Convo By Design June 2026 ICON Parkin Architects | 671 | Redefining the Architecture of Incarceration: Healing Over Hardship

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In January, you heard from Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius, principals at Parkin Architects, …Parkin is a Canadian, employee-owned, award-winning architectural practice with roots dating back to the 1940s. Founded and established in Toronto, expanded to Ottawa, and Vancouver, the firm specializes in designing purposeful, beautiful, and functional buildings. Our commitment to collaboration has earned us a reputation for excellence, bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, impactful design. With a focus on social impact, we take pride in creating spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Not my words, theirs.

Creating environments that positively impact lives is their vision

Their Mission… To foster collaboration, partnerships and the sharing of knowledge to build better communities. They design innovative solutions to promote positive and enduring social change. They empower their team to design meaningful and enriching environments. They cultivate a sustainable business model as the foundation to lead initiatives that positively impact lives. That is powerful.

To celebrate, we are having a conversation with Robert Boraks and Richard Heot of Parkin Architects, the likes of which you have probably not heard before. Justice architecture. Yeah, prisons, jails, facilities that are created to keep people in. But you might be surprised by what you hear.

Justice by Design: Redefining the Architecture of Incarceration

Healing Over Hardship

While prison architecture is often associated with “locking people up,” modern justice design is pivoting toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and community connection. This episode explores how shifting the physical environment from fortresses to “healing centers” can reduce stress for both inmates and staff, ultimately lowering recidivism rates and serving the best interests of society.

Key Points

  • The Purpose of the Typology: Architecture must follow function. If the goal of a facility is rehabilitation rather than pure punishment, the design must reflect that through “soft” materials, natural light, and open programming.
  • The “Normalization” of Space: Incorporating elements like drywall (as seen in the Rankin Inlet project) instead of concrete, and providing views of nature, helps de-escalate tension and improve the mental health of residents and correctional officers.
  • Technology as a Barrier-Breaker: Advances in AI and electronic tracking may eventually reduce the need for physical “hard” barriers like barbed wire, allowing facilities to blend more seamlessly into the community.
  • The “Triage” Model: Modern facilities are increasingly being viewed as stabilization points to address the high rates of mental illness (70% in Canada) and homelessness among the incarcerated population.
  • Reframing the Narrative: The architects argue for viewing justice facilities through the lens of: “How would I want my loved one treated if they were here?”
  • Parkin Architects: The firm featured in this episode, specializing in justice, healthcare, and institutional design.
  • Rankin Inlet Men’s Healing Facility: A landmark project discussed for its use of “soft” architecture and lack of perimeter fencing to foster a healing environment.
  • The “Normalization” Principle: A concept in correctional philosophy stating that life inside should resemble life outside as much as possible to prepare for reintegration.
  • Michel Foucault: The philosopher referenced regarding the “Carceral Archipelago” and the similarities between schools, hospitals, and prisons.

Reimagining the “Hard” Box: The Purpose of Typology

In traditional architectural circles, the “prison” typology has long been defined by its permanence and its posture of punishment. Historically, these structures were designed as “hard boxes”—windowless, concrete monoliths intended to separate the “other” from society. However, as discussed in the latest Convo By Design, architects Richard Hewitt and Robert Boraks are challenging the very foundation of this design philosophy. The fundamental question is no longer just “how do we keep people in?” but rather, “What is the purpose of this place?”

When a facility is designed strictly for punishment, it often fails at its unstated but essential goal: public safety. If 70% of those entering the system suffer from mental illness or substance abuse, a “hard” environment only serves to exacerbate trauma. By shifting the typology toward “Healing Centers,” architects are utilizing evidence-based design to lower the temperature of incarceration. This means replacing oppressive materials with softer finishes and ensuring that the physical layout supports programming like trades training or farming. By defining the purpose as rehabilitation and reintegration, the architecture stops being a cage and starts being a tool for societal health.

The Normalization of Space: Breaking the Fortress Mentality

One of the most striking revelations in modern justice architecture is the “Normalization” principle. This concept suggests that if you treat an individual like an animal in a cage, they will likely behave like one. Conversely, if you provide an environment that mimics the outside world—with natural light, acoustic control, and “normal” windows and doors—stress levels drop significantly for both residents and staff.

