Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.
Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.
At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, leading architects, designers, and industry specialists gathered to examine how pandemic-era shifts, rising client expectations, and rapid product innovation are reshaping the future of kitchens and baths. Their insights reveal an industry moving beyond trend talk toward highly personalized, wellness-driven, and performance-first design.
The kitchen is no longer just a workspace, and the primary bath is no longer just a retreat. Over the past five years, these rooms have become emotional anchors, wellness centers, hospitality zones, tech platforms, and reflections of how people believe they should live. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, a cross-section of the industry’s leading voices came together to discuss how the profession is adapting—and what clients now expect designers to deliver.
For Sayler Design Studio founder Beth Sayler (https://saylorstudio.com), the shift is rooted in emotion. After years of pandemic-related uncertainty, material shortages, and insurance-driven rebuilds, clients want spaces that feel personal, restorative, and meaningful. Her projects now lean into “experience design,” where primary suites might include refrigeration drawers, espresso stations, integrated audio, and hospitality-level details. Her biggest tool is expectation-setting—helping clients redefine what’s realistic, what’s essential, and what will ultimately make them feel at home again.
Architect Luis Escalera of LMD Architecture Studio (https://www.lmdarchitecturestudio.com) experiences the evolution through the lens of constraints. Small lots, stricter codes, and the ongoing battle between mandated electrification and client cooking preferences require tight onboarding, detailed questionnaires, and careful translation of desires to built form. The modern kitchen triangle now includes the deck, yard, and pool—one interconnected lifestyle zone that must function as a unified system.
For Jessica Nicastro Design (https://www.jessicanicastrodesign.com), the challenge is volatility. Pricing, tariffs, and supply chains remain inconsistent, making early builder involvement essential. Her firm works to recalibrate what clients think they want—often shaped by social media—into spaces appropriate to the home, lifestyle, and budget. Transparency and trust have become the designer’s most valuable currency.
At Laney LA (https://www.laney.la), designer Michelle Her sees a growing demand for wellness integration: whole-home RO systems, chromotherapy, therapeutic water pressure, and recovery spaces designed with the same rigor once reserved for kitchens. Their philosophy—“the best idea wins”—creates an environment where architecture, interiors, and engineering collaborate fluidly to support elevated living.
Representing the host venue, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (https://www.pacificsales.com) showcased the power of specialized knowledge. Trade leaders Verzine Hovasapyan and Juan Pantoja describe a client landscape with no single standard—making customization and education critical. Manufacturer immersion programs ensure staff can guide clients through increasingly complex appliances and smarter home ecosystems, offering a level of service no online retailer can match.
Designer Shanna Shryne of Shanna Shryne Design (https://www.shannashryne.com) emphasized lifestyle-first programming. Outdoor kitchens, in particular, require multi-disciplinary collaboration—interiors, landscape architecture, and systems integration—to achieve unified performance. Complexity, she argues, demands partnership rather than lone-wolf generalists.
Finally, RHG Architecture + Design founder Rachel Grachowski (https://www.rhgdesign.com) and Hudson Home Interior Design principal Shelly Hudson (https://www.hudsonhomeinteriors.com) highlighted biophilia, natural light, and personalized ergonomics as the next frontiers. From adjustable counter heights to dedicated recovery rooms, the home is becoming a hybrid of spa, laboratory, and living space.
Taken together, their perspectives reveal a profession not following trends but redefining standards—one kitchen, one bath, one wellness ecosystem at a time.
Design After Disruption: How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever
The pandemic didn’t just change where we work—it redefined how we live, gather, and experience our homes. In this episode, designers and industry experts explore how COVID accelerated shifts in lifestyle, technology, and client expectations, forcing a fundamental rethink of residential design. From wellness and personalization to process and trust, this conversation reveals why great design today begins long before materials are selected.
A wide-ranging conversation about how post-pandemic living reshaped residential design, why understanding behavior matters more than trends, and how slowing the process leads to better, more meaningful homes.
Today, we examine the profound shift in how people relate to their homes—and how designers have had to evolve in response. What began as a temporary adjustment during the pandemic became a lasting transformation: homes turned into offices, classrooms, social hubs, and sanctuaries, often all at once.
As a result, clients now arrive more informed, more opinionated, and more influenced by social media than ever before. But with that access comes confusion. The conversation explores how designers increasingly serve as educators and translators—helping clients filter inspiration, understand trade-offs, and make decisions rooted in how they actually live rather than how a space looks online.
The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into behavior: how families gather, how kitchens function, how storage works, and how subtle design decisions impact daily life. From kitchen planning and furniture layout to the psychology of comfort and the importance of workflow, the episode highlights why the smallest details often matter most.
A central theme emerges around process. Thoughtful design requires slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting the pressure for instant gratification. Whether it’s understanding how a family entertains, how they cook, or how they want to feel in their home, the best outcomes come from listening first—and designing second.
