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

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into cabinetry—one of the most pivotal yet complex parts of home renovation. As architects, cabinetry is something we talk about with nearly every client, whether they’re updating a kitchen, building a bathroom, or reimagining a mudroom. We break down the different cabinet categories—off-the-shelf, semi-custom, and full custom—highlighting their distinctions in design flexibility, cost, and construction. Marilyn shares that her firm almost exclusively uses full custom cabinetry for the precision and tailored aesthetics it offers. Sheri describes a 50/50 split in her projects between semi-custom and full custom, pointing out that the price gap between the two is shrinking. Taylor adds that in renovations, full custom is usually the go-to, especially when navigating existing spaces.

We explore the nuances of cabinet construction: from frameless, full-overlay European styles to inset cabinetry with historical detailing. Regional preferences and storage benefits also come into play. Taylor emphasizes the practical and design-driven reasons for going full custom, including the local craftsmanship and built-in efficiencies.

Cabinet interiors get their moment too. We talk about the importance of inserts and organization, from Rev-A-Shelf solutions to custom stations for kids’ lunches and hidden appliances. We agree that well-designed drawers often outperform traditional doors, especially with custom touches like nested drawers or pullouts. We even geek out a bit over specialty cabinetry elements like hidden TV lifts, hydraulic mixer lifts, and dedicated storage in mudrooms, pantries, and laundry rooms.

Toward the end, we discuss how each of us approaches cabinet design. Marilyn and Taylor draw everything themselves, treating cabinetry as both a functional element and a design focal point. Sheri collaborates more directly with cabinetmakers, bringing client needs into the process without drafting every detail in-house. We also touch on the emotional and practical prep that should happen before cabinets are built—thinking through what to keep, what to discard, and how to ensure every piece has a purpose.

We wrap up by briefly touching on hardware—a massive topic we plan to revisit in another episode. From hinges to knobs, there’s a world of choices that impact budget and aesthetics alike. Cabinetry, as we see it, is where design and function converge—and when done right, it can truly make a space come alive.

Rev-A-Shelf Website: https://rev-a-shelf.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, we sit down with Niki Gulick, a seasoned homeowner and real estate agent who has built two custom homes and is considering a third. As residential architects, we dive into her journey to uncover lessons that can help future homeowners navigate their own projects. Niki walks us through her most recent home build, a 6,600-square-foot modern mountain lodge on a six-acre lot in South Dayton, Ohio. Although the design was originally conceived with a former partner, she chose to move forward due to favorable interest rates and timing, despite some compromises on the layout.

We discuss the importance of choosing the right team, especially a builder who has experience with projects of a similar scale. Niki highlights a critical moment when she was blindsided by a potential $15,000 gas line issue—something she believes a more experienced builder would have anticipated. This leads us to the key takeaway: make sure your builder has experience at or above the complexity of your planned project and request to speak directly with past clients to understand how issues were handled.

Niki also reflects on the role of the architect, noting how working with Sheri for a second time made the design process more efficient and enjoyable. She appreciates Sheri’s thoughtful design additions, like a three-story wall of windows and a spiral staircase, which enhanced the functionality and aesthetics of the home. However, she also acknowledges that she ended up serving as a de facto project manager, coordinating details that ideally would have been handled by others.

We explore the concept of having a “partner” in the build process—whether that’s an architect, a contractor, or a personal support system—emphasizing that it's nearly impossible to manage such a large endeavor alone. Niki’s story underlines that building a house is not just about money or design; it's a second job requiring time, emotional energy, and technical decision-making.

Looking ahead to a possible third project, Niki aims for simplicity and more strategic delegation. Her parting advice? Know what level of involvement you’re willing to commit to and choose your team accordingly. And despite the stress, when she looks out her bedroom window at the pond and fountain framed by Sheri’s beautiful window design, she knows it was worth it.

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 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