Take the Rankin Inlet Men’s Healing Facility as a primary example. Built in the Canadian North, this facility famously lacks a perimeter fence and was constructed using drywall rather than indestructible concrete. The result? A dramatic decrease in destructive behavior and a surge in staff morale. When a space feels like a school or a library rather than a fortress, the stigma of incarceration is reduced. This “soft” approach doesn’t just benefit the incarcerated; it creates a safer work environment for correctional officers, who are the “true lifers” of the facility. By normalizing the space, we prepare individuals for the day they walk back into a grocery store or a community park, ensuring they aren’t entering a world they no longer recognize.

Technology as a Catalyst for Change

As we move further into the 2020s, technology is poised to render the traditional “fortress” prison obsolete. We are entering an era where AI-driven monitoring, facial recognition, and biometric tracking can provide security without the need for literal iron bars. Architects are now looking at a future where a facility can be integrated into the fabric of a city—perhaps even as a mixed-use development—because the “containment” is digital and psychological rather than just physical.

Technology allows for predictive safety measures. AI can analyze movement patterns and biometric data (like heart rate or body temperature) to alert staff to rising tensions before an incident occurs. This shift allows for more “open” environments where individuals can move freely within a secure digital envelope. Furthermore, technology facilitates a “triage” model of justice, where data helps identify mental health needs or housing instability the moment someone enters the system. As Robert Boraks noted, we may reach a point where we ask: Do we even need prisons in their current form? By leveraging technology, we can move away from “warehousing” humans and toward a more precise, data-driven method of social support and community protection.

Architecture After Disruption: Health, Resilience, and the Future of the American Home | 670 | Tim Barber Architects

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In this conversation with the principals of Tim Barber Architects, the discussion explores how architecture has evolved since 2020. The pandemic fundamentally changed how people live in their homes, forcing architects to rethink everything from spatial organization and material choices to health, resilience, and long-term adaptability.

The architects describe a profession balancing client desires, environmental realities, and community responsibility. Topics include aging in place, the shift away from open floor plans, rebuilding after wildfire loss, and the growing role of resilience and sustainability in residential design.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The conversation also examines larger systemic issues—from the housing crisis and the loss of architectural criticism to concerns about deregulating the architectural profession and the future pipeline of architects. Ultimately, the discussion reveals architecture as both a creative discipline and a civic responsibility.

Tim Barber, Kelly Becker, David Stone, Ari Engleman, Katie Peterson-Hesketh

Post-Pandemic Spatial Design

Homes are now workplaces, classrooms, and wellness environments. Architects are designing more flexible, compartmentalized spaces rather than large open rooms.

The Reassessment of the Open Floor Plan

Open layouts are losing popularity as homeowners seek acoustic separation, privacy, and spatial hierarchy.

Healthy Homes

Clients increasingly ask about air quality, non-toxic materials, EMF concerns, and overall wellness in the built environment.

Aging in Place & Multigenerational Living

Homes are being designed for lifelong occupancy, with elevators, adaptable bathrooms, and secondary primary suites.

Housing Crisis Misconceptions

The problem is not a lack of housing overall but a shortage of affordable, well-located housing.

Sustainability Through Longevity

The most sustainable building is the one that already exists. Adaptive reuse and generational homes are key strategies.

Fire Resilience and Climate Adaptation

Wildfire rebuild projects are forcing architects to rethink materials, structural resilience, and building codes.

“Performance Spending”

Homeowners must choose between visible luxury and invisible resilience investments.

Architects as Client Advocates

Architects frequently guide clients away from poor decisions through education and alternatives rather than simply saying “no.”

Material Uncertainty and Construction Cost Volatility

Rapid cost changes and new materials create challenges for planning and specification.

Professional Deregulation Concerns

Removing architectural licensing protections could threaten safety, quality, and professional standards.

Education and Knowledge Sharing

The firm runs an internal “university” model to continuously train staff and share knowledge.

Loss of Architectural Criticism

The disappearance of critics and serious architectural journalism has created a cultural vacuum in evaluating design.

Adaptive Reuse and Density

Office conversions and moderate urban density may become major architectural trends.

Future of Residential Design

Homes may become smaller but more sophisticated—prioritizing performance, durability, and resilience.

The Experience of Architecture Beyond Form, Function & Feel | 669 | Ben Kasdan

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Architect Ben Kasdan  and I explore the ethos of design, the importance of “innovation through experience,” and why architecture should be viewed as a living organism rather than a machine.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Innovation vs. Practicality: The discussion begins with the idea of innovative design, citing Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. While the building faced initial criticism for a “glare” issue from its steel facade, its true innovation lies in the acoustic experience and its purpose as a “living room for the city”.

Architecture as an Organism: Challenging Le Corbusier’s famous “machine for living” concept, Ben suggests that buildings are more like living organisms that must be nurtured, maintained, and allowed to evolve.

The “Ideas” Lab: Ben’s firm, KTGY, operates a dedicated R&D studio that explores “outside the lane” concepts—like 3D-printed modular housing and solutions for homelessness—without the immediate constraints of budgets or specific client demands.

Designing for the Inhabitants: A significant portion of the work focuses on student and senior housing. Ben emphasizes that while these spaces are often transient, they must be designed to support the mental, physical, and intellectual well-being of the people living there.

Architectural “Grafting”: Instead of the common practice of demolition, the conversation touches on the value of “grafting” or repurposing older structures, preserving their emotional and historical significance while adapting them for new use.

KTGY Architecture + Planning: The firm where Ben Kasdan is a principal, known for its diverse housing typologies. KTGY Website

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Referenced as a prime example of experience-driven innovation in Los Angeles. LA Phil – Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Broad: Mentioned in the context of downtown LA’s architectural landscape and public perception. The Broad Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower: Discussed as a structure that, while visually extraordinary, struggled with functional longevity. Price Tower Arts Center

Marin County Civic Center: Cited as an early inspiration for Ben, showcasing how a building’s unique form can evoke a powerful emotional response. Marin County Civic Center

Building Ethical Products, Leaning in on Values Based Specification | 668 | Legacy Reissue 2014 feat Frances Anderton & Jeff Denby

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Every now and then, I like to hop into the wayback machine and share a fresh listen to conversations that influenced our current times. The one you are going to register to today was recorded live in 2014 from DIEM, Design Intersects Everything Made symposium presented by the West Hollywood Design District featuring Frances Anderton, then with KCRW ad Jeff Denby, co-founder and then with Pact. A clothing brand you will be hearing more about. 

The following conversation was focused on values based capitalism, an economic model with which places value on profit generation that also generates positive social impact.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

As you listen to this chat between Frances and Jeff, you might notice the “feel-good” vibes and high ideals that come from a focus on values based consumerism patterns. Buy well-made products that come from sustainably based materials and made by people who are valued to those producing the products and then by those who buy the product. At the time of this recording, this idea was catching on and even now, companies that have a value-system connected directly to products speak openly about the social capital being generated. I would argue we hear far less now because sustainability has been linked politically to DEI, and there is a group of people who see that has more of a social ill, than a societal benefit. I’m not here to change any minds, only share different perspectives. And this is one worth sharing with the hope that it will make a return, not just in fashion or consumer packaged goods, but in the home decor and architectural materials sectors.

Consumer Awareness Evolution

How Whole Foods and the food industry educated consumers about product origins.

Extension of that curiosity to body care and apparel: understanding what goes on the skin and into daily wear.

The role of design in making sustainable products attractive and desirable.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Early collaborations with nonprofits through limited-edition collections and direct aid.

Shift toward improving the lives of workers within the supply chain.

Emphasis on economic, environmental, and social impact as part of the business model.

Challenges of Domestic Manufacturing

Difficulties of reviving large-scale apparel production domestically, including labor costs, fractured supply chains, and compliance issues.

Comparison with global supply chains and the decision to work where systems already exist.

Insights from attempts at localized production and the challenges of sustainable sourcing.

Product Expansion and Market Strategy

Focus on apparel basics for the emerging generation of socially conscious consumers.

Building a generational brand by appealing to evolving values.

Commitment to price accessibility while maintaining sustainability and ethical production.

Supply Chain Ethics and Certification

Working exclusively with certified factories and farms to ensure fair labor practices.

Ensuring worker protections and representation, including female supervisors.

Direct engagement with farmers and supply chain partners to secure market access and stability.

Sustainability and Waste Management

Recycling factory scraps and leftover materials into new products.

Finding secondary uses for garment remnants, including mattress filling.

Factories incentivized to reduce waste as part of both economic and environmental sustainability.

Consumer Education and Transparency

Educating customers about the human and environmental story behind clothing.

Leveraging social media, coalition branding, and events to communicate supply chain practices.

Positioning Pact as a non-toxic apparel brand with safe-for-skin products.

Research and Industry Collaboration

Participation in textile and sustainability coalitions with like-minded brands.

Supporting the growth of organic cotton farming and sustainable supply chains.

Promoting transparency in manufacturing practices and educating the public on chemical exposure in conventional apparel.

Ethical apparel requires intentional design, transparent supply chains, and collaboration across the industry.

Consumers increasingly demand products that are safe, well-designed, and socially responsible.

Philanthropy is most effective when integrated into the core business, benefiting both workers and communities.

Scaling sustainability in mass-market apparel is challenging but possible with careful planning, partnerships, and public education.

Conscious Basics: How Textiles Can Be Ethical, Sustainable, and Stylish

In an era when consumers increasingly demand transparency and ethical responsibility, Pact is reshaping the apparel industry by marrying sustainability, social impact, and thoughtful design. Co-founder Jeff Denby spoke with Frances Anderton in 2014 about the philosophy behind the brand, tracing a journey from organic cotton farms in India to certified factories in Turkey, all with the goal of delivering high-quality, accessible clothing that respects both people and the planet.

Denby notes that consumer awareness has evolved in stages. Shoppers first became curious about food origins, learning that groceries come from farms, not just shelves. This consciousness extended to body care products, as people began asking what they were putting on their skin. Apparel is the next frontier. “People want to know what they’re wearing every day,” Denby explains. “They want products that are beautifully designed, sustainable, and safe, without having to reinvent what underwear or socks should look like.”

Early in Pact’s history, the company experimented with philanthropic partnerships, designing collections that supported nonprofit causes. These initiatives provided aid to communities abroad, from distributing lanterns in Haiti to rebuilding community centers in Japan. However, Denby realized the brand could make a deeper impact by focusing inward—supporting the lives of the workers who create the products. By investing in stable, ethical supply chains, Pact achieves a triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Reviving large-scale apparel manufacturing in the United States proved impractical for Pact. Labor costs, fractured supply chains, and limited domestic processing infrastructure made it impossible to produce affordable basics at scale. Instead, the brand partnered with existing factories abroad, ensuring they meet strict certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard. Denby emphasizes that these certifications guarantee fair labor practices, gender equity, and safe working conditions—factors often overlooked in conventional apparel production.

Beyond ethical sourcing, Pact prioritizes product safety and environmental responsibility. Cotton cultivation and traditional textile processing can involve significant pesticide use and harmful chemicals. Pact works with organic cotton farmers and certified dye houses, eliminating heavy metals and carcinogens from their products. Waste management is also integral; leftover yarn and fabrics are recycled into new garments or repurposed for other industries, demonstrating that sustainability extends from field to factory to finished product.

Denby envisions Pact as the “basics brand for the change generation,” appealing to consumers who value ethics, transparency, and design. The brand is part of a coalition with other sustainable apparel companies, collaborating to secure fair market access for farmers, grow organic cotton production, and educate the public on the human stories behind clothing. Social media and events provide direct channels to communicate these values, allowing consumers to engage with the brand and understand the people and processes behind the garments they wear.

For Pact, the mission goes beyond selling clothing. It is about proving that everyday apparel can be ethical, well-designed, and accessible, while creating meaningful social impact. By integrating philanthropy, sustainability, and consumer education into the business model, Pact is showing that the basics—underwear, socks, and t-shirts—can carry a powerful message: that fashion can be responsible, thoughtful, and inclusive.

More Than a Kitchen: Designing for the Multi-Generational Modern Home 667 | Live Thought Leadership from Pacific Sales in Huntington Beach, CA.

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Industry experts discuss the shift from “The Triangle” to “The Zone,” the explosion of ADUs in Southern California, and why your Pinterest board might be lying to you.

Southern California builders, designers, and innovators to dissect the radical shifts in residential design since 2022. The conversation moves beyond simple aesthetics to explore how the “post-pandemic” home has become a multi-functional hub. From the technical complexities of “electrically heavy” kitchens to the rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as multi-generational lifelines, this episode serves as a masterclass in the collaborative effort required to build a “forever home” in today’s market.

The Participants

Daniel Franco: DuMonde Builders

Denise Fernandez & Tanisha Johnson Monroe: Johnson & Fernandez Interior Design

J.R. Joseph Rodriguez: Joseph Interiors

Verzine Hovasapyan: Director of Innovation for Pacific Sales

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Great Post-Pandemic Kitchen Reset

Leading builders and designers discuss the demise of the “work triangle,” the rise of multigenerational spaces, and why clients must stop scrolling Pinterest and start budgeting before remodeling.

Summary of Key Concepts

  • The Death of the “Work Triangle”: The traditional 1940s “work triangle” has been replaced by specialized “micro-zones” (e.g., breakfast stations, baking zones, “Mission Control” homework hubs) to accommodate multi-user and multi-generational households.
  • The Intergenerational Anchor: As adult children and elderly parents move back, kitchens are expanding into living areas, becoming the specialized, central ecosystem that anchors the home.
  • Specialization Over Cabinetry: Clients now prioritize hyper-specific, electrically heavy stations (like advanced smoothie stations with plumbing or complex water filtration for a coffee obsession) over a simple maximum quantity of cabinet boxes.
  • Aging in Place & Wellness: Technology like steam ovens, induction cooktops (safer for both younger cooks and seniors), and automated, sensory lighting is being integrated to support lifelong wellness in “forever homes.”
  • The Crucial Co-Lab: Designer + GC + Vendor: The most successful projects integrate the interior designer and the contractor from the discovery call, ensuring the client is educated on true procurement timelines and material realities before walls go up.
  • The Death of the “Kitchen Triangle”: Designers are moving away from traditional layouts toward “zone-based” design. Modern kitchens now feature dedicated baking stations, “mission control” desks for homework, and professional-grade coffee bars.
  • The Multi-Generational Shift: High interest rates and cost-of-living increases are bringing adult children and elderly parents back under one roof. This has turned ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) from optional luxuries into essential square footage for privacy and accessibility.
  • Wellness & Innovation: A surge in “healthy home” awareness is driving the popularity of induction cooktops (reducing gas emissions) and steam ovens over traditional ranges.
  • The “Team-First” Approach: Why engaging a contractor and designer before plan-check saves thousands. The panel explains how early collaboration prevents “alarmist” project meetings and ensures technical feasibility for heavy appliance loads.
  • The Pinterest/AI Pitfall: Experts warn against the “social media expectation gap.” They discuss how to translate a “feeling” from an AI-generated image into a functional, buildable reality that fits a Southern California budget.
  • Quality Disparity: A crucial lesson on “Trade vs. Retail” products—explaining why the same brand name can have vastly different internal components (plastic vs. brass) depending on where it’s purchased.

Resource Links & Applicable Elements

  • Dumont Builders: Official Website – Specialty commercial and high-end residential construction.
  • Johnson & Fernandez Interior Design: Portfolio & Services – Full-service design specializing in color and new construction.
  • Pacific Sales: Kitchen & Home Innovations – A one-stop shop for premium appliances and plumbing fixtures.
  • California ADU Laws: HCD Official Portal – Information on the updated regulations making garage conversions and ADUs easier in Southern California.
  • Induction vs. Gas: Energy Star Guide – Research on the wellness and efficiency benefits of the induction technology discussed by the panel.

The Resilient Art of Designing for Extremes: Creating in the Twin Cities | 666 | PKA Architecture

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Building Beyond Aesthetics in the Twin Cities

Residential architecture in the Twin Cities requires a unique blend of grit and intentionality. From the “Scandinavian tradition” of high-level craftsmanship to the technical demands of a 115-degree annual temperature swing, designing in this environment is an exercise in functional resilience. This conversation explores how extreme climates and a “Midwest mindset” shape the way we live and the ways homes must evolve to meet the needs of multi-generational families. The following conversation I had with PKA Architecture’s Kristine Anderson, Andrew Edwins and Ryan Fish was wide ranging and dove deep into;

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Architecture of Endurance

In the heart of the Twin Cities, architecture is less about making a statement and more about surviving a cycle. To design a home in Minnesota is to engage in a high-stakes negotiation with physics. When the mercury drops to -15°F and climbs to 100°F within the same calendar year, materials don’t just sit there—they breathe, swell, and contract at a cellular level. As the team from PKA Architecture notes, this environment serves as a rigorous training ground. If a design can thrive in the Twin Cities, it possesses the technical “confidence” to perform anywhere in the world.

