Category Archives: Construction

Commune & Remains Lighting: Craft, Collaboration, and the Philosophy of Design | 615 | A Double Episode for Twice the Inspiration on Convo By Design

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This special two-part episode features Roman Alonso of Commune and David Calligeros of Remains Lighting in two distinct conversations exploring origins, philosophy, and the meaning of design partnerships.

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 salvaging antiques to designing timeless interiors, David and Roman share stories of growth, collaboration, and craft. What began as a single interview turned into a richer double feature—a master class in design values, sustainability, and the essential philosophies behind two influential studios.

Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting

  • Origins and Influences: From antiques and architectural salvage to a design career shaped by an arts-influenced mother and an engineer father.
  • The Birth of Remains: Starting in Manhattan in 1995, evolving from antiques into lighting design.
  • Engineering Meets Art: Marrying technical precision with artistic intuition.
  • Custom Work & Collaborations: Partnering with Commune, Robert A.M. Stern, Matthew Fisher, and others.
  • IP, Dupes & Authenticity: Protecting design through integrity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
  • Sustainability & Craft: LEED Gold Brooklyn factory, solar array, stormwater recycling, and green production practices.
  • Business & Market Challenges: Navigating the 2008 crash, tariffs, and the value of US-based manufacturing.
  • Philosophy: Design as a question-driven, ethical practice rooted in long-term value and collaboration.

Link: Remains Lighting

Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune

  • Origins and Career Path: From Caracas to Miami, Boston, New York, and LA; a career spanning publishing, fashion, and interiors.
  • Formation of Commune Studio (2003): Built around collaboration, essentialism, and quality.
  • Studio Philosophy: Purposeful, small by design, focused on meaningful work and enduring value.
  • Influences: Latin American upbringing, Isaac Mizrahi, Lisa Eisner, and lessons from fashion and editorial worlds.
  • Product Development: Solving real design problems, prototyping in-house before release.
  • Collaboration: Strategic partnerships (including Remains Lighting) to ensure usability and quality.
  • Personal Philosophy: Stoicism, fairness, ethical production, and acknowledging imposter syndrome.
  • Evolution of the Firm: Scaling deliberately—growing reach through products and partnerships while keeping the studio intimate.
  • Quotes:
    • “Good design shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right.”
    • “Design is about editing, listening, and creating solutions that people might not even know they need.”

This episode illustrates how partnerships in design aren’t just about collaboration—they’re about shared values, craft, and philosophy. By hearing these conversations separately, you’ll gain insights into two distinct but complementary approaches to design, sustainability, and creativity.

So much to take in. This was a master class on how to structure, nurture and grow design partnerships. Make sure you check the show notes for links and notes about all of the topics covered. Thank you, David and Roman for doing this and being so willing to share your thoughts, ideas and practice. 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

Architectural Roots, Jewelry Details, and Lighting Innovation | 614 | Scott Richler of Gabriel Scott and the Triforium on Convo By Design

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When I spoke with Scott Richler, co-founder of Gabriel Scott, I quickly realized his design journey wasn’t linear but layered. With a background in architecture, jewelry and fashion Scott brings that same sense of structure and detail into furniture and lighting design. He explained how the precision of jewelry—where every small move influences the whole—mirrors his architectural training, allowing him to think critically on both macro and micro scales.

Lighting was a major theme. Scott and I discussed how LED technology has completely shifted design possibilities, freeing designers from the limitations of older systems. No longer about blasting a room with light, the new approach is about using illumination strategically—whether it’s enhancing a hospitality experience or subtly shaping a residential atmosphere.

We also tackled the often-overused labels in design—“modern,” “traditional,” and everything in between. Scott pushed back on the idea of rigid categories, noting that Gabriel Scott’s pieces live comfortably in both sleek penthouses and classic homes. The goal, he said, is timeless versatility, not chasing a label.

Scott also opened up about his creative process. His team of artisans develops intricate parts that are refined enough to feel bespoke but adaptable enough to be assembled by everyday people—a kind of design language built for universal assembly. It’s jewelry thinking applied to lighting and furniture.

Of course, no conversation about product design is complete without addressing knockoffs. Scott acknowledged the frustration of seeing his work duplicated but emphasized the importance of strong contracts, local representation, and participating in trade shows like Milan Design Week to establish authenticity.

