Category Archives: Convo By Design

WestEdge Wednesday Part One | 631 | Home Again: How the Palisades is Reclaiming its Future

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Since areas of Los Angeles, entire communities burned to the ground in January, 2025, the world around us has jumped in with opinions on how to rebuild.  Moderated by: Allison Holdorff Polhill, LAUSDFeaturing: Reza Akef, Polaris Homes; Sue Kohl, Pacific Palisades Community Council; Ron Marome, Fleetwood Windows and Doors; Rob Jernigan, Clayco; May Sung, SUBU Design Architecture; and Matt Talley , AECOM I made a promise to those in attendance that I would do my homework and find resources, phone numbers, contacts… And I have. It’s voluminous but you will find many of these links in the show notes of this episode. I will also continue to dig and share my findings on Instagram so please follow along. Convo X Design and email me if you would like more information and resource contacts. Convo By Design at Outlook dot com. Key Agencies & Contacts for Rebuild / Recovery in Pacific Palisades 1. City of Los Angeles Los Angeles City Planning Palisades Rebuild & Recovery Team — Email: Planning.PalisadesRebuild@lacity.org City Planning+1 One‑Stop Rebuilding Center (city permit center): 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 City Planning+1 Departments represented at the One‑Stop: LADBS (Building & Safety) City Planning Bureau of Engineering (BOE) City Planning StreetsLA / Urban Forestry City Planning LADWP (Water & Power) City Planning LADOT (Transportation) City Planning LAFD (Fire Department) City Planning LA Housing Department (LAHD) City Planning LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) City Planning Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) City Planning SoCalGas (utility) City Planning Los Angeles Emergency Management Department For recovery inquiries: EmergencyUpdates@LACity.org L.A. Emergency Management Their 2025 Wildfire Recovery page includes resources for disaster‑rebuild. L.A. Emergency Management Mayor’s Office – Resilient Rebuild Advisory Committee Under Emergency Executive Order 5 (2025), a Resilient Rebuild Advisory Committee was established. Los Angeles Mayor’s Office 2. Los Angeles County (for areas in the County jurisdiction) LA County Recovers Main Recovery Website: recovery.lacounty.gov LA County Recovers Public Works Hotline (for rebuilding / debris): 844‑347‑3332 LA County Recovers+1 Fire Debris Removal Permit: call 888‑479‑7328 for fire debris removal help. LA County Recovers LA County Public Works – Building & Safety Contact for building, grading, and drainage issues: via their offices. LA County Public Works Geotechnical & Materials Engineering (soils, geology): (626) 458‑4925 LA County Public Works Fire Prevention (County Fire): LACoFD Headquarters (323) 890‑4132 LA County Public Works LA County Department of Regional Planning Zoning, planning, rebuilding permitting: (213) 974‑6411 LA County Public Works The “Road to Rebuilding” program provides one-on-one concierge appointments (Public Works / Planning / Fire / Public Health) for Palisades rebuilding. LA County Public Works LA County Environmental Health For septic system (onsite wastewater) approvals: contact the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) team via Public Health. LA County Public Works Water “Will‑Serve” letter (potable water) – Drinking Water Program: required for some rebuilds. LA County Public Works LA County Assessor’s Office For tax reassessment after fire damage (“Misfortune & Calamity”): call (213) 974‑8658. LA County Recovers State / Federal Agencies California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) As a major state-level emergency agency, they coordinate recovery resources. (Generic contact: via caloes.ca.gov) Gather ADU Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) For disaster assistance (debris removal, housing, financial help): contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 for general assistance. Gather ADU U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for debris removal specifically): their LA mission office is reachable; per FEMA, call center 213‑308‑8305. FEMA Recommended Approach / Strategy Start at the One‑Stop Rebuilding Center (LA City or County as applicable) — this gives you a “concierge” experience with multiple departments in one place. Follow up with direct department emails (e.g., Planning, Public Works) for specialized issues (soils, septic, fire‑safety). Use FEMA / CalOES early — get registered for federal/state disaster relief. Engage community‑based networks (ENLA, local recovery groups) — they often have the most up-to-date, local practical advice. Document everything — keep track of all contacts, permit numbers, and correspondence. Additional Information will be posted to the Convo By Design website. Convo By Design is a platform designed to share and promote the ideas of those shaping design and architecture today. We provide inspiration to the design and architecture community. In constant pursuit of sublime design. ©2013-2026 https://www.convobydesign.com

Design After Disruption | 630 | How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever LIVE From Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home

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Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.

Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.

At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, leading architects, designers, and industry specialists gathered to examine how pandemic-era shifts, rising client expectations, and rapid product innovation are reshaping the future of kitchens and baths. Their insights reveal an industry moving beyond trend talk toward highly personalized, wellness-driven, and performance-first design.

The kitchen is no longer just a workspace, and the primary bath is no longer just a retreat. Over the past five years, these rooms have become emotional anchors, wellness centers, hospitality zones, tech platforms, and reflections of how people believe they should live. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, a cross-section of the industry’s leading voices came together to discuss how the profession is adapting—and what clients now expect designers to deliver.

For Sayler Design Studio founder Beth Sayler (https://saylorstudio.com), the shift is rooted in emotion. After years of pandemic-related uncertainty, material shortages, and insurance-driven rebuilds, clients want spaces that feel personal, restorative, and meaningful. Her projects now lean into “experience design,” where primary suites might include refrigeration drawers, espresso stations, integrated audio, and hospitality-level details. Her biggest tool is expectation-setting—helping clients redefine what’s realistic, what’s essential, and what will ultimately make them feel at home again.

Architect Luis Escalera of LMD Architecture Studio (https://www.lmdarchitecturestudio.com) experiences the evolution through the lens of constraints. Small lots, stricter codes, and the ongoing battle between mandated electrification and client cooking preferences require tight onboarding, detailed questionnaires, and careful translation of desires to built form. The modern kitchen triangle now includes the deck, yard, and pool—one interconnected lifestyle zone that must function as a unified system.

For Jessica Nicastro Design (https://www.jessicanicastrodesign.com), the challenge is volatility. Pricing, tariffs, and supply chains remain inconsistent, making early builder involvement essential. Her firm works to recalibrate what clients think they want—often shaped by social media—into spaces appropriate to the home, lifestyle, and budget. Transparency and trust have become the designer’s most valuable currency.

At Laney LA (https://www.laney.la), designer Michelle Her sees a growing demand for wellness integration: whole-home RO systems, chromotherapy, therapeutic water pressure, and recovery spaces designed with the same rigor once reserved for kitchens. Their philosophy—“the best idea wins”—creates an environment where architecture, interiors, and engineering collaborate fluidly to support elevated living.

Representing the host venue, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (https://www.pacificsales.com) showcased the power of specialized knowledge. Trade leaders Verzine Hovasapyan and Juan Pantoja describe a client landscape with no single standard—making customization and education critical. Manufacturer immersion programs ensure staff can guide clients through increasingly complex appliances and smarter home ecosystems, offering a level of service no online retailer can match.

Designer Shanna Shryne of Shanna Shryne Design (https://www.shannashryne.com) emphasized lifestyle-first programming. Outdoor kitchens, in particular, require multi-disciplinary collaboration—interiors, landscape architecture, and systems integration—to achieve unified performance. Complexity, she argues, demands partnership rather than lone-wolf generalists.

Finally, RHG Architecture + Design founder Rachel Grachowski (https://www.rhgdesign.com) and Hudson Home Interior Design principal Shelly Hudson (https://www.hudsonhomeinteriors.com) highlighted biophilia, natural light, and personalized ergonomics as the next frontiers. From adjustable counter heights to dedicated recovery rooms, the home is becoming a hybrid of spa, laboratory, and living space.

Taken together, their perspectives reveal a profession not following trends but redefining standards—one kitchen, one bath, one wellness ecosystem at a time.

Design After Disruption: How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever

The pandemic didn’t just change where we work—it redefined how we live, gather, and experience our homes. In this episode, designers and industry experts explore how COVID accelerated shifts in lifestyle, technology, and client expectations, forcing a fundamental rethink of residential design. From wellness and personalization to process and trust, this conversation reveals why great design today begins long before materials are selected.

A wide-ranging conversation about how post-pandemic living reshaped residential design, why understanding behavior matters more than trends, and how slowing the process leads to better, more meaningful homes.

