I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design, a podcast for the design and architecture community. Today on the show, you are going to hear from Ian Love, interior designer, musician, and designer of functional art.
You might have noticed that this year, I am introducing you to more artisans than in years past. That is because these artisans need some exposure to specifying designers and because designers need access to new creative types.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
I’m not anti-establishment. As a matter of fact, I am pro-establishment, when run smoothly and properly. In the A&D industry, the establishment is mostly made up of the trade magazines. The majority of major brands continue to use the trade publications as their primary source for deployment of their advertising and marketing funds. At the same time, over the past few years, many, not all, but many of the trade publications have cut down on editorial page counts, furloughed or outright fired much of their editorial staff or simply chose to focus the remaining editorial focus on celebrity and celebrity designers in the hopes that will raise awareness and profile leading to more ‘buzz’. That may be true. And, I’ll take it one step further, that may be a good thing. Design is universal in that good design makes life better, full stop. Exposure to good design can’t be a bad thing. But the majority those who would like to upscale their design don’t live in $35 million homes, they can’t spend $500,000 on their new kitchen and they might never be able to afford a celebrity designer or live in their Malibu home while the Aspen house is being redone.
But the majority of working design professionals today are neither celebrity designers nor starchitects and they produce exceptional design that nobody but those living with it will ever see, except if you listen to CXD. I want you to know the really interesting creatives out there and assist designers as they look to identify and specify new work. Like that of my guest today, Ian Love. You’ll hear his story right after this.
Thank you Ian for taking some of your time to share your story. Special thanks to CXD sponsors and partners ThermaSol, Moya Living, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegenr and Article Furniture. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to listen to Convo By Design. I produce this show for you. Those in the design industry to hear what others are doing and hopefully provide you with some inspiration to do that thing you do. Remember why and for whom you craft and create. Please subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, you can find us everywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thank you, have a great week and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design. How’s your day going so far? Well, I hope. And I think it’s about to get a little bit better. you are about to hear my conversation with artist and wallcoverings creator, Ann Jackson.
If I have learned anything on this journey that you and I take every week for the past 10 years, it’s that designers, architects, artists, product manufacturers and the rest of you that make up the D&A community, you make the world a better place to be. You do so by crafting things and ideas that make life better because you make living better.. I hope you never forget that. It’s easy to do, especially when a new election cycle comes around and focus changes, it can get dark. So I am hoping to bring you back to the light for an hour or so at a time. This week, we are hearing from Ann Jackson. Ann is an artist and creator/ purveyor of fine wallcoverings. She is from Dallas, Texas, my second home and what I love most about Ann and her work is that she takes an artists approach to wallcoverings. She built her company around it and if you haven’t been introduced to Ann and her work yet, you’re welcome. Enjoy this conversation with Ann Jackson.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
So great, thank you Ann for taking the time to speak with me. Special thanks to CXD sponsors and partners ThermaSol, Moya Living, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegenr and Article Furniture. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to listen to Convo By Design. I produce this show for you. Those in the design industry to hear what others are doing and hopefully provide you with some inspiration to do that thing you do. Remember why and for whom you craft and create. Please subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, you can find us everywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thank you, have a great week and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a long overdue introduction to a new concept in design houses. Remote and virtual Design. Check out the video here.
Fist things first. I am a native Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, The Valley to be more specific. In the 1980’s when Valley Girls, parachute pants, mini-trucks, and Depeche Mode were part of my everyday life. I wasn’t into design and architecture at that time. It was only after leaving, and returning to LA did I realize an appreciation for the amazing design surrounding me. I grew up in a mid-century traditional, a California Ranch House that was once a stage coach stop and later a train station in Chatsworth and much later, a Dingbat that was toppled in the Northridge earthquake.
So when Tulsa, Oklahoma was selected as the site for the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa, most people I spoke with about the concept didn’t really understand the idea behind it. The idea is so simple that it gets lost from the start.
The pandemic created a forced shelter-in-place which affected home and office design more than most other industries.
The core ideas of both home and office have changed forever. And rightfully so. At the same time, the very nature of what architects and designers do hasn’t changed at all, while their means, methods, processes and procedures certainly have. The remote nature of this design house is in direct response to designers responding to clients that they could not see in person at the time and, for those who have left their current city or state but love their designer and want to remain with them. If I live in Los Angeles and move to Aspen, I might want my designer to to work on my project. But if my designer doesn’t know how to work remotely, or virtually, that can and will be a problem.
