Hands-On Boutique Design | 353 | Studio Thomas James

This is Convo By Design with a chat about a boutique approach to international design. Not exclusively, but with a focus on how to grow a design firm to include an international clientele. I sat down with Philip Thomas Vanderford and Jason James Jones to talk about international business and domestic business in interior design. They operate Studio Thomas James from their studio in Dallas where they also operate a workroom to build custom pieces.

The following chat is going to cover a lot of ground of which every interior designer should be aware. And, if you are thinking of ways to grow your client base both domestically and internationally, you are going to love this. Philip and Jason have a calm approach to this turbulent business. Calm is good and when you combine this approach with a seasoned view to all things design in an ever changing world, it makes for a terrific conversation. One that I do hope you enjoy.

This is Convo By Design, a podcast for the design community available everywhere you find your favorite podcasts, like Design Network dot org and Apple Podcasts so make sure to subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And you are not going to want to miss a single episode, trust me. While we throttle things down for the holidays, I am preparing a slate of shows for you in 2022 that you are going to absolutely love. A tease, Convo By Design is working on our first ever design house and it is a project the likes of which you have not seen before. Because this project takes many of the elements we have experienced over the past 18 months and uses a real project home in a very remote location in collaboration with some of the most talented designers working today. This project house is being presented in a way that doesn’t require you to see it in person to understand all the finer details in the work. It is remote, not virtual meaning the house is real as is all of the incredible work you see so stay connected and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss a minute.

Thank you, Jason and Philip. I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you Walker Zanger for presenting Convo By Design. Thank you ThermaSol for your partnership. You are both remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening. As you may have noticed, Convo By Design is bringing you design talent from all across the country. It’s not just about LA and New York, but Alabama, Louisiana and yes, Dallas! Thanks again for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week, be well and take today first.

A Conversation About Life Observed Differently | 352 | Julian Lennon

This is Convo By Design with a very special conversation that transcends design. Today we are talking about doing well, doing good, an eye for the unique and creating an exclusive collection of photography. We also talk music, travel and getting lost to find yourself with Julian lennon.

At one point in this conversation with Julian Lennon, you are going to hear a rare confession. His song Too Late For Goodbyes was in my top 5 mix tape songs that I made for girlfriends in high school. It’s embarrassing for 2 reasons, one is because that is a very middle-school thing to do and two, how many of you listening know what a mixtape is? Exactly. I bring this up because I felt a special connection to Lennon prior to actually speaking with him. It is very much the same type of connection I have when speaking with designers, architects and product designers whose work speaks to me. It is probably a similar feeling you have as well and that connection is what transcends design from something super luxurious, expensive or beautiful to work that has some form of direct connection to the creative themselves. 

My conversation with Julian covers his photography, the inspiration behind it as well as the journey required to capture every image. And how you can get them for your space or that which you are designing for your clients. Yes we also talk about music and the connection between photography and his music. This was a really fun conversation for me and one that would not have been possible had we not become so proficient with virtual meetings. Julian joined me from his home in Monaco, and I am truly appreciative for that. 

If you are not already subscribing to the podcast,  please do so you get every episode automatically when they are published. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts and now, you can find us on DesignNetwork dot Org, a destination dedicated to podcasts, all things design and architecture so make sure to check it out. And , if you need some help, ask Alexa or Siri for help. Just Say, “hey Siri, play Convo By Design podcast?” And, she will! 

Thank you, Julian. I really enjoyed our chat and look forward to doing it again. Thank you Walker Zanger for presenting Convo By Design. Thank you ThermaSol for your partnership. You are both remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening. As you may have noticed, Convo By Design is bringing you design talent from all across the country. It’s not just about LA and New York, but Alabama, Louisiana and now, Monaco! Thanks again for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week, be well and take today first.

Design Destination with Chris Goddard | 351 | Arkansas, Home to Stunning Design Style, Yes Really!

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. We are making a virtual stop in another American design destination, Arkansas. I know what you’re thinking, I get it…Keep reading.

Sometimes, the heart and mind of a true pioneer allows them to see the opportunity right where they are and eliminate the journey altogether. Chris Goddard is one such design pioneer who happens to be based in Springdale Arkansas. Arkansas is, to many just another southern state they will never visit. If you are one of those individuals, I will encourage you to rethink that position. The state itself is home to some of the most beautiful wilderness anywhere in the world and a train that is perfect for creative design. Because he is based in Arkansas doesn’t mean that is the exclusive location for his work. He is an international designer with TV cred as well. We talk about his design journey beginning in Arkansas and extending out into international design. As you listen, pay special attention to his approach and philosophy regarding the work. You will notice some through lines in thought that directly reflects what many of the incredible talent has to say about the work. One lesson here is that you cannot judge great design by its location although many still do. The other is, as we emerge from this amazing and highly disruptive moment inn time, states like Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas provide a lower cost of living, higher quality of life and the same ability to work as LA, New York and Boston. For a fraction of the cost. It seems pretty attractive, right? Just wait until you hear Chris explain it.

If you are not already subscribing to the podcast,  please do so you get every episode automatically when they are published. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts and now, you can find us on DesignNetwork dot Org, a destination dedicated to podcasts, all things design and architecture so make sure to check it out. And , if you need some help, ask Alexa or Siri for help. Just Say, “hey Siri, play Convo By Design podcast?” And, she will!

Thank you, Chris. I really enjoyed our chat and look forward to doing it again. Thank you Walker Zanger for presenting Convo By Design. Thank you ThermaSol for your partnership. You are both remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening. As you may have noticed, Convo By Design is bringing you design talent from all across the country. It’s not just about LA and New York, but Alabama, Louisiana and now, Monaco! Thanks again for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week, be well and take today first.