Today, we examine the profound shift in how people relate to their homes—and how designers have had to evolve in response. What began as a temporary adjustment during the pandemic became a lasting transformation: homes turned into offices, classrooms, social hubs, and sanctuaries, often all at once.

As a result, clients now arrive more informed, more opinionated, and more influenced by social media than ever before. But with that access comes confusion. The conversation explores how designers increasingly serve as educators and translators—helping clients filter inspiration, understand trade-offs, and make decisions rooted in how they actually live rather than how a space looks online.

The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into behavior: how families gather, how kitchens function, how storage works, and how subtle design decisions impact daily life. From kitchen planning and furniture layout to the psychology of comfort and the importance of workflow, the episode highlights why the smallest details often matter most.

A central theme emerges around process. Thoughtful design requires slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting the pressure for instant gratification. Whether it’s understanding how a family entertains, how they cook, or how they want to feel in their home, the best outcomes come from listening first—and designing second.

1. Life After COVID: A Permanent Shift

  • How the pandemic changed expectations around home design
  • The rise of multifunctional spaces
  • Why the home is now both personal and professional

2. Social Media’s Influence on Design Culture

  • The upside and downside of endless inspiration
  • Why clients arrive more informed—but often overwhelmed
  • Separating aspiration from practicality

3. Designing for Real Life

  • Understanding how people actually use their homes
  • Why square footage means nothing without function
  • Designing for habits, not hypotheticals

4. The Role of the Designer Has Changed

  • From decorator to strategist
  • Educating clients through experience and data
  • Acting as a guide through complex decisions

5. The Importance of the Kickoff Process

  • Why the first conversations matter most
  • Learning how clients live before proposing solutions
  • Creating clarity through dialogue, not questionnaires

6. Kitchens as Behavioral Maps

  • Storage, workflow, and daily rituals
  • Why drawers often matter more than appliances
  • Designing around how people actually cook and gather

7. Slowing the Process to Improve Outcomes

  • Resisting the urge for instant answers
  • Why design is both art and structured process
  • Helping clients avoid regret through thoughtful planning

8. Trust, Education & Long-Term Value

  • Helping clients understand what they don’t yet know
  • Using experience and precedent to guide decisions
  • Designing homes that evolve with the people in them

Great design isn’t about trends, finishes, or fast decisions—it’s about understanding people and tailoring functional design to their lifestyle. This episode reinforces a simple truth: when designers take the time to listen, observe, and educate, the result is not just a better-looking home, but one that truly supports the lives lived inside it.

 

Rising Above the Chaos: Lessons from 2025 for a Smarter 2026 | 629 | Happy, Prosperous and Health New Year

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Let me start with a disclaimer—this isn’t a political editorial. It’s a conversation about ideas. Lessons from business, design, culture, and philosophy that might help us grow—individually and collectively. And if you disagree, email me at ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com. I welcome the debate.

As this year closes, I’m feeling a mix of frustration and optimism. This moment feels chaotic—as does most of life lately—which is why I often end the show with, “rise above the chaos.” We can’t eliminate it, but we can manage what’s within our control. The Stoics told us that long ago: focus on what you can control, release what you can’t, act with virtue, and let obstacles sharpen resilience. This essay is about taking back even a small amount of control through the work we do and the spaces we shape.

The Problem with Trend-Driven Design

This year, phrases and hashtags flew faster than ever—Quiet Luxury, Brat Green, Fridgescaping, Millennial Grey. Much like the “big, beautiful bill” language we’ve all heard tossed around in political discourse, design’s buzzwords can distract from what actually matters. They generate attention, not meaning. They look good on social media, not necessarily in the lived experience of a home, workplace, or public square.

So instead of centering our design conversations around fleeting edits, let’s pivot toward the global innovations that are transforming the built world in ways that truly matter.

