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  • nature-inspired, design, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Nature-Inspired Design: Site Visit 2

    In my previous post I wrote about nature-inspired design and my visit to a construction site four months ago. This week I was fortunate to come back and see the progress. My fellow DIY-er, who is too private and wishes to remain anonymous, is building a series of structures among the existing trees in his…

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  • creative inspiration, playing tourist, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Got Creative Inspiration? Have Fun Playing Tourist!

    If you are looking for inspiration, playing tourist might be a fun place to start. Pinterest, Instagram, and blogs are all great sources. However, if you want to stir up some creative juices, a fieldtrip is better. It’s more enjoyable because inspiration flows together with your experience.

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  • identifying needs, making to-do lists, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Identifying Needs Instead of Making To-Do Lists

    Identifying needs is not the same as making to-do lists. Recently, I was asked by a reporter to suggest 5 home decor/design projects that “can make a big impact without much effort.”

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  • home office, Home Depot, IKEA, architect on demand, advice without strings

    Setting Up a Home Office: The Home Depot vs. IKEA

    The other night I went to The Home Depot to challenge IKEA. In the process of setting up a home office, I wanted to see if The Home Depot can serve me better.

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  • home depot, design inspiration, architect on demand, advice without strings

    The Home Depot Merges Design Inspiration With Life

    Believe it or not, I expect to find original solutions and design inspiration for most of my projects at The Home Depot. I roam the isles and enjoy my builder-designer juices flowing. The other day, an idea came to mind.

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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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  • 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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Get to know

  • Meet Alla
  • Testimonials
  • Accolades
  • Get in touch

Get inspired

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