Remote Design is the practice of working in one place on a project in another.
Virtual Design is the process of working on a project that does not currently exist. Thank of it as an idea without a physical embodiment.
The Remote Design House – Tulsa is a real project, using real designers who will never physically step foot in the project house. All the work is being done virtually, and remotely with local trades and artisans doing the work.
This project will also not have tours and there are no tickets for events or parties. No matter where you are listening to this, you will have access to the final project through videos, before and after segments, product features and an intimate look at the project house, neighborhood and City of Tulsa.
Side note. I was recently in Los Angeles for a design event (May) and as I was telling many in the trade about the project, the most common response was, “eww, why Tulsa.” This has been a common response since I started planning this project in 2020. There is a visceral, negative response to the idea of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Midwest from many I have met in LA, New York, San Francisco and the other “tier one” design destinations. My response is always the same, “oh, when was the last time you were in Tulsa?” Not a single person with that response has ever been to Tulsa because had they been, they would know what a special city this is. Which is exactly why it was selected over Austin, Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Seattle and Denver. Nothing against those cities, but Tulsa is special and over the next year, you are going to find out why.
The Family | The Jennings’s, Michael (45), Rachael (42) and their children, Davis (19) and Rose (17) are transplants from New York City. The family learned that they could work remotely from anywhere in the country and sought out a city where they could slow down, focus on family and still grow their business, make friends, finish high school and pursue a higher quality of life. The desire was to slow down, focus and decrease the rat race pace and find their space.
Michael is a TV producer. He is an avid cook, not a chef. He enjoys his work but is looking for ways to separate himself from doing it 24/7/365. Michael is connected (media) and looks for ways to disconnect, spend time volunteering coach youth sports and engaging in creative endeavors. This includes building and refinishing furniture.
Rachel is in sales. She manages a territory across the US and does the majority of her work online but travels about 5 times a year to industry trade shows. Rachel enjoys reading, yoga and quiet meditation. She is an avid baker who loves spending time in the kitchen and enjoys spending time with the family.
Davis is a college student, attending school on the east coast. While his room is not occupied year-round, when he is at home, he spends countless hours on research projects. He spends time gaming with his college friends around the country and enjoys reading, golf and computer training events.
Rose is a senior in high school. She is a highly accomplished athlete. She plays club soccer and lacrosse and debate competitions. Rose misses her friends back home and looks forward to playing host when they come to town and visit her. There are times when she is often exhausted and physically beat up from long tournament weekends. She spends long hours doing research papers and studying so her workspace needs to be both functional and comfortable. She is fashion forward and cherishes her personal space as teenage girls do.
The home is American Colonial Revival built in 1936. This is a unique property with a park setting and Tulsa’s Crow Creek running though the back yard. Project rooms include; Living Room, Kitchen/ Dining Room, Michel and Rachael’s Room, Rose’s Room, Davis’s Room, Club Room, Guest Quarters w/ Sunroom, Office. All bedrooms are en-suites.
The Designers | Rather than introduce you to all the designers selected for this project, I am going to introduce you to them as their projects are coming to reality. Do to a nightmare of a supply chain, product discontinuations and logistical issues, all of which you will hear about, we are working on two project rooms at a time to capture all the details.
Gail Davis of Gail Davis Designs is a friend, someone I have immense respect for and who was so generous with her time. She selected the Club Room. Gail is an amazing designer with a skill that transcends the work. She has a process and flow that was such a pleasure to work with. Nothing phases Gail and if there is a problem, discontinuation or needed reselect, she just handles it and it was such a joy working with her on this space.
Gail has a background in fashion and her passion for both color and textiles are evident in this design work. One story about Gail. There is a small stairway leading down to the Clubroom, a walkout basement. Gail said that for the stairs, we’re going with Black. My first response was….”excuse me? No, I don’t think so.” There was a pause and she said, “I get it. Trust me.” I did, and she was right. Her vision turned a small, tight stairway into a moment of anticipation. A theatrical entry that allows the mind to wonder what is around the corner.
