No matter who wins, changes are coming. How can the business of design adapt to these changes, and thrive at the same time? Will additional tariffs change the pricing model of goods? How will new regulations affect transportation, fuel usage and household appliances? During these uncertain times, we’re all looking for a bit more stability and direction. Learn how to best navigate the changing landscape and better prepare your design firm and clients for the future.
All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.
As a busy professional designer, you know how important it is to find the right partnerships. Partnerships that allow you to specify the right products for every project. Professionals like you just don’t have time to waste. Let me tell you about one of my partnerships. Pacific Sales is here to serve you with expert, knowledgeable and non-commissioned professionals to help you specify the right product for all your projects. Non-commissioned. That means their only incentive is your satisfaction. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy Company has just that with over 60 years of service in Southern California. Pacific Sales is your destination for exploration, advice and inspiration. And here’s the cherry on top, access to exclusive Builder Trade Incentives from top brands like Monogram. Visit a Pacific Sales Showroom today to learn how you can unlock additional savings and benefits.Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best of the best. Visit Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home today and elevate your projects to new heights!
It’s a challenge and I’m not going to pretend that it isn’t. Often times, I will be producing an episode of the show as there are unspeakable tragedies happening around the world and in my own backyard. As I produce this episode of the show, I am still in contact with many of my industry friends as well as family who have been directly impacted by the wildfires in and around the Los Angeles area. Thoughts and prayers just are not an acceptable response any more. And let’s be honest, that hasn’t been a suitable response for a very long time. As we get into our episode today with Erika Cross, I would love for a few things to happen. First, if this podcast can serve as a respite for those who are suffering, even if it’s only for a few minutes to think about something else and second, to provide an opportunity to think differently about what we know and what is possible. What do I mean by that?
I believe that we need to reimagine what we know if we want to change things for the better. I also believe that creatives are the ones who manifest it, create it and make those changes real for the rest of us. A while back, you heard an episode of the show discussing Venetian chimneys. These were crafted centuries ago by creative types who suffered the types of fires that demolished entire communities. Beautifully crafted chimneys that also served as spark arresters in the highly dense communities of Venice, Italy. Is art going to keep California from wildfires or floods, or landslides that follow fires and floods? No. But looking to creative types allows us to think differently about things which often puts us in the right mental space to address new ways to approach these challenges. It’s certainly not going to be the politicians. SO, for a few minutes, sit back, drive carefully, enjoy your workout or whatever you’re doing while you listen, do it safely and we’ll be right back with artist, Erika Cross.
Thank you, Erika. Loved our chat, love your work. Thank you to my incredible partner/ sponsors; ThermaSol, Design Hardware, pacific Sales, Monogram and TimberTech for your support for the show and the industry as a whole. We are a stronger because of industry partners like you. And of course, thank you for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and colleagues. Please keep the show and guest suggestions coming, I do appreciate them and do my best to respond to every one.Convo By Design @ Outlook dot com and on Instagram, convoXDesign, with an “X”.Thanks again for listening. Happy New Year, make this the year you’ve been hoping it would be. Until the next episode, Stay focused and rise above the chaos.
As hard as it is to believe, this is our second year recognizing amazing creatives and enshrining them in the Convo By Design Icon Registry. This month’s inductee is the incomparably talented, multi-hyphenate creative, Adam Hunter It’s almost not fair just how talented Adam is. But it didn’t come easy, it only looks that way.
In addition to being an extraordinary talent as designer, he has sharpened his skills in business whereby taking his talent and moulding it around his eponymous firm. As if that wasn’t enough, Adam started out in theater. From Les Mis to Dreamgirls, Adam’s experience in the theater has no doubt led to his ability to seek drama in design and play with materials to achieve the feeling, mood and scene he seeks. Adam described one of his recent projects as, “the perfect collision of contrasts.” I think that perfectly describes Adam as well. When you explore his work, you find fantasy, aspirational spaces, many of which push and pull to create balance simultaneously, perfectly balanced. Just like Adam who is both the dazzling performer and consummate professional making sure each mark hi hit and punching the important lines just right. Please don’t just take my word for it. Check the show notes and find links to his work and keep listening and hear so you can both see and hear for yourself. Adam Hunter, the January 2024 Convo By Design Icon Registry inductee.
