Today is one of the most incredible episodes of the show I have ever produced. I don’t say this lightly. Today, you are going to hear about a new project called Shelter Republic, officially launching although if you are an avid listener, you have probably heard me talking about it as we prepared for launch. Well, it’s here, and it’s official. And You are going to hear from my co-founder…I’m sitting down with computer engineer and Shelter Republic co-founder Jack Cooperman to discuss the platform’s structural architecture, functionality, purpose, and the necessity for safe places to explore ideas amongst peers.
The Genesis of Shelter Republic: Jack and I reflect on the evolution of the platform, tracking its roots back to when Jack and his sister first visited Josh on stage at the WestEdge Design Fair. The community was built to bridge regional gaps and provide a collaborative, peer-to-peer ecosystem for architects and designers.
Designing UX for Geographic Context: Jack outlines the structure of the platform, which is divided into five nationwide micro-communities (including the Mountain Atlantic and Southwest regions). This allows for highly localized discussions on styles, culture, and business norms while keeping a unified national hub.
Cultivating a “Safe Place to Fail”: The co-founders debate the nature of failure in school versus a creative career. Josh emphasizes that Shelter Republic is deliberately engineered as a vetted, invite-only environment to protect accomplished creatives from public “dogpiling” or algorithmic scrutiny when exploring new, untested concepts.
Platform Features & Onboarding: Built to avoid user-data exploitation and ad clutter, the platform operates via direct invitation and QR codes. Features include text-based feeds, real-time messaging, direct networking via professional member bios, live video-conferencing rooms, and educational modules—including Josh’s masterclass, Podcasting for Creatives.
Addressing Industry Disruptions (AI & Legislation): The conversation dives into how early-career junior designers are transitioning into technology facilitators due to AI studio integration. They also discuss how the platform serves as a “modern town crier” for critical industry news, citing a recent user post by a Southern California designer regarding the engineered quartz ban in California due to silicosis risks.
Cooperation Over Competition: Drawing a contrast with the competitive nature of the design world, Josh shares a lesson from his time covering the Playboy Jazz Festival, where legendary jazz musicians prioritized mentoring the next generation to keep the collective genre alive. Shelter Republic aims to foster that exact cross-regional mentorship.
Thank you Jack. I know I have already said it, but I have enjoyed every moment putting this together and we are thrilled to share it. Note on Access: Shelter Republic is entirely free, and does not collect user data except when stated like the use of polls and prompts for professional input. To maintain community standards and security, entry is restricted to verified industry professionals via peer invitation or direct QR code scanning at upcoming events.
A conversation with Bill Baldwin of HartmanBaldwin on how shifting cultural values and environmental challenges are reshaping the way we build and live.
A Continued Shift Toward Purposeful Design The conversation explored how the pandemic served as a pivotal moment of clarity, leading to a profound shift in how people view their homes. Bill noted that clients are now designing with a greater sense of purpose and intent, moving away from surface level trends and toward spaces that truly reflect how they want to live. This “new intentionality” is seeing a focus on long term needs, such as aging in place and creating multi-generational living environments.
The Evolution of the Kitchen as Mission Control The concept of the kitchen has evolved from a simple functional area into the high tech, multi-functional hub of the home. Bill and the host discussed how the kitchen now functions as a “mission control” center, where multiple activities from professional work to family social life converge. This has led to more complex infrastructure needs and a desire for specialized elements like secondary working kitchens and advanced appliance suites that reflect specific lifestyle interests.
Preservation and Resilience in the Face of Environmental Challenges Reflecting on recent events like the wildfires in California, the discussion turned to the challenges of preserving historical architecture while meeting modern safety and environmental standards. Bill emphasized that while we have the technical knowledge to build more resilient structures, the challenge lies in adapting existing communities and historical properties to these new realities without losing their character.
The Philosophy of Design Build A key part of the conversation centered on the “design build” philosophy, which aims to create synergy between the disparate talents of architects, interior designers, and builders. By working in unison from the project’s inception, this integrated approach ensures that the final result is greater than the sum of its parts, with the invisible infrastructure and the respect for craftsmanship elevating the overall experience of the home.