Gail studied at New York School of Interior Design and sharpened her skills interning at Bunny Williams, Inc. and David Kleinberg & Associates. Gail’s work has been published in AD Pro, Elle Decor, Domino, House Beautiful and you have heard her here on Convo By Design.
As you will hear, Gail knows her business, she is clear in her ideas and she is an absolute joy to work with. As promised some behind the scenes stories that you would never know if we weren’t talking about it here.
Supply Chain – If you are a designer, you know that the struggle is real. If you are a client, you are just plain frustrated by the cost increases, delivery problems, lack of customer service and product delays.
For the Club Room, the vendors we worked with include NOIR, Benjamin Moore, The Home Depot and Article amongst others.Local work was done by local trades and here is what was so surprising. The response time of painters and electricians was really fast. In just a few weeks, they were scheduled, showed up and did the work. The problem was in product re-selects for various reasons but the number one reason was discontinuation or lack of availability.
We specified product in September of 2021. It arrived in Tulsa in late May 2022 and then sat in a warehouse for a few more weeks. After delivery, then it was inspected and defects were discovered and that created a whole new set of issues.
PRODUCT DAMAGE SEGMENT. There was one vendor we worked with that, to date, has not disappointed in product or service. Article. You may have heard Article advertised on the show, and you might think that their partnership is the reason for a stellar review. Actually, it’s the other way around. They are partners BECAUSE of their stellar products and service. For the Club Room, their product arrived first. It actually got here so fast, as ordered that it sat in the space, in the original packaging while we waited for everything else. The sofa and chairs arrived exactly as ordered. The ordering process was simple. It was ordered through their Trade Program and I could not be happier with them. As is the case with all of the rooms in the Remote Design House – Tulsa, there will be videos, before and after shots, product features and more. You can check the show notes for links to everything as it’s published.
Surprisingly, The Home DepotPro services provided an incredible opportunity. The rug originally specified for this space became “unavailable” weeks after it was ordered. And the most frustrating part was the manner it which it happened. It was ordered and then an email comes and “oopsie”, no more rug. So, I looked into The Home Depot’s Pro program and sent Gail some reselect options. We found a rug that was very similar to the original, slightly smaller which actually worked out better due to the beauty of the original Saltillo tile. But it was also $1,500 less expensive and while I was a little dubious at first, when it was delivered, IN 4 WEEKS the quality is exactly what I was hoping for. So the lesson learned here is not to overlook the obvious. Home Depot, Lowes, Target have all providedan element to the space and a high/ low mix that really works well.
We ordered product in September of 2021 and it was delivered in June of 2022. That was not the plan. But, understanding that supply chain issues were universal, it was okay. What we not okay was the amount of product damage that was delivered. In one case, there was a leather chair that was damaged and discolored because someone put packing tape on the leather itself. Another piece, a steel coffee table was damaged on all sides. The manufacturer has still, as of this recording not remedied the situation. They promised a refund due to the fact that both items were discontinued.
I am going to say this again, because it bears repeating…Article was an absolute standout. They do receive promotional consideration on the podcast as a promotional partner that extended a trade discount through their trade program. And they are the real deal. Their products are beautiful, high quality and durable. Their customer service, for this project has been amazing! I will be asking our other design partners to specify from them when possible.
Most clients don’t know what designers really do because they don’t tell you every time something goes wrong. They don’t bother clients with the minutia, they deal with it like professionals and show the client the spaces that make them happy.
This is where the true superpowers of an excellent designer come into play. Gail knew what she was looking for and because she is such a good communicator, allowed me to confidently look for replacements when there was an issue. I sent her some options and she made a reselect based on her original plan and factored in all the variables. For clients, here is another valuable lesson.
*Sending your designer images and links to Instagram and Pinterest is okay. But, if you are really in tune with your designer and your designer is a good communicator, you can handle some of the selection and re-selections which will save you money in the time your designer is researching replacement materials which is a common occurrence now.
*This also helps your designer and their junior designers and interns understand your taste and that in turn will make the design process run smoother and faster. It will save money on streamlining the process by focusing on products that are more in line with your style and preferences.
Gail created a perfect environment to check out of work and check in with family and friends. A place to relax, entertain and play. A theater, game room, quiet meditative space and chill room, all in one place.
Color Selections. Gail’s color selections in this space included Benjamin Moore Mercurial in the Club Room and Caviar on the walls in the stairway. Her color selections captured the spirit of what the Jenning’s would have wanted for this space. Caviar, a rich, deep black with flat on the walls and satin on the ceiling created a dramatic entrance that set the tone and mood for what was happening down at the stairs and around the corner. While I was concerned that it would be too dark and scary, it was just the opposite, Gail added a stairway LED floor lights to light the path and set expectation. The sconce and ceiling fixture added all the light needed for utilitarian functionality light bringing the laundry down to the working side of the basement, but keeps all the glamour and fun of the Club Room in tact. Genius. The Mercurial allowed for light to bounce around the room and reflect all the colors without too much bounce allowing it to be both consistent in light and saturation. Multiple lighting was included like the sconces, overhead cans that are both enclosed and dimable LEDs as well as shelf lighting. The walls remain the original pine paneling but the Mercurial covers the original “pickling”. Interesting, the lighting plan is far better than before even though the gloss on the “pickling” bounced the light around the room, the lighting plan and adjustments like moving the sconces out 18 inches on both sides created a greater light flow. The Buster & Punch Edison Bulbs in the stairway also add to the walk in effect and overall lighting plan. Genius too was 3 coats on satin poly on the Saltillo time and satin on the ceiling added a “bounce” effect to the lighting that allowed for a high level of customization using all available lighting sources. The TV was kept in this space allowing for viewing of sports from the gaming table, movies from the sofa or business channels if working form the Club Room. Honestly, not a lot of work happens in this area. It’s too fun down there for work. And, it being a walk out basement Club Room, it creates a natural noise buffer for the Jenning kids to have their friends over while Michael and Rachael entertain upstairs.
This is the Club Room designed by Gail Davis of Gail Davis Design.
Thank you Gail for your time and talent. Your patience and amazing vision. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegener, Moya Living and Article. And thank you for listening and subscribing to Convo By Design. I so appreciate that you take me with you on your drives, hikes, workouts all the other places where you listen to your podcasts. For more stories from the Remote Design House – Tulsa and interviews, panels and design events, please make sure you are subscribing to the show. Remember why you do what you do and take today first.
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about design trade experiences, trade shows and networking opportunities as well as the chance to discover new products. It’s the Design Edge.
Lee Hershberg is the CEO of Design Edge and reinvented concept for the trade show. The ideas revolving around events continues to evolve because the way the design trade show business continues to evolve. Hershberg envisioned an event that is boutique in nature, travels from city to city and provides a first-look at new products, materials and services. Want to hear more, including get some information about upcoming shows, keep listening,
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you, Lee. Great job, looking forward to seeing you at Design Edge. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and for whom you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about going big. Going big with the design, go big with the business, big furnishings, the color selection and why not, after all we only get one chance to play the game of life. So go big, here’s how.
There is a difference between going big and strategically maximizing every potential opportunity. Anne Rainey Rokahr is doing just that from her home base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Rokahr is unapologetically fancy, maximalist, playful in her design and loves to manipulate color, fabric, accessories to wield a new look that shocks the senses and calms the soul. How can one do both simultaneously? Keep listening. We’ll be back in just a moment.
BOOKLOOK: John McClain Book – The Designer Within
I received another surprise in the mail a few weeks ago and I have been consuming and absorbing the contents since. The new book called, The Designer Within, A Professional Guide to a Well-Styled Home, by designer John McClain arrived and I am going to tell you why this book should be on your shelves. Let me first start by saying that I consider John a friend. I have known him since 2010. John and I reconnected through the show and he was a guest years ago, episode 217 for those playing the home game and there is a link to that episode in the show notes. Here is what I said about John at the time…
“Some designers have a signature look while others practice a signature process. Designer John McClain is a blender and bender of styles to achieve unique and unforgettable looks. John is bi-coastal with offices in Florida and California. His signature style really is in his approach which makes him truly unique and worthy of watching. I believe in the art forms that are design and architecture. When speaking with a designer like John, I am in my element because I can ask questions that might get a sideways look from another designer. I ask questions like these to break the information down into small bites, then rebuild a concept so the non-designer can understand it. I really enjoyed my chat with John. He knows the look he is trying to achieve which enables him to experiment a bit more and to me, that is where design gets really exciting.”
