People ask me all the time, “How do you know how to do all this stuff?” Whether I’m building a wall treatment, installing lighting, or reconfiguring a room layout, the short answer is: I’ve been doing it my whole life. The longer answer? It’s been a mix of early exposure, hands-on learning, a lot of trial and error—and not being afraid of messing things up.
Builder at Heart (Since Age 7)
My love for building things started early. I was the kid who was obsessed with Legos, designing elaborate houses and cities long before I understood zoning laws or what a load-bearing wall was. By the time I was seven, I was already telling people I wanted to be an architect. And honestly, I never really grew out of that.
Around age 10, I started helping my parents with real home projects—not just handing them tools, but actually doing things. By 16, I was painting rooms, crafting furniture, laying porcelain tile, refinishing cabinets, and even helping remodel a kitchen. Looking back, I give a ton of credit to my mom and dad. They always involved me in the process, and eventually, they let me take charge. They trusted me to lead, and that confidence made all the difference.
My Hands-On Education
That love of building led me to architecture school at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where the motto is “Learn by doing.” And they meant it. From day one, I was in the woodshop, covered in sawdust and learning how to build real things with my hands. Over five years, I built models, furniture, kinetic sculptures, concrete forms—you name it. I learned how to wire things, shape plaster, carve wood, weld metal. It was immersive and intense and completely my element.
Halfway through, I fell in love with printing and graphic design. That twist eventually led me to grad school for print media and to starting my own stationery business, but I never left behind my love for building. DIY became my creative outlet—and now it’s a huge part of my everyday life.
“How are you comfortable doing that?”
The truth is, it’s not always comfortable. DIY takes time. It’s messy. It’s physically exhausting. You will mess up. But that’s part of what makes it so satisfying. Every mistake teaches you something, and every project gives you more confidence for the next one.
My best advice? Don’t wait until you feel ready. You probably won’t. Just start. Watch YouTube videos. Ask questions. Take a class if you want—but also know that the best way to learn is by doing. And if something goes wrong? That’s what backup plans (and caulk) are for.
5 Real-Life DIY Tips
1. Don’t wait until you feel confident—just start.
Confidence comes after doing the work, not before. It’s okay to feel unsure at first.
2. Make a plan—and a backup plan.
Things will go wrong. That’s part of the process. Having a backup idea in your back pocket makes it less stressful when things shift.
3. Use painter’s tape and sketches before you commit.
Visualizing your project ahead of time (on paper and on the wall) will save you so many headaches.
4. Invest in a few good tools as you go.
You don’t need every tool at once. Start small and upgrade as you gain experience. A good level, a miter box, and a nail gun can change your life.
5. Ask questions, watch tutorials, and take your time.
You’re not expected to know everything. YouTube is your best friend, and so is patience. Take breaks when you need them—and come back with fresh eyes.
DIY isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. And trust me, there’s nothing more satisfying than stepping back, looking at something you built with your own two hands, and thinking: I did that.
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