What makes a home truly work for the people living in it? And how do you know when a renovation is worth the investment?

On this episode of MIC Hamptons, Michael Petersohn sits down with Katherine Serrano-Sosa, founder of Rooted Architecture Studio, to talk about the decisions that shape great homes, from renovations and new construction to thoughtful design that supports everyday living.

Katherine shares her journey from growing up around construction sites to building her own architecture firm, and why she believes good design should be about much more than appearances.

They also get into what makes designing homes in the Hamptons unique, which renovations can add value, why not every home needs an open floor plan, and the importance of planning before construction begins.

Whether you're buying, building, renovating, or simply love architecture and real estate, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on creating spaces that feel as good as they look.

In this episode:

• Katherine's journey into architecture and entrepreneurship
• What makes Hamptons home design different
• Renovating versus building from scratch
• Design decisions that can improve functionality and resale value
• Why indoor-outdoor living continues to matter
• The importance of thoughtful planning before construction
• How architects, interior designers, and contractors collaborate

Connect with Katherine:

Rooted Architecture Studio
Instagram: @rooted_architecture
Website: https://rootedarchitecturestudio.com

Connect with MIC Hamptons:

Hosted by Michael Petersohn of Brown Harris Stevens
Presented with support from Flying Point Media Group https://www.flyingpointli.com/ and Hamptons Networking Group
https://hngli.com

Subscribe to MIC Hamptons for conversations with the professionals shaping business, real estate, and life across the Hamptons and Long Island.

Chapters:

00:00 Meet Katherine Serrano-Sosa
00:55 From Construction Sites to Architecture
03:05 Building an Architecture Business
04:20 The Value of Bilingual Communication
06:10 Residential and Commercial Design
07:10 Collaborating with Interior Designers
08:05 Designing Homes in the Hamptons
09:50 Renovations, Restorations & New Builds
13:15 When Renovating Isn't Worth It
14:35 What Makes a Project Successful?
15:45 Renovations That Add Home Value
17:15 A Unique Commercial Design Project
19:10 Architecture Rapid Fire
22:15 Advice Before Building or Renovating
24:10 The Boutique Architecture Approach
25:10 Relationships and HNG Collaboration
26:15 Connect with Rooted Architecture Studio