So, when John writes a book about design, it’s built on a strong foundation and he’s not just showing you his work, but explaining how it’s done with crafted experience and a look that is both personal and well-styled.
This is not a picture book that simply shows off expensive design of the ultra-wealthy. It is a thoughtful exploration into the techniques and strategies of what makes design work and how to utilize the fundamentals to make your style look well-styled and effortless.Who doesn’t want that. There is a link to get the book in the show notes as well.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you, Anne. Loved our conversation. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with one half of The Novogratz, a husband and wife team crafting and cultivating a truly unique design brand. I spoke with Courtney Novogratz about life, family and design, and not necessarily in that order…
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
The Novogratz design brand is just that, a brand with so many offshoots it makes the mind spin. It spins because if you do the math, and I encourage you to do this, listen to all the brand extensions and offshoots in which she and husband Robert engage. If you try to imagine filling all of this into days and weeks, the time doesn’t match the ambition. Between family, travel, the store, the design and developments… Okay, there is a lot packed into the following chat so let’s get to it.
Thank you Courtney. Loved our chat, next time we have to have you and Robert on together. That will be fun.Thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Thank you to CXD partners; ThermaSol, Article, York Wall Coverings, Franz Viewgener and Moya Living for your partnership! Coming up on the show in the next few months…You are going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design and today, we’re going back to Dallas, metaphorically of course to speak with Roz Murphy of Roz Murphy Designs about planning, fabrication and process. All part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.
Roz was born and raised on the East Coast, moved to Dallas to earn her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Art History from Southern Methodist University. She later attended El Centro College where she earned her degree in interior design. Interned with the internationally renowned Wilson & Associates, as well as with Emily Summers Design. Later honing her high-end residential design skills working for Lisa Barfield Interiors and gained expertise in the window treatment industry under Barfield’s Claire & Co.
She has a passion for luxury designs that are as comfortable as they are timeless. And that is something that keeps coming up in conversation about design these days. Luxurious and timeless. Roz is as versatile as she is creative and those are some of the ideas I wanted to drill down on with Roz, who you will hear from in just a moment.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you Roz. I enjoyed our chat, love your work and appreciate the time.And thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Its Summer in 2022 and travel is in full swing so you are going to be hearing episodes of the show from New York, Texas and LA events in the coming weeks and months. You are also going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
Hello creatives, If you’re new, welcome, if not, welcome back to Convo By Design. This journey of ours in search of amazing design, architecture, furnishings and art is in its 9th year now and I am so happy that you’re joining me for another episode.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
This week, I’m speaking with Luis Murillo of LMD Architecture Studio. This Bogota, Colombia born architect moved his family to Los Angeles in 1997 and opened his firm in 2010. Luis is the exemplifies the American Dream, or at least what the idea of the American Dream is supposed to represent. South American influence is nothing new to Southern California. It takes a special architect to not just understand space, time and place. But honor all three when you have both historical significance and arguable the world’s greatest canvas upon which to work. Luis respects the past and allows his upbringing in Columbia and love for space to guide his design regardless of style, traditional, mid-century or modern. The art takes first chair.
My hope is that by introducing you to new talent, it will influence your work. It will allow you to strive for greatness and perhaps think about your own work differently. This is architect, Luis Murillo.
Thank you, Luis. Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade.
And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out. Be well and take today first.
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversations from WestEdge Design Fair, circa 2019 that I have been holding onto for a number of reason, not the least of which is that with everything that has been happening, talking about designing around collected things seemed off to me. But now, let’s get back to collecting, shall we…
Seriously, with the office/ classroom/ yoga studio and trying to make those things work, it seemed a little tone deaf to try and talk passionately about designing around collected things. But the time is right again to start thinking about these things again.Collections make us happy. And in 2019, as I was crafting panels for WestEdge in the Convo by Design Programming Lounge, here was the inspiration.
The Collectors: Collected Clutter Made Impeccably Designed Collections
Many if not most of us have gathered and keep “treasures.” These collections represent the curiosity and vitality of life adventures and are, at least we hope, to be incorporated into our living spaces. Today’s ensemble of creatives have achieved mastery incorporating treasures into the design of their clients’ dreams. Learn strategies that make for a smoother process when showcasing collections.
Thank you George, Kevin, Laura and Jules. I loved this!
