Category Archives: Antiques

Nick Cryer of Berkeley Place | 672 | Historical Preservation in the UK: Respecting the Past While Building for the Future

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A conversation with Nick Cryer from Berkeley Place on balancing heritage preservation with modern, sustainable design innovations. After spending over thirty years in media, you develop a keen ear for the difference between a trend and a philosophy. My conversation with Nick from Berkeley Place was a masterclass in the latter. We sat down to explore the intricate dance of high-end residential restoration, a world where the weight of history meets the uncompromising demands of modern luxury.

What struck me most was the inherent tension between time, cost, and quality. 

In our world of instantaneous communication and “Amazon Prime” expectations, the craftsmanship required to restore a listed Georgian property in a place like Bath simply cannot be rushed. Nick pointed out that while we can accelerate many things, we cannot accelerate the soul of a building. When you are dealing with Historic England and the preservation of original fabric, you aren’t just a builder; you are a steward of a narrative that started centuries before you arrived.

We also dug into the “Material Intelligence” of these older structures. There is a common misconception that heritage buildings are inherently inefficient. In reality, the thermal mass of thick stone walls often outperforms the “thin-skinned” structures of today. The challenge lies in the surgical integration of 21st-century life, sophisticated kitchen suites, seamless technology, and sustainable upgrades like sympathetic double glazing, without erasing the character that made the property valuable in the first place.

Since the pandemic, the kitchen has evolved into a high-functioning hub that requires more infrastructure than original floor plans ever intended. Seeing how Berkeley Place navigates these installations, sometimes building “rooms within rooms” to protect original plasterwork is a testament to the level of detail required at this level of the industry. It’s a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about the finish; it’s about the invisible infrastructure and the respect for the hands that laid the first stones.

Key Discussion Points

The Evolution of Professional Communication: Nick reflected on over 40 years in the design and consulting industry, noting the dramatic shift from paper letters to the instantaneous nature of modern communication. Today, client expectations are driven by constant connectivity, often requiring multiple communication channels to confirm receipt of information.

The Interplay of Time, Cost, and Quality. A core principle in Berkeley Place’s project management is the dynamic relationship between time, cost, and quality. Nick emphasized that while high-speed delivery is often requested, achieving top-tier quality in restoration—particularly with historical materials—requires a significant investment of time.

Preserving Historical Fabric Under Regulation. The conversation touched on the strict regulations governing “listed properties” in the UK, managed by Historic England. Nick explained the complexities of altering these buildings, where even internal features and original windows are often protected to maintain the character and historical narrative of the structure.

Integrating Sustainability in Heritage Design. Despite rigid preservation laws, the industry is gradually seeing a shift towards allowing sustainable upgrades, such as double glazing and improved insulation, provided they are sympathetic to the original design. Nick noted that older structures, with their thick stone walls and natural thermal performance, often offer inherent sustainability advantages over modern, thinner-walled builds. Modern Kitchen Functionality in Historic Spaces The pandemic has redefined the kitchen as a central social and functional hub, requiring more sophisticated appliance suites and technology. Adapting these modern requirements to historic layouts often involves creative solutions like building internal partitions to accommodate new plumbing and infrastructure without damaging the original building fabric. Applicable Elements

Berkeley Place: For more information on Nick’s work in high-end residential restoration and property development.

Historic England: Information on the regulatory body overseeing the listing and preservation of historical buildings in the UK.

Bath, UK: Context on the Georgian architecture and heritage management discussed during the conversation.

Nicole Hirsch Interiors on Signature Style | 658 | Historic Integrity and Modern Interior Design

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New England designer Nicole Hirsch explains how the interior design profession evolved from service provider to brand identity, why craftsmanship still matters in a digital-first world, and how historic architecture shapes modern living.

Since launching her firm, Nicole Hirsch, principal of Nicole Hirsch Interiors, has witnessed—and helped shape—the transformation of the interior design profession. What was once a service-driven industry has evolved into one defined by recognizable brands, signature aesthetics, and curated storytelling. For Hirsch, success today requires far more than talent; it requires clarity of voice, visual identity, and trust built through consistency.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Drawing from her marketing background, Hirsch has developed a design philosophy rooted in timeless, demure, and textural interiors that balance modern functionality with historical reverence. Working throughout Boston and New England, she specializes in full-scale renovations and new construction projects that preserve architectural heritage while adapting homes for contemporary family life.

