Charlap Hyman & Herrero Designed Set for Dubner Series
Designers crafted a clubhouse-style set for Stephen Dubner’s new interview show, Better in Person.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Design firm Charlap Hyman & Herrero staged a custom set for Stephen Dubner’s new video series, Better in Person. The studio was built within Dubner’s own Manhattan apartment to foster a relaxed, clubhouse atmosphere.
Why it matters
The set design aimed to move away from traditional, performative interview aesthetics by creating a more personal environment. This approach provided the host with a dedicated space to record while his residence undergoes renovations.
The set production process took five or six weeks to complete. The studio space features a trompe l'oeil screen sourced from Los Angeles alongside chairs originally designed by Milo Baughman.
The players
Charlap Hyman & Herrero
This is an architecture and design firm known for its unique interior projects.
Stephen Dubner
He is an author and podcaster who gained widespread recognition for the Freakonomics franchise.
Bjarke Ingels
He is a renowned Danish architect and the founder of the architecture firm BIG.
The details
Designers combined in-stock furniture, custom pieces, and the host's own items to curate the look. They utilized a blackout curtain printed with a photographic window image to manage lighting during recording sessions.
Timeline
The Freakonomics book was published in 2005.
The Freakonomics podcast was launched in 2010.
Architect Bjarke Ingels turns 52 on October 2, 2026.
Roadmap
The design of the Better in Person set reflects a broader shift toward domestic studio spaces for high-production digital media. This trend marks a departure from reliance on traditional broadcast facilities in favor of personalized, clubhouse-style settings.
Readers looking to replicate a similar aesthetic can utilize techniques like printed blackout curtains to control lighting in small residential spaces. The project demonstrates how high-end design can be achieved by mixing custom pieces with existing furniture.
The takeaway
Creating a professional-looking space does not require a commercial studio if you focus on consistent lighting and cohesive furniture choices. Personalized set designs can effectively bridge the gap between casual home environments and professional content production.
What happens next
Stephen Dubner has confirmed plans to produce additional seasons of the Better in Person interview series.
Further reading
Explore more design trends in our Interior Decorating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Architect’s Newspaper.
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