In this special holiday episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk about the impact of the holiday season on residential architecture — both in how homes function and how clients think about their spaces. As residential architects, this time of year brings a unique set of challenges and insights. The conversation starts with a shared reality: everyone wants to be “in by the holidays,” but timelines rarely allow for that. Finishing construction projects in December is complicated by shorter days, worker availability, and seasonal slowdowns across permitting and trade schedules. We often find ourselves having to reset expectations around what’s actually possible.

But while it may not be the best time to build, it is a great time to plan. Holidays put pressure on a house — large meals, extended families, sleeping arrangements — and that pressure helps reveal what works and what doesn’t. We encourage people to keep a running list of things they love and things that drive them crazy during the holidays. From where people gather, to where the Christmas tree goes, to what makes hosting feel either effortless or frustrating — it’s all data that informs future design.

We also dig into lighting challenges in the dark winter months, kitchen layouts that either support or hinder multiple cooks, and the subtle impact of things like electrical outlet placement or rug safety for multi-generational guests. Storage — especially for seasonal décor — comes up, and we talk about the rise of the scullery or second kitchen as a functional space to support larger gatherings.

Importantly, we all agree that the size or formality of the home doesn’t matter nearly as much as how it supports the people living in it. Sheri shares a moment from her early days hosting with pizza and paper plates, reminding us that hospitality isn’t about perfection. Taylor stresses designing for accessibility and comfort, especially when entertaining older guests or little ones. Marilyn reflects on her 300-year-old family farmhouse, emphasizing how spaces that hold generations of memory can be the most meaningful of all.

Jon Gay joins us to talk about his upcoming move to a new home and how much he’s learned through this podcast in planning that transition. As always, we close by reflecting on one thing we’d each change and one thing we love about our homes during the holidays — a perfect way to wrap up a thoughtful and heartfelt episode about designing homes that support real life and real memories.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we shift gears from our usual format and instead take a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in our practices right now. This is the kind of conversation we usually have among ourselves—comparing notes, sharing site challenges, and navigating the daily curveballs of architectural work. We figured it was time to let listeners in on that part of the story too.

Sheri kicks things off with a construction tale from a high-end custom home in Columbus, Ohio. The project includes modern detailing with integral gutters—beautiful in theory, but tricky in execution. A suggestion from the roofing contractor about increasing gutter size triggered a domino effect across multiple components: the fascia detail had to be reworked, structural concerns had to be addressed, and everyone from the architect to the structural engineer to the truss designer had to weigh in. The clients didn't know it was happening at the time—it’s one of those moments where the team just quietly collaborates to get it right. We highlight how small changes can ripple across a whole system, and how critical the architect's role is during Construction Contract Administration (CCA), even when the client doesn’t see it firsthand.

Marilyn gives an update from the design side. Her team is in the final push to complete a full interiors package for a gut renovation. With decisions flying—from towel bar placements to floor outlets under rugs—she’s witnessing full-blown decision fatigue from the clients. Even with our guidance and proposed solutions, the sheer volume of micro-decisions in custom home design is overwhelming. It’s a reminder of how much care, precision, and stamina go into making a house truly personalized.

Taylor shares how a medical situation with one client caused schedule shifts across multiple projects. But instead of creating delays, it opened up the chance to move some projects forward. She reflects on the nimbleness smaller firms can offer—being flexible, responsive, and willing to pivot when life inevitably gets in the way. We all agree: we aim to serve, adapt, and show grace when the unexpected happens—whether it’s a health issue, a hacker, or a graduation party.

Ultimately, this episode is a snapshot of the real-time, human-centered work of architecture. It’s not just plans and permits—it’s relationships, collaboration, problem-solving, and a lot of deep listening. We love our clients—even the ones who text too early—and we’re proud of the invisible work we do to make the process smoother and the end result stronger.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Mark LePage, architect, podcaster, and founder of EntreArchitect. We start by exploring Mark’s deep ties to the architecture community, including how he brought our three hosts together through the mastermind groups of the EntreArchitect Academy. Mark shares how the desire to improve how architects talk about business led him to launch a blog in 2007, which ultimately became a thriving podcast and online resource that has impacted thousands.

