

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

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.

Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 31min
#456 - Ana Duran, Co-Principal of Estudio A0 & Assistant Professor at Yale School of Architecture.
Ana Maria Duran Calisto, Co-Principal of Estudio A0 and Assistant Professor at Yale, dives into the intricate relationship between technology, culture, and nature in architecture. She reflects on the impact of colonialism in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for interconnectedness in modern design. The discussion highlights the richness of Amazonian cultures and the misconceptions surrounding them, while advocating for sustainable practices rooted in indigenous knowledge. Duran also shares her unconventional journey in architecture, inspiring listeners to embrace unique interests.

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 32min
#455 - After Hours: Visiting NYC!
David and Marina share their recent adventures in New York City, reminiscing about the emotional pull of the city and its evolving landscape. They dive into the challenges of navigating the urban environment with a baby, mixing humor with heartfelt moments. The duo reflects on the nightlife, contrasting chaotic memories with the modernized skyline. They also candidly discuss unexpected food issues, all while celebrating the vibrant art scene and unique experiences that make NYC unforgettable.

Jun 24, 2025 • 56min
#454 - Thomas Woltz, Senior Principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW)
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Thomas L. Woltz, Senior Principal of Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects (NBW). The three discussed Thomas’s childhood influences; architecture & arts education; why he studied Master of Architecture; how landscape architects think differently; creating impact beyond your lifetime; landscape maintenance; pros & cons of private owned public spaces; research in landscape design; client alignment on project goals; challenging 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

Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
#453 - Balancing Hobbies & Architecture
This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design discuss importance of having hobbies outside of architecture; making time for activities beyond architecture school; making passion into career; influence of external hobbies on architecture career; transitioning from school to work; nightmare stories; 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