And, thank you for listening and subscribing to the podcast. I know you already know this, but… there are literally hundreds of past episodes of Convo By Design that you probably haven’t heard, especially if you are new to the show, so go check them out.
Remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.
I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design and just like that it’s 2022. Where did 2021 go? Same place 2020 went, in the annals of history as a year the design industry (or any industry for that matter) will soon forget. We made it through and as this tight knit group of creatives and seekers of creativity did at the end of 2020, we lean into 2022 with high hopes. I wanted to start off the year with a new installment of the Wellness and Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol. that deals with, among other things, the idea of aging in place and designing with that in mind. Andrea Hysmith is the founder and principal designer behind ASH Interiors and Design. Her Ellicott City, Maryland firm specialize in crafting design that evolves in tandem with stage of life. Hysmith is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist. We are going to get into that in just a moment.
An announcement. A big one and this is something I am so excited about that it really has been a challenge not to talk about it already…
Convo By Design presents the 2022 Remote Design House | Tulsa. A unique idea around an equally unique show house. I have been wanting to do another design house project for many years now, but the right opportunity had not presented itself. Sure, there were projects, but none were right for me. Then, the pandemic hit. Here I was, producing a podcast for 8 years and all of a sudden, the entire industry stops working in an office and trying to figure out what the future of design is even going to look like. I am going to go a bit further down that rabbit hole in future episodes. Right now, I want to tell you where this is all going. In the first 200 days of the pandemic, I recorded over 100 interviews, conversations and panels. Like you probably did, I dived into the work, for two reasons. The first was to keep myself from going crazy with a family of four in a small house, trying to keep everyone calm and not lose my cool in the face of something scary and unknown. The second part was a strong belief at the time that our industry was on the precipice of something amazing. I had no idea that the product would be in short supply until the summer of 2020. I was on a run in Manhattan Beach, California on day, unable to run along the Strand, I was forced into a neighboring alley and noticed all of the boxes awaiting trash pickup. I started counting and identifying the boxes which became a hobby and way on passing the miles while running through mostly empty streets and alleys. The boxes were TV’s, appliances, office furniture and equipment. There were fitness equipment boxes and all kinds of design materials and product. I remember the “a-ha” moment for me was later in the Fall. I had completed recording and airing a series called, “Designing for Disaster.” You can still find these episodes in the CXD stream.
Designers architects were telling me that, of their clients, the ones that could were escaping to mountain, beach and more remote locations to live this out and using the opportunity to remodel both homes. Designers and architects, you know this… You have been busy ever since. Part of this new professional reality meant that embracing the new technology like Zoom, Slack, Base Camp, Microsoft Office and Google Drive was now a mandatory part of their jobs. This also meant that they would be required to design from a distance. That is something that represents the most revolutionary element for the design trade. How can you continue to work with your clients, now on the move and do what you do which traditionally was almost all in person and face to face.
I wanted to find out and so here we are in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a really special project house that is going to be reimagined by some of the world’s most talented creatives, none of whom are from Tulsa, this house is real and and the design is completely remote, the meets are all virtual and the work is being completed locally by local craftsmen, artisans and tradesmen. I haven’t seen a project like this before, so I really don’t have anything with which to compare it. So, we will learn together. Episodes featuring the designers and design partners are coming soon.
Speaking of amazing partners.
If you have been listening to Convo By Design for a while, you have heard me tell you about Article. Great style really is simple with Article. Things have been challenging for design professionals and their clients, you know this, what you might not know is that it doesn’t have to be if you are looking for exceptionally beautiful modern furniture. Article provides a simple and easy way to creating a beautiful modern space. Because Article works direct with their manufacturers on production of unique and stunning pieces, then they work directly by providing this well crafted design directly to you. This direct relationship means you aren’t wondering where your furniture is, AND you are getting it for an incredible value. Even more… Their culture and service are rooted in their core values, Customer Obsession, Do it differently, Ownership Mindset, Win together. If you are a designer, architect or residential developer you must check out their Trade Program. Discounts, special support and exclusive perks. Article has the beautiful modern furniture you’re looking for. Check them out.
Thank you, Andrea. I appreciate what you do and our time together. This has been another installment of the Wellness and Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol. Thank you Walker Zanger for presenting Convo By Design. Thank you Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener for your partnership. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.