We wrapped up talking the Triforium project in Los Angeles, reflecting on how lighting has evolved from mechanical systems in the 1970s to today’s AI-driven adaptability. For Scott, it’s less about chasing technology for its own sake, and more about how design—whether jewelry, furniture, or lighting—creates lasting experiences. 

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.

And that is where I lost the connection with Scott. He was in Ibiza. And the WI-FI dropped, so I thought it would be fun to conclude this conversation with a brief chat with the founders of the Triforium Project.

YACHT, Experimental Pop, and Reimagining the Triforium

The Los Angeles-based band YACHT (Young Americans Challenging High Technology) has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of music, technology, and performance art. Founded by Jona Bechtolt and later joined by Claire L. Evans, YACHT blends electronic pop, punk energy, and conceptual art into a body of work that often doubles as cultural critique. With albums like See Mystery Lights and Chain Tripping—the latter created with the help of AI-generated lyrics and sounds—the band has consistently explored the edges of where music meets innovation.

One of their most intriguing projects is their involvement with the Triforium, a massive 1970s public art installation in downtown Los Angeles. Originally envisioned as a “polyphonoptic” sculpture, the Triforium contains 1,494 glass prisms designed to light up in sync with computer-generated music. Despite its futuristic ambitions, technical limitations of the era kept the piece from reaching its full potential, and it was largely dismissed as a failed experiment in civic art.

Enter YACHT. Alongside a group of artists and technologists, the band helped spearhead efforts to restore and reinterpret the Triforium for a new generation. They worked on updating its outdated systems with modern technology, enabling the sculpture to finally achieve its original goal of synchronizing light and sound in real time. For YACHT, the Triforium became more than a restoration project—it was a living metaphor for their own artistic ethos: finding new meaning in old technology, and using experimentation to transform limitations into possibilities.

The project reflects YACHT’s broader philosophy: music isn’t just something to listen to, but an evolving experience shaped by design, technology, and cultural context. Just as the Triforium has been reimagined for today, YACHT continues to show how creative vision can turn the discarded or overlooked into something vibrant, communal, and new. Be right back

Breathing New Life Into LA’s Triforium

In the heart of downtown Los Angeles stands a curious six-story structure that has puzzled, frustrated, and fascinated Angelenos for decades. It’s called the Triforium, a 60-ton public artwork created by artist Joseph Young in 1975. Designed as a “polyphonic musical instrument,” the piece features nearly 1,500 colorful glass prisms synced to a 79-note carillon. At its debut, it was billed as the future of civic art—an interactive sculpture that would respond to music and even the movement of passersby.

But the reality never quite lived up to the promise. Plagued by cost overruns, balky 1970s technology, and a skeptical public, the Triforium quickly earned nicknames like “Three Wishbones in Search of a Turkey.” The interactivity never fully materialized, the lights often failed, and what was supposed to be a beacon of futuristic optimism was mostly ignored.

Fast-forward a few decades, and the Triforium has found unexpected champions. A grassroots team—Tom Carroll, along with Claire Evans and Jona Bechtolt from the band YACHT—launched the Triforium Project to restore the work to its original vision. What began as a curiosity sparked by Carroll’s 2014 short documentary turned into a mission. With fundraising, public events, and a $100,000 LA2050 grant, the group has started planning a full restoration.

The updates won’t erase its quirky history but build on it—replacing bulbs with LEDs, updating the computer system, and even developing a smartphone app so visitors can program their own light and sound sequences.

For the project’s leaders, the Triforium isn’t just a relic. It’s an instrument, once played alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder and John Cage, waiting for a new audience. Reviving it isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about giving Los Angeles back a piece of its artistic imagination. You can’t learn more at triforium.la because that domain is now for sale. So, it’s probably safe to say it’s languishing again, but it’s still there so go check it out

Thank you, Scott. Ibiza sounds nice. Thank you Triforium Project for the refresher. 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

Florida Design, Resilience, and the Future of Luxury Interiors | 613 | Renée Gaddis Renee Gaddis Interiors on Convo By Design

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In a wide-ranging conversation, I sat down with Renée Gaddis, founder of Renée Gaddis Interiors, to explore Florida’s distinct design influences, the evolving role of designers in storm-prone regions, and the business of luxury interiors in uncertain times. Speaking from Naples, Florida, Gaddis compared her region’s design sensibilities to other parts of the state, noting a blend of Midwestern, European, and Southern traditions. While many of her clients lean toward transitional or traditional styles, she observed that Miami remains more open to modern aesthetics.