We then dive into Mark’s personal journey renovating a 1934 stucco cottage in Chappaqua, New York. He and his wife Annmarie, also an architect, purchased the house in 1997 after falling in love with its untouched vintage charm—even though it had been neglected for decades and was on the verge of being torn down. They saw potential where others saw a teardown. Their initial phase involved cleaning and restoring the house to a livable condition, doing most of the work themselves.

Phase two came after the birth of their children, when Annmarie's father helped fund an addition to make the home more functional. They added a second story, modern HVAC, and all-new systems while keeping the design faithful to the original structure. Though both architects, they faced familiar homeowner struggles—like living through part of the renovation, learning the hard way that it’s rarely worth the inconvenience.

In phase three, they finished the kitchen and dining room with a higher level of detail, taking care to elevate the home’s value in a neighborhood where teardowns were common. Mark describes their philosophy as being stewards of the home, making sure it would last beyond their ownership. We also cover his second renovation in North Carolina after relocating to be near family. In that project, Mark again applied strategic phasing, but faced new challenges—especially with contractors and scheduling in a new region. His advice for homeowners is clear: plan thoroughly with a master plan, be honest about your budget, and don’t underestimate the importance of timing and infrastructure.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on how much love and intention can shape a home. Mark reminds us that architects can help homeowners not just with drawings, but with long-term strategy, emotional stewardship, and tough decisions. His mantra—love, learn, share—resonates across everything we discussed.

More: Mark's Entre Architect: https://entrearchitect.com/

Mark and Annemarie's new North Carolina home on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldenpondhome

00:00 – Intro to the Podcast
01:07 – Meet Mark LePage
03:19 – The Origin of EntreArchitect
06:00 – The 12/12/12 Launch
10:45 – Transition to Mark’s Home Renovation Story
11:14 – Finding the Chappaqua Cottage
17:47 – Purchasing the Neglected Gem
20:00 – Initial Renovation and Move-In
22:36 – Phase Two: The Addition
26:56 – Designing as Architects and Living Through It
30:48 – Lessons from Living in Construction
34:18 – HVAC, Plumbing, and Infrastructure Tips
37:28 – Phase Three: The Dream Kitchen
38:20 – Advice on Strategic Phasing
42:00 – Budget Honesty and Contingency Planning
46:08 – The Move to North Carolina
50:00 – Renovating in the South
53:14 – Favorite Parts of Each Home
55:04 – Closing Reflections & Takeaways
59:27 – Outro and Contact Info

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into the world of flooring—what works, what doesn’t, and why context matters more than any single rule. We’ve all dealt with the pressure of making long-term, expensive flooring decisions, so we unpack real-life experiences to offer guidance that’s both practical and design-savvy.

We kick off with Marilyn’s bold stance: no tile in the kitchen. She argues it’s uncomfortable, impractical, and stylistically outdated. While Taylor pushes back slightly with visions of a Mediterranean-style saltillo-tiled kitchen, we all agree that wood floors are often overlooked but perfectly viable for kitchens—and even bathrooms—if properly protected and maintained.

From there, we get into the nuts and bolts of flooring choices. Subfloors matter. Whether you’re working on a new build or a renovation, structural stiffness and existing conditions (like a concrete slab) play a huge role in what flooring will perform best. Large format tiles, for example, require structural reinforcement or a crack isolation membrane. Mosaic tiles can offer a workaround in older homes where subfloors are uneven.

Engineered hardwood becomes a focal point as we explore how it helps bridge gaps between aesthetic goals and structural limitations. It's more dimensionally stable, especially over slabs, and available in exotic species and wide plank formats. But we caution listeners—check the wear layer. A cheap engineered floor won’t last, and refinishing may be impossible.

Accessibility and aging-in-place design also surface as important factors. Taylor shares promising innovations like cork underlayments and materials from senior living environments that reduce fall injuries—perfect for clients with mobility challenges.

