Meet Our Expert Editorial Team: Crafting Your Ultimate Home & DIY Resource

Welcome to the heart of our operations! Our editorial team is comprised of seasoned professionals, passionate craftsmen, digital content strategists, and dedicated DIY enthusiasts, all committed to bringing you the most reliable, inspiring, and actionable home improvement and project guides. With diverse backgrounds spanning traditional woodworking, cutting-edge smart home technology, on-camera home renovation, and strategic digital publishing, our experts meticulously research, design, and articulate every piece of content. We believe in empowering our readers with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any project, big or small. Get to know the dedicated individuals who make our platform your trusted resource for all things home and DIY.

Ethan O’Donnell

Deputy Editor, Projects

Ethan O’Donnell stands as a cornerstone of our projects division, bringing a meticulous eye for detail and an innovative spirit to every design challenge. As our Deputy Editor, Projects, he masterminds the creation of custom woodwork, bespoke furniture pieces, and intricate exhibits that demand both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. His portfolio boasts successful collaborations with several Fortune 500 companies, where he consistently delivered high-quality, precision-engineered solutions tailored to exacting corporate standards. Beyond the commercial realm, Ethan has also lent his considerable talents to the United States Park Service, undertaking projects that blend durability with environmental sensitivity, ensuring longevity and seamless integration with natural landscapes.

Ethan’s expertise is deeply rooted in a comprehensive understanding of materials, design principles, and construction techniques. He approaches each project with a problem-solver’s mindset, transforming complex ideas into tangible, functional, and beautiful realities. His ability to navigate intricate specifications and deliver within stringent timelines makes him an invaluable asset to our team. In his personal time, Ethan’s diverse interests fuel his professional creativity. An avid enthusiast of anything two-wheeled, he finds freedom and perspective on rides, which often inspire new angles on design and efficiency. His passion for reading keeps him abreast of new trends and classic techniques, while drawing hones his spatial reasoning and visual communication skills. Furthermore, his keen interest in Formula 1 racing, with its emphasis on precision engineering, strategic planning, and performance optimization, mirrors his professional approach to project development. This blend of hands-on skill, intellectual curiosity, and high-performance interest makes Ethan a uniquely qualified leader in crafting our in-depth project guides and fostering a culture of excellence in design and construction.

Noelle Devoe

Deputy Editor

Noelle Devoe is a dynamic force in the digital publishing landscape, serving as our Deputy Editor and bringing a decade of comprehensive experience in online journalism to our team. Her career is distinguished by significant roles at prominent digital platforms such as Seventeen.com, Elite Daily, and POPSUGAR, where she honed her skills in crafting compelling and high-performing content that resonates with vast online audiences. Noelle’s expertise spans a broad spectrum of digital categories, with a particular specialization in lifestyle, entertainment, and pop culture, equipping her with a profound understanding of audience engagement and content trends relevant to modern living and home aesthetics.

Throughout her extensive career, Noelle has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to develop and execute content strategies that drive engagement and maximize discoverability. Her journey in editorial has cultivated an expert-level proficiency in a suite of critical skills, including meticulous copywriting, sharp editing, and efficient project management. Critically, her deep dive into the world of online content has also sparked and developed a keen interest and advanced skill set in search engine optimization (SEO). Noelle understands the intricate algorithms and user behaviors that govern online visibility, allowing her to strategically position our content for maximum reach and impact. She excels at transforming complex information into accessible, engaging, and SEO-friendly articles, ensuring that our readers not only find our expert advice but also genuinely benefit from its clarity and relevance. Her strategic vision and hands-on editorial prowess are instrumental in maintaining our high standards of quality and ensuring our content remains a leading resource for home and DIY enthusiasts seeking practical solutions and inspiring ideas.

Carmen De La Paz

Supervising Project Editor

Carmen De La Paz brings an extraordinary breadth of professional woodworking and home renovation expertise to our team as Supervising Project Editor. Her extensive background is not only rooted in hands-on craftsmanship but also extends to a vibrant career as an on-camera personality, making her uniquely adept at communicating complex DIY processes in an engaging and accessible manner. Carmen has graced the screens of numerous prominent networks, including impactful appearances as a skilled carpenter on several shows for HGTV, two Emmy-nominated seasons on OWN’s “Home Made Simple,” and productions for FOX International and NBC/Telemundo. Most recently, she held the esteemed role of Lead Carpenter on the Spanish language version of “Ask This Old House” for ROKU, showcasing her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire them through practical, skilled demonstrations.

Beyond her media presence, Carmen is deeply committed to community service and historical preservation. She actively serves as a City Commissioner and holds the Chair position for The Landmark and Restoration Commission in her hometown of Waukesha, Wisconsin. This role highlights her dedication to maintaining architectural heritage and ensuring quality craftsmanship endures in public and private spaces, aligning perfectly with our values of durability and timeless design. Carmen’s most profound creative passion lies in woodturning, an art form she not only practices with exceptional skill but also teaches and demonstrates globally. Her passion has led her to prestigious woodturning symposiums across South Africa, Australia, Puerto Rico, and various locations throughout the United States, where she inspires aspiring woodturners and shares her intricate techniques. Her unique combination of practical renovation experience, compelling on-screen presentation, civic engagement, and artistic woodworking makes Carmen an unparalleled authority and an inspiring voice in the world of home improvement and craftsmanship.

