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

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