We touch briefly on carpet—yes, it's still in the mix for stairs, slippery spots, or kid-friendly basements—and then dive into the controversial topic of LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). Sheri talks about the “love-hate” relationship many of us have with it. It’s cost-effective, resilient, and water-resistant, but it’s plastic underfoot and not repairable like wood. Taylor shares her decade-plus of personal experience with LVP in a hard-use basement, while Marilyn champions polished concrete and linoleum as more sustainable alternatives. We all agree: it's situational, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Finally, we discuss aesthetics and trends. While flooring choices don’t swing wildly year to year, finish colors certainly do—dark, gray, and now natural. We also highlight oil finishes as a stunning, underutilized option, with Marilyn emphasizing the beauty and ease of use—even if it's not for every household.

We wrap up with a reminder: flooring is not just about looks. Durability, health, sustainability, and how you live all matter. The more you know your needs, the better your flooring decisions will be.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we talk with Brahm, a homeowner in Cincinnati, Ohio, who recently completed a new custom build in Indian Hill. This was his second time building a home, and while the first experience was rocky, this time around he struck gold—with the team, the process, and the final result. We walk through his journey from initial spark to move-in, digging into everything from design decisions to the importance of asking questions—even late in the process.

We start by getting the lay of the land: the home is a little over 7,500 square feet including the finished lower level, with a four-car garage and traditional architectural styling. Although it began as a French country concept, the look shifted along the way. Brahm shares how life events and COVID-era reflections prompted a focus on aging in place, including designing a dedicated caregiver suite. He also kept a running wish list and created a room-by-room heat map of his old house to guide design priorities—a level of clarity that shaped everything from layout to finish selection.

Throughout the project, Brahm emphasizes the importance of flexibility and mindset. One key takeaway: plan for a contingency in your budget and get comfortable spending it. He tells us how his initial instinct was to cut corners early, but by the end, he was more willing to invest in meaningful upgrades—like expanding stone on the exterior or designing the home gym he always wanted. We talk about the value of speaking up even late in the game, and how his team consistently responded with, “If it’s what you want, let’s figure it out.”

We also hear about the personal touches that made the home truly his: a four-car garage he treats like a showroom, a well-lit and Zen-inspired home gym, and a themed Dungeons & Dragons room that taps into an interest he and his son re-connected with. He credits his successful outcome to a strong builder-architect relationship, an engaged mindset, and making decisions based on how he and his wife actually live—not resale value or trends.

We wrap with some real talk: no project is perfect. Even when the team is solid and the process is smooth, there will always be second guesses and minor regrets. But for Brahm, the joy far outweighs the doubts—and that’s a win.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into what “the team” really means on a residential construction project. It’s not just the architect and contractor—though they’re obviously key—it’s a broader group of specialists that we as architects are responsible for assembling and managing throughout the life of the project.

We start by breaking down the essential players on our teams. In Massachusetts, where energy codes are strict, Marilyn shares how a HERS rater is always involved early to help build an energy model. She also consistently brings on structural, civil, and mechanical engineers. Taylor echoes the need for structural and civil engineers in Alabama but explains how local requirements vary, like not needing HERS raters or having limited access to residential mechanical engineers. She also often brings in geotechnical engineers and septic consultants for properties off the sewer grid.

We talk about how these consultants—whether hired directly by us or through the contractor—play critical roles in ensuring code compliance and system performance. Importantly, we manage the coordination, communication, and sometimes even the payments, so clients don’t feel overwhelmed by a flood of separate bills or responsibilities. Our job is to handle that complexity and keep the process smooth.

Then we dive into specialty consultants. Lighting designers, AV teams, security consultants, landscape architects, and even niche experts like art or gym consultants might join the team depending on the project’s needs. Marilyn brings up healthy building materials consultants for projects with clients who have environmental sensitivities—a growing consideration in design.

We emphasize how critical it is to work with a trusted team that has experience collaborating. The synergy of a well-practiced group pays off in better results and fewer delays. Trying to save money by hiring unknown consultants can backfire by creating confusion or miscommunication.

We also touch on the differences between design-build and full-service design depending on local norms. Sheri and Taylor often rely on subcontractors to handle MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) design, while Marilyn prefers to fully design HVAC systems in-house due to the complexity and code demands in her region. These differences highlight how local practices influence how architects assemble their teams and deliver services.