Congratulations Adam on your enshrinement into the Convo By Design Icon Registry and the extraordinary studio you created. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and sharing your story. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors, ThermaSol, TimberTech, Design Hardware, Pacific Sales and Monogram for your dedication to making our industry better, faster, stronger! And thank you for listening to Convo By Design each week and sharing the show with your colleagues and friends who love sublime design. Until the next episode, be well, stay focused And rise above the chaos. -CXD
After so many conversations at the show this year, a few things became quite clear. We are in a bifurcated market. Some designers are extremely busy, others, not so much. The most creative and successful creatives all understand that the one way to maximize their edge is to attend these events, talk to new suppliers, vendors and product manufacturers. We all have to be lifetime learners if our hope is to maintain a competitive edge. That means coming out and attending these panel conversations as so many have this year and in past years. Gather incredible product and technical application about kitchen design like this from The Intelligent Kitchen: How Technological Advancements Create a Higher Quality of Life.
All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.
We’ve all heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It has also evolved into the brain and central nervous system through advancements in modern technology. These developments have created a more intelligent kitchen and a space the addresses the emotional and intellectual needs as well. Thought-full design and development of modern appliances that address needs without being asked, a focus on food preservation, preparation, cooking and a mindful approach to household tasks have changed the way designers think about the kitchen. They are providing new avenues for the enjoyment of kitchen spaces and an increased quality of life that is human-centric. Learn how the kitchen has been forever changed and how these advancements will continue to evolve.
As a busy professional designer, you know how important it is to find the right partnerships. Partnerships that allow you to specify the right products for every project. Professionals like you just don’t have time to waste. Let me tell you about one of my partnerships. Pacific Sales is here to serve you with expert, knowledgeable and non-commissioned professionals to help you specify the right product for all your projects. Non-commissioned. That means their only incentive is your satisfaction. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy Company has just that with over 60 years of service in Southern California. Pacific Sales is your destination for exploration, advice and inspiration. And here’s the cherry on top, access to exclusive Builder Trade Incentives from top brands like Monogram. Visit a Pacific Sales Showroom today to learn how you can unlock additional savings and benefits.Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best of the best. Visit Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home today and elevate your projects to new heights!
Moderated by; EZ Gonzalez, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home
Hosting, producing and publishing Convo By Design has been an incredible journey, 12 years in now. At the beginning of the show, I wasn’t really sure with whom I was speaking to. I set out to reach consumers interested in design, then after a year or so, I realized that it was designers and architects listening and interacting with me. I met so many creatives and that informed the shows development and the storylines. Then, something amazing happened… I heard from more design clients, for a few reasons. They were looking for a designer, architect, landscape designer, products for their own projects. Since 2020, there has been a transformational shift in what both the trade and consumer side are looking for from me, Convo By Design and the design industry. I believe we are entering a new phase in design. One with far more well educated clients and the trade is responding. Through these conversations, clients have a chance to get to know these creatives. Get a chance to vet them for their projects. And, designers can hear what other highly functional and successful creatives are doing to not just get more business but evolve this amazing industry. It is in that vein that I share my conversation with Tima Bell of the Bell Design Group. A firm with offices in Los Angeles, Colorado, Madrid and Argentina. A firm built with diversity and sustainability in mind, but when you hear how Bell puts these ideas into practice, I think you find it as fascinating as I do.
