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.

Danielle is a seasoned professional with over two decades of national experience in curating exquisite residential designs. Originally hailing from Melbourne, she recently made the Sunshine Coast her home, where she now leads her boutique Interior Design Studio nestled in the serene setting of Coolum Beach. Throughout her illustrious career, Danielle has lent her expertise to a diverse array of high-end residential and commercial projects. Her forte lies in providing clients with a bespoke service, seamlessly integrating their visions into tangible realities that exceed expectations. Specializing in crafting homes that epitomize intentionality, wellbeing, and balance, Danielle's design philosophy perfectly resonates with individuals seeking a harmonious living environment. Her interiors are renowned for their impeccable quality, a testament to her extensive knowledge and fruitful collaborations with artisans and suppliers cultivated over the years. Danielle's commitment to the design community extends beyond her studio walls. As a former Council Member representing Interior Decoration & Design for the Vic/Tas Branch of the Design Institute of Australia, she played a pivotal role in fostering talent and innovation within the industry. Her dedication was further exemplified through her tenure as Convenor and Judge for the prestigious Graduate of Year Awards in 2015 and 2016. Recognized as a luminary in her field, Danielle's work has graced the pages of esteemed publications such as Luxury Home Design and Design & Decoration. Her insights into the world of design were also showcased in a "Meet the Designers" feature for Grand Designs Magazine. Additionally, Danielle's talent garnered international recognition when she was invited to submit her work to the esteemed Andrew Martin Interior Design Review. With a passion for creating spaces that transcend mere functionality and evolve into cherished sanctuaries, Danielle continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of interior design, one impeccably curated space at a time

Beachman: From Dream to RealityOn this TALKdesign Episode, Ben Taylor and Steve Payne from Beachman share their inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Founded in 2016, Beachman Life began with Ben's vision for retro-inspired products. In 2019, he joined forces with Steve, a motorcycle mechanic, to create electric mopeds that combine accessibility with modern appeal. The idea was inspired by vintage designs and a passion for stylish, high-quality bikes. Ben's marketing and design expertise, coupled with Steve's technical skills, led to the creation of Beachman's first production bikes.They quickly moved from concept to prototype, showcasing their shared willingness to take risks. Steve built the initial prototype from a Kawasaki frame, and they collaborated with a factory in China to refine the design. Despite challenges like design theft, they focused on innovation and rapid production. Their initial risk, funded by Steve’s home mortgage line of credit, paid off when they quickly sold their first 30 bikes, leading to a successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.Beachman faced significant challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, but persevered, expanding into a larger warehouse. Their commitment to authenticity and brand values remains steadfast, ensuring each new product aligns with their vision of a life well lived. Future plans include expanding into North America and Europe, and developing unique lifestyle accessories and electric car conversions, all while maintaining their core ethos.Tune in for a fascinating episode with Ben Taylor & Steve Payne.

Brian's architectural journey began with childhood inspirations from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and experiences like the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, igniting his passion for architecture's connection with nature. After studying at the University of Michigan and Arizona State University, Brian co-founded Aline Architecture, navigating challenges like the recession. Moving forward, Aline Architecture prioritizes sustainability and community engagement. They specialize in renovating existing buildings, preserving their character while minimizing waste. In residential design, they focus on creating immersive experiences, drawing inspiration from restaurant design. In extreme climates like Arizona, their designs prioritize comfort and sustainability. Despite challenges, Phoenix's resilience and focus on community revitalization inspire Aline Architecture's future endeavours.Join our discussion on the future vision within Aline Architecture, value-driven approaches, renovations and repurposing, residential design philosophy, learning from restaurant design, climate considerations and community revitalization.

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.