1. Life After COVID: A Permanent Shift
How the pandemic changed expectations around home design
The rise of multifunctional spaces
Why the home is now both personal and professional
2. Social Media’s Influence on Design Culture
The upside and downside of endless inspiration
Why clients arrive more informed—but often overwhelmed
Separating aspiration from practicality
3. Designing for Real Life
Understanding how people actually use their homes
Why square footage means nothing without function
Designing for habits, not hypotheticals
4. The Role of the Designer Has Changed
From decorator to strategist
Educating clients through experience and data
Acting as a guide through complex decisions
5. The Importance of the Kickoff Process
Why the first conversations matter most
Learning how clients live before proposing solutions
Creating clarity through dialogue, not questionnaires
6. Kitchens as Behavioral Maps
Storage, workflow, and daily rituals
Why drawers often matter more than appliances
Designing around how people actually cook and gather
7. Slowing the Process to Improve Outcomes
Resisting the urge for instant answers
Why design is both art and structured process
Helping clients avoid regret through thoughtful planning
8. Trust, Education & Long-Term Value
Helping clients understand what they don’t yet know
Using experience and precedent to guide decisions
Designing homes that evolve with the people in them
Great design isn’t about trends, finishes, or fast decisions—it’s about understanding people and tailoring functional design to their lifestyle. This episode reinforces a simple truth: when designers take the time to listen, observe, and educate, the result is not just a better-looking home, but one that truly supports the lives lived inside it.
Let me start with a disclaimer—this isn’t a political editorial. It’s a conversation about ideas. Lessons from business, design, culture, and philosophy that might help us grow—individually and collectively. And if you disagree, email me at ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com. I welcome the debate.
As this year closes, I’m feeling a mix of frustration and optimism. This moment feels chaotic—as does most of life lately—which is why I often end the show with, “rise above the chaos.” We can’t eliminate it, but we can manage what’s within our control. The Stoics told us that long ago: focus on what you can control, release what you can’t, act with virtue, and let obstacles sharpen resilience. This essay is about taking back even a small amount of control through the work we do and the spaces we shape.
The Problem with Trend-Driven Design
This year, phrases and hashtags flew faster than ever—Quiet Luxury, Brat Green, Fridgescaping, Millennial Grey. Much like the “big, beautiful bill” language we’ve all heard tossed around in political discourse, design’s buzzwords can distract from what actually matters. They generate attention, not meaning. They look good on social media, not necessarily in the lived experience of a home, workplace, or public square.
So instead of centering our design conversations around fleeting edits, let’s pivot toward the global innovations that are transforming the built world in ways that truly matter.
Across the globe, designers, architects, and researchers are developing ideas that transcend buzz. These are the concepts with longevity—the ones shaping smart, resilient, human-centered spaces:
Biophilic Design, rooted in the work of Edward O. Wilson, Erich Fromm, and Japanese shinrin-yoku, continues to reframe our relationship with nature.
Net-Zero Architecture, pioneered in Canada, Germany, and Australia, redefines building performance through projects like Seattle’s Bullitt Center and Colorado’s RMI Innovation Center.
Smart Homes and Invisible Tech, building on early Asian innovation, hiding circuitry and functionality behind seamless design powered by Apple, Google, and Amazon ecosystems.
Prefab and Modular Construction, originally exemplified by structures like the Crystal Palace and the Sydney Opera House, now reimagined by firms such as Plant Prefab.
Passive House Design, born in Germany but rapidly shaping U.S. projects in California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest.
And the list goes on:
Self-Healing Concrete by Hendrik Marius Jonkers
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry
Bët-bi Museum in Senegal by Mariam Issoufou
Powerhouse Parramatta in Australia
Pujiang Viewing Platform in China by MVRDV
Landscape and biophilic approaches—Wabi-Sabi gardening, edimental gardens, climate-adaptive landscapes, and indoor biophilia—are redefining how we engage with natural systems in daily life.
Even infrastructure has become a site of innovation:
CopenHill/Amager Bakke, Denmark’s waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope
Urban Sequoias by SOM—skyscrapers designed as carbon sinks
3D-printed timber in Germany, Finland, and France
This is the work that deserves our attention—not the color of the week on TikTok.
Rethinking the Shelter Space
For years I described architecture as a language, design as a dialect, and landscape as the narrative. Mies van der Rohe famously introduced the concept of architecture as language. It caught on, and then the bandwagon effect took over. But today, the metaphor feels insufficient—especially for the shelter space, where people spend their lives, raise families, work, heal, and age.
The shelter space isn’t like a retail store or restaurant, where design is often intended for those who pass through briefly while the people who labor there navigate the leftover space. The shelter space must serve those who inhabit it deeply and continuously. And that shifts the conversation.
Design begins with the usual questions—purpose, function, users, goals, budget. But these questions don’t define design. They only outline it. There is no universal purpose of architecture or design, no single philosophy, no singular “right” answer. The shelter space varies as widely as the people living within it.
So instead of treating architecture and design as technical processes, we should approach them philosophically.
A Philosophical Framework for Design
Stoicism offers clarity:
Accept that budget overruns and changes will occur. Respect the expertise of the designer you hired. Invest in authenticity rather than dupes. Create environments that support health—clean air, clean water, noise reduction, resilience.
Utilitarianism reminds us that choices have consequences. If the design decisions you make are based on influencer content instead of expertise, the result is no surprise.
And now, a new framework is emerging that could transform our shared spaces entirely.