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

Real Innovation Worth Talking About

Across the globe, designers, architects, and researchers are developing ideas that transcend buzz. These are the concepts with longevity—the ones shaping smart, resilient, human-centered spaces:

  • Biophilic Design, rooted in the work of Edward O. Wilson, Erich Fromm, and Japanese shinrin-yoku, continues to reframe our relationship with nature.
  • Net-Zero Architecture, pioneered in Canada, Germany, and Australia, redefines building performance through projects like Seattle’s Bullitt Center and Colorado’s RMI Innovation Center.
  • Smart Homes and Invisible Tech, building on early Asian innovation, hiding circuitry and functionality behind seamless design powered by Apple, Google, and Amazon ecosystems.
  • Prefab and Modular Construction, originally exemplified by structures like the Crystal Palace and the Sydney Opera House, now reimagined by firms such as Plant Prefab.
  • Passive House Design, born in Germany but rapidly shaping U.S. projects in California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest.

And the list goes on:

  • Self-Healing Concrete by Hendrik Marius Jonkers
  • Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry
  • Bët-bi Museum in Senegal by Mariam Issoufou
  • Powerhouse Parramatta in Australia
  • Pujiang Viewing Platform in China by MVRDV

Landscape and biophilic approaches—Wabi-Sabi gardening, edimental gardens, climate-adaptive landscapes, and indoor biophilia—are redefining how we engage with natural systems in daily life.

Even infrastructure has become a site of innovation:

  • CopenHill/Amager Bakke, Denmark’s waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope
  • Urban Sequoias by SOM—skyscrapers designed as carbon sinks
  • 3D-printed timber in Germany, Finland, and France

This is the work that deserves our attention—not the color of the week on TikTok.

Rethinking the Shelter Space

For years I described architecture as a language, design as a dialect, and landscape as the narrative. Mies van der Rohe famously introduced the concept of architecture as language. It caught on, and then the bandwagon effect took over. But today, the metaphor feels insufficient—especially for the shelter space, where people spend their lives, raise families, work, heal, and age.

The shelter space isn’t like a retail store or restaurant, where design is often intended for those who pass through briefly while the people who labor there navigate the leftover space. The shelter space must serve those who inhabit it deeply and continuously. And that shifts the conversation.

Design begins with the usual questions—purpose, function, users, goals, budget. But these questions don’t define design. They only outline it. There is no universal purpose of architecture or design, no single philosophy, no singular “right” answer. The shelter space varies as widely as the people living within it.

So instead of treating architecture and design as technical processes, we should approach them philosophically.

A Philosophical Framework for Design

Stoicism offers clarity:
Accept that budget overruns and changes will occur. Respect the expertise of the designer you hired. Invest in authenticity rather than dupes. Create environments that support health—clean air, clean water, noise reduction, resilience.

Utilitarianism reminds us that choices have consequences. If the design decisions you make are based on influencer content instead of expertise, the result is no surprise.

And now, a new framework is emerging that could transform our shared spaces entirely.

Sensorial Urbanism: Designing the City We Actually Feel

One of the most compelling movements emerging globally is Sensorial Urbanism—a shift from focusing on how the city looks to how it feels. It’s neuroscience, phenomenology, and inclusive design rolled into a multi-sensory toolkit.

Five Key Sensory Principles

  1. Soundscaping
    Water features masking traffic. Acoustic pavilions. Designed sound gardens.
    Paris’ Le Cylindre Sonore. Soundscape parks in Barcelona and Berlin.
  2. Smellscaping
    Native flowers, herbs, and aromatic trees restoring identity—especially critical after disasters like wildfires.
    Kate McLean’s smellwalks map a city’s olfactory signature.
  3. Tactile Design
    Materials that invite touch and respond to temperature—stone, wood, water—connecting inhabitants to place.
  4. Visual Quietness
    Reducing signage and visual clutter, as seen in Drachten, Netherlands, creates calmer, more intuitive environments.
  5. Multisensory Inclusivity
    Design that accommodates neurodiversity, PTSD, aging, and accessibility through tactile paving, sound buffers, and scent markers.

Why It Matters

Because cities didn’t always feel this overwhelming.
Because design wasn’t always rushed.
Because quality of life shouldn’t be compromised for aesthetics.

Sensorial Urbanism reconnects us with spaces that are restorative, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. A city is not just a picture—it is an experience.