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.

The discussion turned to real estate trends fueled by the pandemic, which brought an influx of new homeowners to Florida. Gaddis shared how this surge, combined with a major hurricane, reshaped her approach to client selection and project scope. She emphasized her boutique model, strong referral base, and commitment to seamlessly integrating interiors with exteriors to embrace Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

On the financial side, she addressed rising costs and tariffs that have altered project budgets, leading to value engineering and sourcing U.S.-made products. Gaddis also reflected on the importance of partnerships with trades and vendors, especially during supply chain volatility, while advocating for transparent communication to maintain trust.

The conversation also touched on resilient building practices in storm-prone regions. Gaddis highlighted lessons learned from past hurricanes, from identifying flawed hurricane-rated windows to designing with better drainage, elevated platforms, and even safe rooms. Her insights underscored the need for long-term sustainability in luxury projects.

Beyond design, Gaddis shared her family’s advocacy journey with the American Heart Association, inspired by her daughter’s early diagnosis and treatment. This personal commitment, alongside her professional expertise, reflects her philosophy that resilience—whether in design or life—is built through experience, adaptability, and care. And you are going to hear the whole story, right after this.

Thank you, Renee. 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

Martyn Lawrence Bullard | 612 | Our August 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

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Welcome to the Convo By Design Icon Registry episode for the month of July, 2025. This month’s inductee is an icon, for sure, an international luminary and someone who has been as down to earth and kind as he could possibly be. I shouldn’t have to say that. Right? But, that is one of the things that differentiates Martyn Lawrence Bullard from many, really most creatives who have achieved Bullard’s level of success. I sat down with Martyn at the SOHO Home showroom on Melrose Boulevard in West Hollywood right before the 10th anniversary party for Convo By Design. SOHO Home, previously the Rose Tarlow showroom, with it’s storied history and exceptional lighting made for a truly unique experience for me and I hope that is one of the things you pick up in this conversation with the September 2025 inductee of the Convo By Design Icon Registry.

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. 

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.

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 he serves. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Martyn and congratulations Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the review of your 2019 Legends window and your experience in theater which speaks to your world-class story-telling skills.

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

Design Truths: Phil Norman on Budget Battles, Trend Fatigue | 609 | Building Homes That Feel Right

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Today, you are going to hear a deeply candid conversation with Phil Norman, principal of Norman Design Group, to explore the complex, often contradictory realities of luxury residential design. With over 25 years of experience crafting high-end interiors in Southern California, Phil brings both practical wisdom and an unfiltered perspective on the challenges designers face today. And part of exploring these ideas, is a willingness to be open and candid about the challenges as well as the solutions. 

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.

Honesty About Budgets: The Ultimate Luxury

Phil dives headfirst into one of the most taboo topics in interior design: the budget. He explains why being forthright—even when the numbers are higher than a client expects—is not just necessary, but an act of professional integrity. He shares strategies for diffusing tension around cost conversations and how client trust is forged in transparency, not fantasy.

“People can handle a bigger number. They can’t handle being blindsided,” Phil says. “The danger is in pretending it can be done for less.”

Educating the Client: Battling Pinterest, Misinformation & HGTV

Phil reflects on the modern design client’s double-edged sword: unprecedented access to ideas… and a flood of misinformation. Whether it’s misconceptions about pricing, timelines, or what’s even possible, Phil sees part of his job as “un-educating” clients before re-grounding them in real-world processes.

He describes the delicate balance of respecting a client’s inspiration while also anchoring expectations in logistical and structural realities. “Everyone’s seen a Pinterest kitchen,” he says, “but that doesn’t mean it works in their space, or within their scope.”

Home as Sanctuary: A Pandemic Shift

Phil shares how the pandemic permanently shifted his clients’ priorities—from “how it looks” to “how it feels.” There’s now an increased desire for tactile comfort, flexibility, and timeless quality. The home is no longer just a showpiece—it’s a retreat, a workplace, a classroom, a safe space.

