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little details, bath, shelf, architect on demand, advice without strings

Working Out Little Details: a Bath Shelf

A potential DIY Ally client asked me if I enjoy working out little details. She wrote: “Hello, I am remodeling a 1938 bath in Washington DC. Have worked with architects previously, so attempting this without an architect, with a very trustworthy contractor. But he’s not a designer, and I want to do something unconventional (from…

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transitional space, design advice, architect on demand, advice without strings

Transitional Space Design Advice

My DIY Ally clients look to me for guidance, expertise, and design advice — I take their questions to heart. One writes: “I suddenly have the option of buying the apartment adjoining my own in NYC but the apartments are awkwardly connected at the kitchens!! I’m hoping for some advice about how we would join…

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architect on demand, advice without strings

Architect on Demand? What’s That?

I am Alla DYI Ally. Architect on demand. Or an online architect providing advice without strings. Let’s say you are a DIY home improvement enthusiast remodeling a bathroom. An issue comes up. Architect on demand (a do-it-yourselfer, bargain-hunter, and make-doer), I am online — at your fingertips.

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creative teens, architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

Validating Creative Teen’s Journey

As DIY architect providing architectural services online, I am all about giving support in the effort to validate a creative journey.

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dream home, architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

Our Dream Home Was Designed to Cultivate Family Relationships

Thanks to my daughters, I have charted a career path of an architect whose main objective is to foster creativity. I have included them in my experiments. And they have validated my efforts time and time again. Building our dream home is a good example of the collaboration.

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appropriate environment, architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

Creating the Appropriate Environment Requires Whole-hearted Involvement

In case you’ve been wondering why I am all of a sudden talking so much about my daughters, I’d like to explain. The reason is my new e-how-to-book DIY Like a Hummingbird: 10 Steps to Naturally Well-designed Kids’ Spaces.

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setting goals, creative teens, architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

How to Help Creative Teens With Setting Goals

My daughter is going away to college in a year; she will be completely in charge of her destiny. There is a lot to teach her, as all other creative teens, about setting goals between now and then.

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artist's prayer, architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

The Artist’s Prayer

The key to any creative pursuit, whether it’s writing the artist’s prayer or parenting, is willingness to make a commitment. It’s critical to give undivided attention.

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architect on demand, advice without strings, DIY Like a Hummingbird

Involving Kids in The Things You Love Levels the Playing Field

My younger daughter’s senior year of high school. She is leaving for college in a few months. As I am used to involving kids in the decision-making process, we’re discussing my next career move. The idea of providing online architectural services that support DIY home improvement enthusiasts came to mind when I was walking through…

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how to nurture, DIY Like a Hummingbird

How to Nurture Your Kids’ Creativity: #1 Is to Respect Their Feelings

I have been preoccupied with how to nurture my kids’ creativity ever since they were born. Recently my daughter Mia told me that a toy I made for her when she was approximately five years old is the inspiration for a collection of handbags she is designing: “Your favorite handbag as a transitional object.”

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Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
  • Get in touch

Get inspired

  • DIY like an architect
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  • get to know
    • meet Alla
    • testimonials
    • accolades
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  • get started
    • DIY like an Architect
  • get inspired
    • kid-focused design
    • ideabooks
    • blog
  • get in touch