The Insider's Guide to Custom Homes

What does it take to lead one of the world’s top luxury interior design firms for nearly 40 years?  In this episode, host Rick Bell welcomes Jason Lynn, Partner and Vice President at The Decorators Unlimited, to explore the art of design, leadership, and legacy in a fast-evolving industry.Jason shares his inspiring journey from U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer to global design executive — and how structure, teamwork, and mentorship have shaped the firm’s signature “white-glove” approach. Together, Rick and Jason dive into what makes The Decorators Unlimited a name synonymous with timeless design, precision, and passion, delivering seamless client experiences from blueprint to final reveal.Whether you’re building a dream home or reimagining your space, this conversation reveals how communication, innovation, and craftsmanship come together to create homes that feel as extraordinary as they look.🎧 If you’re dreaming of a home that reflects who you are and how you live, tune in and discover how thoughtful design can turn vision into reality.   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! Episode Highlights•       How Jason’s Coast Guard discipline shaped his design leadership•       What drives The Decorators Unlimited’s 40-year legacy of excellence•       The power of teamwork, mentorship, and communication in luxury design•       How technology and innovation redefine the client experience•       What it means to create truly timeless interiors Glossary of Terms CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Software programs such as AutoCAD and Revit that allow for precise 2D and 3D design of buildings.Renderings: 3D digital visualizations that bring designs to life before construction.Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/Resources & Links·     The Decorators Unlimited: https://decoratorsunlimited.com·      Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com/·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.comConnect with Us·      YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST·      LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-home

Designing a custom home should feel exciting — but for many homeowners, it quickly becomes overwhelming once hundreds of decisions, finishes, and layouts enter the picture.In this episode, Rick Bell sits down with award-winning interior designer Jennifer Fitzpatrick, founder and principal of Studio J & Co, to bring clarity to the entire process.They unpack Jennifer’s journey from working solo during the early days of COVID to leading a thriving 10-person design team known for sophisticated, hospitality-level designs and photorealistic renderings.Whether you’re planning a custom home or just curious about the process from concept to construction, this conversation offers rare behind-the-scenes insight.🎧 Ready to build a home that feels as good as it looks? Hit play — and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share the show to support The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes. Episode Highlights • Studio J & Co’s growth from a solo venture to a 10-person luxury design studio • How early collaboration between architect, builder, and designer keeps projects cohesive • Turning inspiration into reality — concept boards, technical drawings, photorealistic renderings, and built spaces • Blending modern Miami aesthetics with warmth and durability for livable luxury • Key differences between decorators and licensed interior designers in large custom projects • Design trends shaping high-end residential and commercial spaces across Miami, New York, and beyondGlossary of Terms Rendering: A photorealistic, digital visualization that shows clients exactly what a room will look like before it’s built.Technical Drawings: 2D architectural drawings showing dimensions, elevations, lighting, electrical, and all the construction details needed to bring the design to life.Shop Drawings: Highly detailed drawings produced by fabricators (like cabinet makers or millworkers) based on the designer’s technical plans.Maximalism: A design trend focused on layering rich textures, bold materials, and standout statement pieces to create a curated, luxurious look.Design to Budget: A collaborative process ensuring that the homeowner’s vision aligns with a realistic investment — combining creativity, construction, and cost transparency.Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/Resources & LinksStudio J & Co. – https://www.studiojandco.com Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmarkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com

In this engaging conversation, award-winning interior designer Perla Lichi shares her journey from her early days as 'Purple Perla' to crafting opulent spaces worldwide. She discusses the essence of luxury—emphasizing texture, materials, and personal style. Perla reveals her unique methods of understanding clients through astrology and body language while highlighting the importance of collaboration with builders and architects. She also dives into current design trends and her innovative approach to creating harmonious, move-in-ready homes.

