The Builder’s Blueprint is a podcast where we share real stories from residential construction, design, and architecture, both from industry leaders and from our own experience running a construction company. We talk through lessons learned, challenges, and behind-the-scenes moments to give an honest look at what actually goes into building great projects and great businesses.
What Does a Superintendent Actually Do? With Brandon Sampson
In this episode of The Builder’s Blueprint, Nate sits down with SoHo Construction superintendent Brandon Sampson to talk about what really goes on behind the scenes of a construction project. Brandon shares what his day-to-day looks like, from coordinating subcontractors and troubleshooting jobsite issues to keeping projects moving when things inevitably change.
They also get into the importance of building strong relationships with subcontractors, communicating clearly, staying flexible, and taking responsibility when something goes wrong. Brandon shares lessons he’s picked up throughout his 20+ years in construction and what he thinks makes a strong superintendent.
4 Aug 2026
Why Your Contractor Needs a Designer (And Vice Versa) | Katelyn De Spain of Makehouse Design Studio
Nir is joined by Katelyn De Spain, founder of Makehouse Design Studio, for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to make the builder-designer relationship work, from preconstruction all the way to the finished product. They cover early team alignment, client education, social media, natural materials vs. trends, and what it's really like to run a creative business. A must-listen for anyone in the construction or design industry.
24 Jun 2026
The Real Reason Some Design Firms Grow and Others Don't | Keri Michelle Interiors
What separates a successful design firm from one that struggles to grow?
In this episode of The Builder's Blueprint, Nir sits down with Keri Michelle, founder of Keri Michelle Interiors, to discuss the realities of building a creative business in the design and construction industry.
From creating systems and processes to managing challenging clients, Keri shares the lessons she's learned over nearly a decade of growing her firm and leading a team.
Topics include:
Building a design business from the ground up
Why systems and processes matter
Learning from mistakes and owning problems
Managing difficult clients professionally
Growing and trusting a team
Design trends that are here to stay (and those that aren't)
Working effectively with builders and trades
Maintaining mental and physical health as a business owner
Whether you're an architect, designer, contractor, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on leadership, accountability, and long-term growth.
Keri’s Instagram: @kerimichelleinteriors (https://www.instagram.com/kerimichelleinteriors)
Keri’s Website: www.kerimichelleinteriors.com (https://www.kerimichelleinteriors.com/)
12 May 2026
How to Set Up Your Project for Great Photography | Interior & Architecture Portfolio Tips with Charlotte Lea Bailey
In this engaging interview, Charlotte Lea Bailey, a high-end residential interiors and architecture photographer, shares her journey from food photography to interior design, the importance of storytelling in photography, and practical tips for builders and designers to elevate their portfolios. Discover how building strong relationships and maintaining patience can transform your business and portfolio.
Key Topics:
Charlotte Bailey's transition from food to interior photography
The role of storytelling in visual content
Building relationships with designers and architects
Tips for creating a compelling portfolio
The importance of patience and communication in projects
Charlotte's Website: https://charlottelea.com/Charlotte's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotteleaphotography
29 Apr 2026
Builder vs. Designer Showdown: Who's in Charge?
Who’s really in charge on a construction project: The builder or the designer?
In this episode, interior designer Gil Berkovich joins us to talk about the relationship between designers and builders, what happens when execution doesn’t match the vision, and why communication is everything.
A candid conversation on collaboration, challenges, and making great design actually come to life.
5 Mar 2026
Growing Too Fast as a Small Business
Is your business growing faster than you can handle? In this episode, Nir Berkovich of SoHo Construction interviews Nate about the challenges of scaling too quickly, including team burnout, client experience, and tough lessons learned along the way.
Nir and Nate discuss how to:
Recognize when growth is outpacing your capacity
Make strategic hires and build strong processes
Protect your team and client experience during fast growth
Avoid common pitfalls that can derail your small business
Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or just starting to scale, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insights to help you grow smart, not just fast.
2 Mar 2026
Building a Brand Designers Trust: The Tile Collective Story with Devon Wilson
In this episode of The Builder Blueprint, Nate sits down with Devon Wilson, founder and CEO of Tile Collective in Solana Beach.
Devon shares her experience building a small business from the ground up, including:- How she launched her business right before COVID- Why the building industry exploded during lockdown- The hardest part of running a design company (hint: it’s not tile)- How she stays ahead of design trends before they hit Instagram- What’s next for Tile Collective as the brand scalesWe also dive into:- Large grout lines — build it or bag it?- Tile vs. wood flooring- Butler’s pantries… overrated or essential?If you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner planning a remodel, this episode is packed with insight on design, business, and what’s trending in 2026.Follow Tile Collective:Instagram: @tilecollectivesolanabeachWebsite: tile-collective.com
28 Jan 2026
How to Communicate Bad News to Clients
Have you ever had to tell a client a project is behind schedule, over budget, or not going as planned, and felt the tension instantly? We’ve all been there. The way you handle that moment can either strengthen trust or quietly erode it.
In this episode, we break down how to communicate tough news with honesty, clarity, and confidence without sounding defensive or damaging the relationship. Because in construction (and any client-facing business), bad news is inevitable, but losing trust doesn’t have to be.
22 Jan 2026
If We Were Starting Over Today, Here's What We'd Do Differently
In this episode of The Builders Blueprint, we dive deep into the lessons learned from starting and growing a construction business. From the overconfidence and unexpected challenges of year one, to the biggest mistakes that cost time, money, and peace of mind—we cover it all.
19 Nov 2025
Nightmare Client
Nate and Nir break down the red flags we’ve learned the hard way and how you can spot a nightmare client before they derail your project. Whether you’re a designer, contractor, architect, or builder, these are the signs you should never ignore.
18 Oct 2024
Growing a Residential Construction Company with Nir Berkovich CEO of SoHo Construction
In this episode of The Builder's Blueprint, we sit down with Nir Berkovich, the visionary CEO of SoHo Construction. With years of experience and a passion for transforming the residential construction landscape, Nir shares his journey of founding and growing a premier construction company in Southern California.
We dive into Nir’s early career, his challenges, and how his background shaped his entrepreneurial drive. He offers insights into what it takes to build a successful residential construction company, from managing client expectations to fostering relationships with interior designers and architects. Nir also opens up about the strategies he’s used to navigate the ever-evolving construction industry, and how Soho Construction has become a go-to name for custom homes and remodels.
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