The Takeaway for 2026

Rising Above the Chaos: Lessons from 2025 for a Smarter 2026

HED (3-sentence summary):

As 2025 closes, the design and architecture world has experienced unprecedented chaos and rapid trend cycles. In this episode, Soundman reflects on lessons from business, culture, and global innovation, emphasizing resilience, purposeful design, and human-centered spaces. From Stoic philosophy to sensorial urbanism, this conversation offers guidance for navigating the next year with clarity and intentionality.

DEK (Expanded description):

Twenty twenty-five tested the design industry’s patience, creativity, and adaptability. In this reflective episode, we explore the pitfalls of trend-driven design, the enduring value of service, and the innovations shaping architecture globally — from net-zero buildings to multisensory urbanism. With examples ranging from TimberTech decking to Pacific Sales’ trade programs, we examine how designers can reclaim control, prioritize meaningful work, and create spaces that heal, inspire, and endure. A philosophical lens, practical insights, and actionable guidance make this a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Outline of Show Topics:

  1. Introduction & Context
    • Reflection on the chaotic year of 2025 in design and architecture.
    • Disclaimer: this is a philosophical conversation, not a political editorial.
    • Invitation for audience engagement via email.
  1. Trends vs. Meaningful Design
    • Critique of buzzwords like “quiet luxury” and “millennial gray bookshelf wealth.”
    • Emphasis on global innovation over social media-driven trends.
    • The gap between American design influence and international innovation.
  1. Global Innovations in Architecture & Design
    • Biophilic design and its philosophical roots.
    • Net-zero buildings: Bullitt Center (Seattle), RMI Innovation Center (Colorado).
    • Smart homes, modular construction, and passive house adoption in the U.S. vs. abroad.
  1. Focus on Service & Professional Support
    • Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home: Pro Rewards program and exceptional service.
    • TimberTech: innovation in sustainable synthetic decking.
    • Importance of performance, durability, and client-focused solutions.
  1. Philosophical Approach to Design
    • Architecture as experience, not just a visual language.
    • Stoicism, utilitarianism, and mindfulness applied to design.
    • Sensorial urbanism: engaging all five senses in public and private spaces.
  1. Emerging Global Examples of Innovation
    • Self-healing concrete (Henrik Marius Junkers), Copenhill (Denmark).
    • 3D printed timber in Germany, Finland, France.
    • Climate-adaptive landscapes, Wabi-sabi gardening, inclusive urban design.
  1. Moving Beyond Social Media Trends
    • Rejecting influencer-driven design priorities.
    • Returning to performance, resilience, and quality of life.
    • Practical guidance for designers in all regions, including overlooked U.S. markets.
  1. Closing Reflections & New Year Outlook
    • Encouragement to rise above chaos and focus on what can be controlled.
    • Goals for 2026: intentional, human-centered, and innovative design.
    • Call to action: share, subscribe, and engage with Convo by Design.
  1. Sponsor Mentions & Callouts
    • Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home
    • TimberTech
    • Design Hardware

If you enjoyed this long-form essay, share it with a friend. Subscribe to Convo By Design, follow @convoxdesign on Instagram, and send your thoughts to ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com.

Thank you to TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of it’s kind!

Convo By Design Icon Registry December 2025: Woodson & Rummerfield | 628 | Hollywood Glam Meets Modern Elegance and Opulent Interiors

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Creating Timeless Elegance: How Woodson & Rummerfield Bring Hollywood Regency into the 21st Century. From celebrity estates to curated collectibles, Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson share their philosophy on bold, elevated design, preservation of iconic architecture, and the art of collaboration in Los Angeles.

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

To celebrate this episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Christine Anderson sits down with Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design. The duo discuss their signature approach to interiors—melding the opulence of old Hollywood with sleek modern sensibilities for a discerning clientele. They share stories from celebrity projects, the thrill of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the lessons learned from running a showroom on La Cienega. Jamie and Ron also discuss their nonprofit foundation, CA Projects, dedicated to preserving Southern California’s iconic architecture, emphasizing the importance of heritage in contemporary design.

