning a custom home or simply want a better understanding of how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of custom homebuilding. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser After more than a year in the making, Risinger Build’s Client Guidebook is finally here. In this episode of Work In Process, Daniel Glauser shares the story behind the creation of Risinger Build’s new internal guidebook — a resource designed to help clients and architects better understand the custom homebuilding process and what truly drives successful outcomes.   From pre-construction and builder involvement during design to budgeting, communication, and project management, this episode unpacks some of the biggest misconceptions around custom homebuilding and why process matters more than most people realize. Whether you’re planning a custom home, collaborating with a builder, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of architecturally driven projects, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build well. In this episode: Why we created the Client GuidebookCommon misconceptions about custom homebuildingWhy pre-construction mattersThe value of early architect-builder collaborationWhat great project management actually looks likeWhy we believe in a cost-plus modelA major milestone for our team — and one we’re excited to finally share. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Tim Hill and Justin Cragg A truly custom home experience doesn’t end at move-in. In many ways, that’s when it actually begins. In this episode of Work In Process, Tim Hill sits down with Risinger Build Customer Service Manager Justin Cragg to discuss one of the most overlooked — yet most critical — parts of custom homebuilding: commissioning, long-term service, and the ongoing relationship between builder and homeowner. They unpack what really happens during the final stages of a project as clients begin living in their homes for the first time — from HVAC tuning and home automation adjustments to aging wood materials, stucco cracking, leak detection systems, and the realities of maintaining architecturally driven, high-performance homes. Justin shares what it’s like stepping into projects at the finish line, coordinating trades, supporting clients years after completion, and helping homeowners navigate the complexities of truly custom homes. The conversation also explores why maintenance is inseparable from longevity — and why some of the most beautiful modern homes require the most intentional care. More than anything, this episode is about relationships: the idea that building a custom home shouldn’t end with a warranty period, but continue as an ongoing partnership between builder and client. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Matt Risinger and Tim Hill What actually makes a home perform over time and why do so many fail? In Part 2 of the Build HD series, Matt Risinger and Tim Hill move from philosophy into application, breaking down the real-world decisions that determine whether a home is durable, resilient, and built to last. The conversation dives into enclosure design, including the critical control layers—air, water, vapor, and thermal—and why managing water is still the single most important factor in long-term building performance. From roof design and overhangs to window ratios, rain screens, and flashing details, they explain how small design choices compound into major performance outcomes. They also unpack the role of mechanical systems, including ventilation, humidity control, and air quality. Rather than relying on a single system to do everything, Matt and Tim emphasize the importance of integrated systems that manage temperature, moisture, and fresh air intentionally. Beyond design, the episode focuses heavily on execution—why even the best plans fail without rigorous oversight. Tim outlines three key pillars: inspect, test, and document. From jobsite quality control to performance testing and final commissioning, the discussion highlights how disciplined processes lead to predictable results. The episode closes with a broader perspective: building is not just construction—it’s stewardship. When done well, a home becomes more than a product; it becomes a long-term legacy. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail What does it actually mean to build a home that lasts 100 years—or even 500? In this episode of Work In Process, Matt Risinger and Tim Hill begin a multi-part conversation introducing the philosophy behind the Build HD standard and their goal of building homes designed to perform for generations. Rather than starting with buzzwords like efficiency or sustainability, Tim explains the three foundational principles that guide their thinking: durability, forgiveness, and resilience. When these fundamentals are designed into a home from the beginning, efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance naturally follow. Matt and Tim also discuss the environmental forces every home must contend with over time—soil movement, wind, water, heat, humidity, and even power outages—and why understanding these stressors during the planning phase is critical to long-term building performance. The conversation introduces another often-overlooked concept: serviceability. If homes are meant to last for generations, they must be designed so systems can be repaired, upgraded, and maintained without tearing the building apart. This episode lays the groundwork for the Build HD approach—rethinking residential construction with a longer time horizon and a deeper understanding of how homes actually perform over time. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Tim Hill and Matt Risinger In this episode of Work In Process, Tim Hill and Matt Risinger explore the unique challenges that spring and fall—known as the “shoulder seasons”—place on our homes. While temperatures may feel mild, these in-between seasons introduce a different kind of stress on indoor air quality, humidity control, and overall building performance. The conversation breaks down how reduced HVAC runtime can lead to less effective filtration and dehumidification, why allergens and pollen become more noticeable, and how both older and newer homes respond differently to these conditions. Tim and Matt also share practical insights on managing moisture, improving ventilation, and maintaining a healthy indoor environment during times when systems aren’t working as hard—but still matter just as much. From simple maintenance routines to deeper considerations around airtightness and mechanical design, this episode highlights how small seasonal shifts can reveal bigger truths about how a home performs. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that great homes aren’t just built for extremes—they’re designed to perform well in the in-between. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Send us Fan Mail Hosts: Daniel Glauser, Chelsea Scharbach, and guest, Christine Williamson In this episode of Work In Process, Chelsea and Daniel sit down with architect and building scientist Christine Williamson. The conversation explores considerations for healthy and comfortable homes, including hiring the right team and defining the scope of work early. Christine shares insights from her work in building science and forensic investigations, explaining how many residential failures stem from early decisions that stretch budgets too far or overlook the importance of experienced professionals. The discussion highlights how homes function as complex systems, where design choices, mechanical systems, and building assemblies all influence one another. The group also reflects on the value of collaboration and trust between homeowners, architects, and builders. Through stories from their own projects and personal homes, they discuss why investing in expertise early leads to better long-term outcomes and why building the house you can afford often leads to more durable, comfortable, and satisfying homes. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help others discover Work in Process. Connect with Us: 📧 [email protected] 🌐 risingerbuild.com 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild