Today we’d like to introduce you to David Bruce Lee
Hi David Bruce, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Earning a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo provided me with a strong foundation in design, but growing up in Orange County, I felt an urge to explore life beyond California. With a single suitcase and no job or housing lined up, I took a leap and moved to New York City—a city renowned for its energy and high design standards—determined to immerse myself in one of the world’s most dynamic architectural environments.
Living and working in NYC was nothing short of transformative. The city has a way of building resilience, and the architectural standards there are incredibly high. During my time there, I had the privilege of working on an exciting range of projects: from international luxury high-rises to sprawling beach mansions in the Hamptons, and even an art installation featured in the Museum of Modern Art—a surreal and deeply rewarding experience. Those seven years in “the city that never sleeps” expanded my thinking, refined my craft, and taught me how to push creative boundaries in design.
Eventually, though, the pull of the West Coast brought me back home. I missed California’s natural beauty and Los Angeles’ unique energy—a place that has always embraced cultural experimentation and architectural innovation. More than that, I was ready for a new chapter: one where I could work autonomously and create homes that reflected a more personal and unique vision.
So, I returned to California and co-founded FAME Architecture and Interior Design with my partner, French architect Marina Bourderonnet. From the outset, our mission was clear: to design highly customized, modern one-of-a-kind homes for clients who appreciate the intersection of artistry and functionality.
It’s been incredible to see that vision come to life. Our very first two projects were featured in prominent publications like Architect’s Newspaper Interiors, Sunset Magazine, and The Local Project. Since then, our portfolio has grown in scale and complexity, but we’ve stayed true to our boutique philosophy. Marina and I remain personally involved in every aspect of the design process, ensuring that each home we create is deeply thoughtful, tailored, and unique.
While most of our work is in Los Angeles, our projects extend to Northern California, across the U.S., and even internationally. Each home is an opportunity to collaborate with our clients, weaving their needs, lifestyle, and vision into a space that feels entirely their own. Ultimately, our goal is to create homes that not only elevate how people live but also reflect who they are.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Any small business owner will tell you that the road is rarely smooth, and it’s often paved with challenges, both big and small. We’ve certainly faced our share of struggles along the way.
One of the biggest challenges came during the COVID era. As a relatively new office at the time, we weren’t yet widely known, and the lockdowns made networking and finding new clients significantly more difficult. Despite these hurdles, we were fortunate to secure two projects during that period, including one in Hong Kong for a high-profile couple—a major athlete and a successful entrepreneur.
The Hong Kong project, which we titled *Pacific Penthouse*, was a true test of resilience and adaptability. It was managed entirely remotely, with a 13-hour time difference, and involved a contractor who, unfortunately, turned out to be less qualified than the client initially believed. Every project is a marathon, not a sprint, and this one tested our endurance to the fullest. But through sheer grit, dedication, and honest communication, we successfully completed the project. The result not only exceeded the client’s expectations but was also featured in a major print magazine. We credit our brave clients, who took a chance on a young architecture office located halfway across the world.
Looking back, this project encapsulates much of how we operate as a practice today: prioritizing exceptional quality, personalized client service, and a focus on originality. We thrive on collaborating with cultured clients who want something truly unique—homes that go beyond the ordinary and reflect who they are.
*Pacific Penthouse* also highlighted another challenge: being new in the industry meant we needed to establish a stronger presence. To address this, we leaned into digital marketing, creating educational content such as blogs, YouTube videos, and podcasts to guide clients through the design and building process. This effort not only helped potential clients understand what we offer but also allowed us to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate our approach.
The road hasn’t been without its challenges, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Each obstacle has shaped us into the firm we are today—creative, resilient, and committed to crafting homes that leave a lasting impression.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a boutique architecture and interior design office specializing in custom modern homes for discerning clients who are looking for something truly unique. People come to us when they want a living experience that stands apart—homes that are not only functional but also deeply artistic and personal. In many ways, we’re perceived more as artists than traditional architects, and we’re often commissioned to design one-of-a-kind residences that feel like works of art.
Regarding our services, we are a full-service practice that combines site planning, architecture, permitting, interior architecture, interior design, furnishings, and construction administration. Many of our clients appreciate this comprehensive approach because it streamlines the process and ensures a seamless design from start to finish.
One of the unique services we offer is our Project Starter Service. This is a fixed-fee service designed for new clients who want to begin their home journey quickly and effectively. It’s a great way for clients to explore the possibilities of their property before committing to the full project. With this service, clients receive a property and zoning assessment, concept sketches and floor plans, as well as an estimated construction cost from one of our trusted contractors.
When it comes to design, for us, every project is an opportunity to learn, grow, and push boundaries. At the core of our philosophy is the idea of abandoning preconceptions. This isn’t always easy—it’s human nature to seek comfort in the familiar and repeat what’s worked in the past—but we actively resist that. While we continually build on our skills and experience, our focus is on uncovering the unique elements of each project, whether that’s the site, the client’s personality and needs, or the program. Every home begins with an artistic concept tailored to create a distinctive living experience.
Our work often results in homes with compelling narratives. For example, we’ve designed a serene retreat for a retired couple, a playful interplay of light and color for a family of three, a private forest sanctuary for a pair of medical professionals, and even a house of secrets and surprises for a magician. Each project starts with understanding the client deeply so that we can cultivate a story and design a world around them. For us, architecture is about world-building—each home becomes its own miniature universe with a unique architectural language.
This approach means our homes are not only highly personal but also full of surprises. Clients come to us wanting to go on a creative journey, and they often say that one of the things they love most about working with us is being surprised and delighted by our ideas. It’s a collaborative, fun, and deeply rewarding process that results in homes that are as exciting to live in as they are to create.
Ultimately, what sets us apart is our dedication to designing homes that feel alive—spaces that reflect the personalities of their inhabitants and create moments of wonder. We’re proud of the trust our clients place in us and the joy we’re able to bring to their lives through design.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was raised to be kind and encouraged to be creative. Growing up with a younger sister, much of our playtime involved being outside, building contraptions out of cardboard, rope, and duct tape—excellent early training for becoming an architect! I was a curious kid who loved school and enjoyed working hard. I think some of my peers probably thought I was a bit of a weirdo for being so engaged, but I never minded. I wasn’t shy and loved being in front of the class doing skits or any activity that involved creativity.
I was also always the smallest kid in class, and in hindsight, I think that made me keenly aware of the importance of kindness, precision, and work ethic. In sports, when you’re the smallest, you need to be technical because raw power doesn’t come naturally. That awareness carried over into everything I do today.
Before architecture, my first passion was music. I played the trumpet for many years from elementary school and through college, and approached it with the same seriousness I bring to architecture today. Even though I knew I wasn’t good enough to pursue it professionally, that didn’t matter—I found it incredibly rewarding. Music gave me the chance to collaborate with others, travel to new places, and perform in amazing venues like the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
Looking back, I realize architecture was always a natural fit for me, even as a child. In third grade, when we had an assignment to share our dream job, I answered that I wanted to be an inventor. I was driven by the desire to create “cool things” that solved problems—a sentiment that still fuels my work today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.famearchitects.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fame_architects/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famearchitects/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fame_architects
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TVq5fuaZPSzlD84bk3Oqj