This technical necessity has birthed a culture of craftsmanship that distinguishes the region. Rooted in Scandinavian cabinet-making traditions, local builders and architects push one another toward a level of precision where “half-assing” is not an option—the weather simply won’t allow it. It is a pragmatic form of beauty where the “Midwest mindset” rejects the flashy labels of coastal luxury in favor of quiet, intentional excellence.

Moreover, the modern home is being asked to do more than provide shelter; it is becoming a flexible vessel for the human lifecycle. The conversation highlights a significant shift toward long-term master planning. Homeowners are increasingly looking ten years down the road, asking how a space can adapt to adult children returning home or elderly parents moving in. By moving away from the “phantom buyer” of resale-focused design, architects are helping clients create homes that are deeply personal and functionally resilient. Whether it is through the seamless integration of invisible technology or the preservation of “ritual spaces” for calm, the goal remains the same: making life easier for those who inhabit the space, one season at a time.

  • Resiliency as a Design Requirement: Extreme temperature swings expose construction flaws quickly, leading to a local culture that prioritizes performance and durability over surface-level trends.
  • The Intentionality of “Midwest Modern”: A pragmatic approach to design that rejects “excess” but holds craftsmanship—rooted in the region’s Scandinavian heritage—to an incredibly high standard.
  • Life Beyond the “Phantom Buyer”: A shift toward designing for the current inhabitant’s actual life rather than future resale, including planning for multi-generational living and aging in place.
  • Integrating Technology Naturally: Embracing technology as a design layer—such as half-inch recessed lighting—that enhances daily life without overwhelming the home’s aesthetic.
  • Materiality and the Seasons: The “one-year seasonal change” is a standard expectation in local construction, allowing wood and metal to settle through the intense humidity shifts of the Midwest.

Convo By Design May 2026 ICON Cathy Purple Cherry | 665 | Designing for Life: Architecture, Emotion, and the Long View

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Designing for Life: Architecture, Emotion, and the Long View

Architect Cathy Purple Cherry challenges the idea that buildings are static objects, arguing instead that great architecture evolves with human behavior, emotion, and time.

From biophilic design and post-pandemic living patterns to aging-in-place and purposeful restraint, Purple Cherry shares how architecture can improve quality of life across generations—without chasing trends or perfection.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

In this episode of Convo By Design, I share my first conversation with architect Cathy Purple Cherry for a wide-ranging conversation on architecture as a deeply human, emotionally driven discipline. Purple Cherry discusses how architects must design for decades—not design cycles—and how shifts in technology, work culture, and climate have fundamentally altered the way homes and workplaces should function.

Everything that embodies a design icon… right here. The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. An incredible partner in design.

The conversation explores the lasting impact of biophilic design, the realities of working from home at different life stages, and why many contemporary office environments fail to support collaboration or productivity. Purple Cherry also reflects on aging, accessibility, and the importance of designing homes that support real relationships, not social-media perfection.

Rebuilding the Dream | 664 | The State of SoCal Architecture with Leo Marmol & Ron Radziner

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I sat down with Ron Radziner and Leo Marmol to dig into why building in Southern California feels like an uphill battle and how we can actually fix it.

After their talk at WestEdge, I caught up with Ron and Leo to process everything discussed. We’re at a major inflection point in Southern California, and I wanted to know how their perspective has shifted since they started back in ’89. We dove into the “fucking NIMBYs,” the skyrocketing costs of construction, and why our current zoning laws are essentially a slow-motion economic disaster. From the lessons of the Palisades fires to the potential of prefab, we explored what it actually takes to build a sustainable community when the deck is stacked against you.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Cost of Inequality: Ron shared his deep worry about the growing gap between the middle class and the ultra-wealthy, and how rising construction costs are making it nearly impossible to provide housing for anyone in between.

Zoning is the Real Bottleneck: We agreed that the talent and desire to build are there, but we lack the political will to let architects do their jobs. Our current planning and zoning laws are the primary hurdles to building quickly and affordably.