In this conversation, Hirsch breaks down the realities of running a luxury design firm—from managing client expectations and navigating scope creep to understanding the evolving role of social media and editorial publishing. She also offers insight into the technical craftsmanship behind her work, revealing how thoughtful details—from custom millwork to concealed functionality—shape both the user experience and the visual narrative of a home.

The Evolution of the Designer-as-Brand

  • How the industry shifted from service provider to identity-driven brand
  • Why visual consistency builds trust and attracts aligned clients
  • The strategic influence of Hirsch’s marketing background

Signature Style vs. Personalization

  • Developing a recognizable aesthetic without creating repetitive projects
  • The role of neutral palettes, layered textures, and timeless composition
  • Why clients seek designers for perspective rather than replication

The Craftsman Approach to Interior Design

  • Designing beyond furnishings and décor
  • Full architectural collaboration including:
    • Millwork planning
    • Custom elevations
    • Stone and material specification
  • The growing expectation for designers to function as technical project leaders

Designing Within Historic New England Architecture

  • Working within strict preservation parameters in Boston neighborhoods
  • Balancing modern family living with architectural authenticity
  • Integrating contemporary amenities into historic shells

The Modern Press and Social Media Economy

  • Why full-scale renovation projects drive editorial opportunities
  • Social media as both marketing engine and creative liability
  • Combating unrealistic client expectations and trend saturation

Managing Scope, Budget, and Communication

  • Early and transparent cost discussions
  • The collaborative triangle between designer, builder, and architect
  • Educating clients on value versus cost

Designing the Invisible

  • Functional elements that disappear visually but elevate usability:
    • Appliance garages
    • Hidden outlets and infrastructure
    • Custom stone fabrication
  • Why technical precision supports aesthetic clarity

Project References

River Glen

A refined exploration of white kitchen design featuring advanced stone fabrication and layered material detailing.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

Miller Hill Road

A family-focused basement renovation highlighting creative ceiling articulation and flexible living spaces for a household with four children.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

The Weston Addition

A spa-inspired primary suite featuring a dramatic three-sided glass and steel shower enclosure and integrated wellness-driven design.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

Key Takeaways

  • The modern interior designer must operate as both creative and brand strategist.
  • Signature style attracts aligned clients but must remain flexible enough to personalize every project.
  • High-level design now requires deep technical knowledge and full collaboration with architecture and construction teams.
  • Historic architecture demands restraint, respect, and thoughtful modernization.
  • Editorial press increasingly favors comprehensive renovation storytelling over single-room reveals.
  • Invisible functional details often define exceptional design quality.

Focus Lighting + Grade : Illuminating the Experience: The Invisible Art of Modern Lighting | 656 | Beyond the Switch: Why Modern Design Demands a Lighting Narrative

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From high-end residential “wealth” to AI-responsive environments, top designers discuss why lighting is the most under-recognized—yet essential—element of the built environment.

Lighting is often the ghost in the machine of interior design: when it’s perfect, you don’t notice it; when it’s wrong, it’s all you can see. In a wide-ranging discussion featuring architectural lighting experts and residential designers, the conversation shifts from the utility of “turning on the lights” to the high-stakes world of experiential design.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

For firms like Focus Lighting and their partners like GRADE, the challenge lies in the nuance of the environment. Whether it’s the high-octane spectacle of the Times Square ball or the restrained elegance of a Chelsea penthouse, the philosophy remains the same: lighting should highlight architectural moments and art without revealing the source. This “invisible” approach is what separates a standard renovation from a truly bespoke residence.

The dialogue also touches on the psychological divide between “rich” and “wealthy” clients. While some desire flashy, obvious fixtures, the most sophisticated projects utilize layers of light—integrated into millwork, hidden in suede-pedal ceiling features, or tucked behind undulating panels—to create a sensory experience that feels natural and inevitable.

