#464

This week David and Marina of FAME Architecture & Design are joined by Scott Specht, founding partner of Specht Novak Architects. The three discussed Scott’s background, the evolution of technology in architecture, conceptual vs real world architecture, history of Specht Novak Architects, optimal firm size, how different project experience translates, small office working on large scale projects, Case Study 2.0 & legalities of selling plans, finding good contractors, Scott’s favorite building, and more

(00:04) Scott's background
(10:22) Evolution of technology in architecture.
(15:59) Architecture grad school.
(19:39) Conceptual vs real world architecture.
(24:32) Working at other offices before starting own practice.
(27:30) First few projects as own office.
(31:44) History of Specht Novak Architects.
(36:23) Optimal architecture firm size.
(40:08) How experience in different project types translates.
(42:29) Coordinating & building hand drafted construction drawings.
(50:10) Project types & small office working on large scale projects.
(55:32) Partnering with other offices.
(56:55) The Stealth House.
(01:03:58) Case Study 2.0 & legalities of selling plans.

“We have looked into the permitting ramifications of just taking an off the shelf design and building it. It's more difficult than it might seem from a legal standpoint and it ends up taking a lot of time. I see other architects just selling sets of plans and I don't quite understand how it works because our lawyers all told us to not do that. You can't do that because you have to show that you have given some consideration to the site and other factors. You open yourself to a lot of problems otherwise. So, some people have come to us to build a stealth house, but they only want to pay $1,000 for the set of plans. We're like, “Well, you can't really do that. It doesn't work that way.” But I do think it gives people ideas. You can take the same ideas but customize it and apply it to their specific site.” (01:06:27)

(01:09:48) Finding good contractors.
(01:11:35) What is Scott's favorite building.


Office: https://www.famearchitects.com/

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About:
The Second Studio is an explicit podcast about design, architecture, and the everyday. Hosted by Architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, it features different creative professionals in unscripted and long-format interviews with thoughtful takes and personal discussions. Honesty and humor are used to cover a wide array of subjects.

Episode Types:
• GUEST INTERVIEWS: Interviews with leading professionals
• PROJECT COMPANION: Tips for clients
• FELLOW DESIGNER: Tips for designers
• DESIGN REVIEWS: Review of buildings and other projects
• AFTER HOURS: Casual conversations