The Future of Innovation and Adaptive Reuse The episode wrapped up with a look at future innovations, including the potential for prefabricated and modular homes to address housing needs. The idea of “adaptive reuse,” moving and repurposing existing functional structures instead of demolishing them, was also discussed as a potentially more sustainable way forward for the industry, reflecting a broader trend toward more conscious and resourceful building practices.
My recent conversation with Bill Baldwin of HartmanBaldwin was a profound look at how our industry is evolving in response to the massive cultural shifts of the last few years. One of the most striking points Bill made was how the pandemic acted as a “moment of clarity” for so many people. It stripped away the surface level distractions and forced us all to really look at how we were living in our homes.
What has emerged is what Bill calls a “new intentionality” in design. People are no longer just looking for the latest aesthetic trend. They are looking for spaces that serve a deep, functional purpose in their lives. We’re seeing a significant rise in projects focused on multi generational living and aging in place. It’s no longer about just having a beautiful house; it’s about having a home that is a resilient, supportive environment for all stages of life.
We also dug into the idea of the kitchen as “mission control.” The days of the kitchen being a hidden room for food prep are long gone. Today, it’s the high tech hub of the entire home’s infrastructure. This means we have to think much more deeply about what Bill refers to as the “invisible infrastructure”; the plumbing, electrical, and data needs that allow these spaces to function at such a high level.
One of the most sobering parts of our talk was discussing environmental resilience. Living through the California wildfires has fundamentally changed the conversation around preservation and building standards. We have the technology to build more resilient homes, but as Bill pointed out, the real challenge is how we integrate these necessary changes into our existing communities and historic neighborhoods without losing the soul and character that make them special. It’s a complex, ongoing balance that requires the kind of integrated, design build thinking that Bill has championed for decades.
A former media executive trades corporate strategy for interior design, only to discover the same rules still apply. In a rapidly evolving industry shaped by AI, rising client expectations, and economic pressure, design has become as much about systems as it is about style. This conversation reveals how one designer is navigating that shift by treating every project like a campaign with outcomes that extend far beyond aesthetics. A conversation about reinvention, material intelligence, and why the most effective designers today think in terms of ROI, storytelling, and client experience.
This episode explores the intersection of creativity and commerce through the lens of a designer who entered the field from a high-level media sales background. What began as a personal creative outlet quickly evolved into a full-scale practice shaped by client service, strategic thinking, and an understanding of how to build and communicate value.
The conversation moves from career transition to the realities of running a design firm in a post-pandemic environment where expectations have shifted dramatically. The rise of AI-driven tools, the normalization of photorealistic rendering, and the increasing demand for certainty have fundamentally altered the creative process. At the same time, economic pressure and market saturation are forcing designers to rethink how they position their services and allocate resources.
At its core, this conversation with Christina reframes interior design as a business discipline—one rooted in storytelling, measurable outcomes, and deeply personalized client experiences.
From Passion to Practice
The transition from corporate media to design highlights how creative careers are often built on personal discovery rather than formal training. What begins as instinct becomes refined through experience, mentorship, and repetition.
Design as a Business Model
The modern design firm operates less like a studio and more like a service-driven business. Client communication, budgeting, documentation, and logistics now dominate the process, leaving a smaller percentage of time for pure creative exploration.
The Expectation Economy
Clients today expect clarity, precision, and predictability. The widespread use of 3D rendering and AI visualization tools has created an environment where design is no longer interpretive but prescriptive.
Storytelling as Strategy
Projects are approached as narratives, not just spaces. Each design reflects a client’s current life stage, aspirations, and daily rituals, aligning emotional goals with functional outcomes.
Material Intelligence
Staying relevant requires constant learning. Emerging materials, new fabrication techniques, and evolving product categories demand ongoing engagement beyond the screen and inside showrooms, workshops, and trade events.
Marketing in a Saturated Landscape
With an influx of designers and limited client attention, differentiation is critical. Targeted messaging, clear brand identity, and consistent content creation are no longer optional—they are foundational.
