Home: The Second Story

Latest Episodes:

Why a Heat Map Might Be the Smartest Thing You Can Do Before Building Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

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:

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.

Your Team Depends On Your Geography (Snack Sized Episode) Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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:

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.

4 Kids, 2 Contractors, 1 House: A Kentucky Ground-Up Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

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:

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.

Before You Break Ground, Do This First (Snack Sized Episode) Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

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:

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.

An Architect Renovates His Own Home: Lessons From The Inside Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we talk with architect Jeff Sties about his recent home renovation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Jeff, an experienced residential architect, shares what it was like to be both the designer and the homeowner for a project involving the demolition and rebuild of a deteriorating sunroom attached to a 1957 brick rancher. After 25 years in the house, Jeff and his wife decided to make long-needed upgrades, aiming to stay in their home through retirement.

We discuss how living in the home for so long helped Jeff identify what truly needed attention—like hydrostatic pressure issues, a failing porch, and an outdated kitchen. Jeff explains how his architectural experience informed decisions such as adding a pass-through window for ventilation and view, using standing seam metal roofing for a shallow pitch, and extending eaves for better solar control.

One major theme throughout the conversation is budget control. Jeff expected to go over budget and planned accordingly. To manage costs, he and his wife performed significant sweat equity—handling their own painting, buying materials directly, and even building a gabion retaining wall with salvaged demolition materials. He gives us a clear picture of what it’s like to be deeply involved in every phase, from designing detailed drawings to supervising subpar subcontractors.

Jeff also dives into the practicalities of contracting. He chose a cost-plus model with a contractor who offered a flat project management fee and was flexible enough to let the homeowners self-perform parts of the job. Still, Jeff cautions that this level of involvement is only feasible for someone with this level of experience, and even then, it’s challenging.

We reflect on how this personal project will improve Jeff’s work with clients, especially in understanding the emotional and financial intensity of home renovations. He emphasizes that great drawings and clear scopes are essential and that homeowners must stay engaged throughout the build to ensure quality.

Jeff’s favorite part? Knowing the critical issues have been resolved—no more water in the basement or structural worries. His wife? She loves the kitchen. Together, they’ve created a space that’s practical, beautiful, and built to last.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

Designing for Multiple Generations (Snack Sized Episode) Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into the rising trend of multi-generational homes. This isn't just a design fad—it's something we're all actively seeing across our regions, and it’s becoming a more common conversation with clients. Whether it’s called in-law suites, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or just bigger guest rooms, the central issue is the same: how can homes support the needs of multiple generations under one roof?

We talk about how the reasons for pursuing multi-generational living vary by region. In Boston, real estate prices are pushing families to reconfigure existing homes to house parents, children, and grandchildren together. In Pennsylvania and Ohio, it’s more about the practicality of care and aging in place. And in Birmingham, where ADUs aren’t allowed, families still build in-law suites, even if they go by another name.

The conversation moves into design logistics. We discuss the importance of privacy and independence—who gets their own garage, how people move through the house, and where boundaries are needed. We’ve seen designs where homes are split into two almost entirely separate living spaces with shared common areas in the middle. It’s all about balance—between togetherness and autonomy, between kids' birthday parties and grandparents' quiet evenings.

Taylor brings up the broader issue of housing for older adults, noting that many seniors are stuck in homes that no longer suit them because we don't have enough appropriately sized and accessible alternatives. This shortage creates a ripple effect that impacts the entire housing market. Multi-generational homes are one possible solution, but they’re just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

Marilyn points out that there’s value in looking at how families lived together in the past—like the triple deckers in Boston—and learning from those historic precedents. But we also need to acknowledge that today’s aging population lives longer, and our designs need to reflect both their physical needs and social lives.

