Designing with Heart: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer on Collaboration, Gratitude & Building a Meaningful Business

Where Architecture, Wellness & Technology Meet: Rob Hull on Designing Homes That Enrich Daily Life

In this inspiring episode of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Robert Hull, President and Principal Designer of JMAD (James McNeal Architecture and Design), an award-winning residential architecture firm known for creating immersive, wellness-centered luxury homes across the country. With a unique background spanning both architecture and construction, Rob shares how his journey through the design-build world helped shape JMAD’s collaborative, technology-forward, and deeply human-centered approach to residential design. Together, Wendy and Rob explore: • How luxury living is evolving toward wellness, flexibility, and emotional experience• The powerful role of nature, natural light, and indoor-outdoor living in modern home design• How JMAD utilizes virtual reality technology to help clients emotionally experience their homes before construction begins• Why collaboration between architects, builders, interior designers, and specialty experts creates stronger projects and better outcomes• The future of health and wellness design, including circadian lighting, wellness spaces, biophilic architecture, and flexible living environments• Leadership, gratitude, community, and designing homes that genuinely enrich daily life Rob also shares wisdom for the next generation of architects and designers, encouraging young professionals to pursue diverse experiences and discover the areas of design they are most passionate about. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that the future of luxury living is no longer simply about how a home looks — it is about how a home makes us feel, function, heal, connect, and live. About Robert Hull:Robert Hull is President and Principal Designer at JMAD Architecture + Design, specializing in custom residential architecture and immersive 3D visualization. With degrees in architecture from the University of Minnesota and extensive experience in both design and construction, Rob leads projects across the country that thoughtfully blend technology, nature, wellness, and timeless architectural design. #PowerHouseSMART #CoolCollabsPodcast #LuxuryDesign #Architecture #WellnessDesign #LuxuryHomes #BiophilicDesign #JMAD #RobertHull #HumanCenteredDesign #LuxuryLiving #DesignBuild #TechnologyAndDesign Where to Rob Hull Title: President and Principal Designer Company: JMAD, James McNeal Architecture and Design Email: rob@jmad.design [rob@jmad.design] Phone: 877-796-5623 Website: https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/ [https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/] About Rob Hull - Executive Team: https://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com/meet-the-team LinkedIn (Rob Hull): https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthull/ LinkedIn (JMAD): https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmadarchitecture/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmadarchitecture/ [https://www.instagram.com/jmadarchitecture/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign/ [https://www.facebook.com/jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign/] Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jmadarchitecture/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design [https://www.houzz.com/pro/jmadarchitecture/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JMADarchitecture [https://www.youtube.com/@JMADarchitecture] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JMADarchitecture/ [https://www.pinterest.com/JMADarchitecture/] Visit PowerHouse Companies Website:www.powerhouse-co.com [http://www.powerhouse-co.com] Podcast on the Website:https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast [https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast] Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s] Podcast on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2] Podcast on Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056] PowerHouse SMART Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/ [https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/] PowerHouse SMART Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/ [https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/] Wendy Cohen LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/]

Designing with Heart: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer on Collaboration, Gratitude & Building a Meaningful Business

