In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Mark LePage, architect, podcaster, and founder of EntreArchitect. We start by exploring Mark’s deep ties to the architecture community, including how he brought our three hosts together through the mastermind groups of the EntreArchitect Academy. Mark shares how the desire to improve how architects talk about business led him to launch a blog in 2007, which ultimately became a thriving podcast and online resource that has impacted thousands.

We then dive into Mark’s personal journey renovating a 1934 stucco cottage in Chappaqua, New York. He and his wife Annmarie, also an architect, purchased the house in 1997 after falling in love with its untouched vintage charm—even though it had been neglected for decades and was on the verge of being torn down. They saw potential where others saw a teardown. Their initial phase involved cleaning and restoring the house to a livable condition, doing most of the work themselves.

Phase two came after the birth of their children, when Annmarie's father helped fund an addition to make the home more functional. They added a second story, modern HVAC, and all-new systems while keeping the design faithful to the original structure. Though both architects, they faced familiar homeowner struggles—like living through part of the renovation, learning the hard way that it’s rarely worth the inconvenience.

In phase three, they finished the kitchen and dining room with a higher level of detail, taking care to elevate the home’s value in a neighborhood where teardowns were common. Mark describes their philosophy as being stewards of the home, making sure it would last beyond their ownership. We also cover his second renovation in North Carolina after relocating to be near family. In that project, Mark again applied strategic phasing, but faced new challenges—especially with contractors and scheduling in a new region. His advice for homeowners is clear: plan thoroughly with a master plan, be honest about your budget, and don’t underestimate the importance of timing and infrastructure.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on how much love and intention can shape a home. Mark reminds us that architects can help homeowners not just with drawings, but with long-term strategy, emotional stewardship, and tough decisions. His mantra—love, learn, share—resonates across everything we discussed.

More: Mark's Entre Architect: https://entrearchitect.com/

Mark and Annemarie's new North Carolina home on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waldenpondhome

00:00 – Intro to the Podcast
01:07 – Meet Mark LePage
03:19 – The Origin of EntreArchitect
06:00 – The 12/12/12 Launch
10:45 – Transition to Mark’s Home Renovation Story
11:14 – Finding the Chappaqua Cottage
17:47 – Purchasing the Neglected Gem
20:00 – Initial Renovation and Move-In
22:36 – Phase Two: The Addition
26:56 – Designing as Architects and Living Through It
30:48 – Lessons from Living in Construction
34:18 – HVAC, Plumbing, and Infrastructure Tips
37:28 – Phase Three: The Dream Kitchen
38:20 – Advice on Strategic Phasing
42:00 – Budget Honesty and Contingency Planning
46:08 – The Move to North Carolina
50:00 – Renovating in the South
53:14 – Favorite Parts of Each Home
55:04 – Closing Reflections & Takeaways
59:27 – Outro and Contact Info

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dig into the world of flooring—what works, what doesn’t, and why context matters more than any single rule. We’ve all dealt with the pressure of making long-term, expensive flooring decisions, so we unpack real-life experiences to offer guidance that’s both practical and design-savvy.

We kick off with Marilyn’s bold stance: no tile in the kitchen. She argues it’s uncomfortable, impractical, and stylistically outdated. While Taylor pushes back slightly with visions of a Mediterranean-style saltillo-tiled kitchen, we all agree that wood floors are often overlooked but perfectly viable for kitchens—and even bathrooms—if properly protected and maintained.

From there, we get into the nuts and bolts of flooring choices. Subfloors matter. Whether you’re working on a new build or a renovation, structural stiffness and existing conditions (like a concrete slab) play a huge role in what flooring will perform best. Large format tiles, for example, require structural reinforcement or a crack isolation membrane. Mosaic tiles can offer a workaround in older homes where subfloors are uneven.

Engineered hardwood becomes a focal point as we explore how it helps bridge gaps between aesthetic goals and structural limitations. It's more dimensionally stable, especially over slabs, and available in exotic species and wide plank formats. But we caution listeners—check the wear layer. A cheap engineered floor won’t last, and refinishing may be impossible.

Accessibility and aging-in-place design also surface as important factors. Taylor shares promising innovations like cork underlayments and materials from senior living environments that reduce fall injuries—perfect for clients with mobility challenges.

We touch briefly on carpet—yes, it's still in the mix for stairs, slippery spots, or kid-friendly basements—and then dive into the controversial topic of LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank). Sheri talks about the “love-hate” relationship many of us have with it. It’s cost-effective, resilient, and water-resistant, but it’s plastic underfoot and not repairable like wood. Taylor shares her decade-plus of personal experience with LVP in a hard-use basement, while Marilyn champions polished concrete and linoleum as more sustainable alternatives. We all agree: it's situational, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

Finally, we discuss aesthetics and trends. While flooring choices don’t swing wildly year to year, finish colors certainly do—dark, gray, and now natural. We also highlight oil finishes as a stunning, underutilized option, with Marilyn emphasizing the beauty and ease of use—even if it's not for every household.

We wrap up with a reminder: flooring is not just about looks. Durability, health, sustainability, and how you live all matter. The more you know your needs, the better your flooring decisions will be.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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:

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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:

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

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.