He emphasizes the growing importance of durability and livability over trends, noting that luxury now means emotional connection, not just expensive finishes.

“Design has to feel like home—not just like a magazine spread.”

Kitchen as Mission Control: Designing with Precision

Phil also explores how kitchens have evolved into the emotional and operational hubs of the home. With every family interaction, from weekday breakfasts to weekend entertaining, passing through this space, it’s no longer just about cabinetry and counters—it’s about lifestyle programming.

He discusses layout strategies, appliance coordination, lighting zones, and how technology and wellness are being layered into the modern kitchen environment.

Design Leadership: Advocacy, Not Subservience

Phil argues that successful design professionals must step into the role of advisor and advocate—not order-taker. He calls out the danger of defaulting to client appeasement and encourages designers to protect the integrity of the design process, even if it means challenging a client’s assumptions.

“We’re not there to just say yes. We’re there to guide—to lead with experience.”

This conversation isn’t just about design—it’s about leadership, trust, and emotional intelligence in a high-stakes creative business. Whether you’re a seasoned designer, a rising star in the field, or simply someone dreaming of building a home that feels like home, Phil Norman offers a masterclass in how to do it right—with candor, clarity, and craft.

Thank you, Phil. Amazing. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, 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.

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

Melissa Lee – New South Home |608 | Profit, Process & Purpose in Modern Interior Design and the Business Behind It

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We’re heading South today to hear from Melissa Lee of New South Home.  This Charlotte-based interior designer and former retail buyer pulls back the curtain on the real inner workings of running a design firm—from pricing strategy and client education to vendor relationships and market trends. Drawing from her experience in corporate buying, she has developed a clear understanding of profit margins, vendor management, and operational efficiency, which she now applies to her design business through practices like maintaining a vendor matrix and detailed time tracking. I don’t want you to think this is a business of design episode, it’s not. Sometimes these conversations go deeper into the business to further explain the work, this is one of those times. 

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.

Melissa discusses the challenges of pricing interior design work in a landscape full of conflicting advice—flat fee versus hourly models, for example—and how she has evolved her own “conceptually fixed with scope management” approach. Clients receive an upfront estimate based on hours, but additional fees apply when scope or decisions shift beyond agreed terms. This hybrid method offers flexibility while protecting the business from runaway labor costs.

Events like High Point Market and KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) play a strategic role in how she sources vendors, stays inspired, and builds key relationships. She balances structured vendor meetings with looser time for discovery, realizing that over-scheduling stifles creativity. Her buying background taught her the value of planning, but in design, adaptability creates more opportunity.

The conversation digs into vendor relations in a shifting economic landscape, with concerns about rising tariffs, erratic pricing, and questionable fee increases. Thanks to long-standing relationships and proactive reps, her team has been buffered from the worst of it. Still, she builds flexibility into her contracts and transparently preps clients for potential 5% swings in final invoices due to supply chain or pricing changes—an approach appreciated in a world where nothing feels stable.

Managing client expectations is a recurring theme—from educating them on the unseen hours behind emails, revisions, and project coordination, to setting boundaries when projects creep beyond the original scope. Weekly check-ins, detailed proposals, and scope clarity help prevent misunderstandings and maintain trust.

Looking ahead, she sees potential challenges driven by economic uncertainty—rising tariffs, high interest rates, and general cost-of-living increases may stall some clients’ investment in their homes. But Charlotte’s rapid growth continues to fuel demand, giving her firm an edge in an evolving national market.

Melissa also hints at expanding service areas, including outdoor living design, and continues to explore how design firms can evolve—perhaps aided by AI or new business tools—to reduce burnout and reclaim creativity. At its heart, the conversation underscores the complexity of modern design businesses, where creativity, logistics, and business acumen must coexist. And you’re going to hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you, Melissa, loved our chat. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, 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.

