In the immersive audio journalism piece titled “Building a Renovationship,” created as part of my Masters in Digital Communication at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I had the privilege of telling the remarkable story of my classmate Elizabeth Rose-Arcuri and her husband. This personal narrative captures their journey of renovating their fixer-upper home and how this shared passion for DIY projects has become an integral part of their life and marriage.

Overcoming Challenges

The assignment to interview a classmate posed unique challenges due to the pandemic, which prevented in-person interactions. However, through close collaboration with Elizabeth, I was able to overcome these obstacles and capture the essence of their home renovation experience. I asked Elizabeth to record natural sound during their renovation projects in order to bring listeners into their world.

Narrative Approach

After an in-depth interview with Elizabeth, I sought to convey the emotional arc of her and her husband’s renovation experience in a lighthearted way. I carefully crafted a narrative that chronicled their journey from being unexpectedly thrust into the world of home renovations when their landlord decided to sell the house they were renting weeks before their wedding—forcing them to find and purchase a fixer-upper home. The audio medium allowed for an immersive experience, where listeners could get a light and sometimes humorous feel of the passion, frustration, and eventual satisfaction that unfolded during the renovation process.

Designing the Soundscape

During the editing process, I blended various sounds together to help tell the story. While my voiceover helped drive the narrative forward, excerpts from Elizabeth’s interview allowed her authentic emotions to shine through, providing a personal touch to the storytelling.

To further immerse the listeners, I utilized natural sounds captured during the renovation process. The introduction of power tools and the ambient sounds of the work environment not only added realism and depth but also helped to transport the audience into Elizabeth’s world. Additionally, the use of dialogue between Elizabeth and her husband, woven into the natural sound, provided valuable insight into their communication and collaboration dynamics. It offered a glimpse into their bond and trust in one another.

Inspiring Listeners to Take on Home Projects

As the world grappled with the challenges of the pandemic, many individuals found themselves spending more time at home, sparking a surge of interest in home improvement projects. “Building a Renovationship” becomes particularly relevant in this context, as it not only shares Elizabeth and her husband’s fascinating renovation journey but also inspires listeners to embark on their own projects. By showcasing the captivating projects they undertook, the audio piece seeks to engage and intrigue listeners, encouraging them to explore their own creative potential within the confines of their homes.