Launching a design firm is hard. Launching one days before a global shutdown is something else entirely. In this episode of Convo By Design, I speak with interior designer Justine about building a solo practice during COVID, transitioning from sales to structure, and navigating the modern realities of design—from virtual collaboration and technical complexity to burnout, authenticity, and creative control. It’s an honest conversation about what it really takes to grow a design business today without losing yourself in the process. Designing Through Disruption | Convo By Design Podcast is hosted and published by Josh Cooperman.
Interior designer Justine shares how launching a solo firm during COVID reshaped her business, creativity, and approach to authenticity in modern design.
Interior Design Podcast, Solo Design Practice, Post-Pandemic Design, Interior Designer Business, Design Authenticity, Lighting Design, Residential Renovation, Convo By Design
Episode Highlights Launching a design firm at the onset of COVID—and adapting without a roadmap
Transitioning from sales and jewelry to residential design and construction
The rise of the “one-woman studio” and the cost of wearing every hat
How virtual meetings expanded access while eroding design community
Why lighting plans are foundational—not optional
Designing with intention under real budget constraints
Choosing authenticity over polish in social media marketing
Burnout prevention, creative resets, and the cautious use of AI tools
“I didn’t just start a business during COVID—I learned how to design without a safety net.”
“Virtual meetings made design more accessible, but they took away the intimacy that built real community.”
“Lighting is the difference between a room that looks good and one that actually works.”
“Being a one-woman studio means freedom—but it also means you feel every decision.”
“Not every project needs to be Instagram-perfect to be successful.”
“Clients don’t need more trends—they need clarity.”
“Scaling sounds great until you realize what you might lose creatively.”
“Burnout doesn’t happen all at once. It happens quietly.”
“Authenticity isn’t a brand strategy—it’s a survival tool.”
“AI can help with process, but instinct still drives good design.”
At KBIS 2026, Hearth & Home Technologies reveals how fireplaces are evolving from overlooked amenities into high-value, design-forward features that enhance both homes and builder offerings. We explore the emotional, aesthetic, and technological dimensions of modern fireplaces, from indoor-outdoor integration to bespoke U-shaped configurations. Designers, architects, and builders alike share insights on leveraging fireplaces for resale value, client engagement, and standout home experiences.
Mike Swanson – Director, Segment Marketing | Hearth & Home Technologies
Fireplaces are no longer just a cozy addition—they are strategic assets in home design, builder differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling.
Consumer Demand & Builder Value
Fireplaces rank high on buyer wish lists; 77% of homebuyers desire a fireplace.
Adding a fireplace can increase home value by 10%, comparable to adding a garage.
Fireplaces differentiate homes and engage buyers beyond square footage, integrating lifestyle and personality into living spaces.
Design & Technology Integration
Indoor and outdoor placement flexibility, including direct vent and electric fireplaces.
Heat management technology enabling safe TV placement above fireplaces.
Smart home integration, LED flame effects, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Design-forward considerations: feature walls, proportion, architectural integration, and bespoke finishes.
Custom & Premium Solutions
U-shaped, L-shaped, and multi-sided fireplaces offer signature focal points.
Customization options include firebox décor, decorative panels, and the Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels.
Aligning fireplace sizing with flat-panel TVs and overall home layout for maximum impact.
Builder & Designer Partnerships
Education and engagement through Pro Advantage series, continuing education (AIA, IDEC), and builder programs.
National distribution network ensures on-time delivery and installation support.
Strategies for integrating fireplaces into model homes, luxury projects, and production homes across price points.
Collaboration between architects, designers, and builders to maximize aesthetic, functional, and financial value.
Innovation & Future Outlook
New electric and digital flame technologies (e.g., SimpliFire Allusion Edge, SimpliFire Allusion Heritage).
Product refreshes every three years to maintain style-forward, timeless appeal.
Continuing to expand placement possibilities and premium customization for design-forward homes.
At KBIS 2026 in Orlando, Hearth & Home Technologies showcased how the modern fireplace is evolving from a standard home feature into a high-value, design-forward element that serves builders, designers, and homeowners alike. The conversation revealed that fireplaces are not just a source of warmth—they are strategic tools for engagement, differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling in residential design.
Research consistently shows that fireplaces are among the most desired features in new homes, with 77% of buyers listing them as a priority. Beyond emotional appeal, fireplaces offer tangible value: they can add up to 10% to a home’s resale value—equivalent to a garage—while remaining relatively accessible, starting at approximately $2,000. For builders, fireplaces help differentiate offerings in competitive markets, enhance staging appeal, and align with buyer desires for personalization and interaction.
Modern fireplaces extend well beyond traditional living rooms. Hearth & Home Technologies’ portfolio includes indoor, outdoor, and indoor-outdoor configurations, allowing architects and designers to integrate fireplaces into kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, and shared spaces. Electric fireplaces offer unprecedented placement flexibility, while gas units with direct vent technology allow designers to position flames virtually anywhere without compromising air quality. Heat management innovations also enable TVs to be safely mounted above fireplaces, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Customization and premium finishes remain a hallmark of Hearth & Home’s strategy. Their U-shaped and L-shaped designs, multi-sided fireplaces, and the Stellar by Heat & Glo Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels demonstrate the growing appetite for bespoke elements that reflect homeowners’ individuality. Proportion, scale, and feature integration—such as firebox décor, stone slabs, or quartz surrounds—allow designers to create compelling focal points that harmonize with the broader home environment.
Equally important is the company’s commitment to builder and designer partnerships. Their Pro Advantage program, continuing education courses through AIA and IDEC, and extensive distribution network ensure that both builders and designers have the knowledge, tools, and on-site support to incorporate fireplaces seamlessly. Builders benefit from reliable supply chains and flexible pricing options, while designers gain access to innovative solutions that align with client expectations.
Technology continues to play a central role in Hearth & Home’s product evolution. Wi-Fi-enabled fireplaces, LED rotisserie flames, and digital flame technologies like the SimpliFire Allusion Edge, SimpliFire Allusion Heritage allow homeowners to control ambiance remotely and safely. Wood-burning fireplaces adhere to EPA standards, ensuring environmentally conscious solutions for diverse markets. The company also emphasizes timeless design, prioritizing chic, intentional, and adaptable products over fleeting trends.
As KBIS 2026 demonstrates, fireplaces are more than decorative features—they are emotional anchors, value drivers, and design catalysts. By combining technology, customization, and education, Hearth & Home Technologies positions the fireplace as an essential component of modern residential architecture, offering builders, designers, and homeowners a tool to elevate both experience and value.
Learn More:
Hearth & Home Technologies: https://www.hearthnhome.com
Transforming the Kitchen Experience: How Kitchen365 Streamlines Design, Specification, and Delivery
At KBIS 2026, Bhavin Patel and Hiren Modi of Kitchen365 discuss how their end-to-end technology platform is reshaping the kitchen cabinet industry—making design faster, orders more accurate, and showrooms more agile.
Digitizing Kitchen Design: Kitchen365’s design service accelerates the process from field measurement to final kitchen plan, completing in hours instead of a week.
B2B Order Management System (OMS): Streamlines dealer and distributor interactions, supports tiered pricing, multi-warehouse fulfillment, and integrates with existing design software like ProKitchen.
Consumer-Facing Digital Tools: Price estimators and visualizers allow homeowners to explore and configure kitchens online, reducing showroom dependency.
Reducing Scope Creep & Specification Drift: Digital twins and high-fidelity visualizations ensure designs align with customer expectations, lowering errors and change orders.
Process Integration & Efficiency: CSV-driven workflows reduce manual data entry, freeing staff for higher-value work and increasing accuracy.
Hybrid Showroom Model: Physical showrooms serve as inspiration hubs, while digital platforms handle design, ordering, and lead generation.
Democratizing Information: Transparency across pricing, inventory, and specifications strengthens trust between showrooms, designers, distributors, and clients.
Competitive Advantage Through Workflow: Beyond products and aesthetics, efficiency and integration of design, data, and delivery create the next edge in the kitchen industry.
At KBIS 2026, Kitchen365 is showcasing a transformative approach to the kitchen cabinet industry. Founded to address the fragmented workflows between designers, retailers, and manufacturers, Kitchen365 is more than a software company—it is a full-scale ecosystem that digitizes, automates, and scales the kitchen design process.
Bhavin Patel, President, and Hiren Modi, Co-Founder and CEO, shared their journey of identifying inefficiencies in the industry. From lengthy design cycles that could take a week to fulfill to manual order entry prone to costly errors, the opportunity for modernization was clear. Kitchen365 first tackled this by offering a kitchen design service that allows designers to focus on client interactions while the platform handles technical drawings, reducing turnaround times to mere hours.
The platform’s B2B Order Management System (OMS) revolutionizes distributor and dealer workflows. Tiered pricing, multi-warehouse inventory tracking, and CSV integrations with design software reduce manual errors and improve fulfillment speed. Retailers now have the ability to quickly provide quotes, place orders, and communicate with clients without extensive back-office staffing.
For homeowners, Kitchen365 offers interactive digital tools like price estimators and 3D visualizers, enabling them to explore kitchen options remotely. High-fidelity visualizations and digital twins reduce “specification drift,” ensuring that what is imagined in the design phase aligns with the final installation. This not only minimizes costly post-order changes but also enhances the overall customer experience.
Kitchen365 also empowers showrooms to evolve. Dealers gain enterprise-level digital portals with catalog management, lead generation, and design visualization, all accessible for a modest subscription. This hybrid model integrates physical and digital experiences, giving clients the tactile inspiration of a showroom and the efficiency of an online platform.
Underlying all these innovations is a commitment to transparency. By democratizing information across pricing, inventory, and specifications, Kitchen365 strengthens relationships between distributors, dealers, designers, and end clients. The result is a seamless, efficient, and more confident workflow—from first consultation to final installation.
Bhavin and Hiren emphasize that technology does not replace the human element but amplifies it. Designers become “complexity curators,” focusing on aesthetics and client experience while Kitchen365 handles data management, order accuracy, and process efficiency. The platform exemplifies how technology, when paired with industry expertise, can elevate every participant in the kitchen cabinet ecosystem.
In a market long defined by artisanal craftsmanship and manual processes, Kitchen365 demonstrates that the next competitive advantage isn’t just in style or materials—it’s in integrated, intelligent workflows that make the industry faster, more transparent, and more client-focused.
The emotional impact of our surroundings, the challenges of a multi-year global project, and why the perfect kitchen starts with the “mother archetype.”
Elana Tenenbaum Cline, architecturally trained-interior designer with a fascinating background rooted in both structured discipline and creative layering came into the virtual studio to share her journey from attending Syracuse University’s intensive architecture program to working on massive global projects like the Abu Dhabi Airport.
The conversation explores the “practical creative” mindset, the importance of constraints in design, and the profound shift from large-scale architecture to the intimate human scale of interior design. Elana explains her philosophy that our surroundings completely impact how we perform and think, detailing how she uses personal narratives to craft spaces that truly resonate with her clients.
The Architectural Foundation: Elana discusses growing up with a structured father and a creative mother, and how her five-year architecture degree informs her complex interior renovations today.
The Emotional Connection: Why Elana pivoted to interior design to achieve a more intimate understanding of how people actually live—from how they serve coffee to their favorite childhood colors.
We talk about running and The “Suck” of the Marathon: A unique analogy comparing the phases of a design project to running a marathon, specifically the “mile 20” moment where clients might lose the vision just before the finish line.
Redefining Luxury: Why “luxury” in interior design might be as simple as a perfectly organized silverware drawer rather than just expensive materials.
The Performance of Space: Insights into commercial projects like the West River Surgery Center, where the design’s primary goal is to evoke a sense of ease and calm for patients.
Elements & Links
E: Explore Elana’s portfolio and the “all senses” approach to residential and commercial design.
Syracuse Architecture: Information on the intensive five-year program that shaped Elana’s professional background.
The Soul of a House: A recommended read on the emotional impact of interior spaces.
“I call myself a practical creative. I love being creative, but I love having constraints.”
“What is so beautiful about architecture and interior design is… how do you actually live in the space? How do you think?”
“I believe that our surroundings completely impact how we feel, how we perform, and how we think.”
“Architecture, depending on the scale… can go on for a long time. There is a pace with interiors that keeps me going.”
“Luxury in architecture is a material choice… luxury in interior design might be a silverware organizer in a drawer.”
“In an interior project, mile 20 is when you’ve done all the work… you’re almost there, and the client doesn’t see the vision yet because they can’t sit on it or touch it.”
“I try to use plain speak with clients… even the wealthiest clients all have budgets and want to manage them extremely carefully.”
“You finish a renovation… and they put a pink Dove soap pump from Walgreens on the counter. It’s like a knife to the heart.”
“People want to be outside as much as possible; they want to connect to nature as much as possible while still having access to power and shade.”
Luxury appliances are no longer defined by visibility—they’re defined by intentional invisibility, precision performance, and seamless integration. At KBIS 2026, SKS reveals how thoughtful innovation, AI integration, and designer collaboration are reshaping the kitchen into a quieter, smarter, more intuitive environment. This is the emergence of a new user: the Technicurean.
John Russo explains how Signature Kitchen Suite is redefining luxury through purposeful technology, invisible induction, behavioral AI, and collaborative product development. The future kitchen doesn’t demand attention—it anticipates needs, enhances experiences, and disappears into the architecture.
At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, innovation isn’t simply introduced—it’s tested, challenged, and refined in real time. For Signature Kitchen Suite, KBIS functions as a live laboratory where designers, builders, and specifiers provide critical feedback that directly shapes future product development.
John Russo shares how SKS approaches innovation deliberately, prioritizing purposeful performance over novelty. From invisible induction cooktops integrated beneath countertops to AI-powered refrigeration that anticipates user behavior, the goal is not to showcase technology—but to integrate it so seamlessly that it enhances daily life without disrupting it.
