Rowhouse Showdown :: SoCal Boys Show Us How to Get It Done

Joshua Altman and Geoffrey Taft are no strangers to success and difficult challenges. Both have had each in their young lives. A couple who met at a business convention in NYC, their relationship, both personally and as business partners, would take them far.

Most recently, and over the last six years, their real estate collaboration flipping properties would lead them to their current challenge as television's newest renovation mavens. Currently featured on A&E's just-launched network, FYI, the show pits them against two other teams in television's latest designer challenge, "Rowhouse Showdown."

The object? To transform dilapidated homes in a distressed Cincinnati, Ohio neighborhood. The catch? Living in those run-down properties while executing the renovations... Did we mention dilapidated? The goal: Whomever is most successful at increasing the appeal of their property goes home with the grand prize of $50,000, with their home renovation featured on Dwell magazine's website.

The show is hosted by renovation expert Carter Oosterhouse, who undoubtedly knows his way around a toolbelt, along with Designer, Kathy Kuo, and Cincinnati-based house flipper Jim Bronzie, the two "in house" judges tasked with assessing each team's renovations.

Josh was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, and moved to Northern California to attend U.C. Berkeley. After graduation he managed to find a great deal of success, being involved in Silicon Valley start-ups, as many do in that part of the world. Playing on that success, he moved into real estate, purchasing properties, renovating and designing them on the side... and that is where he found his true passion.

As he says, "After many successful renovations I migrated to real estate and design full time; I now specialize in the creation of daring, elegant and luxurious residences. 'Coastal Elegance' is the key to my designs. I incorporate influences from the Hamptons, Malibu and Southern California. I am known for blending fine art, reclaimed and organic materials, which result in soothing elegant environments."

Geoff was introduced to buying and selling properties through his role at a nationally acclaimed publishing house. It gave him the experience and qualifications necessary to fuel his eventual success in real estate. He acquired his brokers license and began to focus all of his time and energy acquiring, renovating, and selling properties in Southern California -- invaluable experience when it came to "Rowhouse Showdown." "One of my most recent projects was an abandoned foreclosure in Mission Hills [San Diego], California. The home was previously a neglected ranch-style home that was transformed into a Spanish masterpiece. I love taking the ugliest house on the street and transforming it into a true show-stopper." A perfect attitude to have for what was to come...

Each has honed their particular design aesthetic over the years and the two have managed to find a synchronicity as designers and as a couple that works. For Josh, the vibe is all about comfort, serenity and charm. "My philosophy is based upon the belief that one's home should be a haven. A well-executed home should embody more than just extraordinary design. It should be timeless, unique, luxurious, functional, comfortable and most importantly, represent the owner."

For Geoff, the sensibility tends towards a more transitional styling. "I applaud pairing different textures and elements in a space while accenting old world charm. I have always been drawn to Edwardian style homes frequently found in San Francisco."

He added, "I try not to incorporate too many design decisions that could be intepreted as being 'fad,' as the goal is to achieve a timeless design."

Their involvement in "Rowhouse Showdown" came about by chance; it was one of Josh's longtime friends in San Francisco who passed on the casting information for the show. Josh explained, laughing, "She heard the production company was looking for big personalities with even larger designs. She was convinced I was what they were looking for; she said if I didn't apply she would do it for me!"

Geoff backed him up and talked about how fast it all happened. "It seemed like a perfect opportunity to showcase both of our unique talents. Though neither of us expected the process to move along so quickly... within a matter of weeks we were on a plane to Cincinnati."

They were also not prepared for the level of disrepair they found in their assigned property. Geoff was most succinct in his response: "When Josh first opened the door, I thought to myself, what a shit hole! What did we get ourselves into? Do they expect us to do all this work ourselves?"

Josh echoed the sentiment, adding, "The property was a complete disaster. We are both real estate agents, so we have seen properties in every condition. This one however, bordered on a tear down - so we were pretty freaked out the first day seeing it."

The renovation process has been a true challenge for both of them. Living and working in the space, they both talked about acclimating to the task. Josh chatted about the difficulties they faced daily. "Given the short time frames, it has been a challenge to bring the rooms to a place where it represented my taste and aesthetic. I am a perfectionist when it comes to design. Giving up control is not something I easily do."

