In the show , they have a bit of a “ brains meet brawn ” relationship , although they each have plenty of both .
“ She has crazy fun ideas and I have experience ,” said Cappie . Together , they bring their own unique perspectives and ideas to create the best possible product for their clients .
“ One of the things that ’ s been fun for me is that it doesn ’ t have to be that serious . Don ’ t sweat the small things ,” said Cappie . Alex agrees .
“ It ’ s really an excuse to goof off ,” she said . In fact , she said that at some points in filming , every week or so , the crew has to wrangle them back on track from their fun and get back to focusing on the task at hand .
They hope their lighthearted approach , born out of building their own backyard projects for fun , shows others that it ’ s okay to learn as you become problem-solvers , use some imagination and embrace the opportunity to make a few mistakes .
They are also excited to bring the beauty of Spearfish and the greater Black Hills area to the world stage , although they receive daily offers to work all over the country .
“ We said hold on , we want to showcase Spearfish and showcase the Black Hills because it ’ s really a beautiful spot to work . I think it ’ s a hidden gem that not a lot of folks can see ,” said Alex .
Being close to home is also an important assurance for Cappie as Alex is still a kid and in school .
“ At the end of the day , she is 15 , she is in school , she has a life and friends and dances to go to ,” said Cappie , “ It ’ s important to her to be a kid .”
Through documenting the duo ’ s collaborative and loving relationship in work and in life , the show also highlights a positive step-parent and child relationship , something they ’ ve both come to appreciate as they hear from viewers , although it wasn ’ t necessarily something they thought about as they were making the show .
“ What ’ s been fascinating for us is that in the beginning , that ’ s not what it started as ,” said Cappie — it just came organically to the show because it came organically to them .
Alex says that people can often get a “ Disney-fied ” view of step-parent and child relationships — think Cinderella and her wicked step-mother . “ Alex and I have a different relationship ,” said Cappie . “ He ’ s just a normal paternal figure in my life . It doesn ’ t have to be different just because it ' s not blood-related , and I think that ’ s a big message that we want to [ put out ],” said Alex .
They say that they ’ ve heard from many viewers who appreciated seeing a more realistic view of a step-parent and child relationship , and some have even thanked them for setting such an example .
“ It ’ s been a lot of fun just to be able to create with each other ,” said Cappie .
“ Building Outside the Lines " isn ’ t the only exciting development in their lives and careers either . This spring , they are working on a new project , Shortgrass Resort , a luxury getaway just outside Spearfish complete with a bespoke guest “ tents " imported from Denmark , a private restaurant , concierge service and a wellness center that also boasts an on-staff massage therapist .
A 1930s-era aqueduct leads guests through rolling hills of shortgrass prairie to the resort . Once there , they are treated to views of the meandering Red River which cuts through the property , and at night , they can fall asleep under the starry dome of endless sky as coyotes howl a haunting lullaby — with all the best the Black Hills has to offer just moments away .
One of the eventual goals of the on-site restaurant is to be a truly farm-to-table experience , with 80 % of the food served being sourced from the resort itself . Plans include greenhouses and gardens , even citrus trees .
Guests can also enjoy hammocking on a shady spot in the 52 acres , tubing down the Red River or sit around a bonfire as they take in some live music .
“ Building Outside the Lines ” can be caught airing on the Magnolia Network as well as on the streaming service Max .
Alex and Cappie smile in front of some wood they found and will be reshaping .
11