Sensorial Urbanism: Designing the City We Actually Feel
One of the most compelling movements emerging globally is Sensorial Urbanism—a shift from focusing on how the city looks to how it feels. It’s neuroscience, phenomenology, and inclusive design rolled into a multi-sensory toolkit.
Five Key Sensory Principles
Soundscaping
Water features masking traffic. Acoustic pavilions. Designed sound gardens.
Paris’ Le Cylindre Sonore. Soundscape parks in Barcelona and Berlin.
Smellscaping
Native flowers, herbs, and aromatic trees restoring identity—especially critical after disasters like wildfires.
Kate McLean’s smellwalks map a city’s olfactory signature.
Tactile Design
Materials that invite touch and respond to temperature—stone, wood, water—connecting inhabitants to place.
Visual Quietness
Reducing signage and visual clutter, as seen in Drachten, Netherlands, creates calmer, more intuitive environments.
Multisensory Inclusivity
Design that accommodates neurodiversity, PTSD, aging, and accessibility through tactile paving, sound buffers, and scent markers.
Why It Matters
Because cities didn’t always feel this overwhelming.
Because design wasn’t always rushed.
Because quality of life shouldn’t be compromised for aesthetics.
Sensorial Urbanism reconnects us with spaces that are restorative, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. A city is not just a picture—it is an experience.
The Takeaway for 2026
Rising Above the Chaos: Lessons from 2025 for a Smarter 2026
HED (3-sentence summary):
As 2025 closes, the design and architecture world has experienced unprecedented chaos and rapid trend cycles. In this episode, Soundman reflects on lessons from business, culture, and global innovation, emphasizing resilience, purposeful design, and human-centered spaces. From Stoic philosophy to sensorial urbanism, this conversation offers guidance for navigating the next year with clarity and intentionality.
DEK (Expanded description):
Twenty twenty-five tested the design industry’s patience, creativity, and adaptability. In this reflective episode, we explore the pitfalls of trend-driven design, the enduring value of service, and the innovations shaping architecture globally — from net-zero buildings to multisensory urbanism. With examples ranging from TimberTech decking to Pacific Sales’ trade programs, we examine how designers can reclaim control, prioritize meaningful work, and create spaces that heal, inspire, and endure. A philosophical lens, practical insights, and actionable guidance make this a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Outline of Show Topics:
Introduction & Context
Reflection on the chaotic year of 2025 in design and architecture.
Disclaimer: this is a philosophical conversation, not a political editorial.
Invitation for audience engagement via email.
Trends vs. Meaningful Design
Critique of buzzwords like “quiet luxury” and “millennial gray bookshelf wealth.”
Emphasis on global innovation over social media-driven trends.
The gap between American design influence and international innovation.
Global Innovations in Architecture & Design
Biophilic design and its philosophical roots.
Net-zero buildings: Bullitt Center (Seattle), RMI Innovation Center (Colorado).
Smart homes, modular construction, and passive house adoption in the U.S. vs. abroad.
Focus on Service & Professional Support
Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home: Pro Rewards program and exceptional service.
TimberTech: innovation in sustainable synthetic decking.
Importance of performance, durability, and client-focused solutions.
Philosophical Approach to Design
Architecture as experience, not just a visual language.
Stoicism, utilitarianism, and mindfulness applied to design.
Sensorial urbanism: engaging all five senses in public and private spaces.
Emerging Global Examples of Innovation
Self-healing concrete (Henrik Marius Junkers), Copenhill (Denmark).
Returning to performance, resilience, and quality of life.
Practical guidance for designers in all regions, including overlooked U.S. markets.
Closing Reflections & New Year Outlook
Encouragement to rise above chaos and focus on what can be controlled.
Goals for 2026: intentional, human-centered, and innovative design.
Call to action: share, subscribe, and engage with Convo by Design.
Sponsor Mentions & Callouts
Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home
TimberTech
Design Hardware
If you enjoyed this long-form essay, share it with a friend. Subscribe to Convo By Design, follow @convoxdesign on Instagram, and send your thoughts to ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com.
Thank you to TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of it’s kind!
For the past 2 years, you have been hearing about the Convo By Design Icon Registry. My version of a hall of fame. I started this reluctantly. Reluctantly?
Yes, for one reason. I have shared my disdain for the click-bait lists that many of the trade pubs and outlets offer. I think it’s disingenuous to put designers and architects on a list because there is really no way of valuing one creative over another, especially when these lists often have absolutely no methodology for why someone is chosen. It’s like a MadLib, the “insert here” 100, the “insert” Top 50, 30 Under 30, 40 Under 40, The “insert” of Design, The “insert” of the Year… You get me, right? And the last thing I wanted to do was offer up the same thing but on the other hand, this show is entering its 13th year. 2-years ago in the shadow of an incredible year 10, I wanted to celebrate and showcase some of the amazing talent featured on the show, celebrate them and enshrine them for their work, their selfless pursuit of sublime design, giving back to the industry and for the intangibles that make them so special. That really is the criteria for why these incredible creatives are celebrated here. That is the criteria for enshrinement.
The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by a remarkable partner. A partner who imbues these very criteria into the work they do and why I am so appreciative to Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy company, for being the presenting partner of the Convo By Design Icon Registry.
