Our Experts
There are a lot of different ways you can renovate and design a home, and sometimes the advice can be conflicting. To ensure you get the most reliable tips, here are some of the experts we work with.
Charles van Rees, Ph.D.
Charles van Rees, Ph.D. is a conservation scientist and naturalist. With a long career in the field of ecology, van Rees comes equipped with a variety of expertise. After graduating with honors from Connecticut College with bachelor's degrees in ecology and environmental science, he spent time on multiple avian-focused ecology projects. In 2018, he earned a Ph.D. in biology with a concentration in ecology, evolution, and behavior from the University of Georgia. Since 2021, van Rees has been sharing his thoughts on nature via his website, Gulo in Nature.
Jon Wiest
Jon Wiest is the owner of Ripped Jeans Construction, a home remodeling business based in Aurora, Illinois. As a member of the National Tile Contractors Association, Wiest's operation focuses on custom bathrooms, tile installation and repair, and remodeling homes for people with disabilities.
Emma Grace Crumbley
Emma Grace Crumbley is the resident entomologist for Mosquito Squad, a mosquito and tick control company. Prior to her August 2022 appointment, she earned two bachelor's degrees (one in applied biotechnology and another in entomology) at the University of Georgia. Crumbley's other notable career experiences include time as a butterfly/horticulture assistant at the Day Butterfly Center and head zookeeper at the University of Georgia Insect Zoo.
Artem Kropovinsky
Artem Kropovinsky is the founder of Arsight, a global award-winning design firm with over a decade of experience in residential and commercial interior design. With a cohesive team of professionals, Arsight specializes in tackling complex projects, including new constructions, complete residential renovations, restaurants, and retail stores. Their designs embrace authenticity and originality, utilizing natural materials and handcrafted elements for a unique and cohesive aesthetic.
Rhonda Kaiser
Rhonda Kaiser is best known for being a social media influencer and content creator for Southern Home and Farm. She focuses on all things garden, vintage home and design.
She has been featured on many websites (Our Faux Farmhouse, Gardening Know How, Angi, and Hobby Farms), Instagram accounts (Antique Farm House, Pottery Barn, Ballard Designs, Cottages and Bungalows, The Happy Gardening Life, Kellogg Garden, Burpee, Gardener's Supply Co, Country Sampler Farmhouse Style, and Country Sampler, just to name a few) and magazines (Better Homes and Gardens, American Farmhouse Style, In Her Garden, Texas Gardener and Flea Market Décor).
Maria Baer
Maria Baer is the founder and lead organizer of The Baer Minimalist. Founded in 2017, her company specializes in helping customers create efficient and fashionable living spaces, aiming to reduce clutter and stress through customized, easy-to-maintain structures. Whenever approaching a new project, Baer tries to highlight the things that matter most and find a better system for being both organized + stylized.
Jason Pietruszka
Jason Pietruszka has over 14 years of experience with construction, development, and design. With over 250 single-family homes built and more projects under his belt than can be counted, his passion remains the creative element of the job. He is active on most social platforms, teaching and inspiring the next generation to learn the skill sets needed to continue building and being creative.