Looking forward, the industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution. We are moving toward responsive homes where AI recognizes individual inhabitants, adjusting the lighting plan to their specific preferences and moods in real-time. As designers push into new frontiers like luxury yachting and “Zoom-ready” home offices, the goal remains human-centric: using innovation not just because we can, but to make life better through the deliberate application of light.

Today, you are going to hear from Focus Lighting’s, Mike Cummings and partners of theirs in GRADE NY’s Edward Yedid and Thomas Hickey. Were talking about lighting and how the skilled application in design makes a difference in not just beauty, performance but quality of experience.

Core Concepts:

  • The Power of Layers: Effective lighting isn’t about one bright source; it’s about a “team” of layers (decorative, accent, and task) working in tandem.
  • The “Wealthy” Aesthetic: High-end design is shifting away from flashy fixtures toward “restrained” lighting where the source is hidden, but the effect is transformative.
  • Collaboration is Mandatory: The most innovative solutions—like lighting art with tiny bronze heads or illuminating glass tables with “water droplet” fixtures—come from the friction between a designer’s vision and a lighting engineer’s technical skill.
  • The Future is AI-Responsive: We are moving toward a “switch-less” world where homes utilize motion sensors and machine learning to anticipate a resident’s path and preference.
  • Residential vs. Hospitality: In hospitality, the light source is often a celebrated feature; in residential, the goal is for the lighting to disappear into the architecture.

Resources & Applicable Elements

  • Focus Lighting: An architectural lighting design firm known for projects ranging from Times Square to private luxury residences.
  • GRADE NY: Since GRADE’s founding in 2004, it has been our belief that integrating architecture and interior design from the outset creates the most beautiful, balanced and cohesive solutions.
  • Lutron Systems: A leader in lighting control and automated shading solutions mentioned as a “hook” for homeowners entering the world of smart design.
  • Carpenters Workshop Gallery: Mentioned for their innovative, reactive light fixtures that respond to sound and motion.
  • KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show): The premier event for kitchen and bath design professionals.

The Highlight Reel

  • “If someone hasn’t used a lighting designer before, they ask us why we need one. If someone has used one before, they can’t wait to use them again.” — Eddie
  • “Lighting design is a double-edged sword. The better job I’m doing, the less you appreciate it.” — Michael
  • “Rich people are flashier—they want to see the light fixture. Our clients are wealthy… to them, this is just their world.” — Thomas
  • “I can come to your house… and like a doctor, diagnose why you don’t like [the lighting] and then use those words to create a new design.” — Michael
  • “You never hear anybody say ‘no’ in New York, because somebody else will say ‘yes’ right behind you.” — Eddie
  • “We’re not lighting designers. We’re definitely not structural engineers… when we push the boundaries of our design, we want to have teammates who can say, ‘Oh, I’ve never done that before. Let’s figure out a solution together’ instead of ‘No.'” — Thomas

Creativity in the Age of Screens: Craft, Credibility, and the Changing Nature of Practice | 634 | Amy Courtney, Amy Courtney Design

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The design industry has changed more in the past five years than in the previous two decades. In this episode, Amy Courtney and I unpack how technology, social media, and shifting client expectations have transformed the way designers work, communicate, and create. From in-person collaboration to photography, craftsmanship, and professional credibility, the conversation explores what it really means to practice design today.

A candid discussion about design after 2020, the rise of digital culture, evolving client behavior, and why experience still matters more than visibility.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

I sat down with designer Amy Courtney and together, we are going to examine how dramatically the design industry has shifted since 2020—and what those changes mean for designers, clients, and the creative process itself. What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a permanent shift in how projects are managed, communicated, and perceived.

The conversation opens with how in-person collaboration has largely been replaced by screens, emails, and digital presentations. While technology has made certain aspects of design more efficient, it has also introduced new challenges: endless email threads, over-reliance on links and screenshots, and a growing disconnect between how spaces are discussed and how they are actually experienced. Both speakers reflect on the loss of face-to-face interaction and how it has altered everything from client relationships to decision-making.

From there, the discussion moves into how design has become more visible—and more misunderstood—than ever before. With social media and image-driven platforms shaping expectations, clients often arrive with highly specific visual references but little understanding of how those ideas translate into real-world construction. The conversation explores how designers now spend much of their time educating clients, explaining limitations, and helping them understand the difference between inspiration and execution.