Tima shared details about his architecture firm, emphasizing its meritocratic and egalitarian nature, with decisions ultimately by him. Hehighlighted the benefits of a diverse workforce, including effective communication with clients from various backgrounds, and the use of Archicad, a BIM modeler popular in Europe. Tima also mentioned the company’s support for staff with visas and the low turnover rate, attributing it to the strong friendships formed among diverse staff members.
Tima and I, both native Angelenos, discussed the importance of embracing failure and trying new things in design and architecture. They acknowledged the issue of perfectionism in American, California, and Los Angeles exceptionalism.
Thank you Tima for taking the time to share your thoughts.Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors, ThermaSol, TimberTech, Pacific Sales, Monogram and Design Hardware. Amazing companies and great friends to the trade so please give them an opportunity for your next project. And, thank you for listening, subscribing the show and sharing with your colleagues. If not already subscribing, please consider that so you receive every new episode automatically to your podcast feed. Until next week, thank you for sharing this time together, until the next episode, be well, stay focused and above the chaos. – CXD
As a busy professional designer, you know how important it is to find the right partnerships. Partnerships that allow you to specify the right products for every project. Professionals like you just don’t have time to waste. Let me tell you about one of my partnerships. Pacific Sales is here to serve you with expert, knowledgeable and non-commissioned professionals to help you specify the right product for all your projects. Non-commissioned. That means their only incentive is your satisfaction. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy Company has just that with over 60 years of service in Southern California. Pacific Sales is your destination for exploration, advice and inspiration. And here’s the cherry on top, access to exclusive Builder Trade Incentives from top brands like Monogram. Visit a Pacific Sales Showroom today to learn how you can unlock additional savings and benefits.Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best of the best. Visit Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home today and elevate your projects to new heights!
Something that has taken hold globally is the idea that living small doesn’t have to be spartan and without enjoyment. The ADU Revolution is real and nowhere else has it evolved to fully capture the California Style than in Southern California. But the beauty here is that these ideas, once explored don’t just stay in California. Those ideas are exported for the benefit of others.
Small Space Big Style: The ADU Revolution and Popularity Behind Living Small The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has become an amazing opportunity for those wishing to add additional space to a property. ADUs have also changed the way many think about living within a smaller footprint. Whether a first home, guest house, income generating space, home office or other functional space, a small space can still offer big impact. The Cato Institute tracks the stratospheric rise of ADU’s and demonstrates how once again, California is leading the way in creative problem solving. Hear what’s next for the ADU, and how homeowners, developers and tenants are planning accordingly.
Over the years, I have spoken with many clients who really don’t understand the process behind design. I think there are many beginner and mid-level designers that don’t fully understand process, means and methods. If a client wants their projects completed quickly, they can always find a designer who will do it for them. It’s their replacement who has to pick up the pieces. I can hear many of you nodding in agreement as I say this. It’s the journey, like that of a runner. You don’t decide to run a marathon, buy a pair of shoes and run it. There is a process. A very long and challenging process. The same is true when trying to become the best at what you do in any endeavor. Just like design.
Today, you are going to hear from Holly Hollenbeck. Holly and I discussed the parallels between long-distance running and project management. Holly, an experienced ultra-distance runner, shared her lessons learned from participating in challenging races, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, determination, and experience. She also highlighted how these experiences have influenced her approach to project strategy and risk management.
Holly shares some of the challenges she faced in her design and client management roles due to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic fluctuations. She emphasized the importance of clear communication with clients, setting expectations upfront, and being flexible to pivot when necessary. We also discussed the differences in real estate design and mentality between the United States, Europe, and Asia, with a focus on the concept of the ancestral home and the shift towards renovating existing homes rather than moving due to high housing costs. There is an overwhelming need to adapt to constantly changing market conditions and client needs.