In Episode 40 of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen welcomes dear friend and respected interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, Principal of Michelle’s Interiors, for a heartfelt conversation centered around mentorship, teamwork, gratitude, sustainability, and the human side of design. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from being encouraged by her artist aunt to pursue interior design, to launching and growing multiple successful businesses — including a specialty nursery design showroom, The Stork Room, before evolving into full-service residential and light commercial interiors. Throughout the episode, Michelle reflects on the profound impact mentors had on her career, the importance of building strong teams, and why collaboration — not competition — creates lasting success within the luxury design and construction industry. Wendy and Michelle also explore:• The power of mentorship and learning from others• Building a business through trusted teams and relationships• Why listening deeply to clients matters• The importance of sustainability and indoor air quality• How networking and mastermind groups helped shape Michelle’s leadership• Designing homes that truly support lifestyle and wellbeing• Gratitude, loss, and living a meaningful life centered around people and connection Michelle’s warmth, wisdom, and collaborative spirit shine throughout this inspiring conversation, reminding us that beautiful design is ultimately about caring deeply for people and creating environments that support how they live, feel, and connect. Where to Find Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Email: michelle@michellesinteriors.com [michelle@michellesinteriors.com] Phone: 847.223.2660 Michelle’s Interiors Studio Address: 518 Barron Boulevard Grayslake, IL 60030 [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaps.apple.com%2Fplace%3Faddress%3D518%2BBarron%2BBoulevard%250AGrayslake%252C%2BIL%2B60030&urlhash=qTXf&mt=CH5EP7SNulcb0dtVvx-68BNrHRIg8C2-YrvrGBwSWa2kouQ9-mi5zlsUZNnv_ZxAMSaFNPkuz8RgB2jil0HrfaVy3g&isSdui=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3B2bIz9yqKRXmVNc43K9bFzQ%3D%3D] Michelle’s Interiors Website: https://www.michellesinteriors.com/ [https://www.michellesinteriors.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesinteriors/ [https://www.instagram.com/michellesinteriors/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellesinteriorsdesigngroup/ [https://www.facebook.com/michellesinteriorsdesigngroup/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerohrerlauer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellerohrerlauer/] Michelle’s Interiors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/michelles-interiors/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/michelles-interiors/] Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dreamypie/michelle-s-interiors [https://www.houzz.com/pro/dreamypie/michelle-s-interiors] HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/professionals/Michelle-Rohrer-Lauer [https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/professionals/Michelle-Rohrer-Lauer] About the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast:The PowerHouse Cool Collabs podcast, hosted by PowerHouse CEO Wendy Cohen, highlights inspiring leaders in luxury design, building, development, and real estate who exemplify gratitude and give back to humanity. Each episode features stories of success, philanthropy, and groundbreaking collaborations that are making a positive impact on communities and the industry as a whole. Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies: Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com [http://www.powerhouse-co.com] Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast [https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast] Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERf8rk0auNk&t=4s] Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2 [https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m5yc3ajMSp2n0UM2] Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-powerhouse-cool-collabs/id1792238056] PowerHouse SMART Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/ [https://www.instagram.com/powerhousesmart/] PowerHouse SMART Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/ [https://www.facebook.com/powerhousesmart/] Wendy Cohen LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/powerhouserecruiting/]

Getting to the Root: Leadership, Systems Thinking & Designing Human-Centered Organizations with Julie Finelli

What happens when operational strategy meets humanity, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership? In Episode 39 of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Julie Finelli — Founder of Root Work Collaborative [https://rootworkcollaborative.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] and Director of People & Operations at Spinning Babies® [https://www.spinningbabies.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] — for an inspiring conversation about systems-thinking, organizational growth, employee experience, and creating healthier workplace cultures from the inside out. Known for her analytical mind, collaborative spirit, and deeply human approach to leadership, Julie shares how her unique ability to identify patterns, navigate complexity, and “get to the root” of organizational challenges helps businesses strengthen communication, culture, operational clarity, and long-term team success. Ironically, the timing of this podcast could not be more perfect, as Julie also serves this month as the featured Expert Educator for the PowerHouse SMART® PowerConnect™ Groups — guiding business leaders through the intersection of people, process, accountability, systems, and culture. During this heartfelt conversation, Wendy and Julie explore: • Why the internal employee experience matters just as much as the client experience• The power of employee journey mapping and operational awareness• How leaders can identify hidden friction points within growing organizations• Why values often become “performative” — and how to truly embody them internally• Building cultures rooted in trust, clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence• The relationship between systems-thinking and human-centered leadership• Navigating ambiguity, growth, and change with an abundance mindset• The importance of co-creation versus top-down leadership models• How healthier organizational structures create stronger teams, retention, and business growth• The connection between mission-driven work and personal fulfillment Julie also shares insight into her meaningful work with Spinning Babies®, a globally respected maternal health organization helping families, birth workers, and medical professionals create more empowered and supported birth experiences around the world. This episode is especially valuable for leaders in the luxury home, design-build, construction, architecture, real estate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial industries who are seeking to strengthen both the human and operational side of their organizations. Whether you lead a small creative team or a growing multi-division company, this conversation offers thoughtful perspective and practical wisdom on how intentional leadership, systems awareness, and compassion can transform workplace culture and long-term business success.