AI and Authenticity
Artificial intelligence offers efficiency but introduces risk. Overuse can dilute originality and create a disconnect between concept and execution, reinforcing the importance of human curation and technical expertise.
Rethinking ROI
Return on investment in design is shifting away from resale value toward lived experience. A successful project improves how a client functions, feels, and connects within their space.
Career transition from media sales to interior design and the role of prior experience in shaping a new business
The evolution of regional design markets and the rapid sophistication of cities like Austin
The operational reality of design firms and the imbalance between creative work and administrative demands
The impact of AI and rendering technology on client expectations and design delivery
Applying campaign strategy, KPIs, and ROI thinking to residential design projects
Deep client onboarding processes and uncovering behavioral needs beyond surface preferences
The limitations of design education and the importance of real-world business knowledge
Strategies for staying current with materials, fabrication methods, and vendor innovation
The role of trade shows and immersive environments in sourcing and inspiration
Building a marketing strategy that targets a specific client profile rather than a broad audience
Balancing content creation with core design responsibilities in a digital-first landscape
Navigating earned versus paid media and understanding the value of each
Allocating marketing budgets across photography, PR, awards, and advertising
Adapting to economic shifts through flexible service offerings and phased project models
Maintaining brand integrity while expanding accessibility to different client tiers
Design is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. It is about building systems that deliver clarity, confidence, and measurable impact. The firms that succeed will be the ones that embrace this complexity—balancing creativity with strategy, and intuition with intention.
In this conversation with the principals of Tim Barber Architects, the discussion explores how architecture has evolved since 2020. The pandemic fundamentally changed how people live in their homes, forcing architects to rethink everything from spatial organization and material choices to health, resilience, and long-term adaptability.
The architects describe a profession balancing client desires, environmental realities, and community responsibility. Topics include aging in place, the shift away from open floor plans, rebuilding after wildfire loss, and the growing role of resilience and sustainability in residential design.
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The conversation also examines larger systemic issues—from the housing crisis and the loss of architectural criticism to concerns about deregulating the architectural profession and the future pipeline of architects. Ultimately, the discussion reveals architecture as both a creative discipline and a civic responsibility.
Tim Barber, Kelly Becker, David Stone, Ari Engleman, Katie Peterson-Hesketh
Post-Pandemic Spatial Design
Homes are now workplaces, classrooms, and wellness environments. Architects are designing more flexible, compartmentalized spaces rather than large open rooms.
The Reassessment of the Open Floor Plan
Open layouts are losing popularity as homeowners seek acoustic separation, privacy, and spatial hierarchy.
Healthy Homes
Clients increasingly ask about air quality, non-toxic materials, EMF concerns, and overall wellness in the built environment.
Aging in Place & Multigenerational Living
Homes are being designed for lifelong occupancy, with elevators, adaptable bathrooms, and secondary primary suites.
Housing Crisis Misconceptions
The problem is not a lack of housing overall but a shortage of affordable, well-located housing.
Sustainability Through Longevity
The most sustainable building is the one that already exists. Adaptive reuse and generational homes are key strategies.
Fire Resilience and Climate Adaptation
Wildfire rebuild projects are forcing architects to rethink materials, structural resilience, and building codes.
“Performance Spending”
Homeowners must choose between visible luxury and invisible resilience investments.
Architects as Client Advocates
Architects frequently guide clients away from poor decisions through education and alternatives rather than simply saying “no.”
Material Uncertainty and Construction Cost Volatility
Rapid cost changes and new materials create challenges for planning and specification.
Professional Deregulation Concerns
Removing architectural licensing protections could threaten safety, quality, and professional standards.
Education and Knowledge Sharing
The firm runs an internal “university” model to continuously train staff and share knowledge.
Loss of Architectural Criticism
The disappearance of critics and serious architectural journalism has created a cultural vacuum in evaluating design.
Adaptive Reuse and Density
Office conversions and moderate urban density may become major architectural trends.
Future of Residential Design
Homes may become smaller but more sophisticated—prioritizing performance, durability, and resilience.
