Awakening Spaces Podcast Ep. 28 - Hot humid climates, your building envelope, and building lessons learned with architect Derek Klepac, AIA

We were thrilled to have our Managing Partner, Derek Klepac, featured on this week’s Awakening Spaces Podcast. Thank you, Ashley, for having us on!

“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.”

A little about Derek:

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.

Check out our friend Ashley's website: Awakening Spaces Podcast