We post a new Icon Registry episode on the third or fourth Thursday of every month with a whole new slate of inductees scheduled for 2026. And today, we are going to take a look back at each of the inductees from 2025 and allow you to hear from them again in this year end review. Right after this.
January – Adam Hunter
February – Leo Marmol
March – Cliff Fong
April – EYRC Architects
May – Joan Behnke
June – RAMSA
July – Jeff Andrews
August – Frances Anderton
September – Martyn Lawrence Bullard
October – The Novogratz
November – Sue Firestone
December – Woodson & Rummerfield
Thank you and congratulations to all of the 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductees. This is such an immense joy and privilege to share these scions of design and architecture with you. Thanks again to Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home for presenting this and making it possible.
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
Creating Timeless Elegance: How Woodson & Rummerfield Bring Hollywood Regency into the 21st Century. From celebrity estates to curated collectibles, Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson share their philosophy on bold, elevated design, preservation of iconic architecture, and the art of collaboration in Los Angeles.
To celebrate this episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Christine Anderson sits down with Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design. The duo discuss their signature approach to interiors—melding the opulence of old Hollywood with sleek modern sensibilities for a discerning clientele. They share stories from celebrity projects, the thrill of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the lessons learned from running a showroom on La Cienega. Jamie and Ron also discuss their nonprofit foundation, CA Projects, dedicated to preserving Southern California’s iconic architecture, emphasizing the importance of heritage in contemporary design.
Show Topics & Segment Outline:
Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
Christine introduces Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson.
Overview of their design style: Hollywood opulence meets modern refinement.
Design Philosophy & Influences
Hollywood Regency roots and modern adaptations.
Influence of Los Angeles history, old Hollywood cinema, and personal family heritage.
Fashion-forward client expectations and balancing boldness with timelessness.
Collaboration & Partnership
How Jamie and Ron complement each other creatively.
Problem-solving, brainstorming, and the synergy of their partnership.
Career Highlights & Notable Projects
Celebrity estates and high-profile commissions (without naming clients).
Influence of their La Cienega showroom as a “three-dimensional calling card.”
Philosophy on sourcing rare furniture, art, and collectibles.
Preservation & Advocacy
Founding of CA Projects to save iconic Southern California architecture.
Importance of protecting historically significant homes and estates.
Public involvement and future plans for the foundation.
Personal Passions & Lifestyle
Weekend hobbies, travel, research, and inspiration.
How personal passions inform design work.
Future Plans & Product Development
Upcoming secret projects and product lines.
Speaking engagements and experiential presentations for design communities.
Closing Remarks
How to connect with Jamie and Ron: WanderDesign.com, Instagram @WanderDesign.
Preview of CA Projects website: SIAPROJECTS.com.
Invitation for designers and architects to share projects with Convo By Design.
This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you Jaime and Ron for your many years of friendship, partnership and collaboration. This was the first time we met and the episode was hosted by Christine Anderson, I miss her.
Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for presenting the Convo By Design Icon Registry and Convo By Design partner sponsors, TimberTech and Design Hardware. And thank you for taking the time to listen. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show helps you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. – CXD
Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.
Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments.
Whether you’re interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today.
Talking Points:
Introduction & Context
Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces.
Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion.
Guest Introductions
Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare.
Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture.
Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy
Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system.
Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience.
Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects.
Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility
Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes.
Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration.
Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies.
Technology & AI in Healthcare Design
AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement.
Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support.
Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models.
Emergency Department Design
Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients.
Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design.
Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience.
Lighting & Environmental Control
LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery.
Flexibility and control for staff and patients.
Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery.
Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency
Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation.
Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity.
Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations.
The Future of Healthcare Architecture
Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design.
Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs.
Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation.
Closing Thoughts
Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures.
The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements.
Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose.
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
From Halifax to the four Maritime provinces, Stil James founders share how timeless design, regional sensibilities, and entrepreneurial grit shape their work and new cabinetry brand, Loran. There’s a kind of quiet confidence in the design work coming out of Canada’s Maritime provinces—projects that don’t chase trends but instead reflect the rhythm of life shaped by weather, culture, and community. In this episode of Convo By Design, I’m talking with the founders of Stil James, a Halifax-based design studio that embodies this spirit of regional purpose. Their approach blends design restraint with deep practicality, and their new cabinetry brand, Loran, takes that philosophy even further.
In this episode, we explore how two designers are navigating generational shifts in lifestyle, climate challenges, and a conservative market while building a business rooted in curiosity, learning, and partnership. From kitchens and mudrooms to cabinetry and color palettes, they reveal what it means to design for both function and future in Atlantic Canada.
We talked about how the pandemic reshaped design thinking in the Maritimes—how open spaces replaced formal dining rooms, and how designers are reimagining older homes to suit how families actually live. The team at Stil James described the region’s unique relationship with design: working “ten to fifteen years behind the trends” not as a limitation, but as an advantage that allows for timelessness and reflection. They draw more inspiration from Europe than North America, taking cues from craftsmanship, heritage, and texture rather than fleeting style cycles.
Our conversation moved into climate resiliency—a constant design driver in Atlantic Canada, where homes must withstand everything from coastal winds to heavy snowfall. Mudrooms become essential transitional spaces, designed for the reality of shifting weather and active family life. Clients are increasingly focused on systems, materials, and sustainable practices that ensure their homes can adapt with the climate.