Photography plays a major role in this shift. Where designers once photographed only select projects, today’s market pressures encourage constant documentation. The episode unpacks the financial and creative cost of professional photography, the tension between editorial standards and reality, and how images can sometimes misrepresent how spaces actually function. The discussion also touches on how publication expectations and sponsorships can influence what gets shown—and what gets left out.

Another central theme is the difference between designers and tastemakers. Courtney and I examine how social platforms have blurred professional lines, allowing anyone with a strong aesthetic to claim authority. We discuss the growing confusion this creates for clients and the importance of experience, education, and technical understanding in producing successful projects. While inspiration is everywhere, execution still requires training, judgment, and accountability.

The episode also dives into the influence of upbringing and mentorship. From growing up around construction and craftsmanship to learning directly from tradespeople, the conversation highlights how hands-on experience shapes a designer’s confidence and decision-making. This background, combined with curiosity and respect for process, becomes the foundation for meaningful work.

The conversation closes with a reflection on credibility, creativity, and the responsibility designers have to guide clients honestly. In a culture driven by speed and visibility, the episode argues for a return to thoughtful process, clear communication, and design rooted in real-world understanding.

  • How design practice has changed since 2020
  • The impact of remote work and screen-based communication
  • Photography, social media, and shifting industry expectations
  • The difference between designers and tastemakers
  • Client education and managing unrealistic inspiration
  • The value of construction knowledge and hands-on experience
  • Navigating publication standards and editorial pressure
  • Why credibility and process still matter

Design has never been more visible—or more misunderstood. As technology reshapes how people engage with spaces and professionals, the role of the designer has become both more complex and more essential. This episode makes the case for slowing down, valuing experience, and remembering that great design is built on knowledge, intention, and trust—not algorithms or aesthetics alone.

Design With Intention: Antiques, Process, and the Art of Creating Meaningful Spaces | 632 | Kristin Mullen, Kristen Mullen Designs

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Design is more than aesthetics—it’s about understanding how people live, move, and connect with their spaces. In this episode, Kristin Mullen and I explore how sourcing, observation, and thoughtful decision-making shape interiors that feel authentic and functional. From Round Top to kitchen design to client relationships, the conversation reveals why the best work begins with listening and ends with purpose.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

A thoughtful conversation on antiques, design philosophy, client trust, and why the most successful spaces are built on intention rather than trends. You are going to hear from designer Kristin Mullen. We’re exploring the deeper thinking behind successful interior design—where process, perspective, and human behavior matter as much as aesthetics. The conversation opens with a discussion of the Round Top Antiques Show, which Kristin describes as an essential destination for designers seeking character, craftsmanship, and pieces with history. While digital sourcing has its place, both agree that nothing replaces the experience of seeing and understanding objects in person. Round Top, in particular, offers an immersive environment that encourages discovery, education, and creative connection.

From there, the conversation turns inward, examining how a designer’s background and worldview shape their approach. Kristin shares how her early training in speech and language pathology sharpened her ability to read clients, recognize unspoken preferences, and interpret behavior—skills that now inform every project she takes on. That sensitivity, paired with her passion for antiques, results in spaces that feel layered, personal, and grounded in story rather than surface-level trends.

A central theme throughout the episode is redefining what “value” means in design. Josh and Kristin challenge the idea that good design is about price or status. Instead, they discuss how meaningful spaces come from clarity, intention, and thoughtful editing. The role of the designer, they explain, is often to simplify—helping clients focus on what truly matters and guiding them away from choices that don’t support how they actually live.

The conversation naturally moves into kitchens, where function and behavior intersect most clearly. From layout and stone selection to lighting and storage, Josh and Kristin explore how small decisions can dramatically affect daily life. They discuss the importance of planning for real habits rather than idealized ones, and how photographic trends often misrepresent how spaces are actually used. The evolution of kitchen design, they note, reflects broader changes in how homes function as multi-use environments.

The episode also touches on the business and sourcing side of design. Kristin shares insights into working with European antiques and the growing challenges presented by tariffs and shipping costs. Josh adds perspective on the potential return to small-scale, locally made craftsmanship, suggesting that the industry may be entering a period where quality, story, and intention carry more weight than volume or speed.