Holly shares her experience of having her kitchen design featured on the cover of California Home and Design in 2007, which she attributed to serendipity and connections with friends. Holly and I discussed the pitfalls of designing homes based on current trends, emphasizing the importance of creating cohesive, functional spaces rather than focusing on individual, trendy elements. They highlighted the risk of a design becoming outdated and the need to balance trendy elements with timeless pieces. Holly shared her approach to navigating clients’ desires for trendy features by ensuring these elements are used in unique and personalized ways. And you are going to hear all about it, right after this.
Thank you Holly, loved our chat. Keep on truckin.
Thank you to my incredible partner/ sponsors; ThermaSol, Design Hardware, pacific Sales, Monogram and TimberTech for your support for the show and the industry as a whole. We are a stronger because of industry partners like you. And of course, thank you for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and colleagues. Please keep the show and guest suggestions coming, I do appreciate them and do my best to respond to every one.Convo By Design @ Outlook dot com and on Instagram, convoXDesign, with an “X”.Thanks again for listening. Happy New Year, make this the year you’ve been hoping it would be. Until the next episode, Stay focused and above the chaos.
You have heard past episodes about the WestEdge Design Fair in Santa Monica, California each Fall. I have been working with Megan, Troy and the entire WestEdge team for 7 editions of the show over 10 years minus those years where the show was cancelled due to the pandemic but I still published content on the podcast featuring show programming. Having left SoCal for Tulsa, it’s not as easy as the quick drive down Lincoln Boulevard to the show. No, it means travel.
When I was a kid, not much got me as excited as going on a trip. The excitement didn’t start when I got to the destination, it began at the airport. The airport was a place that required fashion choices, we dressed up to travel. It was an experience to walk in, present official documents and then proceed to the lounge where my sister and I would be treated to sweet treats and beverages. That led to an amazing journey that carried over to the plane. There were more Shirley Temples for my sister and I and my parents would have an adult beverage and let me keep the little bottles. By the way, I always shook the last drops out of the bottle and it was never as pleasant as I thought it would be. I dread travel now. The cattle drive that is airport security is stressful, uncomfortable, and one of the more unpleasant experiences we all must endure when traveling. Airport furniture is uncomfortable, cramped and in many cases, damaged and broken.
I was thinking about that while going through security on the way back to Tulsa. Is anyone but me surprised by this process and just how bad it is. And how the lack of comfort and. Service in the airports now don’t meet expectations in any other aspect of our lives. If our homes were as dysfunctional, overpriced and uncomfortable, I can’t think of many people that would tolerate it. The pandemic allowed us to do our work from home offices and now employers want their employees back in the office while most haven’t addressed the poor working conditions. And they’re getting kick back.
Why am I telling you about this? I was processing all the amazing moments for the 2024 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair. This was the best edition yet. I started working with WestEdge in 2015. I went and covered the show, conducted interviews and had a small 10 x 10 as a base of operations. 2016, I hosted the first Convo By Design Programming Lounge with amazing partners like Warner Bros, The Rug Company, Hollywood at Home and it was designed by Ryan White. In 2017, I took over the theater programming at WestEdge and did it again in 2018 and 2019, lost years 2020, 2021 and 2022, came roaring back in 2023 and this was my 7th WestEdge over 10 years. We have seen some wonderful talks by incredible creatives over the years and this year was no exception. The conversations and ideas discussed are inextricably part of what makes the design industry so amazing and mandatory if we are to further improve the form, functionlaity and performance of the spaces where we live, work and play.Back to the airport for a minute. I think it’s the consultants who screw up the airports. Give some quality designers a shot at airport redesign and you would see something amazing happen. And that all starts with education and sharing ideas for broader adoption.
As a busy professional designer, you know how important it is to find the right partnerships. Partnerships that allow you to specify the right products for every project. Professionals like you just don’t have time to waste. Let me tell you about one of my partnerships. Pacific Sales is here to serve you with expert, knowledgeable and non-commissioned professionals to help you specify the right product for all your projects. Non-commissioned. That means their only incentive is your satisfaction. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy Company has just that with over 60 years of service in Southern California. Pacific Sales is your destination for exploration, advice and inspiration. And here’s the cherry on top, access to exclusive Builder Trade Incentives from top brands like Monogram. Visit a Pacific Sales Showroom today to learn how you can unlock additional savings and benefits.Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best of the best. Visit Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home today and elevate your projects to new heights!
