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for so long helped Jeff identify what truly needed attention—like hydrostatic pressure issues, a failing porch, and an outdated kitchen.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 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:

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-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:

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.