Architect Ben Kasdan and I explore the ethos of design, the importance of “innovation through experience,” and why architecture should be viewed as a living organism rather than a machine.
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Innovation vs. Practicality: The discussion begins with the idea of innovative design, citing Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. While the building faced initial criticism for a “glare” issue from its steel facade, its true innovation lies in the acoustic experience and its purpose as a “living room for the city”.
Architecture as an Organism: Challenging Le Corbusier’s famous “machine for living” concept, Ben suggests that buildings are more like living organisms that must be nurtured, maintained, and allowed to evolve.
The “Ideas” Lab: Ben’s firm, KTGY, operates a dedicated R&D studio that explores “outside the lane” concepts—like 3D-printed modular housing and solutions for homelessness—without the immediate constraints of budgets or specific client demands.
Designing for the Inhabitants: A significant portion of the work focuses on student and senior housing. Ben emphasizes that while these spaces are often transient, they must be designed to support the mental, physical, and intellectual well-being of the people living there.
Architectural “Grafting”: Instead of the common practice of demolition, the conversation touches on the value of “grafting” or repurposing older structures, preserving their emotional and historical significance while adapting them for new use.
KTGY Architecture + Planning: The firm where Ben Kasdan is a principal, known for its diverse housing typologies. KTGY Website
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Referenced as a prime example of experience-driven innovation in Los Angeles. LA Phil – Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Broad: Mentioned in the context of downtown LA’s architectural landscape and public perception. The Broad Museum
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower: Discussed as a structure that, while visually extraordinary, struggled with functional longevity. Price Tower Arts Center
Marin County Civic Center: Cited as an early inspiration for Ben, showcasing how a building’s unique form can evoke a powerful emotional response. Marin County Civic Center
Every now and then, I like to hop into the wayback machine and share a fresh listen to conversations that influenced our current times. The one you are going to register to today was recorded live in 2014 from DIEM, Design Intersects Everything Made symposium presented by the West Hollywood Design District featuring Frances Anderton, then with KCRW ad Jeff Denby, co-founder and then with Pact. A clothing brand you will be hearing more about.
The following conversation was focused on values based capitalism, an economic model with which places value on profit generation that also generates positive social impact.
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As you listen to this chat between Frances and Jeff, you might notice the “feel-good” vibes and high ideals that come from a focus on values based consumerism patterns. Buy well-made products that come from sustainably based materials and made by people who are valued to those producing the products and then by those who buy the product. At the time of this recording, this idea was catching on and even now, companies that have a value-system connected directly to products speak openly about the social capital being generated. I would argue we hear far less now because sustainability has been linked politically to DEI, and there is a group of people who see that has more of a social ill, than a societal benefit. I’m not here to change any minds, only share different perspectives. And this is one worth sharing with the hope that it will make a return, not just in fashion or consumer packaged goods, but in the home decor and architectural materials sectors.
Consumer Awareness Evolution
How Whole Foods and the food industry educated consumers about product origins.
Extension of that curiosity to body care and apparel: understanding what goes on the skin and into daily wear.
The role of design in making sustainable products attractive and desirable.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Early collaborations with nonprofits through limited-edition collections and direct aid.
Shift toward improving the lives of workers within the supply chain.
Emphasis on economic, environmental, and social impact as part of the business model.
Challenges of Domestic Manufacturing
Difficulties of reviving large-scale apparel production domestically, including labor costs, fractured supply chains, and compliance issues.
Comparison with global supply chains and the decision to work where systems already exist.
Insights from attempts at localized production and the challenges of sustainable sourcing.
Product Expansion and Market Strategy
Focus on apparel basics for the emerging generation of socially conscious consumers.
Building a generational brand by appealing to evolving values.
Commitment to price accessibility while maintaining sustainability and ethical production.
Supply Chain Ethics and Certification
Working exclusively with certified factories and farms to ensure fair labor practices.
Ensuring worker protections and representation, including female supervisors.
Direct engagement with farmers and supply chain partners to secure market access and stability.
Sustainability and Waste Management
Recycling factory scraps and leftover materials into new products.