You’ve probably walked into a beautiful home that somehow just feels right — balanced, warm, and personal. That kind of magic doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful collaboration between architect, builder, and interior designer, working together to bring structure and soul into harmony. As a custom home builder with over 40 years of experience, I’ve seen how the right interior designer can completely transform a project — and how the wrong choice can create unnecessary stress and compromise your vision. In this episode, I’ll share what to look for, what to expect, and how to choose a designer who truly understands your style and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of your first custom home or already working with a design team, this episode will help you make informed decisions that ensure your space feels as good as it looks. 🎯 Tune in and discover how to build your masterpiece beautifully, intentionally, and the Landmark way.Highlights: •       The real difference between a decorator and an interior designer•       How a designer shapes every detail of your home’s look and feel•       What questions to ask before hiring a designer•       How pricing structures and retainers typically work•       Why collaboration between builder, architect, and designer matters most Glossary of Terms Decorator – A professional who focuses on aesthetics such as color, furniture, and finishes, but typically without formal training in spatial design or construction.Interior Designer – A trained and certified professional who plans and executes the functional and aesthetic layout of interior spaces, often coordinating directly with architects and builders.ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) – A leading professional organization for interior designers that upholds design standards, ethics, and continuing education in the field.Retainer – An upfront fee paid to secure a designer’s commitment to a project, ensuring availability and prioritization through completion.Cabinet Drawings – Scaled design plans showing the layout of cabinetry, appliances, and plumbing fixtures to guide construction teams.Finishes – The visible materials and textures in a home, such as flooring, tile, paint, and hardware, that define its look and feel.Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/ Resources & Links·      Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com

Ever wondered why so many custom home projects go over budget — even with careful planning?When building a luxury home, the smallest decisions can have the biggest impact. From appliances to cabinetry, every choice shapes not just the look of your home, but the final cost as well.In this episode of The Insider's Guide to Custom Homes, Rick Bell explains the vital role of selections and allowances — two tools that help homeowners stay organized, avoid costly surprises, and keep their dream build on track.Rick shares real-world stories from Landmark Custom Homes projects, showing how the right approach to selections can save thousands while still delivering the beauty and quality every homeowner expects.Whether you're just starting your design journey or deep into the build, this episode will help you make confident, informed choices that align your vision with your budget.Tune in to learn how to plan smarter, spend wiser, and build beautifully — the Landmark way. Highlights / What You’ll Learn•       What "selections and allowances" really mean in a custom home build•       How these tools help you control costs and reduce stress•       The real-life $40,000 lesson every homeowner can learn from•       Why timing your selections keeps your build on schedule•       How to make design upgrades without breaking your budget Glossary of TermsSelections: The individual design choices homeowners make during a custom home build — including finishes, fixtures, appliances, and materials.Allowances: Pre-set budget amounts assigned to specific categories (like cabinets, flooring, or lighting) to help manage spending during construction.Selection Schedule: A timeline outlining when each decision must be made to keep the project moving efficiently.Listen & Subscribe🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/Resources & Links·      Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com ·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com

In this episode, Rick Bell dives into one of the most powerful — but often underappreciated — tools in custom homebuilding: the mockup. Whether built in the field or experienced virtually, mockups help owners, architects, and builders test details, refine designs, and avoid costly mistakes before full-scale construction begins. From unique roof overhangs to stone transitions and virtual walk-throughs, Rick explains how mockups bring creative visions to life while protecting budgets, schedules, and peace of mind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why physical mockups are critical for testing bespoke architectural details. Real-world examples of mockups that revealed design and construction challenges. How mockups can uncover issues like material transitions, water penetration, or even oil-canning in roof panels. The rise of virtual mockups and VR walk-throughs, using tools like Revit, Twinmotion, Lumion, Unreal Engine, and Meta Quest headsets. How technology helps owners visualize finishes, lighting, and spatial flow—reducing decision fatigue and avoiding expensive changes later. The future of mockups, including AI-driven design combinations and immersive simulations. Why It Matters: Mockups—whether physical or virtual—give you confidence that what’s on paper will translate into the home you’ve envisioned. They help protect your investment, eliminate uncertainty, and ensure that your masterpiece truly reflects your lifestyle and design goals. Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/Glossary of Key TermsMockup – A small-scale or partial construction model used to test architectural details, materials, and systems before full-scale implementation. Oil Canning – A visible waviness or rippling effect that occurs in flat metal panels, often seen in roofing or siding. Reglet – A small, often metal channel or groove used to create clean transitions between dissimilar materials such as stone, stucco, or roofing. Cumaru – Also known as Brazilian teak, a dense, durable hardwood often used for exterior decking and cladding. Ashlar Pattern – A masonry layout in which stones are cut into uniform shapes and set in horizontal courses for a clean, structured appearance. Field Mockup – A physical section of a wall, roof, or detail built on-site to test materials, finishes, or construction methods. Virtual Mockup – A digital 3D model of a home that allows owners and designers to preview materials, layouts, and lighting conditions before construction. VR Walk-Through – An immersive experience using virtual reality headsets that lets owners explore their future home in a realistic environment. Decision Fatigue – The mental exhaustion caused by making too many choices; mockups help reduce this by visualizing options clearly. Enscape, Twinmotion, Lumion – Visualization software programs used to create realistic renderings and walk-throughs from architectural 3D models. Unreal Engine / Unity – Advanced platforms originally developed for video games, now used to create highly interactive and realis

