About HouseChalk
I am Philip, an Engineering Dad coach who believes your home should work hard for you, not just today, but through every twist life throws your way.
I'm not here to chase trends or sell a style. I'm here to help you build better. Smarter. More honest. A home that makes sense right now and keeps making sense as life moves, stretches, and surprises you.
This isn't about perfect finishes or Pinterest boards. It's about avoiding regret. It's about spotting what others miss before it costs you time, money, or sanity. It's about asking better questions so you don't have to do the job twice.
What I Stand For
Adaptability
Life changes. Your home should keep up.
Durability
Build it right, make it last. Fewer repairs, fewer do overs.
Wellness
Your home should support your health, not harm it.
Inclusivity
Homes that welcome everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Sustainability
Good for your wallet, good for the planet.
Innovation
Smart solutions that make sense for your life.
My Values
Clarity over confusion
I believe in straightforward advice that cuts through the noise.
Long-term over trendy
I focus on enduring solutions, not fleeting fads.
People over property
I design for how you live, not just how your home looks.
Wisdom over widgets
I value smart thinking more than smart gadgets.
What I Help You Avoid
Costly Mistakes
Avoid expensive renovations and modifications down the road
Regretful Decisions
Make design choices that stand the test of time
Wasted Potential
Maximize your home's functionality and value
Who I Work With
Homeowners
Planning renovations or building new
Professionals
Looking for practical insights on home adaptability
Builders
Seeking to create more adaptable homes
My Story
The Journey Begins
I've lived in 17 different homes throughout my life. Some I have owned, some I have rented, and some I have shared. Each move taught me something new about what makes a space work or fail. My life changed along the way, and I realized I needed a home that would grow with me, not against me.
Building a Better Home
When my wife and I built our first home, we made plenty of mistakes despite all that experience. So we decided on a redo, and we built a new home that was more adaptable and more enjoyable. We still made some mistakes, but this home has been a great investment in our family's future. It's working for us, and we're happy with the results.
Sharing Lessons
While I am a software engineer by training, I believe this gives me a unique perspective on home design. I approach home design with a practical mindset. I look for solutions that solve real problems, not just look good in photos. After years of helping friends and family with their building projects, I realized I could share these lessons more broadly.
That's why I created HouseChalk. It's my way of being the experienced dad next door who helps you avoid the mistakes I made. No corporate speak, no sales pitches, just practical advice from someone who's been there.
Meet Your Coach
Philip Jarrell
Engineering Dad Coach
After living in 17 homes and building 3 (the last one was fully custom), I've learned what works, what doesn't, and what you'll regret five years down the road.
My software engineering and drafting background (I specialized in MEPMechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems in homes and commercial buildings) helps me spot the technical issues, while my experience as a dad and homeowner helps me understand how spaces really function day-to-day.
I created HouseChalk to share these hard-won lessons so you can build a home that grows with you instead of working against you.
Team & Contributors
Philip Jarrell
Founder & Home Design Coach
I'm a software engineering dad who's learned home design through real-world wins and mistakes. After living in over 17 homes and building several with my wife, I've developed a practical approach to creating spaces that adapt to life's changes. Now I coach homeowners through their building and renovation journeys, sharing honest advice without the corporate fluff or builder-speak. My mission is simple: help you design an adaptable, regret-free home by focusing on what actually matters.
Kendra Jarrell
Wife, Realtor, New Construction Specialist, & Contributor
Kendra loves helping informed consumers navigate the wild world of real estate. With a unique professional background as a nurse, educator, and legal nurse investigator, she brings years of experience in quality client support, creative problem solving, and genuine compassion. She believes her responsibility to clients goes far beyond the transaction. Her goal is to help people create the lifestyle they want through the power of real estate and baby, there's an art to that. Outside of real estate, she’s deeply involved in community service both locally and abroad, with over 12,000 hours of volunteer work over the last 20 years. She enjoys scrapbooking, designing everything from clothes to houses, and recently discovered a love for feeding people (which might just be her newest superpower). For her, beauty and function are a way of life.