#391 - A Builder’s Life Done Well with David Prutting

#391 - A Builder’s Life Done Well with David Prutting

From Archispeak by Evan Troxel & Cormac Phalen

June 5, 2026 · 1h 24m · Season 13 · Episode 391

About this episode

David Prutting discusses his extensive experience in building high-end contemporary homes and the dynamics between architects, owners, and builders.

David Prutting joins Evan and Cormac to talk about what 50 years of building high-end contemporary homes has taught him about the relationship between architects, owners, and builders. They explore the trust triangle that makes or breaks a custom project, why David actively steers clients away from design-build, and the floor plan theory he's developed over decades: the stranger the plan, the better the architect was listening. This episode is especially relevant for architects at any career stage who want to understand how their work lands with the people who actually build it. David's perspective is rare — a builder who has spent five decades alongside Steven Holl, Toshiko Mori, Olson Kundig, and KieranTimberlake, who hires architects into his own construction firm, and who has been on both sides of the client chair. His book, A Builder's Life Done Well, is available on Amazon (link below). Episode Links: Get the book: A Builder's Life Done Well Prutting + Company — prutting.com David Prutting on LinkedIn Prutting + Company on LinkedIn Prutting + Company on Instagram Profile — Residential Design Magazine Steven Holl Architects Toshiko Mori Architect Joeb Moore & Partners…

People in this episode

Hosts: Evan Troxel, Cormac Phalen

Guest: David Prutting

Topics covered

  • architecture
  • building
  • design-build
  • client relationships
  • floor plan theory
  • custom projects

Keywords

  • architecture
  • builders
  • custom homes
  • design-build
  • client relationships
  • floor plans
  • trust triangle

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Prutting + Company, Residential Design Magazine, Steven Holl Architects, Toshiko Mori Architect, Joeb Moore & Partners, Olson Kundig, KieranTimberlake

Books & works: A Builder's Life Done Well

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