A few years ago I visited the set of Built to Shred and one of the standout moments was an unexpected meeting with Joanie Sprague. Today she joins the new cast of Trading Spaces on TLC, bringing authentic contractor experience and on-camera presence to the revived series.
Listen to our podcast with Joanie on Tool Crave.
The Built to Shred team had outdone themselves with a dramatic spiral-of-death ramp. The complexity of the skate structures impressed me—these ramps looked like something only daredevils would ride. Among the skaters and builders, a tall blonde stood out; she seemed more focused on the craft of construction than on showmanship.
I introduced myself, and near the end of our conversation Joanie mentioned, modestly, that she hosted her own show. It was refreshing to meet a television personality who truly works as a licensed contractor and cares more about building quality projects than promoting a book or a persona. The story only gets better from there.
Trading Spaces isn’t Joanie’s first home improvement gig. She co-hosted Run My Renovation on the DIY Network, and earlier she was the runner-up on Cycle 6 of America’s Next Top Model. That mix of backgrounds is uncommon among licensed contractors, which made me curious to dig into how she transitioned from modeling to renovation work.
Read on to learn how she turned a runway past into a hands-on building career.
C&H: How has it been working on your own DIY Network show?
Joanie: Working on the DIY Network has been incredible. I couldn’t have asked for better people to collaborate with—talented, patient, and genuinely supportive. Shooting television has its stresses and ups and downs, but every time I go back to work it puts a big smile on my face. I’ve learned so much, and I know there’s more to learn. It has been a real blessing.
C&H: How did a Top Model contestant become a DIY Network personality? Has your modeling background helped?
Joanie: A model turned contractor—stranger things have happened. For me, it felt like the right path. I’ve always been handy and followed my father around learning how to fix and build things. That hands-on upbringing stuck with me. I also run a small business, Neat Freaks LA, doing closets, organization, and various handyman tasks.
My on-the-job experience, combined with the visibility from ANTM, led a friend to record me working on a project and take the footage to the DIY Network. A few months later I was auditioning.
Modeling mainly helps when presenting finished work—I sometimes feel a bit like Vanna White, showing off the final reveal—and that visibility can be useful. But my focus remains on the building and the craft.
C&H: What are your short- and long-term goals beyond Run My Renovation?
Joanie: Ideally I’d love to have my own show that empowers women to take on home improvement projects and learn the real skills needed to do-it-yourself. I’d like to build a brand around women’s workwear and tools designed with women in mind. If I could achieve a lifestyle-and-home figure similar to Martha Stewart—minus the legal issues—that would be amazing.
C&H: What’s the best way for DIY fans to learn new skills after watching your show?
Joanie: DIY Network how-to videos are excellent, and free classes at Lowe’s and Home Depot are great for hands-on learning. Don’t underestimate online resources—Google and YouTube are lifesavers when you need a quick tutorial. I still rely on video guides when I’m troubleshooting a project.
C&H: What do you enjoy outside of home improvement?
Joanie: I love video editing—I’m a Mac user and Final Cut Pro enthusiast. Shooting and editing videos is a creative outlet I’d pursue full-time if I had the time. I also enjoy cooking, painting, playing piano, and traveling. Recently I started CrossFit and appreciate the community of athletes and friends. And I’m always excited to see live concerts and performances.
C&H: Thanks, Joanie!
Catch Joanie on the return of Trading Spaces, which premiered April 7 on TLC.
Joanie operates her contractor and organization business, Neat Freaks LA. She also connects with fans on social media.
Mini-Profile
1. Favorite Designer
Joanie gravitates toward modern design influences—Le Corbusier, Gropius, Oppenheim, Arata Isozaki, and the Wrights. She grew up near Fallingwater, which shaped her appreciation for architecture. Lately she also admires cottage-style interiors and reclaimed wood pieces. In fashion she favors denim label Ksubi, LA-based Future Heretics, Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, Gucci and Valentino handbags, and Bulgari jewelry.
2. Coveted Tool
Makita impact driver—her go-to and must-have tool.
3. Best Meal
Sushi or grilled salmon with roasted sweet potatoes; Joanie follows a Paleo lifestyle.
4. Dream Car
An Audi A8 in black-on-black or a white Porsche Panamera with tan interior.
5. Memorable Book
“The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra—she says it changed her life.
6. Favorite Film
Ciao Manhattan and Love Me If You Dare.
7. Ultimate Travel Destination
Machu Picchu or the underwater hotel in Dubai.
8. First Thing You Ever Built
As a child she built a multi-room fort from scrap wood and found materials—a project she remembers fondly.