In this episode of Flying Solo, host Katie Kangas talks with Sam Williams about his residential practice and the unique niche he has built. Sam works with families whose remodels and additions are not too big and not too small, thriving in the challenge of problem-solving within the constraints of existing homes. His practice is much like a nuthatch—a small tree-climbing songbird that descends headfirst to see the world from a different perspective. Just as the nuthatch finds what other birds overlook, Sam has found his place serving clients whose projects are often missed by larger firms. By approaching atypical renovations and additions with humility, empathy, and practicality, he is helping families thrive while also breathing new life into aging housing stock.

Sam’s story highlights three essential lessons for building a “nuthatch” practice. First is the importance of defining an authentic niche. For Sam, authenticity comes from transparency—sharing his own story as a homeowner and parent. By including his family on his website, he connected immediately with clients facing the same struggles: raising young children in older homes not designed for today’s lifestyles. That connection builds trust and makes him uniquely qualified to design thoughtful retrofits for families in similar situations. Second is the value of a unique perspective. Like the nuthatch climbing headfirst, Sam approaches projects from angles others miss. He understands the realities of tight budgets, existing structures, and growing families, and he turns those constraints into opportunities for creative, grounded design solutions.

Finally, Katie and Sam discuss the power of building a lean, practical practice. By keeping overhead low and focusing on what matters most—his clients—Sam has grown a firm that makes a tangible impact without relying on flashy marketing or unnecessary expenses. His transparency, problem-solving mindset, and practical approach allow client referrals to carry his work forward, just as neighbors share stories of a backyard bird. For architects flying solo, Sam’s path is a reminder that you don’t always need to scale big to make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, the strongest practice is one built on humility, simplicity, and a perspective that helps families feel at home again.

Craft Architecture

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