Throughout the conversation, one idea remains consistent: strong design is rooted in trust. Open communication, clear expectations, and honest dialogue between designer and client create better outcomes for everyone involved. When people feel heard and understood, the results are spaces that not only look good—but function beautifully over time. You are going to hear all about it, right after this.

Great design isn’t about excess or trends—it’s about intention, understanding, and care. When designers take the time to observe how people truly live and guide them through thoughtful decisions, the result is a space that feels authentic, functional, and deeply personal. This episode makes the case for slowing down, asking better questions, and designing with purpose at the center.

Designing for Place, Purpose, and Partnership in the Maritimes | 625 | Natalie Owens & Victoria Armour of Stil James

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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.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

CXD Icon Registry November 2025: Sue Firestone | 623 | California Style, Creative Evolution, and the Art of Enduring Design

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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.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

The Novogratz | 618 | Our October 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

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Courtney Novogratz: Designing a Life of Creativity and Family Courtney Novogratz has spent her career reimagining spaces that celebrate individuality, family, and joy. Alongside her husband Robert, she’s built an iconic brand known for bold style, adventurous projects, and a commitment to living beautifully without pretense. In this conversation, Courtney shares her design philosophy, her family-first approach, and how she balances creativity with business. In this episode of Convo By Design, Courtney Novogratz opens up about her journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and mother of seven. From revitalizing historic properties to curating collections that reflect everyday living, Courtney brings her unique perspective on what it means to design with heart. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, her take on authenticity in design, and why storytelling matters just as much as furniture and finishes.

Ideas and Topics discussed during our chat. What you will hear are universal concepts that are then executed to perfection. “Perfection” doesn’t mean perfect. That might sound strange, but often perfection is used to describe design but let’s be , there is no such thing as perfect in design. To me, perfection is a philosophical approach to blending the work with the story and The Novogratz do this expertly, which is why they are Octobers Convo By Design Icon Registry inductees presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Here are some of the reasons why and ideas you are going to hear explained:

  • The Novogratz Design Journey
    Courtney on how she and Robert grew their design practice into a recognizable lifestyle brand.
  • Balancing Creativity & Family
    How raising seven kids has shaped her outlook on interiors and informed her approach to livable, joyful design.
  • The Power of Storytelling in Design
    Why personality and narrative are essential to creating meaningful spaces.
  • From Renovations to Product Lines
    Expanding beyond interiors into retail, furniture, and collaborations.
  • Lessons in Building a Design Brand
    Courtney reflects on resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your vision.

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.

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, Courtney and congratulations to you and Robert. Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the ideas with regard to your world-class story-telling skills. Your work is exceptional and the branding is masterful.

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

Thoughtful Design Beyond Trends | 611 | Authenticity, Craftsmanship, and Diverse North Texas Style with Poppy Bourg & Shannon McGough – Poppy McGough Design House

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In this candid conversation, Poppy Bourg and Shannon McGough of Poppy McGough Design House unpack the evolving Dallas design scene, the challenges of modern publishing, and the importance of integrating architecture and interior design. They discuss how their unique backgrounds inform their approach, client expectations in a shifting market, and why authenticity and craftsmanship matter more than fleeting trends.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

From the pitfalls of celebrity-driven design magazines to the nuanced demands of Dallas homeowners, Poppy and Shannon reveal how they balance creativity, technical knowledge, and client relationships to create spaces that are not only beautiful but built to last. They explore the impact of regional influences, climate challenges, and the expanding role of interior designers in shaping cohesive, livable homes.

