I first met Chad (in 2018?) at my friend Matthew’s house in Palm Springs. Right away, it was clear that we shared a lot of common interests. Instead of having superficial conversations about Coachella or random topics that often happen when meeting people by a pool in the desert, it was refreshing to engage in meaningful conversations with Chad. He not only actively participated in discussions but also asked thoughtful questions, which was a pleasant surprise considering his good looks. It’s a common stereotype that attractive people are not great conversationalists, but Chad defied that stereotype.
Chad and I quickly became close friends. We discovered that we both hail from Northern California, attended school on the East Coast, and lived in New York. We share a unique blend of Type A perfectionism and quirky artistic sensibilities. Our shared trait of obsessing over minute details and striving for perfection in our homes bonded us even further.
As I grow older, I’ve come to appreciate the value of longstanding friendships. In a city like LA, where first impressions can be judgmental, it can be challenging to form genuine connections. I’ve always defined myself by my accomplishments, which can be fulfilling when I have a new project to share. However, it can also leave me feeling inadequate when I don’t have a major achievement to showcase to impress others.
My high school friends, including Caitlin, Sara, and Leigh, have known me for who I am since childhood. They recognize my sincerity, work ethic, ethics, and sensitivity. They acknowledged my stardom before it was validated by HGTV, and they continue to support and believe in me. Witnessing the evolution of their lives and accomplishments over the years has taught me the importance of celebrating their successes even during quieter moments.
Chad entered my life during a pivotal moment as I was writing my book and launching my HGTV show “Build Me Up.” Despite facing career highs and lows, things were finally stabilizing for me. However, the tumultuous events of 2020 threw everything off balance. While my journey since then has been challenging, Chad’s unwavering support and belief in my potential have been a constant source of encouragement.
Post-2020, Chad and I navigated contrasting paths. While I hustled to generate income and adapt to new circumstances, Chad pursued corporate roles that demanded his time and energy. We admire each other’s lifestyles – I envy his financial stability and routine, while he admires my creative independence.
Among all my acquaintances, Chad faced the most adversity in 2020. We welcomed the New Year in San Francisco with our friend Earl, who warned us about a looming global health crisis. Despite the grim forecast, we enjoyed a memorable New Year’s celebration. Subsequently, Chad and I retreated to Tahoe for a skiing trip at his family’s cabin, where we bonded over shared experiences and cultural connections.
Some people have a natural gift for making you feel at ease and understood from the moment you meet them. Hana Callaghan, Chad’s mother, exemplifies this trait. An accomplished professional with a warm and engaging presence, she embodies kindness and protection towards those in her circle.
When I accidentally switched my skis with the same bindings with someone else’s at Pallisades Tahoe, the rental company accused me of stealing them and demanded payment. Hana offered to call them and use her intimidating lawyer voice to scare them off, showcasing her fearless and contagious energy. Chad’s parents, with their unique personalities, provided insight into his own character during our time at Tahoe.
In January 2020, amidst shooting season two of “Build Me Up,” I received a call from Chad informing me of his mother’s passing. The sudden loss was a shock, leaving us all in disbelief. With the uncertainties of 2020 and the added tragedy of losing his mother, Chad faced a challenging year.
Despite the hardships, Chad remained a steadfast friend, helping me move into my new home in 2020. His dedication was evident as he persevered through numerous rejected house offers before finally acquiring his dream Spanish bungalow in 2022.
With a keen eye for design, Chad envisioned transforming the small bungalow into a charming living space. His relentless pursuit of homeownership and the urge to make his mark on the house drove him to explore options like adding square footage and converting the garage into a rental unit.
As we embarked on this design journey together, I realized the importance of nurturing relationships and staying connected. Collaborating on Chad’s home project provided a platform to strengthen our bond and navigate through the challenges life threw at us. For Chad, the house symbolized not just ownership but also a therapeutic distraction from the loss of his mother, showcasing his problem-solving nature in times of uncertainty. After Hana passed away, I noticed a shift in my friend’s focus towards buying a house, which quickly turned into an obsession. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was just a way for him to distract himself from the pain of losing his mother, and if it would eventually lead to a breakdown. However, knowing my friend well, I understood that he thrives when he has a project to work on. So, buying a house and planning a major renovation might actually be a positive outlet for him during this difficult time.
I have always believed that design is a proactive way to plan for the future and take care of oneself and one’s family. So, I see the house project as a healthy distraction for my friend, and I am happy to be a part of it. We have big plans for this house, including adding a second floor, converting the garage into an ADU, and preserving the original Spanish style while giving it a modern touch. It will be a mix of classic Spanish revival style and contemporary design elements that are sure to create some stunning design moments.
Stay tuned as we continue with the construction and watch this house transform into something truly special. Follow along on our journey and see what exciting things we have in store! Rewrite the sentence.