Show Topics & Segment Outline:

  1. Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
    • Christine introduces Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson.
    • Overview of their design style: Hollywood opulence meets modern refinement.
  1. Design Philosophy & Influences
    • Hollywood Regency roots and modern adaptations.
    • Influence of Los Angeles history, old Hollywood cinema, and personal family heritage.
    • Fashion-forward client expectations and balancing boldness with timelessness.
  1. Collaboration & Partnership
    • How Jamie and Ron complement each other creatively.
    • Problem-solving, brainstorming, and the synergy of their partnership.
  1. Career Highlights & Notable Projects
    • Celebrity estates and high-profile commissions (without naming clients).
    • Influence of their La Cienega showroom as a “three-dimensional calling card.”
    • Philosophy on sourcing rare furniture, art, and collectibles.
  1. Preservation & Advocacy
    • Founding of CA Projects to save iconic Southern California architecture.
    • Importance of protecting historically significant homes and estates.
    • Public involvement and future plans for the foundation.
  1. Personal Passions & Lifestyle
    • Weekend hobbies, travel, research, and inspiration.
    • How personal passions inform design work.
  1. Future Plans & Product Development
    • Upcoming secret projects and product lines.
    • Speaking engagements and experiential presentations for design communities.
  1. Closing Remarks
    • How to connect with Jamie and Ron: WanderDesign.com, Instagram @WanderDesign.
    • Preview of CA Projects website: SIAPROJECTS.com.
    • Invitation for designers and architects to share projects with Convo By Design.

This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you Jaime and Ron for your many years of friendship, partnership and collaboration. This was the first time we met and the episode was hosted by Christine Anderson, I miss her.

Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for presenting the Convo By Design Icon Registry and Convo By Design partner sponsors, TimberTech and Design Hardware. And thank you for taking the time to listen. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show helps you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. – CXD

Designing the Future of Healthcare | 626 | Architecture, AI, and Human-Centered Spaces; Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Bassilius of Parkin Architects

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Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.

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

Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments.

Whether you’re interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today.

Talking Points:

  1. Introduction & Context
    • Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces.
    • Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion.
  1. Guest Introductions
    • Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare.
    • Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture.
  1. Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy
    • Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system.
    • Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience.
    • Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects.
  1. Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility
    • Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes.
    • Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration.
    • Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies.
  1. Technology & AI in Healthcare Design
    • AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement.
    • Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support.
    • Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models.
  1. Emergency Department Design
    • Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients.
    • Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design.
    • Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience.
  1. Lighting & Environmental Control
    • LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery.
    • Flexibility and control for staff and patients.
    • Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery.
  1. Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency
    • Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation.
    • Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity.
    • Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations.
  1. The Future of Healthcare Architecture
    • Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design.
    • Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs.
    • Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation.
  1. Closing Thoughts
    • Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures.
    • The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements.

Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose.

Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com. 

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

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

Global Design with Local Sensibility | 624 | A Conversation with Juliette Byrne, LTD

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In this episode of Convo By Design, I connect with London-based designer Juliette Byrne to explore how refined design adapts to different cultures and markets. From navigating international trade to redefining timeless interiors, Juliette shares how adaptability, craftsmanship, and collaboration drive her studio’s continued success across continents.

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

One of the unexpected gifts of the pandemic was the opportunity to connect with remarkable designers around the world from my Los Angeles studio. My conversation with Juliette, principal of her namesake firm in London, highlights just how universal good design can be. We talked about the contrasts between Los Angeles and London—two cities with vastly different scales, materials, and architectural rhythms—and how exceptional design principles translate beautifully in any setting. Juliette described how American brands like Holly Hunt find their place in European homes, and how that exchange of ideas enriches both markets.

Our discussion naturally turned to the realities of global design, especially the political and logistical hurdles that come with tariffs and shipping. Juliette shared the challenges of importing products from across Europe and the U.S., explaining how her firm helps clients decide when an imported piece is worth the cost or when local craftsmanship is the smarter choice. Her story about a Dresden project—where customs required a fiber-by-fiber analysis of drapery fabrics—perfectly illustrated the level of complexity designers now face.

We explored how design has evolved from an architectural accessory into an independent philosophy rooted in creativity and collaboration. Juliette’s optimism stood out to me. She attributes her perspective to a “glass-half-full” mindset and the strong, talented team that supports her.

Juliette walked me through her design process, emphasizing her studio’s focus on sourcing from a broad network of suppliers rather than producing in-house. She compared interior design to fashion—forever changing, always inspired by color, material, and innovation. Her team’s regular visits to Milan and Paris for exhibitions, and Ria’s recent trip to New York to meet suppliers, reflect the studio’s commitment to staying curious and connected.