We also discussed how lifelong learning has become central to the Stil James ethos. They encourage their team to attend design shows, seek global perspectives through digital tools, and value soft skills—resilience, empathy, and curiosity—just as highly as formal training.
Then came Loran, their new cabinetry venture, born out of a clear market need for design-forward millwork in Halifax. Partnering with an Ontario-based manufacturer allows them to maintain quality and scale while keeping exclusivity within the Maritimes. Loren’s mission extends beyond their own design projects, serving other designers and homeowners seeking elevated cabinetry built with longevity in mind.
Show Topics
Shifts in design philosophy post-2020
Retrofitting Maritime homes for modern living
Working “behind the trends” as an advantage
Designing for climate resiliency and functional living
Building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning
Launching Loren: a cabinetry company for the Maritimes
Rejecting color trend cycles for timeless design
Entrepreneurship, partnership, and the business of expansion
The dynamics of collaboration and shared creative leadership
We closed with a conversation about color and timelessness—how they resist seasonal trend reports and instead design for relevance over the next decade or more. They balance enduring finishes with accents that allow for evolution and personal expression.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in their story, both having grown up in business-minded families. Their partnership was forged during the pandemic, when shared values and complementary strengths—operations and development—created a foundation of trust that continues to shape their design practice and the growing Loren brand.
This conversation is about more than design. It’s about purpose, perseverance, and how regional context can inspire innovation rather than restrict it. And that is coming up, right after this.
Thank you, Natalie and Victoria for taking the time to speak with me and sharing for sharing your insight.
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
In this episode of Convo By Design, I connect with London-based designer Juliette Byrne to explore how refined design adapts to different cultures and markets. From navigating international trade to redefining timeless interiors, Juliette shares how adaptability, craftsmanship, and collaboration drive her studio’s continued success across continents.
One of the unexpected gifts of the pandemic was the opportunity to connect with remarkable designers around the world from my Los Angeles studio. My conversation with Juliette, principal of her namesake firm in London, highlights just how universal good design can be. We talked about the contrasts between Los Angeles and London—two cities with vastly different scales, materials, and architectural rhythms—and how exceptional design principles translate beautifully in any setting. Juliette described how American brands like Holly Hunt find their place in European homes, and how that exchange of ideas enriches both markets.
Our discussion naturally turned to the realities of global design, especially the political and logistical hurdles that come with tariffs and shipping. Juliette shared the challenges of importing products from across Europe and the U.S., explaining how her firm helps clients decide when an imported piece is worth the cost or when local craftsmanship is the smarter choice. Her story about a Dresden project—where customs required a fiber-by-fiber analysis of drapery fabrics—perfectly illustrated the level of complexity designers now face.
We explored how design has evolved from an architectural accessory into an independent philosophy rooted in creativity and collaboration. Juliette’s optimism stood out to me. She attributes her perspective to a “glass-half-full” mindset and the strong, talented team that supports her.
Juliette walked me through her design process, emphasizing her studio’s focus on sourcing from a broad network of suppliers rather than producing in-house. She compared interior design to fashion—forever changing, always inspired by color, material, and innovation. Her team’s regular visits to Milan and Paris for exhibitions, and Ria’s recent trip to New York to meet suppliers, reflect the studio’s commitment to staying curious and connected.
We also talked about her remarkable project in Dresden, where she transformed an 18th-century merchant’s house into an elegant, richly detailed home. Juliette preserved historical carvings and plasterwork while integrating modern amenities like carefully designed lighting and personalized baths. The project earned a major European design award and is now nominated for another in Capri—a testament to her thoughtful approach and respect for craftsmanship.
Juliette shared her perspective on kitchen and bath design, where timelessness is key. She favors natural materials—stone, wood, marble—and thoughtful lighting that elevates the everyday. She also noted how generational preferences shape aesthetics: younger clients in areas like Notting Hill often lean into playful colors and bold gestures, while others seek quiet, enduring elegance.
Finally, Juliette described a major residential project completed during the pandemic, which demanded creative adaptation to remote collaboration and shifting schedules. Her ability to balance practicality with beauty during that time underscored a central theme of our conversation—design as both necessity and art.
This conversation reminded me that design, in its truest form, is a global language. It’s about adaptation, discovery, and finding richness in every creative challenge. And you’re going to hear it all, right after this.
Show Topics
Design adaptability between Los Angeles and London
Navigating tariffs, customs, and global logistics
The evolution of design as a standalone philosophy
Maintaining creativity and team balance in challenging times
Trade show networking and supplier collaboration across Europe and the U.S.
Timeless principles in kitchen and bath design
The Dresden Merchant House restoration project
Managing international projects amid pandemic restrictions
Thank you, Juliette for taking the time to speak with me and sharing your insight.
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
California native Sue Firestone reflects on five decades of creativity, resilience, and reinvention—from Malibu’s fires to Montecito’s rebirth, from model homes to hospitality design, and from Disney resorts to her namesake product lines.SFA Design founder Sue Firestone to explore how her lifelong relationship with nature, her passion for authenticity, and her intuitive approach to design continue to shape California’s aesthetic identity. From building one of the largest model home merchandising firms in the country to collaborating with Disney and launching her own collections, Firestone shares how creative intuition, empathy, and mentorship have guided her through the shifting tides of design and business.
