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