Leading a Sorority House Renovation with AXiD’s Alyssa Huff

On today's episode of Sorority Chat, host Liz Alexander welcomes Alyssa Huff, an Alpha Xi Delta alumna and scientist, to discuss volunteering as house corporation president during the University of Washington chapter house renovation in Seattle. Elisa explains how commercial-style regulations, city permitting, and the realities of remodeling a nearly 100-year-old historic home—plus asbestos, outdated electrical, and major plumbing needs—made the project far different from HGTV expectations, and how communicating those constraints to alumni was challenging. She shares key lessons, including engaging a local contractor early, coordinating the contractor and architect together, and hiring a third-party owner’s rep to protect the chapter’s interests and manage budget oversight. Elisa also reflects on her AZD journey as a founding member at Western Kentucky, staying connected through scholarships and community, and balancing intense volunteer leadership with her academic career and new faculty role in Washington, DC.

📌 Connect with Alyssa

📸 @alyhuff30

🌐 https://hufflab.smhs.gwu.edu/

📌 Connect with Liz:

📸 ⁠⁠Instagram: @pdrinteriors⁠

🌐 ⁠Website: PDR Interiors⁠⁠

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Sorority Chat is your go-to podcast for all things Greek life! Liz Alexander hosts this show for sorority leaders, house directors, alumni, and anyone who loves sisterhood and the traditions that make Greek life unique. From leadership insights to house renovations and recruitment tips, Sorority Chat brings you real conversations, thoughtful insights, and fun stories.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 HGTV vs Reality

00:34 Welcome to Sorority Chat

00:59 Meet Alyssa Huff

02:52 Renovation Reality Check

05:17 Seattle Permitting Roadblocks

06:20 Start With the Contractor

10:25 Budgeting and Student Needs

17:05 Why Hire an Owner's Rep

20:05 Colonizing at WKU

24:46 Staying Connected to AXiD

28:22 Life in DC and What's Next

29:49 Wrap Up and House Hot Take

30:30 Pro Tip: Where Sisters Hang

31:22 Final Thanks and Subscribe