The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company. Pacific Sales is comprised of long time professionals who love design and architecture as much as you do. Which is why it is so fitting that they present this recognition of some of the worlds greatest design talent every month here on Convo By Design. You are going to hear all about hit, right after this.
Show Topics:
Origins of a Designer: Growing up in Malibu, studying pottery, and finding her way into interior design.
California’s Resilient Spirit: Reflections on natural disasters, community recovery, and the role of design in rebuilding.
Design as a Learned Craft: Why intuition helps, but practice, empathy, and listening are key to mastering the art.
From Model Homes to Hospitality: Building a design empire through flexibility, storytelling, and collaboration.
Inside the Disney Experience: Working under Michael Eisner, defining narrative-driven environments, and lessons in leadership.
Letting Go of Control: How to scale creativity—mentoring, trusting teams, and avoiding micromanagement.
The California Look: Organic, sustainable, and casual-luxury living as an enduring influence.
Product Design & Legacy: Transitioning from client work to her own branded lines with Kravet and A. Rudin.
Business of Design: How retail and social media shifted client behavior—and why great design still requires professionals.
The Next Generation: Why designers must remain storytellers, environmentalists, and lifelong learners.
This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Sue..
Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for presenting the Convo By Design Icon Registry and Convo By Design partner sponsors, TimberTech and Design Hardware. And thank you for taking the time to listen. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show helps you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD
This week on the show, you’re going to ride along with me from the incredibly comfortable and stylish VW ID.Buzz, which served as the mobile podcast studio at CEDIA Expo / CIX this September in Denver, Colorado. This is part two of The Ride Along Series recorded live at CEDIA Expo/ CIX.
CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association) is the global trade association for home technology professionals, specializing in smart home, automation, audio-visual, networking, and integrated systems. Its mission is to advance the home technology industry through education, certification, advocacy, and networking. Members include integrators, designers, manufacturers, and consultants who shape the connected environments we live and work in.
CEDIA Expo is the industry’s largest annual event for residential technology professionals. With hundreds of exhibitors, educational sessions, live demos, and global networking opportunities, it’s where new ideas and innovations in smart home and AV integration take center stage.
The Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX), co-located with CEDIA Expo, focuses on commercial integration technologies—from conferencing and IT infrastructure to building automation and emerging AV solutions—bringing together commercial integrators, IT pros, designers, and tech managers.
LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.
This road trip was a blast, and I’m excited to share these conversations with you.
Designing Sound: Caitlin Stewart on Leon Speakers’ Mission to Lead by Design
Caitlin Stewart of Leon Speakers joins Convo By Design to talk about design-first thinking in an audio-driven world. From Ann Arbor to the global design stage, Leon Speakers has carved out a unique identity—not as a technology company, but as a design company that happens to make exceptional audio and concealment solutions. Caitlin shares how Leon engages the architecture and design community, cultivates relevance in a shifting industry, and builds partnerships that challenge conventions of form, function, and beauty.
Background & Role: Caitlin’s work as Director of Sales for residential at Leon Speakers, leading account managers and shaping residential market growth.
Leon’s Identity: Founded in 1997, Leon is entering its 30th year as a design-first company—blending sound, aesthetics, and concealment with creativity.
Design Integration: How Leon’s “Lead by Design, Leave Nothing Unfinished” philosophy drives the balance of form and function.
Relevance in the Industry: Shifting influence from general contractors to architects and designers, and Leon’s effort to stay essential in conversations that shape environments.
Inspiration & Missed Opportunities: Why designers need exposure to products at shows like CEDIA and ICFF, and the challenges of communicating AV in relevant, non-technical language.
Partnership with A&D Community: Meeting designers where they are, co-designing products, and listening to their needs around fixtures, finishes, and materiality.
Industry Challenges: Designers often photoshop out tech in portfolio images—highlighting the need for intentional, beautiful integration of AV.
Educational Outreach: Designer visits to Leon’s Ann Arbor factory, engaging directly with materiality and finishes to bridge the language gap.
Innovation at Leon: Hand-woven acoustic treatments, creative concealment solutions, evolving product frames for video walls, and form-function collaboration.
Partnership Opportunities: Caitlin’s advice to designers—start casual, share ideas, reach out. Leon thrives on nimble, creative collaborations that spark innovation.
Lighting the Future: Tyler Hahn on Lutron, Designers, and the Evolving Spec Community
Tyler Hahn of Market Share, Pacific Northwest reps for Lutron, joins Convo By Design to share his perspective on CEDIA Expo, the shifting role of the specification community, and how Lutron continues to set the standard in lighting control and automated shading. As Lutron Concierge, Tyler educates and inspires architects, designers, and builders about intelligent lighting and shading solutions. From his unique role at CEDIA Expo—focusing on education, content, and networking—Tyler reflects on industry trends, the growing presence of women in tech and design, and how Lutron bridges aesthetic demands with uncompromising performance.