Finding secondary uses for garment remnants, including mattress filling.
Factories incentivized to reduce waste as part of both economic and environmental sustainability.
Consumer Education and Transparency
Educating customers about the human and environmental story behind clothing.
Leveraging social media, coalition branding, and events to communicate supply chain practices.
Positioning Pact as a non-toxic apparel brand with safe-for-skin products.
Research and Industry Collaboration
Participation in textile and sustainability coalitions with like-minded brands.
Supporting the growth of organic cotton farming and sustainable supply chains.
Promoting transparency in manufacturing practices and educating the public on chemical exposure in conventional apparel.
Ethical apparel requires intentional design, transparent supply chains, and collaboration across the industry.
Consumers increasingly demand products that are safe, well-designed, and socially responsible.
Philanthropy is most effective when integrated into the core business, benefiting both workers and communities.
Scaling sustainability in mass-market apparel is challenging but possible with careful planning, partnerships, and public education.
Conscious Basics: How Textiles Can Be Ethical, Sustainable, and Stylish
In an era when consumers increasingly demand transparency and ethical responsibility, Pact is reshaping the apparel industry by marrying sustainability, social impact, and thoughtful design. Co-founder Jeff Denby spoke with Frances Anderton in 2014 about the philosophy behind the brand, tracing a journey from organic cotton farms in India to certified factories in Turkey, all with the goal of delivering high-quality, accessible clothing that respects both people and the planet.
Denby notes that consumer awareness has evolved in stages. Shoppers first became curious about food origins, learning that groceries come from farms, not just shelves. This consciousness extended to body care products, as people began asking what they were putting on their skin. Apparel is the next frontier. “People want to know what they’re wearing every day,” Denby explains. “They want products that are beautifully designed, sustainable, and safe, without having to reinvent what underwear or socks should look like.”
Early in Pact’s history, the company experimented with philanthropic partnerships, designing collections that supported nonprofit causes. These initiatives provided aid to communities abroad, from distributing lanterns in Haiti to rebuilding community centers in Japan. However, Denby realized the brand could make a deeper impact by focusing inward—supporting the lives of the workers who create the products. By investing in stable, ethical supply chains, Pact achieves a triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Reviving large-scale apparel manufacturing in the United States proved impractical for Pact. Labor costs, fractured supply chains, and limited domestic processing infrastructure made it impossible to produce affordable basics at scale. Instead, the brand partnered with existing factories abroad, ensuring they meet strict certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard. Denby emphasizes that these certifications guarantee fair labor practices, gender equity, and safe working conditions—factors often overlooked in conventional apparel production.
Beyond ethical sourcing, Pact prioritizes product safety and environmental responsibility. Cotton cultivation and traditional textile processing can involve significant pesticide use and harmful chemicals. Pact works with organic cotton farmers and certified dye houses, eliminating heavy metals and carcinogens from their products. Waste management is also integral; leftover yarn and fabrics are recycled into new garments or repurposed for other industries, demonstrating that sustainability extends from field to factory to finished product.
Denby envisions Pact as the “basics brand for the change generation,” appealing to consumers who value ethics, transparency, and design. The brand is part of a coalition with other sustainable apparel companies, collaborating to secure fair market access for farmers, grow organic cotton production, and educate the public on the human stories behind clothing. Social media and events provide direct channels to communicate these values, allowing consumers to engage with the brand and understand the people and processes behind the garments they wear.
For Pact, the mission goes beyond selling clothing. It is about proving that everyday apparel can be ethical, well-designed, and accessible, while creating meaningful social impact. By integrating philanthropy, sustainability, and consumer education into the business model, Pact is showing that the basics—underwear, socks, and t-shirts—can carry a powerful message: that fashion can be responsible, thoughtful, and inclusive.
