The Awakening Spaces Podcast - Conscious Construction for a Healthy Home
Awakening Spaces explores the profound connection between our physical environments and our inner consciousness. We guide homeowners, designers, and wellness seekers beyond simply discussing "toxin-free" building methods to examine who we actually become on our "toxin-free" journey.
In this podcast we’re not only talking about windows, walls, and wiring. Through expert interviews, case studies, and actionable guidance, we will explore how mindful design choices affect our relationships, stress levels, and overall well-being. Drawing from my background in design, building biology, and building science I guide listeners through both the practical and philosophical aspects of creating homes that elevate our health and consciousness.
Each week, you’ll receive grounded guidance and actionable tips to help you eliminate the stress and overwhelm of finding, renovating, building, or maintaining your healthy home—so that you can create a space that truly supports who you are becoming.
Just by tuning in, you’re already stepping into what it means to be an Awakened Homeowner.
Together, we’re building a new way forward—one conscious choice at a time.
The Awakening Spaces Podcast - Conscious Construction for a Healthy Home
Episode 28: Hot Humid Climates, Your Building Envelope, and Building Lessons Learned with Architect Derek Klepac, AIA
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Building a home in a hot, humid climate is one of the most technically demanding challenges in residential construction. In this episode, Ashley sits down with Derek Klepac, licensed architect and certified Passive House consultant based in Dallas, Texas, to talk through what it actually takes to build a home that performs in conditions like these. From envelope modeling tools that predict mold risk inside wall assemblies to the reality of oversized HVAC systems quietly wrecking homes from the inside out, Derek brings a level of rigor and curiosity to residential building that is rare, and genuinely necessary.
This conversation covers the building failures Derek sees most often, why the mechanical system needs to be engineered during the design phase rather than figured out during framing, and what homeowners and builders alike can do to ask better questions before it costs them. Derek and Ashley also reflect on a project they worked on together, one where painted brick, blocked weep holes, and a poorly detailed roof assembly added up to a very expensive lesson in why the envelope is always your first line of defense. If you are planning a custom build, evaluating a contractor, or simply trying to understand why your home is not performing the way it should, this episode will give you the clarity and vocabulary to move forward with more confidence.
THINGS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- The appraiser document listing high-performance home attributes above code
- Travis Jones’ episode of the Awakening Spaces Podcast
CONNECT WITH ASHLEY
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Ashley helps you renovate and build healthier homes to prevent future health issues from arising from your environment. Whether you’re searching for a new home, assessing concerns with your current one, or embarking on a renovation or new build, Awakening Spaces can guide you every step of the way.
Ashley brings her background in Building Biology and Building Science and years of hands-on experience helping families build and renovate homes to prevent mold, chemical exposure, and EMFs in their living spaces. If you’re looking to build or renovate a new home, Ashley has courses to empower and one on one offerings to guide you through the whole process so you can avoid costly mistakes and enjoy the process again!
Curious about how we can help with your project? Explore our offerings here.
CONNECT WITH GUEST
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Derek’s path into architecture began on job sites with his father and grandfather, where he learned that creating space is as much about craftsmanship as vision. That foundation carried him through his studies in Texas and time in Italy, deepening his understanding of timeless design.
Now Managing Partner at A. Michael Architecture, Derek blends technical precision with a deep respect for craft, guiding projects with both practicality and intention. His work is rooted in collaboration, care, and a focus on the details that make a house feel like home.
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