We also talked about her remarkable project in Dresden, where she transformed an 18th-century merchant’s house into an elegant, richly detailed home. Juliette preserved historical carvings and plasterwork while integrating modern amenities like carefully designed lighting and personalized baths. The project earned a major European design award and is now nominated for another in Capri—a testament to her thoughtful approach and respect for craftsmanship.

Juliette shared her perspective on kitchen and bath design, where timelessness is key. She favors natural materials—stone, wood, marble—and thoughtful lighting that elevates the everyday. She also noted how generational preferences shape aesthetics: younger clients in areas like Notting Hill often lean into playful colors and bold gestures, while others seek quiet, enduring elegance.

Finally, Juliette described a major residential project completed during the pandemic, which demanded creative adaptation to remote collaboration and shifting schedules. Her ability to balance practicality with beauty during that time underscored a central theme of our conversation—design as both necessity and art.

This conversation reminded me that design, in its truest form, is a global language. It’s about adaptation, discovery, and finding richness in every creative challenge. And you’re going to hear it all, right after this.

Show Topics

  • Design adaptability between Los Angeles and London
  • Navigating tariffs, customs, and global logistics
  • The evolution of design as a standalone philosophy
  • Maintaining creativity and team balance in challenging times
  • Trade show networking and supplier collaboration across Europe and the U.S.
  • Timeless principles in kitchen and bath design
  • The Dresden Merchant House restoration project
  • Managing international projects amid pandemic restrictions

Thank you, Juliette for taking the time to speak with me and sharing your insight.

Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com. 

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

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

WestEdge 2025 Designing the Experience | 621 | WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly and Theater Designer Kim Gordon Designs

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It is very hard for me to believe it but the 2025 edition of WestEdge is almost here. This will be the 10th edition of the show and I am so excited to share the slate of talks taking place this year in the WestEdge Theater Presented By Pacific Sales! But, I’m not going to do it here because our time here is limited. But I have an idea.

I am going to link all of the programs and the times in the show notes. So, you can make your plans accordingly. Today on the show, you are going to hear from Megan Reilly, co-founder of WestEdge and my dear friend, Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs. Kim is joined by Julia Demarco, who together designed the WestEdge Theater Presented by Pacific Sales. We talk about the inspiration that went into the theater design, the how and they why. You are going to love this.

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.

Before we get into it, I have something really special to share with you. Something special with a WestEdge connection. My friend, and longtime friend of the show Anthony Laney of Laney LA sent me a copy of the new monograph, Poetics of Home; Essays and Spaces by Laney LA. And so, I want to share a special installment of BOOKLOOK.

BookLook – Anthony Laney, Laney LA: Poetics of Home

Avialable from Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers: Order Here. 

“ Laney LA’s work embodies a distinctly Southern California spirit – the blur between indoors and out, the layering of experiences, the quiet merger of minimalism and sensuality. – Sam Lubell . This is from the foreword of Laney LA’s book, Poetics of Home. The book is available through Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers.

Before I tell you about the book, let me tell you about my friend Anthony Laney. Laney and I first bonded on the show over a project of his in Manhattan Beach, home for me. This project had a disappearing pool, which was very cool, but it was’t the cool factor of a pool that disappeared below a functional outdoor space. It was the “why” behind its installment. The South Bay in Los Angeles is known for very expensive homes on very small lots. The underground pool is very cool but more than that, it represents something very special about Anthony and his namesake firm. This was a solution to a challenge. The client wanted this space and the home designed for the site. But they also wanted a yard for the family to enjoy the very unique exterior environment. Mark Twain said it best, “Buy land, they’re not making It anymore”. It takes a very special mind to craft something that literally makes more functional space on the same site.

If you want to understand the thought process and the ethos of this unique firm, Poetics of Home shows you what’s behind the walls, and under the deck. But Laney LA has another challenge. This was their debut monograph and just like a smash hit record, it will be very difficult to match or exceed. So, let’s focus on this one.