Residential architecture in the Twin Cities requires a unique blend of grit and intentionality. From the “Scandinavian tradition” of high-level craftsmanship to the technical demands of a 115-degree annual temperature swing, designing in this environment is an exercise in functional resilience. This conversation explores how extreme climates and a “Midwest mindset” shape the way we live and the ways homes must evolve to meet the needs of multi-generational families. The following conversation I had with PKA Architecture’s Kristine Anderson, Andrew Edwins and Ryan Fish was wide ranging and dove deep into;
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The Architecture of Endurance
In the heart of the Twin Cities, architecture is less about making a statement and more about surviving a cycle. To design a home in Minnesota is to engage in a high-stakes negotiation with physics. When the mercury drops to -15°F and climbs to 100°F within the same calendar year, materials don’t just sit there—they breathe, swell, and contract at a cellular level. As the team from PKA Architecture notes, this environment serves as a rigorous training ground. If a design can thrive in the Twin Cities, it possesses the technical “confidence” to perform anywhere in the world.
This technical necessity has birthed a culture of craftsmanship that distinguishes the region. Rooted in Scandinavian cabinet-making traditions, local builders and architects push one another toward a level of precision where “half-assing” is not an option—the weather simply won’t allow it. It is a pragmatic form of beauty where the “Midwest mindset” rejects the flashy labels of coastal luxury in favor of quiet, intentional excellence.
Moreover, the modern home is being asked to do more than provide shelter; it is becoming a flexible vessel for the human lifecycle. The conversation highlights a significant shift toward long-term master planning. Homeowners are increasingly looking ten years down the road, asking how a space can adapt to adult children returning home or elderly parents moving in. By moving away from the “phantom buyer” of resale-focused design, architects are helping clients create homes that are deeply personal and functionally resilient. Whether it is through the seamless integration of invisible technology or the preservation of “ritual spaces” for calm, the goal remains the same: making life easier for those who inhabit the space, one season at a time.
Resiliency as a Design Requirement: Extreme temperature swings expose construction flaws quickly, leading to a local culture that prioritizes performance and durability over surface-level trends.
The Intentionality of “Midwest Modern”: A pragmatic approach to design that rejects “excess” but holds craftsmanship—rooted in the region’s Scandinavian heritage—to an incredibly high standard.
Life Beyond the “Phantom Buyer”: A shift toward designing for the current inhabitant’s actual life rather than future resale, including planning for multi-generational living and aging in place.
Integrating Technology Naturally: Embracing technology as a design layer—such as half-inch recessed lighting—that enhances daily life without overwhelming the home’s aesthetic.
Materiality and the Seasons: The “one-year seasonal change” is a standard expectation in local construction, allowing wood and metal to settle through the intense humidity shifts of the Midwest.
The episode you are going to hear today was over a decade in the making. LuAnn Niagara is the host of A Well Designed Business. The podcast launched in 2016 and set the standard for what a business of design podcast should be. LuAnn’s focus was then and is today focused on helping designers up level their design studios. LuAnn was hosting a session for the KBIS Podcast Studio and we had some time during the show and I can’t remember who brought up the idea, I think it was me who suggested to LuAnn, that this would be a great time for us to record a conversation about our own journey and collaborate on a crossover episode. It could be fun!
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Oh, it was fun. We talked about so much but what is really special about this… If you continue to listen here, you are going to get, I’m sure, a vastly different presentation. The exact same conversation will air on both feeds, but the context and philosophy is different. I have a tremendous amount of respect for LuAnn. She has done something special. If you are a designer, architect, maker, you know what I mean. She created something from nothing and every one of us here knows how hard that is.
In setting up this interview, I want to provide both context and a bit of storytelling. You are going to hear four very brief clips before we get to my conversation with LuAnn. It’s been a while since I shared this on the show, but in addition to my broadcast experience in music and sports, I was the general manager and program director for Playboy Radio. In that role, I hosted a show on the channel called the Playboy Radio Interview. She show was a one on one with guests that I thought would resonate by telling unique and personal stories about their journey. And what I want you to realize as you listen to these is that we all go through many of the same things, experience the same challenges and nobody in life achieves anything without a little luck and support. That support can come from family and friends, it can come from a trusted advisor and it can come in the form of hearing stories about others told by industry voices, like LuAnn or me. The first clip you are going to hear is US Mens National Hockey legend, Mike Eruzioni. You would up where you are due to a series of circumstances that aren’t always within your control. Guess what, nobody is. It’s what you do next and how you need to keep going because you never know where that big opportunity os going to come from.