Harrison Kral

Senior Editor

Harrison Kral embodies the spirit of practical ingenuity, a born-and-bred Midwesterner with an unwavering passion for both writing and building things. As our Senior Editor, he serves as the definitive guide for a vast array of home improvement projects, expertly bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re embarking on a major outdoor undertaking, like constructing a robust deck that stands the test of time, or navigating the complexities of modern smart home integration, Harrison is your trusted resource. His comprehensive understanding ensures that every piece of advice is not only accurate but also incredibly actionable, reflecting a grounded, common-sense approach to DIY.

Harrison’s editorial purview is exceptionally broad, covering critical topics that homeowners and DIY enthusiasts need to master. He regularly delves into the latest construction industry news, providing insightful analysis on market trends, new materials, and evolving building codes. He keeps our readers informed about cutting-edge home building trends, from sustainable design practices to innovative modular construction techniques, always with an eye toward practical application for the average homeowner. Furthermore, his expertise extends into the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology, where he breaks down complex systems like WiFi networks, home automation, and integrated security solutions into easy-to-understand guides. Harrison’s unique ability to translate highly technical information into clear, concise, and helpful content empowers our readers to confidently tackle both basic repairs and advanced technological upgrades. His dedication to accuracy, combined with his natural aptitude for explaining intricate processes, makes him an indispensable part of our team, ensuring our content remains at the forefront of the home improvement and technology sectors.

Rebecca Wright

Associate Editor

Rebecca Wright brings a foundational understanding of DIY to her role as Associate Editor, having been her dad’s dedicated assistant on various projects since she was old enough to walk. This early, hands-on exposure to home improvement instilled in her a practical perspective and an appreciation for the details that make a project successful. Before joining our team, Rebecca honed her versatile editorial skills as a freelance writer and editor across a diverse range of industries. This experience provided her with a keen eye for clarity, conciseness, and engaging storytelling, which she now expertly applies to the specific demands of home and DIY content. She excels at transforming complex instructions and technical jargon into accessible, reader-friendly articles that empower even novice DIYers.

As an Associate Editor, Rebecca is meticulous in ensuring that every piece of content meets our rigorous standards for accuracy, helpfulness, and readability. Her dedication to editorial excellence guarantees that our articles are not only informative but also enjoyable to read and easy to follow. When she’s not refining articles and guiding our content to perfection, Rebecca maintains a vibrant personal life that subtly informs her professional approach. She is an avid runner, finding focus and discipline in her pursuit of physical endurance—qualities that translate into her meticulous attention to detail in editing. Her passion for trying out new recipes speaks to her experimental spirit and precision, as successful cooking, much like DIY, relies on following steps accurately and understanding the interplay of components. Furthermore, her love for reading fuels her continuous learning and broadens her perspective, enabling her to draw connections and bring fresh insights to her work. Rebecca’s blend of practical DIY experience, sharp editorial acumen, and a curious, disciplined mindset makes her an invaluable asset in crafting our high-quality home improvement resources.

Patrick Vang

Project Editor

Patrick Vang’s journey into the world of DIY began at an impressively young age, sparking his passion for hands-on work through the classic American tradition of car repair. His first taste of mechanical prowess involved helping his father and brothers meticulously fix up their iconic 1985 MK2 Toyota Supra. From the intricacies of swapping out an alternator and exhaust systems to the fundamental discipline of performing simple oil changes, these formative experiences cultivated a deep understanding of mechanical systems, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of a job well done. While a significant portion of his time continues to be spent under the hood—primarily tending to his own vehicles and assisting friends—this automotive background has profoundly shaped his approach to all forms of practical projects.

Beyond the garage, Patrick possesses a strong and diverse background in landscaping, demonstrating his versatile skill set in transforming outdoor spaces. Over the years, he has designed and constructed numerous durable and aesthetically pleasing brick patios, robust retaining walls that master challenging terrains, and captivating outdoor fireplaces that become focal points for gatherings. These landscaping projects often organically led him into various carpentry tasks, showcasing his ability to seamlessly transition between different trades. He has expertly undertaken tasks such as repairing siding to enhance home exteriors, precisely installing doors for improved security and aesthetics, and even conceptualizing and building intricate pergolas that add charm and function to outdoor living areas. Patrick’s hands-on experience across automotive, landscaping, and carpentry disciplines provides him with an unparalleled practical wisdom, making him an ideal Project Editor who understands the nuances of physical work and can translate complex build processes into clear, actionable instructions for our readers.

Our editorial team is dedicated to being your go-to source for all home-related projects, ensuring that every article, guide, and tutorial is imbued with expert knowledge and a passion for craftsmanship. We’re constantly working to bring you the best advice, inspiration, and practical tips to make your house a home, one project at a time.