In this episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, Rick Bell interviews Chris Bates, a property tax expert, to shed light on one of the least understood but most impactful aspects of owning a luxury custom home: property taxes. Chris explains how tax assessments are determined, the common pitfalls homeowners face, and the strategies high-net-worth families can use to manage their property tax liabilities effectively. He shares stories from his work representing clients and highlights what builders and homeowners alike should know to avoid costly surprises.This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing to build or purchase a luxury home, as well as professionals who want a deeper understanding of how property taxes intersect with construction and ownership.What You’ll Learn• Chris’s background and how he became an expert in property tax consulting.• How property taxes are assessed on new custom homes and what can trigger reassessments.• Common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to tax planning.• Strategies to appeal assessments and reduce property tax burdens.• The relationship between appraisers, municipalities, and property owners.• Real-world examples of property tax disputes and resolutions.• Chris’s advice for homeowners building multi-million-dollar estates.Glossary of Terms: Assessed Value: The value assigned to a property by a local tax authority for the purpose of calculating property taxes. Millage Rate: The tax rate applied to the assessed value, expressed in mills (one mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value).Homestead Exemption: A legal provision that reduces the taxable value of a primary residence.Tax Appeal: The process of formally contesting a property’s assessed value.Comparable Sales (Comps): Recent home sales used to determine market value during assessments or appeals. Resources & LinksChris Bates – Website – https://myfloridapropertytaxes.com Email Chris Bates – chris@myfloridapropertytaxes.comLandmark Custom Homes – https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com/ The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes – https://TIGTCH.comEmail Rick – Rick@TIGTCH.comLinkedIn: Rick Bell – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/Instagram: @homesbylandmark – https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/

Building an ultra-luxury custom home often rivals the complexity of managing a commercial high-rise. Behind every dream estate in South Florida is a demanding process that requires expertise, foresight, and a dedicated advocate to safeguard the owner’s vision. In this episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, host Rick Bell sits down with Rick Peña—founding principal of Prime Group Management and a seasoned owner’s representative with over 25 years of experience and a portfolio surpassing $1 billion. Together, they explore the indispensable role of an Owner’s Rep in guiding complex projects from start to finish. From $2,000–$4,000 per square foot build costs to aligning vision, budget, and quality, Rick shares how his team applies commercial-level discipline to private estates, ensuring projects stay on track and clients make informed decisions. 👉 If you’re planning your first luxury custom home—or simply want to understand what it takes—subscribe to The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform, and share this episode with someone embarking on their dream build. Highlights & Takeaways • How to choose the right Owner’s Rep—and what traps to avoid • Why today’s luxury estates are managed like large commercial projects • The hidden challenges that can derail timelines (like windows, doors, or overseas shipments) • How early planning and data-driven cost control save millions • What makes trust, reputation, and repeat clients the true measure of success • Why aligning architects and builders with the homeowner’s goals prevents costly redesigns and delays • How selectivity in projects leads to higher service, stronger focus, and exceptional results Glossary of TermsOwner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep): A consultant who represents the homeowner’s interests during the planning and construction process, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants.Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) Meeting: Regular project meetings between the owner, architect, and contractor to review progress, resolve issues, and make decisions.Change Order (CO): A formal amendment to the construction contract to account for changes in scope, cost, or time.Submittals & RFIs: Documentation and requests used by contractors to confirm materials, details, or resolve uncertainties.Design to Budget: A process ensuring design decisions align with the owner’s financial parameters from the start.Resources & Links·      Prime Group Management, LLC – https://www.primegroupmanagement.com/ ·      Landmark Custom Homes – https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com/·      The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes – https://TIGTCH.com·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com·      LinkedIn: Rick Bell – https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Instagram: @homesbylandmark  https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/