We close by reminding listeners that these conversations—about space, care, money, privacy, and family dynamics—are hard, but necessary. And they don’t have to be tackled alone. As architects, we play a key role in facilitating these conversations, helping families figure out how to live together in a way that works for everyone.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

Next Time, They'd Just Tear It Down...But They Don't Regret a Thing! Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Scott and Cindy from Charleston, South Carolina, about their recent home addition and renovation experience. The project began just before the pandemic in January 2020 and wrapped up in August of that year. Originally a modest 1,000 square foot, three-bedroom, one-bath home, the renovation doubled the space to over 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths.

Cindy moved into Scott’s long-time home, and with both working remotely, space constraints became the catalyst for the project. They worked with Sheri (who is also Scott’s sister) and engaged in a collaborative design process that unfolded quickly. Despite challenges like navigating a difficult permitting process and finding a reliable contractor during a construction boom, they managed to stay on track with only one change order—additional insulation.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of trusted networks. Their builder was a recommendation through friends, which helped streamline the process. However, they still had to actively manage the project, including prompting the builder’s project manager to stay on top of timelines. Delays in cabinet orders and miscommunication about move-in dates led to five temporary relocations during construction.

The couple highlighted that they might have torn down and rebuilt entirely if they had known the complexities involved in renovating a prefab 1970s home. Still, the outcome has left them with a home they truly love. They emphasized having clear communication, aligning on preferences before making decisions, and maintaining a team mindset. Their coordinated approach made decision-making smoother and helped navigate bumps along the way.

Despite the difficulties, they’re thrilled with the transformation. From an eye-catching facade to a kitchen designed for entertaining, the renovation gave them a home that feels tailor-made for their lifestyle. They credit a strong design, clear drawings, and Sheri’s firm but fair project oversight for helping bring their vision to life.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

Talking Tile: Design and Installation (Snack Sized Episode) Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into tile—how to choose it, what to look out for, and the actual conversations we’re having with clients during the selection process. We start by grounding the discussion in what types of tile are available—ceramic, porcelain, stone, concrete—and how the location in the home helps determine the best fit. A shower floor needs very different performance qualities than a kitchen backsplash, and that’s where we begin the conversation with our clients.

We talk about size trends, especially the growing popularity of large-format tiles, which can be stunning but require proper floor engineering to prevent cracking. Grout comes up early and often—clients either love it or hate it. The good news is, grout technology has come a long way. Proper bath ventilation, newer formulations, and thoughtful layout planning can make grout maintenance much easier than it used to be.

From a design standpoint, we emphasize how tile adds texture, color, and customization to a space. But it's not all fun and games—functionality, safety, and long-term wear matter. We often work on aging-in-place projects, so slip resistance, surface glare, and visual accessibility become critical factors in tile decisions. Mosaic patterns, for example, may look great but can be disorienting for clients with vision impairments.

We rely heavily on trusted tile showrooms and reps to guide both us and our clients. These partnerships help streamline the process, especially when clients want to change shapes or colors midstream. Price is another big topic, and we encourage homeowners not to focus just on square foot costs but on where the tile will go. A $150/sq ft tile might be feasible in a small area like a bar backsplash, but less practical in a full shower.

Labor plays a huge role in tile cost and outcome. We advise always doing a dry lay, thinking carefully about transitions and edge details (hello, Schluter!), and planning for layout alignment—especially with plumbing fixtures and cabinetry. Even budget tile can shine if installed in a thoughtful pattern. Drawing tile layouts, aligning grout with niches and fixtures, and storyboarding during framing are all strategies we use to ensure beautiful, functional outcomes.

We wrap by encouraging listeners to work closely with their builders or tile reps if they don’t have a designer. Installation quality can make or break a tile project, so vetting your tile subcontractor is essential. There’s so much more to explore in the world of tile, and we’re definitely not done talking about it.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

New Orleans Garden District: A Family Renovation Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Martin, a homeowner from New Orleans who recently undertook a full gut renovation of his early-1900s home. What started as a kitchen and bathroom update turned into a complete interior overhaul, taking the house down to the studs. Martin shares how his historic neighborhood, building codes, and local governance shaped what he could and could not do with his 120-year-old home. This includes the HDLC, which luckily for him, did not apply to his side of the street.

