Designer Tracy hosts Fort Worth resident Jim Duncan from North Texas Renewable Energy, Inc.  Jim and his wife Janet have been developing the plans for their energy efficient house in Wise County for some time.  They have investigated all types of insulated wall systems, passive solar, geo-thermal systems, photo-voltaic systems and just plain construction.  Jim shared their journey towards making an environmental friendly and sustainable house.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss various approaches to developments.  Mixed-use developments, sidewalks, porches, connections between parts of the city were discussed.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss hosting guests for large holiday gatherings.  Tracy also shares the idea that new design is a challenge to the way we think.  She encourages mind-stretching to enjoy design.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim discuss the need to understand the difference between a draftsman and an architect.  They also encourage homeowners about to start a do-it-yourself project to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity projects to get experience.

Designer Tracy and architect Joe discuss cabinets, countertops and kitchens.

Designer Tracy discussed exterior cladding for residential construction in response to a listener's e-mail.  Brick, metal, stucco, vinyl siding, wood and cementious board were listed.  Developer Jim Johnson called in and updated Tracy and Joe on the progress on their project.  Jim discussed insulation products, too.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss, of all things, place settings and furniture selection.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss window options and cabinetry options following an e-mail.  High-rise living and loft living are also discussed.

Designer Tracy and producer Joe Self somehow manage the show without developer Jim Johnson in the studio.  Ra Byn Taylor stopped by to put in his two cents worth and Jim called in.  They discussed the list of favorite buildings published in the Fort Worth Weekly.  The "essence" of a design is also discussed.  Tracy reviews countertop options in response to a listener e-mail.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss sheet goods versus tile flooring for pier and beam foundations.  The discussion also  includes a comparison between Disney World and Six Flags type theme parks.  This leads to a discussion of design permanence versus design authenticity.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discussed strategies for front yard design and approaches.  Tracy and Joe reported on their visit to the Gaylord Texan Reasort in Grapevine, Texas.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson host Patrick Johnson on the program.  Patrick describes what would be really good for a ten-year old's bedroom.  Tracy and Jim also discuss kitchen cabinet heights and bedroom closet organization.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car" and answered an e-mail question regarding a kitchen remodel.

Designer Tracy, Ra Byn Taylor and Joe somehow manage to have a show without developer Jim Johnson. The trio discussed Southlake Town Center and Solana as models of development.  Ra Bayn held forth on solar fans.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson discuss design ideas from the magazine - Domino.  Tracy replies to an e-mail concerning bargain design sources. 

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson spar over the the right place for architecture.  Ra Byn Taylor and Joe dive in.  The Top 25 Favorite Buildings [as voted on by members of the Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA)] is contrasted with the Top 150 Buildings listed at the AIA national level - voted on by non-architects.  The image shown is the Kimbell Art Museum - unanimously selected in Fort Worth.

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson were given an update by Ra Byn Taylor on his do-it-yourself project.  Jim updated everyone on the home office addition for Tracy and Joe.  Mame McCutchin, co-host of ARTLANDUSA, called in to describe the program she shares with Toby Amies - a television series that explores American art from Miami to Anchorage.  The new second series will begin in October 2007.  Their web page is

Designer Tracy discusses half-baths and moving walls on the inside of a house with developer Jim Johnson.  A master plan with a designer or architect was recommended by Jim. (The posted image shows the wood framing and some of the sheathing at the Self job-site)

Designer Tracy and Developer Jim Johnson discuss outdoor rooms and site planning issues including the correct placement of an addition.

Designer Tracy and Developer Jim Johnson discuss color, mother-in-laws and material selections. (The image posted shows the "plumbing rough-in" for the Self's home office addition)

Designer Tracy and Developer Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes discuss contracts and agreements with contractors.  Kinda dry stuff but essential in reducing project headaches and misunderstandings.  (The posted image is an update on the office addition at Tracy and Joe's place - under the watchful eye of Jim Johnson.)

Designer Tracy and Jim Johnson, Developer, interview Judy and Bill Slease - experts on the "Easy Living" concept.  The Easy Living concept is intended to guide designers and contractors on making houses more accessible for all people at all stages of life.  The posted image is of a barrier free shower.

Designer Tracy discusses outdoor living with Joe.  They describe the need for a difference between indoor and outdoor furniture, spaces and experiences.  They also discuss the idea of designing for the current time and place - not importing styles from other places and times. 

Designer Tracy discusses mosaics and stone with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.  Jim also gives an update on the office addition to Tracy and Joe's house.  (See the progress of the Self Addition in the image)

Designer Tracy and developer Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes discuss how home tours can be a source of ideas and inspiration following the 2007 Fairmount Tour of Homes.  They also discuss green design and renovation principles.  Tracy describes why pre-set tables are a pet peeve of hers. (The Office Addition at the Self's will happen in the area shown in the image)

Designer Tracy discusses artful making with Kevin Bouchard.  Kevin's work as an artist, lighting designer, furniture designer and fabricator of, well, things gives him a broader perspective on how objects relate to places.  You can contact Kevin directly at kevinbouchard@sbcglobal.net

 

Designer Tracy discusses tips for implementing a project with demolition.  Getting the right tools and keeping safe are key.  Co-Host Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes stressed the need for pre-planning.  A caller relays the question about how to know if a single story house can support a second story additioon.

Designer Tracy discusses allowances and general estimating principles with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.  The duo gives guidelines on how to keep a handle on project costs.

Designer Tracy speaks with Jim Johnson and Ra Byn Taylor about preparing a house for the real-estate market.  You'll also learn why Ra Byn poured molasses on his lawn.

Designer Tracy discusses landscape and gardening with Lorie and Michael Kinler  - Landscape Architect/designer.  The Kinlers are part of Redenta's Landscape Design.  Their web page is www.redentas.com

 

 

Designer Tracy and Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes discusses color - hwo to choose it and some technical terms.  Ra Bayn Taylor advises pouring mollasses on your lawn - and no-one knows why.

Designer Tracy and Jim of Fairmount Homes discuss trends vs timelessness of design. Jim shares his cruise ship observations and how they can apply to individual home design challenges.

Designer Tracy discusses circular driveways, landscape walls and landscape lighting with Joe and Ra Byn.

Designer Tracy discusses windows, window treatments and even the importance of regular window cleaning.  Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes advises on installation and selections. 

Designer Tracy discusses environmental friendly design and ideas behind situating buildings on sites.  A caller asks if thicker exterior walls can help with energy costs.

Designer Tracy shares lessons learned on her trip to North Park Mall in Dallas.  She also discusses concrete finishes and kitchen cabinet details with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.

Designer Tracy discusses kitchen renovation options with Jim Johson of Fairmount Homes.

Designer Tracy discusses function and form with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.  They cover how to use walls to create function and issues related to removing walls and creating interior openings.  Ra Byn Taylor peppers them with questions.

Architect Joe and designer Tracy discuss wall textures with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.  A caller asks the trio about the best interior finish for an ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) wall.

Architect Joe and designer Tracy discuss a recent trip to New York - observations and lessons learned.  Entry sequence, lighting and seating - their focus on restaurant design holds lessons for home and office.  Ra Byn queries the duo and tries to have them make sense.

Architect Joe and designer Tracy discuss design for the holidays.  Tricks for brightening an interior without adding skylights or windows are discussed with Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes.  A new bit of music is featured from the band Change of Standard.  Ra Byn makes sure everything runs smoothly. 

Architect Joe and designer Tracy discuss the difference between a house and a home.  Jim Johnson of Fairmount Homes is quizzed on the pros and cons of painting brick exteriors.  Ra Byn Taylor promises to play more of his music next time.