Over the next 10 weeks, you are going to hear talks, panels and conversations from the show, so I wanted to open this up with a teaser, a sample of some of these conversations like this from Authenticity VS. Dupes: Theft or “Inspired by” Placing the Priority on Uniqueness and Honoring the Creative Process of Those Who Craft Original Work There are stories, you have no doubt heard them or seen them for yourself on Instagram or the websites offering dupes of almost everything for less. There are many reasons why the copy-market thrives and why some creatives feel that they are entitled to change it a small detail and call it their own. Is the value in the look of it for less, or paying a bit extra and knowing you have an original? Perhaps the copy-market, while always present, only thrives during crisis-pricing for the real thing. We explore the value of original work and how knock-offs are changing the nature of creative design.
After so many conversations at the show this year, a few things became quite clear. We are in a bifurcated market. Some designers are extremely busy, others, not so much. The most creative and successful creatives all understand that the one way to maximize their edge is to attend these events, talk to new suppliers, vendors and product manufacturers. We all have to be lifetime learners if our hope is to maintain a competitive edge. That means coming out and attending these panel conversations as so many have this year and in past years. Gather incredible product and technical application about kitchen design like this from The Intelligent Kitchen: How Technological Advancements Create a Higher Quality of Life
We’ve all heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It has also evolved into the brain and central nervous system through advancements in modern technology. These developments have created a more intelligent kitchen and a space the addresses the emotional and intellectual needs as well. Thought-full design and development of modern appliances that address needs without being asked, a focus on food preservation, preparation, cooking and a mindful approach to household tasks have changed the way designers think about the kitchen. They are providing new avenues for the enjoyment of kitchen spaces and an increased quality of life that is human-centric. Learn how the kitchen has been forever changed and how these advancements will continue to evolve.
Moderated by; EZ Gonzalez, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home
Something that has taken hold globally is the idea that living small doesn’t have to be spartan and without enjoyment. The ADU Revolution is real and nowhere else has it evolved to fully capture the California Style than in Southern California. But the beauty here is that these ideas, once explored don’t just stay in California. Those ideas are exported for the benefit of others.
Small Space Big Style: The ADU Revolution and Popularity Behind Living Small The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has become an amazing opportunity for those wishing to add additional space to a property. ADUs have also changed the way many think about living within a smaller footprint. Whether a first home, guest house, income generating space, home office or other functional space, a small space can still offer big impact. The Cato Institute tracks the stratospheric rise of ADU’s and demonstrates how once again, California is leading the way in creative problem solving. Hear what’s next for the ADU, and how homeowners, developers and tenants are planning accordingly.
This next panel was an absolute blast for a number of reasons. I did not expect to moderate this one, but I was fully prepared when the need arose. To be completely honest, I was hoping I could sit in the audience and enjoy this one, but I had to fill in last minute and I am so thankful that I did. Not only was this program jam packed with amazing talent, but there were some truly groundbreaking ideas explored here.
Is it Really Worth Saving? Iconic Architecture or an Old but Poor Representation What makes an architectural work worth saving from the bulldozer? The architect? The style? The age? A famous past resident? How are preservation decisions made when historical considerations are in conflict with the rights of the current owner? What is the responsibility of the city and what municipal rules/regulations help address such discussions? Join this conversation with industry insiders as we explore preservation and progress.
One of the biggest questions facing the industry today is how will the recent election and how those elected will change policy on just about everything from tariffs that affect the cost and availability of goods. Or AI, building restrictions, or event cultural issues. How might our societal issues change the very nature of the design and architecture communities?