We learn about the impact of local knowledge. Martin’s team — his architect, contractor, and interior designer — all brought vital expertise, not just in design but in navigating the humid, termite-prone climate of New Orleans. He explains how important it was to plan for moisture, termites, and drainage, and how ignoring those realities can spell disaster later. The conversation reveals how Martin’s house went through decades of additions, from a porch removal to a spiral staircase that eventually forced a rethinking of the entire layout. Removing that staircase alone triggered cascading design changes that ultimately transformed the scope of the build.

Martin admits that while his architect’s attention to detail made the project possible, he underestimated the importance of involving a landscape architect from the start. The lack of one led to frustrating misses, like concrete planters that didn’t quite fit and last-minute improvisations for utilities. He underlines the value of a clear budget from day one — not having one wasted time and caused sleepless nights as costs rose and scope shifted. He urges future homeowners to anchor their dreams to a realistic budget early and to be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with any major renovation.

We follow Martin’s path through a contractor switch — a tough but necessary move when the first builder couldn’t align on a clear estimate or timeline. He emphasizes how crucial it was to find a contractor experienced with historic houses in his specific neighborhood. Trust and local reputation made all the difference, ensuring the project stayed aligned with local techniques and challenges.

Despite the anxiety and stress, Martin circles back to the reward: walking into a home that truly works for his family. He paints a picture of the foyer with its local art, the intentional smell that greets visitors, and the kitchen that brings people together — the real heart of their home. As he tells it, the payoff is that snapshot of friends and family gathering, the kids growing up in a home designed with care, and a renovation that, in the end, feels worth every bit of chaos.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

Contracts: Get It In Writing! (Snack Sized Episode) Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into the world of construction contract structures—a topic many homeowners find confusing but absolutely essential to understand. We break down the two main contract types: fixed price (or stipulated sum) and cost-plus (often referred to as time and materials), exploring how each affects cost, transparency, and risk.

From Marilyn’s background as a contractor, we hear that contracts are essentially about who carries the risk. In a cost-plus setup, the owner takes on the risk—and reaps any potential savings if material prices drop. In contrast, a fixed-price contract shifts that risk to the contractor, who may build in a cushion to protect against unexpected costs.

We talk about markup structures and how they vary between contractors. A critical point we emphasize is that not all percentages are created equal—one contractor’s 12% markup might include overhead and profit, while another’s 18% could only reflect profit. This makes it essential to ask what’s included in the markup when comparing bids.

Another key topic isallowances in hybrid contracts. These are line items for unknowns—like what's behind a wall during renovation—and act as mini cost-plus agreements inside a fixed-price contract. Interestingly, while allowances often cover things like tile and appliances, Marilyn notes she always wished they’d be used for unknown site conditions instead—since tile choices can be made upfront.

We also highlight control estimates, which provide a baseline for cost-plus contracts. They’re not binding but offer owners a framework for budgeting. Marilyn reminds us these estimates are often required by consumer protection laws, not just construction best practices.

In terms of billing, fixed-price contracts result in streamlined invoices showing progress against the agreed amount. Cost-plus contracts, on the other hand, provide detailed receipts for every purchase and expense, which architects or owner’s reps typically review before payment.

We touch briefly on change orders, clarifying that in cost-plus contracts, they don’t exist—the contractor builds as directed. In fixed-price arrangements, change orders formalize any scope changes, whether due to material availability, homeowner decisions, or contractor requests. We suggest keeping a change order log to track who initiated each one.

Lastly, we stress that asking questions is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. Homeowners should feel empowered to understand where their money is going but should also respect the realities of construction work. The success of any contract, we agree, depends on clear communication, realistic expectations, and detailed upfront planning.

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

Learn about our hosts:

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.

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