In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Ashley and Greg Luthman to explore their journey of building a custom home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting their design process in the spring of 2020 and moving in by December 2021, they offer a detailed, honest reflection on what it took to transform a blank field in Versailles, Ohio, into a forever home for their growing family of six.

We talk about the motivations that drove them—rooted in a desire for stability after frequent moves and the challenge of accommodating four children. Finding land was a feat in itself, made possible by a family connection, and that set the stage for collaborating with Sheri to design a house that balances functionality with character.

Ashley and Greg entered the process with a clear understanding of what they didn’t want, based on experiences in prior homes. That clarity helped shape choices that favored natural light, thoughtful layout, and long-term adaptability. They describe how small design decisions—like maximizing daylight with large windows and building spaces for coziness—paid off. The design emphasized living intentionally: thinking through how they’d use each space, from everyday routines to future family changes.

They also share candid lessons learned. For example, the unexpected impact of locating the master bedroom above the utility room, and their wish for better sound insulation between floors. They reflect on how some oversights came from not having their architect engaged throughout the construction phase—reminding future homeowners of the value of continuous collaboration.

Despite supply chain chaos and material substitutions during construction, Ashley and Greg stayed focused on their vision. They made trade-offs but kept their eyes on the end goal: a warm, inviting home built for love and memory-making. Their two favorite features—the wood-burning fireplace and a practical basement staircase—represent their blend of emotion and pragmatism.

Through it all, their advice is clear: build with purpose, stay flexible, and keep the end in mind. This episode is a rich resource for anyone considering a custom build, offering both inspiration and practical takeaways.

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 talk with Alex and Ximena, homeowners in Jamaica Plain, Boston, who undertook a thoughtful and vibrant renovation of their Victorian home, originally built in 1885. Joined by their architect Marilyn, we walk through their journey of transforming a “move-in ready” house into a warm, family-oriented home with an eye for aesthetics and future needs.

We explore the function-forward design process, where Alex prioritized flow, family practicality, and technical upgrades—like replacing all the electrical systems—while Ximena led a bold interior design vision driven by her art collection and a love for color. The home bursts with personality, where every room reflects intentionality, including a memorable half bath inspired by wallpaper she found before even starting the renovation.

We also dive into the logistics of the project: the renovation began with design in mid-2020 and concluded with their move-in in April 2022. They initially considered transforming the third floor into a primary suite but pivoted when the bids came in over budget. This kind of recalibration is a recurring theme. Alex emphasized the importance of budget transparency and allowing for financial headroom to accommodate unexpected opportunities or issues. Their ability to adapt resulted in valuable features like a spacious mudroom addition and practical pocket doors for flexibility and privacy.

Throughout construction, having Marilyn on-site proved essential. She mediated decisions, translated challenges into options, and kept detailed meeting notes that prevented miscommunications. Alex and Ximena appreciated the collaborative decision-making and credited their positive experience to a strong team dynamic and clear communication.

Looking back, they have minimal regrets—mostly small refinements they would have made had they known how their needs would evolve with a growing family. Alex's favorite part is the functional, well-organized kitchen, while Ximena loves their unique half bath, a true expression of her creative vision.

Their story underlines key takeaways: be clear about your goals, specify everything, involve your architect throughout, and keep budget flexibility. As Marilyn notes, renovations are rarely linear, but with the right mindset and team, they can be rewarding and even joyful experiences.

More:

The Chloe Hotel – https://www.thechloenola.com

Sara Ruffin Costello (designer) – https://www.sararuffincostello.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

In this episode of Home: The Second Story Podcast, we talk with Cindy, a homeowner and designer who built her second custom home—this time with a bold industrial modern aesthetic in Morrow, Ohio. Cindy walks us through her unique journey, from the early days of collecting design ideas in a journal back in 2011 to moving into her new home in September 2020, during the heart of the pandemic. Her deep design background, paired with a firm point of view, shaped a streamlined process where she collaborated closely with Sheri. They achieved a fluid design process with minimal revisions, thanks to Cindy’s preparedness and clarity.

We explore the challenges Cindy faced, especially the initial attempt to build in an HOA-controlled development that ultimately rejected her modern design. That experience pushed her to find a wooded plot free of HOA restrictions, allowing for creative freedom. Her story highlights the importance of understanding your non-negotiables and the power of walking away when your vision is compromised.

We discuss allowances—a vital, often misunderstood part of the building process. Cindy candidly shares how underestimating these line items can derail a budget. She emphasizes the need for early research, realistic estimates, and consistent communication with both builder and architect to stay on track.

Cindy also offers strong advice on designing around how you live. She had all her furniture and room layouts mapped out, making her new space feel intentional and cohesive. She credits this foresight with creating a home that fits “like a glove.”

Finally, Cindy reflects on her favorite part of the home—its dramatic exterior lighting. It's such a showstopper, it even distracted a student driver enough to crash into her mailbox. You've got to hear this story.

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 our first episode of Home: The Second Story Podcast, we come together—three architects from different regions and backgrounds—to set the stage for the stories we're about to share. Taylor Davis from Birmingham, Alabama, is joined by Marilyn Moedinger from Boston and Lancaster, and Sheri Scott from Cincinnati. We each run our own architecture firms and bring decades of experience to the table, not just in design, but in guiding homeowners through the complex process of building or renovating a home.

We explain why we started this podcast: to offer a second perspective—the one that comes after the dust settles and the project is lived in. It's not about the flashy reveal. It’s about what homeowners learn once they’ve lived in their new or renovated space. These reflections, shared directly from homeowner to homeowner, can offer powerful insight that architects alone can’t always communicate.

Each of us shares our origin story—how we came to architecture and how our careers have evolved. From starting firms during economic downturns to buying churches on a whim for development, we've each taken unique paths. Despite differences in location and project type, our shared focus is residential architecture and a deep commitment to client-centered design. We discuss the emotional weight that home design carries—how homes are places of celebration, grief, growth, and memory—and why that makes our work feel deeply personal and significant.

We also talk about what architects really do. Many people don’t fully understand the value we bring: from guiding early project decisions, through design, contractor selection, permitting, and construction oversight. We’re not just drawing floor plans; we’re counselors, strategists, advocates, and collaborators. We help clients navigate tough decisions, balance budgets, and plan for the future. And often, we stay involved even after move-in.

Finally, we discuss the most important phase—the beginning. Many homeowners don’t know how to start a project or assemble the right team. We want to demystify that. Whether someone is building from scratch, renovating, downsizing, or aging in place, our goal is to help them start with clarity and confidence. Through this podcast, we hope to empower more people to approach their projects with intention and a sense of possibility.

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

Everyone talks about how hard it is to do a major renovation or custom home building project, how you're going to fight with your spouse the whole time, how hard it is to make decisions, and how you're going to spend way more money than you want to. But does it really have to be that way? We're not here to pretend it's easy, but when you're equipped with the right knowledge, tools and team, the whole process is a whole lot smoother. Our goal is to get you excited about doing your project and equip you with knowledge from the expert experts, people who've done it before.

We are three architects who've been in the industry for 20 plus years, each with our own practices that specialize in custom homes. We take clients from the earliest stages of dreaming about their homes, through full design services and on through construction, helping our clients navigate the process creatively, competently and with a sense of fun.

But you're not just going to hear from us. On each show, we interview a homeowner who's on the other side of the process. They've done their project and they're all. Settled into their new home and we. Have two simple questions for them. What do you know now that you wish you knew before you started? And if you could do it a second time, how would you do it differently? Join us here where you'll learn directly from those who've done it before in their own words. We call it home. The Second Story.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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

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

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