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

Frances Anderton | 607 | Our August 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

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When I was growing up, radio was my solace. I loved it so much that I chose it for my career. I can remember being 10 years old with my transistor radio listening to 10Q and KHJ. Later, it was KLOS, KMET, KNAC and KROQ. The call letters were cool, the music and bands remain bookmarks in my life. I can pretty much tell you how old I was, where I was and what was going on by the songs. But my friends were the dj’s. Jeff Goner, Steve Downs, Bob Coburn, Rita Wilde, Dangerous Darren, Richard Blade, Rodney on the Rock. It was the people who told the stories about the music, the bands and what was happening behind the scenes. Many of us love design and architecture in the same way. And on that rare occasion when there is a combination of the two, well that’s special. And this months induction into the Convo By Design Icon Registry is one such individual. This person is truly special and I have had the good fortune to work with her on a number of occasions. 

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.

Frances Anderton describes herself, “I tell stories and distill ideas about design, architecture and the cityscape of Los Angeles through print, broadcast media, exhibitions and public events.” All true, and she has the street crew to back that up. What Frances didn’t mention is that she herself is part of the zeitgeist of Los Angeles. Nor would she, that would be weird. But one of the most wonderful things about Frances is her willingness to get into a topic and chop it up, refine it, reorganize it and play with it until she has boiled it’s very essence into something consumable by anyone who with a modicum of interest. That is special. 

To celebrate Frances and her induction into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, I want to reshare her moderating a panel conversation that aired on Convo By Design in 2015. Frances was a fixture for the 2-years that the West Hollywood Design District produced a wonderful event called DIEM, which stands for design intersects everything made. The programs were curated by Mallory Roberts Morgan, another remarkable LA gem of an individual. You don’t know this, but you will in a minute… Mallory and Frances were huge influences on me as I launched the show in 2013 and for the first few years. Quite simply, I wanted to make people think and question the way they did. To tap into curiosity the way they did. To come up with really interesting angles like Mallory and rip the niceties away so we could really chop it up the way Frances did and does. This panel from 2015 featured, Stephan Simpkowitz, Carolina Miranda and Steven Goldberg. As you listen to this conversation, notice a few things. First, the topic they were discussing a decade ago has since fully matured and blossomed as LA became the global art destination it always wanted to be. Notice too how Frances leverages the talents and skills of her guests in such an effortless way. Quite simply, due to the very nature of this topic, it could have gone a very different way. This conversation is as relevant today as it was then. And Frances is a treasure.

The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy Company and best friend to designers and architects everywhere. The business has become more complicated and Pacific Sales reverses that, find out how by checking the links in the show notes.

So there you go, our newly inducted icon and a fantastic conversation from 2015. Thank you Frances, for all you do and all you have given back.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, Design Hardware, TimberTech and Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company and friend to specifiers near and far. Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show help you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. –Convo By Design

The Heart of Design: Building Trust, Telling Stories, and Staying True | 606 | Rosa Santiago Zimmerman

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In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly insightful Rosa Santiago Zimmerman for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about the state of the interior design industry, the evolving nature of creative work, and the deeper values that guide us as professionals. Our dialogue spans everything from our recent experiences at major trade shows like KBIS and IBS to the strategic and emotional challenges that come with building and sustaining a design business today.

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

Rosa shares how she has navigated an often unpredictable industry landscape—from the 2008 financial crisis to the more recent impact of COVID-19—emerging stronger by focusing on clarity in communication, refining her client base, and anchoring her business in authenticity and trust. We explore her decision to operate by referral only, a bold move that allows her to take on projects that align deeply with her values while maintaining creative control and long-term vision.

One of the most resonant parts of our conversation is Rosa’s approach to client relationships and project storytelling. She believes that every project begins with truly understanding the people behind it—their story, lifestyle, and what brings them joy. Her philosophy goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about designing spaces that are meaningful, personal, and connected.

We also dive into the practical but often overlooked aspects of the business: the need for strong contracts, the complexity of product sourcing in a globalized market, and the legal risks surrounding intellectual property. Rosa doesn’t shy away from hard truths. She emphasizes that every line of a contract must be intentional, and every expectation clearly defined to avoid the kinds of misunderstandings that can derail even the most promising projects. I couldn’t agree more. As we both acknowledged, there’s a growing need in our industry to better educate clients—especially those new to working with designers—so they can become thoughtful, empowered partners in the creative process.