Building a luxury custom home is a dream for many, but managing the process can be a daunting task. From budgets to quality control, every step brings challenges that can quickly overwhelm even the most prepared homeowner.In this episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, host Rick Bell sits down with Tom Koulouris—a seasoned builder, Owner’s Representative, and professor at the University of Miami—to explore the indispensable role of an Owner’s Rep in high-end residential projects.Both alumni of the University of Florida’s School of Building Construction, Rick and Tom share lessons from working together on a 37,000-square-foot estate in Southwest Ranches, Florida.Tom’s decades of experience in both commercial and residential construction, combined with his passion for education, make him one of the most respected voices in the industry. Together, they dive into how an Owner’s Rep manages budgets, ensures quality, and navigates complex processes—turning dream homes into reality.Highlights & Takeaways·       What an Owner’s Representative is—and why every homeowner should consider one.·       How to align vision, budget, and execution without losing sight of priorities.·       Why clear communication between owners, architects, and contractors is non-negotiable.·       How their shared background at the UF School of Building Construction shaped their approach to collaboration.·       How Tom’s decades of experience shape his client-first, problem-solving approach.·       The importance of having an advocate who understands both the technical and human sides of construction.  Glossary of TermsOwner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep): A consultant who represents the homeowner’s interests during the planning and construction process, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants.Mock-Up: A sample or partial construction of a detail or finish used to test design intent, quality, or feasibility before full implementation.Delivery Models: Different methods for structuring construction contracts and responsibilities (e.g., Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, CM-at-Risk). Each model affects risk, cost, and decision-making.RFQ (Request for Qualifications): A document used to shortlist firms based on experience and capability before requesting formal proposals.RFP (Request for Proposal): A formal document inviting firms to submit detailed proposals on how they would deliver a project, including scope, cost, and approach.GNM (Guaranteed Maximum Price): A contract structure where the contractor is reimbursed for costs but capped at a maximum price, protecting the owner from overruns.OAC (Owner-Architect-Contractor) Meeting: Regular project meetings between the owner, architect, and contractor to review progress, resolve issues, and make decisions.Change Order (CO): A formal amendment to the construction contract to account for changes in scope, cost, or time.Resources & Links·      Landmark Custom Homes – https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com/ ·      The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes – https://TIGTCH.com·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com·      LinkedIn: Rick Bell  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Instagram: @homesbyl

In this episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, Rick Bell explores the growing role of Owner’s Representatives in luxury custom homebuilding.Learn what they do, why owners hire them, and how they can make the process smoother for high-net-worth individuals or busy homeowners who want to protect their interests during the design and construction journey.Rick shares real-world examples, including how a seasoned owner’s rep helped one family manage budget, design changes, and technical challenges on a Landmark project.You’ll also learn how to evaluate and find the right rep for your project, plus a preview of upcoming interviews with Owner’s Representatives who will share their experience directly.What You’ll Learn·      Why Owner’s Representatives are becoming an essential part of high-end homebuilding.·      How an owner’s rep can serve as an advocate and intermediary between architects, contractors, and consultants.·      Real examples of how an owner’s rep helped manage budgets, technical challenges, and payment applications.·      The key questions to ask when interviewing potential Owner’s Representatives.·      Where to find Owner’s Representatives: word-of-mouth, architects, attorneys, builders, LinkedIn, and professional networks.·      Why trust and communication are the most important factors in choosing the right rep.Glossary of TermsOwner’s Representative (Owner’s Rep): A consultant who represents the homeowner’s interests during the planning and construction process, coordinating with architects, contractors, and consultants.Fiduciary Interest: Acting in the best financial and practical interest of another party — in this case, the homeowner.Constructability: The ease or difficulty of actually building a design in the real world; owner’s reps often help address constructability issues.Mock-Up: A sample or partial construction of a detail or finish used to test design intent, quality, or feasibility before full implementation.Payment Application (Pay App): A request submitted by the contractor to the owner (often monthly) for payment of completed work.Scope of Work: The detailed description of tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables expected of a contractor or consultant.Contingency: A reserved budget line item to cover unforeseen costs or changes.Certification (Owner’s Rep): Unlike contractors or architects, there is no national licensing or certification requirement for owner’s reps in custom homebuilding.Conflict of Interest: When a person or company has multiple interests that could compromise their impartiality; owner’s reps are expected to avoid these to remain unbiased.References (Owner’s Rep): Past clients who can confirm the owner’s rep’s experience and trustworthiness.Resources & Links·      Landmark Custom Homes – https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com/ ·      The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes – https://TIGTCH.com·      Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com·      LinkedIn: Rick Bell  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch/·      Instagram: @homesbylandmark  https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark/