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