In this snack-sized episode, we dive into one of the most popular homeowner desires: creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. We each reflect on how this goal plays out differently depending on climate, lifestyle, and project constraints. In Ohio, Sheri notes that many clients initially want large sliding doors to open entire walls, but often back away due to limited usability and cost. In Alabama, Taylor highlights the prevalence and value of screen porches, which are usable much of the year and often include fireplaces, fans, and even TVs (for football of course). Meanwhile, in Boston, Marilyn shares how tight urban lots push the focus to roof decks and compact outdoor areas that extend livable space, especially during New England’s short summer.

We discuss how climate fundamentally shapes these spaces—from needing shade and mosquito protection in the South, to maximizing even the tiniest outdoor spots in dense urban areas. Amenities like pools, outdoor kitchens, and storage needs (like for bikes or gardening gear) often influence how these spaces are designed. We emphasize the importance of future-proof planning, especially for features that might be part of a second construction phase, like pool houses or outdoor kitchens. Collaborating with landscape architects emerges as a recurring theme; they bring essential expertise in planning, aesthetics, and sustainability that complements architectural design.

We also dispel a common myth: just because a space is outdoors doesn’t mean it’s cheaper. Features like screen porches or outdoor kitchens require high-quality finishes and infrastructure, which can make them just as expensive as indoor spaces. Lastly, we reflect on the diverse uses of outdoor spaces beyond entertainment—gardening, working on cars, pet management, or even quiet morning coffee routines on a balcony. The key is tailoring outdoor spaces to fit the homeowner's real habits and values, not just design trends.

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

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Rich and Ilana from Richboro, Pennsylvania, to hear how they transformed a 1977 split-level house into a modern, functional family home. What started as a plan to build an addition over their garage snowballed into a full-house renovation, driven by necessity, creativity, and resilience.

They purchased the house knowing it was a fixer-upper — leaks and all — but were drawn in by the neighborhood's charm and school district. Rich and Ilana began demoing the upstairs, revealing the bones of a home that would evolve dramatically over the next two years. Thanks to a neighbor and a local architect who understood the nuances of split-level design, they reimagined the layout, flipping bedrooms and designing a spacious master suite above the garage.

As a software developer by trade, Rich took on the role of general contractor, coordinating tradespeople and managing timelines while doing much of the work himself, alongside his brother, a master plumber and seasoned house flipper. The process wasn’t without setbacks — a sewer backup flooded their lower level, and months later, their untouched living room ceiling collapsed. These events forced them to accelerate plans and tackle more than originally intended.

Throughout, they emphasized the importance of living in the space before making design decisions. For example, an unused gated-off staircase was removed entirely, which improved the home’s flow. They also reconfigured their split-level layout by removing interior walls, closing off unnecessary access points, and adding new elements like a slider door to the backyard — changes that made daily life smoother with two small children.

Rich and Ilana highlight how they approached design intentionally, choosing bold features like black cabinets and colorful tiles, instead of falling back on trends. They also learned about budgeting for furniture at the end of a renovation and shared their tips on tracking finishes, materials, and decisions with detailed spreadsheets.

By doing much of the work themselves and leveraging their network of family and friends, they managed to keep costs down, though at the expense of time and energy. They stress the value of hiring professionals when possible and how crucial it is to have a strong support system — both emotionally and logistically — during a renovation.

Now, with the renovation complete, they reflect proudly on what they’ve built together.

Bonus: Rich and his brother's YouTube Page: Jews WIth Screws https://www.youtube.com/@JewswithScrews

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

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we shift gears from interviewing homeowners to focusing on how we, as residential architects, actually work. It's just the three of us—Sheri Scott, Marilyn Moedinger, and Taylor Davis—having a candid conversation about the different ways we approach custom home design and renovation. While there's no one-size-fits-all model for architectural services, we share how our processes reflect our regional contexts, client types, and project scopes.

We begin by outlining the general responsibilities of an architect—creating the plans and specifications that contractors use to build. Regardless of whether it's a ground-up home or a complex renovation, the architectural process moves from broad concepts to detailed decisions. We all stress early alignment on scope, budget, and goals, emphasizing that good architecture starts with listening and learning from clients, even before any designs are drawn. Taylor introduces a concept they call “project definition,” which helps clients understand the implications of their goals before committing to a design path.

From there, we each detail how we handle pre-design and schematic phases. Sheri and Taylor focus on early cost clarity, while Marilyn explains how her firm builds out comprehensive bid packages, ensuring contractors have the same baseline for pricing. The conversation reveals regional differences in bidding practices and how relationships with contractors can shape project trajectories.

Design development and construction documents get equal attention. Marilyn describes her firm’s intensive, full-service model—meeting biweekly with clients, making live updates in digital models, and selecting everything down to cabinet knobs. Taylor’s firm also offers interior design, coordinating all elements from architecture to furniture. Sheri contrasts that by highlighting her more streamlined approach, often dictated by builder-led projects in her area. While her firm also does full-service work, they frequently make final selections during construction, allowing clients to experience spaces in real time.

As we shift into construction, we talk about our roles as advocates for the homeowner. Weekly meetings, clear communication, and detailed documentation are non-negotiables. We also address the emotional side of construction—helping clients manage stress and make confident decisions in the face of inevitable surprises. Throughout, we stress the value of teamwork between the architect, contractor, and client.

We wrap by encouraging listeners to take that first step—meet with architects, ask questions, and be honest about what they don’t know. Different architects offer different services, and finding the right fit is essential. Whether your project is a major urban renovation or a rural new build, there's a process—and a professional—that’s right for you.

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