Background & Role: Tyler Hahn’s position as Lutron Concierge with Market Share, focusing on education, inspiration, and building connections with the architecture and design community.
Experience at CEDIA Expo: How Tyler approaches the show differently—capturing social content, attending classes, and networking to understand community conversations.
Shifts in the Industry: Why more interior designers and specifiers need to be present at CEDIA, and how manufacturers must adapt booth design and product presentation for aesthetics and inclusivity.
Women in the Industry: Record-breaking turnout at the Women in CEDIA Luncheon, signaling cultural and demographic changes in the channel.
Catch-22 of Design Engagement: The challenge of attracting designers to CEDIA when booths and products still cater heavily to integrator and male-centric perspectives.
Lutron’s Role: How Lutron recognizes the specification community as a critical link to homeowners, shaping why Tyler’s role exists.
Communicating with Architects vs. Designers:
Architects: Focus on structural considerations, such as pockets for shades and keypad placement in plans.
Interior Designers: Start with aesthetics, then introduce education on zone vs. scene control, finishes, and stylistic options.
Product Focus: Lutron’s leadership in automated window treatments, ultra-quiet shade technology, keypad design, and extensive finish options.
Testing & Reliability: Military-grade product testing at Lutron headquarters in Coopersburg, PA—including sound chambers, stress tests, and automated button pressing machines.
Design Aesthetics: Four primary keypad styles with an extensive range of finishes in metal, glass, engineered polymer, and beyond—providing universality across project types.
Engaging Landscape Architects: Market Share’s expansion into representing Coastal Source and introducing lighting/shading solutions into landscape design.
Universal Takeaway: The importance of bridging language gaps, presenting products aesthetically, and meeting design professionals where they are.
Designing with Light: Gina Colucci on Translating Technology for Designers
Gina Colucci of Market Share joins Convo By Design to discuss her role as a Lutron concierge, bridging the gap between high-performance technology and design-first thinking. From CEDIA Expo 2025, Gina shares insights on the growing role of lighting in the industry, how Lutron simplifies control for homeowners, and why being a “translator” between specifiers and integrators is the key to building trust. She explains how Lutron elevates both form and function while making advanced technology approachable for architects, designers, and builders alike.
Background & Role: Gina’s position with Market Share as a Lutron concierge and specification specialist, focusing on direct engagement with architects, designers, custom builders, and lighting designers.
Experience at CEDIA Expo 2025: Gina’s third year at the show, where she noticed a shift in emphasis from specs and hardware to aesthetic, experience, and lifestyle-driven solutions.
Lighting’s Growing Role: The rise of intelligent lighting solutions and how Lutron is pushing beyond niche status toward mainstream adoption.
Simplifying Lighting Control for Homeowners: Explaining benefits through experience rather than complexity—eliminating “wall acne,” offering one-touch keypads, zone vs. scene control, remote access, and intuitive app options.
Breaking Through Objections: Why homeowners don’t need to program or “learn tech”—Lutron integrates seamlessly through the CI channel, with integrators tailoring solutions to client lifestyles.
Specifiers vs. Integrators:
Integrators: Hands-on, technical, eager to dig into systems.
Specifiers (designers, architects): Billable hours, busy schedules, and competing demands—requiring clarity, brevity, and tailored communication.
The Translator Role: Gina’s unique ability to reformulate technical content into designer-friendly language, meeting specifiers where they are without overwhelming them with jargon.
Building Trust: Why approachable relationships, mobile demo kits, timely support, and honest answers (including knowing when to call in an expert) are essential to long-term partnerships.
Market Share Approach: Supporting specifiers with the right tools, resources, and responsiveness—without overloading them.
Personal Perspective: Gina’s background outside of tech makes her relatable to designers, allowing her to speak their language while still leveraging the strength of Lutron’s trusted brand.
Staying Ahead: Julian Cross on Integration, Innovation, and the Power of Simplicity
Julian Cross of Winnipeg-based integration firm shares how his journey from electrician to full integrator has reshaped his business and outlook on technology. From CEDIA Expo 2025, Julian explains how he balances product discovery with client-focused service, why keeping systems simple is key, and what he hopes to see from manufacturers as the industry grows. With insights on AI, product expansion, and evolving client expectations, Julian offers a grounded perspective on integration today.
Background & Evolution:
Started as an electrician in 2006.
Entered integration in 2019 through Lutron, which transformed the business into a full integrator.
Approach to CEDIA Expo:
Day one: scheduled meetings with sales partners.
Day two: free-flow exploration for new products and inspiration.
Day three: follow-up and wrap-up.
Balances structured planning with open discovery to maximize value.
Why Shows Matter: Staying ahead of trends, accessing inside scoop from technical experts, and ensuring clients in Winnipeg receive cutting-edge solutions that differentiate his firm from others.
Product Trends & Discoveries:
Strong presence of AI across categories.
More expansion of existing product lines rather than entirely new ones—a positive sign of refinement and usability.
Enhancements make it easier to integrate new features into client systems without starting from scratch.
Client Priorities:
Clients aren’t asking for specific products; they want simplicity and consistency.
Key is learning client habits, past experiences, and frustrations to design systems tailored to their expectations.
