Meet David Lee | Architect & Founding Partner of FAME Architecture & Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
In terms of branding or marketing, I believe being helpful to others is the best way to promote a brand. We produce a lot of educational content through videos and blogs so clients can learn about architecture, design, and construction. We also host a design and architecture podcast titled The Second Studio. The show grew significantly in recent years to become a top-ten design show.

Regarding our architectural and design work, the most important quality for success is honesty. We strive to be honest with the people we work with and, most importantly, with ourselves. In our industries, it is easy to get caught up in egos, trends, and “what the market wants”. All of that stuff is just superficial noise though. We rather just be true to ourselves and the client. I think the best projects come from this approach. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are an architecture and interior design office specializing in modern/contemporary custom single-family residences.

I believe architecture and design are intensely personal endeavors and our particular backgrounds and perspectives are part of what make our office different. The practice is led by my partner, Marina Bourderonnet, a French architect and designer, and by me, an architect and California native. We each have very different sensibilities which makes our work interesting and engaging for our clients. Aside from our cultural backgrounds, we probably approach things differently because our design experience is atypically diverse. We’ve designed many different kinds of spaces and structures ranging from interiors to beach-front mansions; luxury residential towers; acclaimed art installations; galleries; campus plans; and cafes across 5 different countries. This gives us a very diverse palette to work with when we are designing homes.

We also approach every project as an opportunity to create something special that synthesizes the unique qualities that the client and the site bring. I believe this is only achieved if we embrace uncertainty in the design process. People hire us because they know we will deliver something special, but they, and we, actually have no idea what the design will be until we create it. Every project is exhilarating and we owe a lot to our clients who trust us.

Regarding where we are today… I can’t say it’s been an easy journey. However, many of the challenges we’ve faced didn’t feel like challenges at the time. For example, at the start of my career, I moved to New York City with one suitcase and no job or housing lined up, and when we started our own business it also coincided with moving across the country without any clients or housing lined up. Looking back, these were both very challenging times, but in the moment, we were just doing what I felt was right, and the risks were in the periphery of our vision. This is perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned. When you are deeply motivated to do something, it almost feels like there’s no other option. It’s a very liberating feeling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To be honest, I’m the worst person when it comes to planning trips and itineraries. I prefer venturing out and just wandering. There’s a French term, flâneur, which means a person who strolls or wanders through cities. Its meaning has some undertones relating to one’s status and even being drunk while wandering, but all that aside, I do love the action of meandering and just observing life. This is probably what I would do.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I was in college I played the trumpet and was part of several music ensembles. The band director was a guy named Bill Johnson. Even though I was an architecture major and that was my main passion, Professor Johnson (Jay, as we called him), left a lasting impression and is perhaps the most effective group leader I’ve ever met. He could guide 100+ college musicians through his humor, sternness, and unwavering passion. Every rehearsal was a masterclass in teamwork and leadership. I specifically remember, that when he felt the ensemble was losing focus during rehearsal, he would ask us the rhetorical question, “What is our primary objective?” He would then answer himself by saying, “To make beautiful sounds.” This always stuck with me. I love the simplicity of it and I think our role as architects is the same. It’s to create beautiful places.

Website: https://www.famearchitects.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fame_architects

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fame-architecture-interior-design/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famearchitects/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjLfSZ7t_nGco7GlcT6X41w

Other: Second Studio Design & Architecture Show Podcast:
https://www.secondstudiopod.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUWyNdjf3Gu6_3gpwq9Yu2Q
https://www.instagram.com/secondstudiopod/

Image Credits
Malibu Residence: Luxigon – Renderer
Nabi House: Joe Fletcher – Photographer, Mikhael Romain – Stylist
Pacific Penthouse: Common Studio – Photographer, Esther van Wijck – Stylist