

The Second Studio Design and Architecture Show
David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet
The Second Studio is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, the show covers a wide array of subjects with humor and honesty and features a variety of creative professionals in unscripted and more personal conversations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 34min
#466 - Erwan Bouroullec, Founder of Erwan Bouroullec Studio
This week, David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Erwan Bouroullec, founder of Erwan Bouroullec Studio. The three discussed Erwan’s childhood influences, the journey and challenges of becoming an artist, artist vs designer, his design process & philosophy, standard vs unique production, AI in design, architects as perfectionist, Erwan’s studio operations, his favorite projects, and more. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 11min
#465 - The Architect as Editor
This week, David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design discuss the editing process in architecture design. They touched on editing in the creative process, how to know what to edit, the difference between editing and value engineering, teamwork, subjective interests, subtraction and addition, refusing to edit, starting simple vs complex, a client’s role in the editing process, and more. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 20min
#464 - Scott Specht, Founding Partner of Specht Novak
Scott Specht, founding partner of Specht Novak Architects, shares his unique journey from filmmaking to architecture. The conversation explores the evolution of technology in the field, emphasizing how it reshapes creativity and client relationships. Scott delves into the balance of firm size, arguing that fewer team members often lead to higher quality work. Highlights include innovative projects like the Stealth House and a discussion on the challenges of modern architecture, such as the shift from hand-drawn designs to advanced BIM methods.

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 36min
#463 - After Hours: Sound Baths, Documentaries, Life as a Milllenial
This week David and Marina have a casual chat about sound baths, Don't Die, poisonous people, Led Zeppelin documentary, life as a millenial, and other random stuff. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 29min
#462 - Jaume Soler, Founding Principal of SoundArts
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Jaume Soler, Founding Principal of SoundArts. The three discussed Jaume’s education, what an Acoustician does, acoustic measurements, accuracy of computer modeling, natural acoustics, subjective vs scientific acoustic measurements, communicating acoustics to clients & collaborators, musicians not being able to hear the orchestra, multipurpose rooms, and more. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
#461 - Buying Plans Online vs Hiring An Architect
Discover the pros and cons of buying architectural plans online versus hiring an architect. Explore how architects add value with detailed documentation while discussing pre-fabricated homes as a cost-effective alternative. The conversation dives into the hidden costs of construction and the importance of understanding budgets. Learn about the significance of a solid client-architect relationship and how to navigate the complexities of building projects, especially in challenging environments. It's all about making informed decisions for lasting designs!

Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 27min
#460 - Tom Spoja, Partner at Backen & Backen
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Tom Spoja, Partner at Backen & Backen. The three discussed Tom’s background, the Case Study 2.0 fire rebuild program, history of Backen & Backen; working with remote employees, staying in one office throughout career, unique custom house design requests, establishing strong connection with clients, project challenges, fire resilient design, regenerative design practice, and more. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
#459 - After Hours: Coffee, Food Preferences, Big Bear
This week David and Marina of have a casual chat about coffee, pocast scheduling, beverages, hot sauce, sandwiches, vegetables, ane Big Bear. This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 21min
#458 - Bryan Zabonick, Vice President of Delivery at BQE
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Bryan Zabonick, Vice President of Delivery at BQE. The three discussed Bryan’s professional background, tips to improve architecture business practice, fee structures, communicating with clients, contracts, invoices, budgets, managing overhead costs, architects undervaluing their service, and more This episode is supported by Autodesk Forma & Autodesk Insight • Programa • Learn more about BQE CORE SUBSCRIBE • Apple Podcasts • YouTube • Spotify CONNECT • Website: www.secondstudiopod.com • Office • Instagram • Facebook • Call or text questions to 213-222-6950 SUPPORT Leave a review EPISODE CATEGORIES • Interviews: Interviews with industry leaders. • Project Companion: Informative talks for clients. • Fellow Designer: Tips for designers. • After Hours: Casual conversations about everyday life. • Design Reviews: Reviews of creative projects and buildings. The views, opinions, or beliefs expressed by Sponsee or Sponsee’s guests on the Sponsored Podcast Episodes do not reflect the view, opinions, or beliefs of Sponsor.David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet

10 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 32min
#457 - The Shift House: A Pre-Designed Pacific Palisades Fire-Rebuild Home
David and Marina delve into The Shift House, a pre-designed model aimed at rebuilding areas devastated by fire in Pacific Palisades. They discuss innovative concepts like fire resilience, indoor/outdoor connectivity, and the emotional complexities of custom home building. The significance of architectural diversity and community spirit in home design is highlighted, as well as essential features for creating inviting and secure living spaces. They also explore the balance of aesthetics and functionality while emphasizing trust in collaboration with clients.