Our talk also turns toward education, mentorship, and the next generation of talent. Rosa speaks passionately about the importance of showing children—and especially young Latinas—that the design industry can be a space for them. Her journey from a background in medicine to a thriving creative career is a powerful reminder that following one’s passion is not only possible, but necessary. We discuss the lack of business training in design schools, and how that gap often leaves talented creatives unprepared for the realities of entrepreneurship. Rosa’s upcoming book, which touches on the idea of discovering one’s “superpower,” promises to be an inspiring resource for aspiring designers and leaders alike.

Throughout our conversation, I was struck by Rosa’s clarity, generosity, and refusal to compromise on what matters. We also talk about future collaborations and visits—from potentially recording a future episode in Atlanta to attending next year’s KBIS event in Orlando. I’m hopeful for the opportunities ahead and grateful for the chance to share this honest, inspiring exchange.

This episode is for anyone who’s passionate about design, business, and the human stories that fuel creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or just curious about what it takes to build something meaningful in a fast-changing world, I think you’ll find a lot to take away from this one. And we’ll get to it, right after this.

Thank you, Rosa, loved our chat and grateful to have run into you at KBIS! And, of course, thank you to our amazing partners: TimberTech, Pacific Sales, and Design Hardware. These are incredible companies and true friends of the trade. Please keep them in mind for your next project.

Thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show with your friends and colleagues. If you haven’t subscribed yet, go ahead and hit that button so you get each new episode delivered straight to your feed.

I always love hearing from you, so keep those messages coming—email me at convo by design at outlook dot com and follow along on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign (with an “X”).

Until next week—thank you for spending this time with me. Be well, stay focused, and now that it has really settled in… do your best to rise above the chaos.

Designing the South: Sorority Culture and Interiors That Tell a Story, One Room at a Time | 605 | Mary Clair Cumbaa, Cumbaa Design Company

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Design in the South is personal. It’s layered with heritage, shaped by hospitality, and built on relationships. Today, we travel to Starkville, Mississippi to explore the work and world of a designer who exemplifies what it means to design with heart.

The conversation begins with an emerging trend—dorm and sorority house design—not typically covered in design media, but a significant driver of business in Southern college towns. Sorority living, especially, has evolved into a lifestyle market, complete with high expectations, big budgets, and even bigger wear and tear. Designing for these spaces demands durability, performance, and style in equal measure. As the Mary Clair Cumbaa jokes, “Everything has to be spray-tan approved.”

Working on a sorority house for her own former chapter, she leans into color, symbolism, and storytelling. “I know the meaning behind things,” she says, weaving chapter colors, lighting, and fabric choices together to reflect both legacy and future needs. With girls living in two-year cycles, hundreds of members dining daily, and Zoom calls replacing quiet study sessions, the design must be not only beautiful but smart, emotionally supportive, and future-forward.

Storytelling is central to her work. “If I didn’t capture their real life, I’m not sure I would really be able to capture anything,” she says. Unlike many designers who stage photos with clinical precision, she leaves the coffee maker and the magnets on the fridge. There’s something refreshing—and intentional—about showing homes as they’re used. It’s real, approachable, and still inspiring.

That philosophy carries into her project portfolio, which is both colorful and cohesive. Take the Wetherbee Street kitchen: clean acrylic stools meet traditional cabinetry, a built-in bar peeks into frame, and the countertop hosts everyday appliances—because that’s how the client lives. “If the client can’t see themselves in the finished space, I haven’t done my job,” she explains.

Color is a consistent through-line in her work. While she began with a neutral palette, over time she’s become known for weaving multiple shades of the same hue across a room. Her nursery projects—some launched by acrylic cribs and butterfly wall art—bring this approach to life with playful purpose and emotional weight.

We also talk about historic preservation and transformation. Projects like Kirkwood Place and Greentree demonstrate her ability to revive storied homes with timeless flair. “We gutted it to the studs and brought it back to life,” she says of one home that once graced the cover of Southern Living. Another was the result of a seven-year client relationship that evolved into a deep friendship.

As the conversation winds down, she shares the dream project she’s still manifesting—a start-to-finish beach house in the 30A corridor. “I’ve done a condo, but I’d love to do a full house in Rosemary or Alys Beach,” she says with hopeful confidence.

