Custom Built
Home renovations are stressful enough on their own, but when you throw in the challenges of everyday life, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where your host, Katie GO, comes in. She’s here to guide you through the renovation process and inspire you to take control, creating not just the home but the life of your wildest dreams.
Custom Built
Sawdust and Soul work: What My Dad Taught Me About Building with Heart
In this episode of Custom Built, I’m sharing something close to my heart: lessons I learned from my dad—a larger-than-life Navy veteran, woodworker, and the person who taught me what true craftsmanship and joyful living look like. Losing him nine years ago reshaped how I show up as a home builder and designer. We’ll talk about why the energy behind your project matters, the difference between work done out of love versus obligation, and how passion shows up in the details—from a handmade library to a giraffe-shaped stool he built me as a kid.
You’ll hear how these lessons translate into practical design choices: build for how you actually live, elevate the spaces where people naturally gather (hello, kitchen!), and don’t be afraid to evolve your home as your life changes. I’ll also share how to choose the right team—craftspeople who are solution-oriented, excited about the materials, and treat your project as a privilege. When you partner with people who still love their craft, you feel it in the finished space.
If you’re ready to create a home that reflects who you are—now, not someday—this episode will help you trust your instincts, honor your story, and choose collaborators who bring your vision to life with care.
Join the waitlist for The Blueprint Collective. Doors open soon and seats are limited: https://www.katiego.com/joinus
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