For Geoff, the obstacles were similar, but his difficulties have more to do with timing aspects. "The show presents many challenges; we were in an unfamiliar place, working with crews we had never worked with before, and had little to no time to acclimate. However, the biggest challenge by far has to be the timelines!"

Managing any relationship, working or otherwise, can be complex in the best of circumstances. However, if you have ever done (or plan to do) a remodel, you learn very quickly how stressful the process can be - and for the "Rowhouse Showdown" teams, it is there for all of America to see. Josh talked about how quickly it surfaced for another team. "Ted and Krystal were at each other's throats very quickly."

He continued by explaining their advantage over the other teams. "Geoff and I have renovated many properties together, so we actually don't experience any of the similar strains you see with the other teams. It was definitely an advantage. You have to know how to play to each other's strengths and weaknesses."

Geoff offered this on the other teams: "Katie and Dan are consistent week over week, and Anya and Alena have been a nice addition to the challenge. However, they are attempting some bold choices that I'm not so sure the people of Cincinnati will understand or appreciate."

He echoed the advantage of having someone there who was familiar with his process. "The show puts a huge strain on each of the teams, emotionally and physically. Josh and I are so used to working together, we didn't let the drama affect our relationship. We had our spats, although we have kept our focus on finishing each individual challenge, and I think that has worked out well for us as a team."

When asked how they would each categorize the three most important lessons they learned individually from being on the show, Josh opined, "Take risks, be confident and be unique." Geoff countered with, "Organization, prioritization and teamwork. Organization is instrumental, and is vital in every renovation project. Prioritization is something we learned the hard way. We wanted to make sure we consistently delivered bold and daring designs, but that often put us outside of the show's timetables. We are learning to break our designs
down, to really home in on the 'must haves' and work our way down the list. Lastly, teamwork: If it wasn't for our ability to work as a team, we would have never been able to complete a single challenge."

Both are proud of their work, and Josh shared his most cherished moments so far. "I am most proud of our ambition large-scale designs and execution. Every single challenge so far, we really we really fought hard to bring the most value and best design to our rooms. The judges always give us consistent advice to scale back, but we decided to keep pushing ourselves,"

Geoff followed with his take on what makes him proudest about the show and experience so far. "I'm proud to be part of the revitalization of the Price Hill area. It's once knowing that we are the pioneers who are planting the seeds to propel this neighborhood to a whole new level. All it takes is one house to start a movement and inspire others to reinvest in their community."

When asked about advice to those seeking to enter into the renovation world both were very clear, with Josh jumping in first. "Start small, always research the property, and be willing to take a chance. Success doesn't come overnight, but with each renovation you learn what to do better the next time around. Before long, you will master the process and gain more confidence."

His experiences as a real estate agent came through when Geoff offered his take on things. "Look for the house that has been sitting on the market for a while. Often times you will be able to get the best deal this way. Don't be afraid of the peeling wallpaper or the ugly carpeting. In fact, the uglier, the better. This is where you will find the greatest discounts. Always perform a thorough inspection of the property, using a licensed inspector, to ensure the safety and reliability of the home. Most importantly, know when to call in the professionals -- cutting corners can be a costly mistake!"

What's next on the horizon for these two "tear-it-down, build-it-back-up" boys once "Rowhouse Showdown" is over? Geoff loves the process of showcasing their designs on television and would like to continue the trend. "We would love to bring our designs to television again in a way that is creative and [has] never done before -- so, stay tuned. You just might be seeing a lot more of us!"

Josh was a little more real world about their next project. "We are planning to rehab a dilapidated commercial space in San Diego for out new real estate business, ApprizeRealty Inc. We plan on creating a fun and sexy environment for our clients to enjoy while further establishing our roosts in Southern California. Stay tines as you just may be seeing more of this real estate duo."

A bright future ahead for these two? I think you can count on that!

"Rowhouse Showdown" is on A&E's newest network FYI. Check your local listings for show times and make sure to catch the season finale on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Find out more about the show at fyi.tv/shows/rowhouse-showdown.

To keep up with Josh and Geoff and to find out more about their new brokerage office, ApprizeRealty, call 619-752-3777 or go to approzerealty.com