And why not? Her story is one of evolution, rootedness, and authenticity. Mary Clair Cumbaa of Cumbaa Design Company, designs with empathy, leads with color, and listens deeply. It’s not just about beautiful rooms. It’s about making people feel seen, supported, and at home.

Order and Courage Amid Chaos. The Will to Style Meaningful Interiors | 604 | Barrie Spang, Sapphire Pear

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As hard as it is for me to believe, it’s August. It’s hard for me to believe it’s August because it just felt like it was January. I was feeling a little tense about a number of things on the horizon at that time. Thank goodness none of the feared chaos materialized. (6SS)

Okay, perhaps a little… Perhaps a lot. It might surprise you to know that it wasn’t Kelly Clarkson who came up with that concept. It was German philosopher, Fredrich Nietzsche. It can be found in his book, from 1888 called Twilight of the Idols. It’s an expanded philosophical approach to post-traumatic growth. This year has been the most stressful since the 2020-2022 Pandemic Era. If you recall, those challenges made our industry stronger, made us stronger. It’s a challenge to talk about life and death in the context of design. But it’s not a stretch at all to discuss these concepts while framing the quality of life and design.

Today, you are going to hear from Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear. 

Barrie shared her background in design, influenced by her grandmother’s interest in design school and her father’s work in high-end real estate in Cleveland. She expressed her lifelong passion for using color and bold textures in design, citing personal experiences with how colors can impact emotions and spaces. Josh praised her work for its use of color and texture but expressed a critique about her sometimes conservative approach, particularly given her background in the traditionally traditional Midwest. 

Barrie and I discuss the challenges of balancing client preferences with personal design philosophy, particularly regarding color choices. Barrie explained how her firm was built around bold, colorful designs, though she still accommodates clients who prefer neutral tones by incorporating subtle pops of color. They explored the impact of design trends, including the “Color of the Year” phenomenon, with Barrie noting that while it can inspire, it often leads to over-saturation in the market and potentially regrettable choices for clients.

We talk about the influence of coastal trends on Midwest culture, particularly in Ohio, where different cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland have distinct styles. Barrie explained that post-pandemic, there has been an influx of people moving to Ohio from coastal cities, attracted by its affordable cost of living, lack of natural disasters, and the ability to work remotely. This migration has positively impacted Barrie’s business, allowing for more creative and custom design work at a lower cost due to lower labor and trade costs, as well as access to skilled Amish carpenters.

How the decline of traditional design centers, noting that the Cleveland Design Center has largely closed, and they now travel to Chicago for client meetings means to those affected. That the model has become less effective due to several factors, including the opening of design centers to the public, which made pricing confusing and diminished the special experience for designers and clients. They also observed that the proliferation of design houses and the ease of finding products online has watered down the quality of design experiences previously offered by these centers.

And how the challenges in the furniture industry, particularly regarding pricing, availability, and logistics are changing the way designers specify. How the pandemic and tariffs have affected supply chains, leading to long lead times and unexpected issues. Barrie emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers and showrooms to navigate these challenges. They also touched on the logistics of furniture production and distribution, noting the inefficiencies of the current point-to-point system in the U.S. and the potential benefits of a regional approach for some designers.

Barrie discussed several design projects, focusing on a colorful maximalist bedroom, a multi-color kitchen in Shaker Heights, and a whimsical bathroom in Rocky River. Barrie explained the design process and client preferences for each project, highlighting the use of custom elements and color palettes. Make sure to go to the show notes and click the link to see her work as she explains it.

I think these conversations can accomplish a few things that include; allowing you to hear how other creatives are experiencing the same thing you are and how they chose to address these issues. And you are going to hear all about it, right after this.

That was Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear. A magnificent kitchen designed for a thruple. That is a first on the show and I love that.  Thank you, Barrie. Loved our chat. Since I opened with Nietzsche, I’ll close with a quote of his.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

While widely credited to Nietzsche, there is no evidence he actually said it. But there was no internet in the 1800’s, so I choose to believe he said it. And just how important this idea is. Being true to the ideals, morals and vision that drive you as a creative will always be challenge to maintain. As the philosophical force known a Steelers Wheel once pondered, “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Don’t let the clowns and jokers define you or your work. It’s easier said than done. I know.

Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, 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.

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy 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, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD