Talk Design

David Bruce Lee and Marina Bourderonnet are the founding partners of FAME Architecture & Design, each boasting 12 years of professional experience in architecture and design. David is a Registered Architect in California, Nevada, Florida, and New York, and holds a Master of Urban Design from City College of New York, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he also studied sustainable environments and music and architecture at Les Ecoles d'Art Américaines de Fontainebleau, France.Marina, also a Registered Architect in New York, graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris Val-de-Seine. She has additional training in sculpture, life drawing, art history, and film photography, contributing to her expertise in interior design and LEED projects.Together, they host The Second Studio Design and Architecture Show™, a leading podcast featuring interviews and discussions on architectural topics. Their portfolio spans dream homes and luxury high-rises across five continents, with accolades including display at the Museum of Modern Art and The Museum of the City of New York, and multiple national and international competition awards.Their notable projects include a first place-winning housing tower in Mexico City and a Brooklyn Community Center that received an honourable mention. Both David and Marina are active in academia and professional circles, teaching and speaking widely on architecture and design.

Purva Design Studio specializes in client-centric architectural and interior design, focusing on the dreams and visions of their clients.This episode dives into the challenges and creativity Purva Jain undergoes when designing large homes with specialized spaces like home theatres and indoor basketball courts. Purva emphasizes a client-centric approach, tailoring designs to include bespoke features such as horse trails and third-floor pools.Influenced from her culture, Purva also discusses the cultural influences on her design approach, highlighting the differences between Indian and Western perceptions of homes as generational assets versus investments, which shapes her focus on both aesthetic and functional aspects of design. The podcast explores how adopting virtual reality technology has revolutionized client interactions by allowing immersive previews of architectural projects, enhancing client engagement and satisfaction.When it comes to designing homes, adapting to the evolving life stages of clients is what Purva refers to as "future pacing." She shares a personal anecdote about her favourite space in her own home—a calm-inducing office with a reading nook, illustrating the deep emotional connections people can have with spaces that accommodate significant life moments. Overall, the episode delves into how personal experiences, cultural values, and technological advancements intersect in modern architectural practice, providing a comprehensive view of Purva Jain's approach to architecture and design.

Daniel's academic experience at Berkeley further broadened his perspective, exposing him to diverse climates and architectural styles that influenced his approach. Mentors like Renee Chow played pivotal roles in shaping his understanding and appreciation of architecture.Reflecting on the impact of digital tools, Daniel highlights the transition from hand-drawn to digital designs and the challenges of maintaining spatial intuition. However, advancements like VR and real-time rendering enhance client interaction, bridging the gap between designer intent and perception.The conversation delves into architectural manipulation of space, the influence of environment on design, and the integration of historic elements into modern settings. Daniel emphasizes client-centric design, valuing emotional connections to spaces and the importance of engagement through discovery.

Kristina LoMonaco, an interior designer based in both New York and London, returned to the podcast to discuss her life's recent changes, including making a new friend through the host and adjusting to a slower pace in London due to health challenges. "One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the idea that productivity is subjective and personal. We discussed how individuals have the autonomy to define their own scale of productivity, whether it involves reading five pages or making $100,000 in a month. I particularly loved your insight that these moments of quiet reflection serve as points of value in our lives, regardless of external validation and we all need to find “a breathable pace.”  Kristina emphasizes the importance of positivity and choosing happiness, even in difficult situations. Her approach, influenced by a trip to Bali and her experiences during a health diagnosis, focuses on personal growth and resilience. Kristina now prioritizes self-care and integrates nature into her design work, reflecting on the rapid societal pace post-pandemic and the need for introspection and healing.

Through her decades-strong interior design practice, Laura Martin Bovard has been privileged to hold space for her clients at times of transformation. Laura has witnessed the magic that happens in realizing that having a beautiful home is more than creating something visually pleasing; it’s about building a home for your people; creating a vision for and manifesting a unique space that nourishes your soul’s growth. Via her blog, talks, and podcast features, and during retreats and one-on-one mentoring, Laura distills all of her interior design and self-improvement knowledge and experience down to what is relevant for her audience to apply it to their own business and life. She generously reveals her messes and her wins, the successes and the failures experienced along the way as she continues to create an energy-rich life. Laura is well-versed in themes of transformation, connection, authenticity, self-awareness, freedom, neuroscience, metaphysics, health, wealth, philanthropy, and creating beauty for the purpose of bringing us closer to our Source.

From Corporate to Creative: Jeanne's journey uncovers the transformative power of embracing creativity after a career shift, urging listeners to pursue their passions fearlessly. Through challenges and growth, she illustrates the profound impact of personal resilience and self-discovery on career trajectories.Navigating the pandemic's uncertainties, Jeanne's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she adapts her interior design business, offering invaluable insights into balancing practicality and passion. Her emphasis on aligning with ideal clients echoes the importance of fostering meaningful connections in professional endeavours.Jeanne Collins wasn’t always living with two feet in—but now she wants to share how she harnessed an abundance mindset to build the life she always wanted.In her book "Two Feet In", Jeanne proves her mission statement: success requires perseverance and vulnerability. From the trials of childhood to the rush of romance; from the crush of heartbreak to the nervous excitement of two major pivots in her career—readers will relate to Jeanne’s honest and heartfelt insights on growing up, motherhood, love, and, yes, interior design.As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that interior design is more than just aesthetics; it's about creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and resonate on a deeply personal level. Join Jeanne on a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and the transformative magic of intentional design.

From childhood inspirations like Chicago's skyline to discussions on urban development and architectural philosophy, Max shares captivating stories that delve into the heart of design. Explore the transformative power of iconic structures like the Sydney Opera House and Frank Lloyd Wright's Broadacre City, discovering how they integrate with their surroundings to inspire greatness. Uncover the profound connection between architecture, nature, and well-being as Max and Adrian discuss the importance of space, silence, and intentional design in fostering emotional regeneration. Join the conversation as they envision a nature-inspired retreat, where freestanding pavilions refract different aspects of the natural world, inviting guests to connect with its sacredness and mystery. Experience the magic and power of architecture to uplift the human spirit and create meaningful, inspiring spaces that resonate with our souls. Tune in for insights into architecture's potential to influence and enhance our experience of the world, advocating for a return to principles that prioritize aesthetic harmony and thoughtful integration with the environment.

Join Lonnie Armstrong, an experienced builder from Austin, Texas, as he shares insights into his journey from childhood curiosity to a career in construction science. Transitioning from initial aspirations in design and mechanics, Lonnie's path led him to discover his passion for hands-on work in construction, illustrating the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities.In the shifting landscape of architectural education, Lonnie discusses the debate between virtual and physical creation, highlighting the collaboration between builders and architects to ensure feasible designs within budget and construction constraints.Navigating the challenges of construction, Lonnie explores the need for collaborative problem-solving in the face of unforeseen obstacles and emphasizes the importance of environmental considerations in building projects. Driven by a shared passion for craftsmanship, both architects and builders are motivated by a desire to create and problem-solve, fostering a deep appreciation for the industry and its practitioners. Recognizing the talent and skill of tradespeople, Lonnie emphasizes the value of experience over traditional education, addressing the labour shortage in the industry and promoting its appeal through the enjoyable aspects of problem-solving and fulfilment derived from completing projects.