The Density Myth: Leo pushed back hard on the idea that density is the problem. He pointed out that 72% of our residential land is locked into single-family homes, which simply can’t support the housing volume we need.

Stopping the Sprawl: We talked about the need to stop sprawling into high-risk wildfire zones like Riverside County and instead focus on density and infill within the urban core.

Limits on Community Vetoes: While community input matters, Leo argued there has to be a point where the litigation stops. We can’t let individual voices stall essential progress like bike lanes and sustainable housing forever.

The Prefab Opportunity: With so many similar lots needing to be rebuilt in the Palisades and Altadena, Ron sees a massive opening for high-quality prefab construction to get people back into homes faster.

Lessons from Lortondale: I brought up my move to Tulsa and the Lortondale community—a whole neighborhood of mid-century modern tract homes that are still intact, in demand, and haven’t been commodified out of reach. It’s proof that mass-produced architecture can have a soul and stay accessible.

Applicable Elements and Links

Marmol Radziner: https://www.marmol-radziner.com/

WestEdge Design Fair: https://www.westedgedesign.com/

Lortondale, Tulsa: https://www.lortondale.com/

California Coastal Commission: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/

California ADU Handbook: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-and-programming/accessory-dwelling-units

CEQA Overview: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/CEQA

Reconnecting with Friends and Colleagues, That is what Makes Trade Events so Special | 663 | LuAnn Niagara and Josh Cooperman on the Evolution of Industry Media and Podcasts

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The episode you are going to hear today was over a decade in the making. LuAnn Niagara is the host of A Well Designed Business. The podcast launched in 2016 and set the standard for what a business of design podcast should be. LuAnn’s focus was then and is today focused on helping designers up level their design studios. LuAnn was hosting a session for the KBIS Podcast Studio and we had some time during the show and I can’t remember who brought up the idea, I think it was me who suggested to LuAnn, that this would be a great time for us to record a conversation about our own journey and collaborate on a crossover episode. It could be fun!

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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Oh, it was fun. We talked about so much but what is really special about this… If you continue to listen here, you are going to get, I’m sure, a vastly different presentation. The exact same conversation will air on both feeds, but the context and philosophy is different. I have a tremendous amount of respect for LuAnn. She has done something special. If you are a designer, architect, maker, you know what I mean. She created something from nothing and every one of us here knows how hard that is. 

In setting up this interview, I want to provide both context and a bit of storytelling. You are going to hear four very brief clips before we get to my conversation with LuAnn. It’s been a while since I shared this on the show, but in addition to my broadcast experience in music and sports, I was the general manager and program director for Playboy Radio. In that role, I hosted a show on the channel called the Playboy Radio Interview. She show was a one on one with guests that I thought would resonate by telling unique and personal stories about their journey. And what I want you to realize as you listen to these is that we all go through many of the same things, experience the same challenges and nobody in life achieves anything without a little luck and support. That support can come from family and friends, it can come from a trusted advisor and it can come in the form of hearing stories about others told by industry voices, like LuAnn or me. The first clip you are going to hear is US Mens National Hockey legend, Mike Eruzioni. You would up where you are due to a series of circumstances that aren’t always within your control. Guess what, nobody is. It’s what you do next and how you need to keep going because you never know where that big opportunity os going to come from.

The next segment you are going to hear is actor, Tom Sizemore. Sizemore has since past but he still has lessons to share. I’m not going to set this clip up too much because I think it speaks for itself. The concept is “challenge” and the friends and supporters who help us along the way.

It doesn’t get more real or powerful than that. Next up is George Lopez. He and I were speaking about community. That of the musicians playing the upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival and how creatives like musicians and comics help each other along the way. I share this with the hope that our industry continues to help each other in an ever chaotic and complicated world. 

The final clip is legendary. It’s Henry Winkler on going with his instincts. Imagine when Henry Winkler was on set, day one, starting off as Arther Fonzerelli he was looking at TikTok and became influenced by what the trends were instead of being himself, going with his gut and trusting his authentic intuition? Things might be different.

These concepts; A strong work ethic matters, We all need help and a little luck, Support is as important as giving back and Trusting your gut and being authentic. Next up, you are going to hear my conversation with LuAnn Niagara recorded live from KBIS, right after this.