“Craft is where intention becomes tangible” – Anthony Laney

My favorite quote from the book because it is so simple and true. 6 words that succinctly define the motive. If you are anything like me, with regard to design and architecture, the story behind the design is equally important to form and function. Because the industry still speaks about architecture in terms of form and function. Yeah, it’ important. However, when you minimize something to simply how it looks and why it does, you can’t fully explore the intangibles. The way a space makes you feel. If you’ve never been to LA’s South Bay, you don’t know what Manhattan Beach smells like in August. Sunscreen and salt air, the scent of grilled meat and citrus. Or, what it sounds like during the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament. Or, what it feels like in December during the fireworks show off the pier when 125,000 people descend on this small beach town. A special home in this place needs to be build to accommodate all of the senses. And it takes a very special architecture firm to understand how a client wants to live and then deliver a space for all the feels, sights, sounds, smells and yet, a shelter from the very same when desired.

This is the superpower behind Laney LA and Poetics of Home defines it, showcases it, explains it in text and imagery. If you are a true devotee of architecture, you need this masterpiece in your library if for no other reason, than to remind you of the true importance behind exceptional architecture. That it’s not how big it is, how expensive it was to construct, what celebrity lives there, what trade magazine put it on the cover, but instead, how it was crafted for an individual, a couple, a family… Ideated in a completely holistic manner. The joy in this book is endless, not physically, that ends on page 300 with a group photo. But the ideas endure far beyond that.  Anthony, congratulations and well done.

Thank you, Megan, Kim and Julia for the time, conversation and partnership. Can’t wait to see you at WestEdge. 

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

Balancing Modern, Traditional, and Transitional | 620 | A Deep Dive with SHM Architecture’s, Nick McWhirter

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I had the opportunity to sit with down with Nick McWhirter or SHM Architects to explore the nuances of transitional design, the delicate dance between modern and traditional elements, and the intentionality behind every architectural choice. From furniture-driven layouts to aspirational lighting strategies, Nick shares the thought process, research, and we discuss philosophy that transform houses into harmonious, living machines. Listeners will gain insight into how design, balance, and playfulness converge to create both beauty and functionality in contemporary residential architecture.

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.

What makes a home truly exceptional isn’t just the materials or the finishes—it’s the careful orchestration of space, light, and style. In this episode, Nick breaks down his approach to transitional design, revealing how subtle choices like shutter placement, dormer adjustments, or color balance can shift a home’s aesthetic from modern to traditional. The conversation spans everything from lighting plans and hidden technology to furniture-first design principles and the philosophy behind architecture as a living, breathing machine.  Of course, that idea comes from Le Corbusier and his thoughts on this very subject.  We also discuss the role of photography, the tension between realism and aspirational imagery, and the evolving vernacular of form and function in modern homes. This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful, intentional, and style-agnostic design.

Topics and Ideas

  1. Introduction & Context
    • Welcome and setup: Exploring transitional design
    • Nick’s philosophy: Style agnostic but deeply researched
  1. Transitional Design: Modern vs. Traditional
    • Subtle moves: Shutters, dormers, cut stone, and symmetry
    • Playfulness in design: How small details create balance
    • Color palette: Black-and-white schemes as intentional high-contrast statements
  1. Design Process & Interior Layouts
    • Inside-out approach: Furniture-driven architecture
    • Achieving balanced asymmetry
    • Experimentation and editing: Knowing when less is more
  1. Lighting as a Core Component
    • Invisible vs. visible fixtures: Philosophy of recessed lighting
    • Lighting as both function and art
    • Integration with technology: Wi-Fi, AV, and smart home systems
  1. Photography, Aspirational Design & Reality
    • Balancing reality and idealized imagery in marketing
    • Photoshop as a tool to highlight design intent
    • How photography conveys quality of light, space, and atmosphere
  1. Form Follows Function & Architectural Philosophy
    • Homes as “machines for living”
    • The role of beauty and human experience in architecture
    • Historical perspective: Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and modern vernacular
  1. Outdoor Spaces & Technology Integration
    • Creative solutions: Two TVs on a patio
    • LED walls and emerging tech as part of design storytelling
  1. Closing Thoughts & Personal Insights
    • The freedom in design: Few right or wrong answers
    • Nick’s passion for music, smoked meats, and lifestyle influence
    • Preview of future conversations and projects

Thank you, Nick for the time and conversation. 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