Ultimately, the metaphor we land on is the architect as orchestra conductor—someone who understands every part but focuses on bringing it all together into a coherent, efficient, and beautiful result.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story Podcast, we sit down with Greg from Central Kentucky to unpack the twists and turns of his custom home build during the height of COVID. We begin by learning why Greg and his wife chose to relocate to Kentucky — wanting to be closer to family and create a calm, settled place for their four young children. With prior experience building two homes through production builders and Greg’s background in commercial construction, they felt confident enough to tackle a custom build without an architect, trusting a local builder recommended by their realtor.

As we dive deeper, Greg shares how quickly that confidence faded. Due diligence turned out to be the biggest lesson learned. Early on, they relied on the builder to handle both the design and construction. Instead of detailed construction documents, they received rough plans that left too much open to interpretation. Because of supply chain delays and poor planning, the house sat framed but unfinished through an entire Kentucky winter, leading to stress over moisture damage and scheduling nightmares.

Greg describes the reality of acting as his own project manager while juggling a full-time job and a growing family. He and his wife took on tasks like creating finish schedules, selecting materials, and coordinating with trades. As the builder struggled to manage trades and schedules, Greg’s frustration grew — not because he didn’t know better, but because he didn’t want to create conflict. Eventually, they stripped work from the builder’s scope just to get the house livable, closing with only a certificate of occupancy and managing painting, trim, and cabinetry themselves through local contractors.

Despite the setbacks, Greg reminds us that there’s still satisfaction in seeing their vision come to life — a spacious home with personal design touches and a serene lot for their boys to run free. Looking back, he underlines the importance of vetting everyone thoroughly — from the builder to every subcontractor — and not assuming base competence without proof. He urges anyone taking on a custom home to ask hard questions up front, check references, understand local trades, and accept that a true custom build demands both time and contingency.

We wrap up recognizing that while this experience was rough, it didn’t have to be. Working with the right professionals, asking tough questions, and having a plan with enough budget and schedule buffer can keep a custom build from becoming a cautionary tale. For Greg and his family, the stress ultimately paid off in a home they now love — but they’ll need a few more years (and bourbons) before doing it again.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode, we dig into the design selections process—what it is, when it should happen, and how to navigate it without losing your mind. Selections refer to everything from fixtures and finishes to materials, colors, and even the tiniest details like shower hardware. While the process might seem straightforward, we’ve found that it’s one of the most underestimated and overwhelming parts of a residential project.

We kick things off by addressing the myth that you can wait until construction starts to choose your finishes. All three of us agree: that’s a recipe for disaster. Waiting leads to rushed decisions, missed coordination opportunities, and unnecessary stress. Ideally, selections should be nearly complete before construction begins—especially for custom homes where every finish is chosen from scratch. That early clarity helps avoid delays and ensures smooth coordination with trades, especially for electrical and plumbing rough-ins that need precise placement information.

Taylor shares an anecdote about a friend’s renovation that stalled due to indecision. In contrast, her clients who made selections early had far fewer issues. Sheri notes that while many of her projects still begin construction before final selections are made, that approach requires a tightly managed process with little room for changes. Marilyn points out how timeline pressure is even more intense in her complex renovations, where rough-ins happen just weeks after demolition. For her, having all selections finalized early is non-negotiable.

We also explore how to tailor the process to different clients. Some love going to showrooms, others want curated choices. Part of our job is understanding decision-making styles—especially when working with couples who may differ dramatically in how they process choices. Marilyn mentions a worksheet in her residential workbook (linked below) that helps clients identify how they make decisions, which guides how we support them throughout.

On the technical side, we discuss how we track and organize selections. From massive Google Sheets to old-school binders and detailed fixture schedules, we all have systems that allow for internal review and clear communication with builders. We emphasize the importance of sign-offs, version control, and not relying on texts or post-its for critical information. It’s about building in checks and balances so nothing gets lost in translation.

We wrap by agreeing on a few golden rules: start with limited, natural materials like stone or wood, and always leave paint for last. Paint is flexible—tile and stone are not. And perhaps most importantly: don’t text your architect about hardware changes at 6 a.m. on a Saturday. You'll hear who has experienced that.

Find Marilyn's worksheets at her shop: https://www.runcibleshop.com/

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.