In this episode of the Build Show, Jordan breaks down why great design is the foundation of an affordable, high-performance home. Drawing from real projects and hard-earned lessons, Jordan explains how simplicity, smart geometry, and early planning directly impact cost, durability, and comfort. He explores why performance can’t be “value engineered” later, how smaller homes deliver better living experiences, and which design decisions make high-performance construction achievable without luxury budgets. From orientation and mechanical planning to control layers and exterior insulation strategies, this episode shows how thoughtful design choices unlock long-term efficiency and beauty. Whether you’re building modestly or dreaming big, Jordan makes the case that building smaller, simpler, and smarter leads to homes that perform better, cost less to live in, and feel far more intentional than oversized, overcomplicated houses.

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