Photo thank you to Pixabay
My aunt, at 97, is transitioning. She had a heart attack last week and has had the joy of seeing her grandchildren and the 1st great-grandchild. She and her husband have been the rock in my life. Their education was mentioned many times in my youth by my Mom and Dad: “See, Charlie graduated Princeton.” you can go to college. Although my Dad passed when I was 9, he instilled his desire in us for his girls to go to college. Charlie and Trudy have been the bright lights in our family—Dr—Charlie, Ph.D. in psychology, and Trudy, a Librarian. My sister and I both graduated college and taught school.
When visiting their home for the weekend, I arrived as the evening dishes were being washed by hand. While Trudy was washing them at the same time, Charlie kept her company, reading a book out loud. That was their routine. They were the picture of how I wanted to be married. Thanks to their influence, I chose well.
Forever grateful to them both.
The Designer’s Advantage – Speaking with Pictures and Plans
Behind every great design is a story: a spark of inspiration, a client’s dream, a challenge overcome.
Conflict Resolution Starts with Conversation
In design and in business conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a client who changes direction mid-project or a team member who misses a deadline, tensions can rise fast. But most conflicts don’t come from bad intentions; they come from miscommunication. The good news? Strong communication skills can turn potential clashes into opportunities for collaboration and clarity.
Motivating Your Team Through Powerful Words
Design leadership isn’t just about making creative choices—it’s about motivating the people who bring those choices to life. The right words can turn a project into a movement.
Organizing a Speech Like You Organize a Space: Function Meets Flow
“Design is intelligence made visible.” – Alina Wheeler Designers know that great spaces aren’t accidents; they’re carefully planned for flow, balance, and purpose. The same rule applies to speeches: when your structure works, your message shines. ...
Know your Audience: Tailoring Presentations
Whether you’re pitching to a client, a builder, or a board, one size never fits all. The secret to a powerful presentation lies in knowing exactly who’s in the room—and speaking their language.
Fear is a Signal
Fear is a signal - not a stop sign Even the most polished designer has felt that familiar flutter before stepping on stage or into a client presentation. Your palms sweat, your voice trembles, and your perfectly crafted ideas suddenly feel tangled. But...