1. The State of Design Publications & Celebrity Influence

  • Shift in design media focus: from architecture to celebrity homes
  • Challenges of magazines cutting back editorial staff and local flavor
  • Dallas’s design culture: diverse, not pigeonholed into one “look”

2. Client Trends and Diversity in Dallas Architecture

  • Clients influenced by wide range of styles via online exposure
  • Resurgence of traditional styles alongside modern, Mediterranean, Santa Barbara influences
  • Growing trend of lake homes post-2020 pandemic and its impact on local design culture

3. Modernism and Design Inspirations

  • Experience visiting Modernism Week in Palm Springs
  • Dallas’s limited mid-century modern presence compared to other cities
  • Appreciation for maximalism and richly detailed interiors beyond minimalist trends

4. Backgrounds & Partnership Story

  • Shannon’s hospitality design and hotel experience, focus on durability and build process
  • Poppy’s real estate and builder project management background, deep builder and trade knowledge
  • How their combined skills create a holistic approach to residential design and construction collaboration

5. Building Challenges in Dallas

  • Impact of active soil, climate extremes, and shifting weather on construction and interiors
  • Importance of realistic client expectations around timelines, soil testing, and permitting
  • Regional differences in design challenges and neighborhood personalities across Dallas metroplex

6. Expanded Role of Interior Designers

  • Growing client education on lighting, air quality, water filtration, and acoustics
  • Increasing involvement in exterior design for cohesive indoor-outdoor flow
  • Navigating intellectual property issues, brand extensions, and designer-led product lines

7. Photography, Styling, and Portfolio Strategy

  • Not every project gets photographed due to client preference or cost
  • In-house styling process balancing client personality with editorial needs
  • Preference for showcasing recent projects and maintaining strong referral-based business

Thank you, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. 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, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. 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. 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

Keeping It Authentic | 610 | Viki Chupik – Chupik Design on Austin, Design, Culture, and the Road Less Traveled

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Austin-based interior designer Viki Chupik brings the city’s unique spirit into every project she touches. From its rolling hills and cultural quirks to its understated expressions of wealth, Chupik sees Austin as a place where authenticity and individuality still matter. In this conversation, she explains how to design for a city in flux. Like most of the cities people flooded to during and post-pandemic—balancing creativity, cultural heritage, and the realities of today’s economic pressures.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

 – Where service meets excellence

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

Viki Chupik of Chupik Design unpacks Austin’s evolving design landscape, from post-pandemic migration and rising costs to the homogenizing pull of social media trends. She shares how she navigates client expectations, resists algorithm-fed aesthetics, and champions designs that are rooted in nature, personal stories, and lasting quality. Along the way, Chupik explores functional planning, economic design strategies, and her vision for the future of the American home.

  1. The Austin Effect
    • How Austin’s natural beauty and geography shape lifestyle and client priorities.
    • The city’s evolution from “hippie government town” to tech-creative hub.
    • Why “Keep Austin Weird” is about individuality and local culture, not just quirky aesthetics.
    • Understated expressions of wealth versus flash seen in other Texas cities.
  1. Design Influenced by Lifestyle
    • Incorporating travel, life experiences, and personal artifacts into home design.
    • Creating spaces that reflect a client’s narrative rather than a preset style.
    • Prioritizing true customization over formulaic trends.
  1. Austin’s Cultural Capital
    • Influence of UT, major festivals, and historic districts on the city’s identity.
    • Embracing quirks—bats, music, history—in design and urban character.
    • Post-pandemic migration: challenges and benefits of new creative influx.
  1. Viki Chupik’s Design Fingerprint
    • Calm, collected, nature-inspired aesthetic.
    • Timeless design choices: earthy palettes, organic materials, and visual serenity.
    • Rejecting trend-chasing in favor of enduring appeal.
  1. Design vs. Trends
    • Critique of social media–driven “trendification” and AI-generated design content.
    • Seeking out artisans, unique finds, and unexpected pairings.
    • Why individuality in design is harder—and more important—than ever.
  1. The Budget Reality
    • Impact of rising costs from tariffs, materials, and labor.
    • Emphasis on quality investments over disposable design.
    • Importance of involving designers early in architectural planning.
  1. Functional Design in Changing Times
    • Rethinking square footage for smarter, more livable spaces.
    • Evaluating the real utility of specialty rooms and features.
    • Applying the “Are you going to use it?” test to every decision.
  1. Portable Kitchens & the Future of Home
    • Considering modular, moveable kitchens inspired by European models.
    • How rising land values could shift the role of the house toward adaptability.
    • The tension between permanence and flexibility in residential design.

Thank you, Viki. Amazing. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. 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. 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