The next segment you are going to hear is actor, Tom Sizemore. Sizemore has since past but he still has lessons to share. I’m not going to set this clip up too much because I think it speaks for itself. The concept is “challenge” and the friends and supporters who help us along the way.
It doesn’t get more real or powerful than that. Next up is George Lopez. He and I were speaking about community. That of the musicians playing the upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival and how creatives like musicians and comics help each other along the way. I share this with the hope that our industry continues to help each other in an ever chaotic and complicated world.
The final clip is legendary. It’s Henry Winkler on going with his instincts. Imagine when Henry Winkler was on set, day one, starting off as Arther Fonzerelli he was looking at TikTok and became influenced by what the trends were instead of being himself, going with his gut and trusting his authentic intuition? Things might be different.
These concepts; A strong work ethic matters, We all need help and a little luck, Support is as important as giving back and Trusting your gut and being authentic. Next up, you are going to hear my conversation with LuAnn Niagara recorded live from KBIS, right after this.
In this roundtable conversation, a diverse group of interior designers and kitchen specialists discuss how kitchen design has transformed in the post-pandemic era. Rising costs, shifting client expectations, and new technologies are forcing designers to rethink how kitchens function and how they are delivered to clients.
The conversation explores everything from appliance innovation and zoning strategies to the emotional role of kitchens as gathering spaces. Designers also confront difficult realities such as escalating budgets, supply chain issues, and the need to guide clients through increasingly complex decisions. We gathered at the Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home showroom in San Diego. A beautiful and well appointed space with so much to see and the room to enjoy it.
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At its core, the discussion highlights a broader truth about the design profession today: kitchens are no longer simply rooms for cooking. They are ecosystems that reflect lifestyle, culture, wellness, and the evolving way people live in their homes.
Explore the life, philosophy, and creative process of a designer whose global upbringing and eclectic career shaped the essentialist approach of Commune Studio. From Caracas to Los Angeles, from fashion to interior design, he shares how formative experiences, partnerships, and a pursuit of quality have defined both a firm and a design philosophy centered on purpose, craft, and essential beauty. This is the April, 2026 Convo By Design Icon Registry episode featuring our newest inductee, Roman Alonso presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home.
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Alonso grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, experiencing both urban and rural life; early road trips fostered observational skills and appreciation for simplicity. You heard him on the show in 2025 where he told his story. Moved to Miami in 1978, then Boston for college (BU, class of 1987), followed by New York and eventually Los Angeles.
Worked across fashion, publishing, and editorial (including New York Times Magazine and a publishing venture with Lisa Eisner).
Early exposure to high-quality design and aesthetics shaped design sensibilities. He later was part of a team that formed Commune.
Influences on Design
Latin American upbringing emphasized simplicity, rustic charm, and authentic beauty.
Exposure to fashion (Isaac Mizrahi), PR, and the Pressman family shaped understanding of color, detail, and quality.
Personal journey included absorbing lessons from diverse experiences rather than formal design training.
Product and Collection Development
Starts with identifying gaps or problems in the market (e.g., linear sconces, bathroom accessories).
Combines functional necessity with craftsmanship and subtle aesthetics.
Collaborates closely with partners (like David at Remaine) to maintain quality, usability, and accessibility.
Every product is prototyped and tested in real projects before public launch.
Personal Philosophy and Values
Stoicism: focus on controlling what is controllable and striving for virtue.
Commitment to fairness, thoughtful creation, and ethical production.
Imposter syndrome acknowledged as a persistent aspect of creative life.
Approach prioritizes listening to clients, understanding needs, and curating experiences rather than self-expression alone.
Evolution of the Firm
Studio evolved from a small, highly collaborative team to a large firm, then deliberately scaled back to maintain culture and creative flexibility.
Growth now pursued through products, partnerships, and retail rather than studio expansion.