Language of Integration: Clients rely on integrators to translate industry jargon into usable, intuitive systems. Julian emphasizes ongoing education through forums, industry feedback, and active exploration of alternate products.
Keeping It Simple:
Pushes back against product overload and SKU bloat.
Advocates for manufacturers to refine and strengthen existing lines instead of flooding the market with new SKUs.
Believes the KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) is still critical in integration.
Education vs. Experience:
Attended classes at his first CEDIA, but realized the show floor offered greater value.
Prefers hands-on product interaction and conversations with technical reps.
Wish List for CEDIA & Industry:
Maintain focus on refining core product lines.
More emphasis on addressing integrator pain points before releasing new gear.
And, humorously—more coffee stations.
Cinergy Spaces: Redefining Acoustics, Safe Rooms, and Specialty Living
Acoustics and security go far beyond home theaters. Eric Steers of Cinergy Spaces shares how specialty spaces are reshaping modern living. From theaters to libraries, safe rooms to yoga studios, Cinergy Spaces blends acoustical expertise with functional security design. Head of Operations Eric Steers explains how integrators, designers, and security consultants collaborate to create spaces that balance technology, wellness, and peace of mind.
Guest: Eric Steers, Head of Operations / National Project Manager, Cinergy Spaces
Company profile: LA-based, nationwide specialty integrator focusing on acoustics and secure environments
Eric’s background: Irish-born, based in New York, extending Cinergy’s East Coast presence
Specialty Spaces & Acoustics
Origins in home theaters, now expanded into recording studios, gyms, libraries, and whole-home acoustical wellness
Role of acoustics in multifunctional living spaces
Collaboration with AV integrators to optimize sound isolation, projection enclosures, and HVAC integration
Integration with Designers and Trades
Working alongside interior designers, GCs, and acousticians
Bridging the gap between design goals (high ceilings, hard surfaces) and acoustical performance
Using creative materials like acoustical plaster to maintain aesthetics without sacrificing sound quality
The Evolution of Safe Rooms
Transition from acoustical doors to secure environments
Most safe rooms are hidden in plain sight: closets, bathrooms, master suites
Balancing cutting-edge tech (retina scanners, biometric access) with practical simplicity (mechanical locks for emergencies)
Challenges of penetrations (plumbing, HVAC) and importance of early-stage planning
Security consultant partnerships for client-specific threat analysis
Industry Trends & Inspiration
Video walls, immersive audio, and expanding equipment lines pushing acoustical design forward
Growing demand for multifunctional spaces with wellness at the core
Education gap: acoustics can’t be rendered on plans—clients must experience them
Crossovers with lighting design: aligning mood, emotion, and sensory experience
Acoustics and lighting as parallel disciplines in shaping emotion and experience
Safe rooms as both practical necessity and evolving design challenge
The future of specialty spaces as homes expand their functional and secure environments
Smart Power, Smarter Business: Inside LEA Professional’s Amplifier Innovation with Dan Augsburger
A deep dive into how IoT-enabled amplifiers, cloud technology, and Midwest engineering talent are reshaping audio integration. From South Bend, Indiana to projects nationwide, LEA Professional is building amplifiers that prioritize intuitive design, smart power, DSP, and remote cloud control. US Sales Manager Dan Augsburger joins from the 2025 CEDIA Expo in Denver—recorded from the VW ID.Buzz—to share how the company’s technology, flexibility, and philosophy are empowering integrators and raising the tide for the entire industry.
1. Company Introduction
Dan Augsburger, US Sales Manager for LEA Professional.
Company headquarters in South Bend, Indiana, near Elkhart—an unlikely hub for amplifier and RV technology.
Specializes in IoT-enabled smart amplifiers with intuitive IT platforms, smart power features, and built-in DSP.
2. Core Technology + Features
Smart Power: Flexibility with power bridging to double output.
DSP: Optimizing speaker performance.
Cloud Control: Robust two-way communication, remote adjustments, and diagnostics reduce truck rolls and save integrators significant time and cost.
3. Expo 2025 Atmosphere
Denver, Colorado at CEDIA Expo.
Positive industry sentiment despite macroeconomic pressures (tariffs, interest rates).
Projects above $50,000 remain strong, while smaller projects feel more impact.
4. Market Forces + Industry Trends
Tariffs and AI dominate conversations but remain unsettled.
Integrators adapting by building contingency plans regardless of scenario.
Location advantage: central distribution, lower real estate costs, strong talent pool.
Brand-agnostic: amplifiers integrate seamlessly with major control systems and speaker brands.
Emphasis on collaboration and raising the tide for the whole industry.
Multiple manufacturing partners for supply flexibility and reliability.
6. Big Picture Takeaway
LEA Professional builds technology designed to simplify, empower, and save integrators time and money.
Focus on foundational strength, product availability, and innovation through collaboration.
So, amazing, right? This was part two of our series called, The Ride Along from CEDIA Expo, CIX 2025 in Denver, Colorado. Thank you to all the amazing people at CEDIA, and Emerald for making this possible. Thank you VW for providing an incredible recording space in the all new VW ID.Buzz. Man, this seats were comfortable. Thank you Caitlin, Tyler, Gina, Julian, Eric, Dan and Jason. So much fun!
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams and downloads. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