What’s Next: How the Recent Election will Affect Design No matter who wins, changes are coming. How can the business of design adapt to these changes, and thrive at the same time? Will additional tariffs change the pricing model of goods? How will new regulations affect transportation, fuel usage and household appliances? During these uncertain times, we’re all looking for a bit more stability and direction. Learn how to best navigate the changing landscape and better prepare your design firm and clients for the future.
Connected – Brought together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established. Unconnected – Not joined together or to something else. Disconnected – Having a connection broken. How do some of today’s most talented and sought after creatives approach connectivity, what does that even mean?
Connected vs. Unconnected: The Future of the Home The debate rages on… The fully connected home where all can be automated vs. the unconnected environment and the return to the beauty of form, function and simplicity. We’re not Luddites, but if we look at the experiential nature and convenience of a connected space, we must also consider what it means to have a space that is intentionally unconnected. The removal of screens, tech, automation, phones, and tablets can create calm and allow opportunities for true reconnection with self and others. Offline. Join this compelling conversation about AI, automation and the pros and cons of a fully connected home in a complicated world.
We’ve covered interiors, policy, technology, small spaces, practical connectivity, so let’s take it outside.
The Great Outdoors: Reimagining California’s Love for Outdoor Living Californians have perfected outdoor living, largely due to the favorable climate. As weather patterns change, the design industry has adapted with sustainable materials, inventive building practices and creative use of space including outdoor kitchens, theaters, plunge pools, functional landscapes, and unique approaches to sport courts. From pickleball to a pickle martini, design meets entertainment with the new innovations in outdoor design.
We’ve covered a lot here but you’ve only heard a small part of what’s to come. We have additional programs to share and these programs in their entirety. They are wonderful and I am thrilled to share them with you. Thank you Julie Beuerlein for designing an extraordinary space from which to have these conversations. Thank you Pacific Sales for presenting the WestEdge Theater. Thank you to all of our incredible speakers, panel sponsors like EMTEK and TimberTech. And of course, our amazing audience who came out, took notes, asked great questions and provided an incredible energy. Enjoy these conversations. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you receive all of the full panel talks the moment they are published. We’ll see you in November at the Barker Hangar for the 2025 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair. – CXD
One of my favorite things to do is discover new products, another favorite activity of mine is sharing those new products with you. And, that is what we’r going to do today. “Come with me for a minute, I want to talk to you. I just want to say one word to you. Just one word.… Are you listening?…. There’s a great future in plastics, think about it. Will you think about it? Enough said. That’s a deal”
That, of course, a favorite quote from The Graduate, but rings true now as it did in 1967. What’s old is new again and you are going to hear all about that today through my conversation with Dr. William Chivhovsky, founder of The Good Plastic Company. I believe the design industry is exposed to more new products and ideas than ever before in an ongoing effort to address the issues clients desperately want resolved. This includes climate change, sustainability, lower costs, improved performance and renewables. All of these subjects are going to be addressed over the next hour during my conversation with William Chivhovsky, founder of The Good Plastics Company and their product line, Polygood.
As we enter a new year, it’s an opportunity for exploration and discovery of the new products coming to market this year. I will be speaking at KBIS this year and cannot tell you how excited I am about that. If you will be in Las Vegas for the show this year, please drop me a note. I am looking for designers and architects to walk the show and report back with some of their favorite finds.
Thank you to my incredible partner/ sponsors; ThermaSol, Design Hardware, pacific Sales, Monogram and TimberTech for your support for the show and the industry as a whole. We are a stronger because of industry partners like you. And of course, thank you for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and sharing it with friends and colleagues. Please keep the show and guest suggestions coming, I do appreciate them and do my best to respond to every one.Convo By Design @ Outlook dot com and on Instagram, convoXDesign, with an “X”.Thanks again for listening. Happy New Year, make this the year you’ve been hoping it would be. Until the next episode, Stay focused and above the chaos.