The Human Side of Real Estate: Relationships, Gratitude & Leadership with Kim Lindquist

What does it really take to build a meaningful and lasting career in real estate? In this inspiring episode of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with Kim Lindquist, Vice President of Corporate Services at Edina Realty, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and the power of human connection in business. With more than 33 years in the real estate industry, Kim shares her remarkable journey — from answering phones at Edina Realty to becoming a respected leader helping support agents, relocation clients, corporate partnerships, and luxury real estate initiatives across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Southwest Florida. Together, Wendy and Kim explore:• Why relationships — not transactions — are the true foundation of long-term success• The importance of servant leadership, mentorship, and giving back• How collaboration between real estate professionals, builders, architects, and interior designers creates new opportunities• The evolving role of AI and technology in real estate — and why personal connection will always matter most• The emotional side of relocation and helping families through major life transitions• Living and leading with gratitude, authenticity, and purpose This conversation is a beautiful reminder that while technology, marketing, and markets continue to evolve, trust, kindness, emotional intelligence, and genuine relationships remain at the center of extraordinary leadership and business growth. If you are passionate about luxury real estate, leadership, entrepreneurship, design-build collaboration, or simply becoming a better human being in business, this episode is for you. Where to Find Kim Lindquist Title: Vice President, Corporate Services Company: Edina Realty Email: KimLindquist@edinarealty.com [KimLindquist@edinarealty.com]Phone: 952.928.5860 [tel:952.928.5860]Website: https://www.edinarealty.com/ About Edina Realty Executive Team: https://www.edinarealty.com/about-edina-realty/executive-team [https://www.edinarealty.com/about-edina-realty/executive-team] About Kim Relocation: https://relocationdirectorscouncil.org/members/default.asp?id=74927664 [https://relocationdirectorscouncil.org/members/default.asp?id=74927664] LinkedIn (Kim): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lindquist-41039318/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lindquist-41039318/] LinkedIn (Edina Realty): https://www.linkedin.com/company/edina-realty/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/edina-realty/] Instagram (Edina Realty): https://www.instagram.com/edinarealty/ [https://www.instagram.com/edinarealty/] Facebook (Edina Realty): https://www.facebook.com/EdinaRealty [https://www.facebook.com/EdinaRealty]

Building More Than Homes - Real Estate: Leadership, Gratitude & Legacy with Alan D. Lev

In this heartfelt and wisdom-filled episode of the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen sits down with longtime colleague and respected industry leader Alan D. Lev, Chairman of Belgravia Group. What unfolds is far more than a conversation about business success. Alan shares his remarkable journey—from accounting and law to building one of Chicago’s most respected development firms—and reveals why, after all these years, the buildings matter less than the people inside them. Together, Wendy and Alan explore the true power of long-term relationships, mentorship, gratitude, giving back, and leading with integrity. Alan offers candid insight on expanding into Arizona, adapting to new markets, building with uncompromising standards, and why helping others may be the greatest success of all. This episode is a masterclass in leadership with heart—and a reminder that legacy is built through people, not just projects. Enjoy the remarkable wisdom shared: * Why relationships outperform transactions  * What great leaders value most over time  * Mentorship and the responsibility to give back  * Expanding into new markets with courage and wisdom  * Gratitude as a lifelong business advantage  * How legacy is truly created Where to Find Alan Lev Email: alan@belgraviagroup.com [alan@belgraviagroup.com]Phone: 312 321 5472 [tel:312%20321%205472]Address: 833 N. Orleans St., #400 Chicago, IL 60610 [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmaps.apple.com%2Fplace%3Faddress%3D833%2BN.%2BOrleans%2BSt.%252C%2B%2523400%250AChicago%252C%2BIL%2B60610&urlhash=9Kkg&isSdui=true&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BWVVB67PhTS2wZ1We7eR6tg%3D%3D] Website: https://belgraviagroup.com/ [https://belgraviagroup.com/] About Alan Lev: https://belgraviagroup.com/team/alan-lev LinkedIn (Alan Lev): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lev-a309147/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-lev-a309147/] LinkedIn (Belgravia Group): https://www.linkedin.com/company/belgravia-group/posts/?feedView=all [https://www.linkedin.com/company/belgravia-group/posts/?feedView=all] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belgraviagroup/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belgraviagroup/?fref=nf [https://www.facebook.com/belgraviagroup/?fref=nf] YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQA0RpguswM [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQA0RpguswM]