This conversation explores the rise of the Technicurean—a new luxury consumer who values precision, connectivity, and design harmony equally. Through quiet luxury, behavioral intelligence, and deep collaboration with the design community, SKS is building an ecosystem where appliances become architectural infrastructure rather than standalone objects.
KBIS as a Live Product Development Environment
KBIS functions as a real-world testing ground for future innovation.
Designers provide immediate feedback that shapes product refinement.
Concept products are introduced early to validate design direction.
Direct interaction between engineers and specifiers accelerates innovation.
Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium
Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence.
Core principles:
Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.
Performance becomes more important than appearance.
Acoustic comfort is essential—refrigeration operating around 38–39 dB.
Luxury is defined by how appliances make life easier, not how they look.
Invisible Induction and Architectural Integration
SKS is exploring cooktop technology that disappears completely into the countertop.
Implications:
Cooking surfaces no longer interrupt architectural surfaces.
Light-guided induction zones provide precision without visual clutter.
Appliances transition from objects into embedded infrastructure.
Product development includes multi-year concept validation cycles.
The Rise of the “Technicurean” Consumer
The Technicurean represents a growing demographic combining technological fluency with culinary passion.
Characteristics:
Values precision cooking and performance.
Expects seamless integration with digital ecosystems.
Prioritizes experiential quality over feature quantity.
Younger luxury consumers are accelerating this shift.
Purposeful AI: Technology That Anticipates Behavior
AI is being applied to solve practical problems rather than simply introduce novelty.
Examples:
AI-powered refrigeration anticipates usage patterns and adjusts cooling.
Oven cameras identify food and automatically adjust cooking parameters.
Remote monitoring allows users to supervise cooking from anywhere.
Automation reduces cognitive load and improves consistency.
Applicable Link:
LG ThinQ
Precision and Performance as the Foundation of Luxury
SKS emphasizes engineering performance alongside design integration.
Examples:
Induction ranges with 7,000-watt burners capable of boiling water in under a minute.
Column refrigeration producing clear craft ice.
Precision temperature management improves food preservation.
Technology enhances outcomes, not just convenience.
Collaborative Design as a Product Development Strategy
Designers directly influence final product form and function.
Process includes:
Design collective consultations.
Specifier surveys and feedback loops.
Prototype testing and iteration cycles.
Cabinet alignment, integration, and architectural consistency driven by designer input.
Full Home Automation and the Appliance Ecosystem
Appliances are becoming integrated nodes within larger home ecosystems.
Capabilities include:
Voice-controlled appliances.
Integrated lighting, HVAC, and appliance automation.
Recipe-driven automated cooking processes.
Unified control across multiple home systems.
The Invisible Kitchen: How Quiet Luxury and Behavioral Technology Are Redefining Appliance Design
For decades, luxury appliances were designed to be seen. Professional-grade stainless steel, oversized handles, and bold visual presence signaled performance and status. But today, the most important innovation in the luxury kitchen may be its disappearance.
Signature Kitchen Suite is helping lead a shift toward what it calls quiet luxury—a design philosophy where performance is paramount, but visibility is optional. The goal is no longer to showcase the appliance itself, but to integrate it so seamlessly into the architectural environment that it becomes invisible.
This shift reflects a deeper evolution in how luxury is defined. True luxury is no longer about visual dominance. It’s about effortlessness.
Concepts like invisible induction cooktops illustrate this transformation. By placing induction elements beneath the countertop surface, cooking becomes fully integrated into the architecture. When inactive, the kitchen appears uninterrupted. When active, subtle lighting indicates where heat is applied. The appliance becomes infrastructure.
This philosophy extends beyond aesthetics into performance and intelligence.
Artificial intelligence is now being used to anticipate user behavior and improve outcomes. Refrigeration systems can monitor usage patterns and adjust cooling cycles to maintain temperature stability. Oven cameras can identify food and automatically adjust cooking settings. These technologies operate quietly, improving consistency without requiring intervention.
Importantly, this innovation is not happening in isolation.
Events like KBIS provide critical real-world validation. Designers, builders, and specifiers offer immediate feedback, allowing manufacturers to refine products before full release. This collaborative approach ensures that innovation aligns with how kitchens are actually designed and used.
It also reflects the emergence of a new consumer profile: the Technicurean.
This user values precision, connectivity, and design equally. They are comfortable with technology but expect it to serve a clear purpose. They prioritize performance and integration over novelty. For them, the kitchen is not simply a functional workspace—it is part of a larger lifestyle ecosystem.
This shift is also generational. Younger homeowners have grown up with connected technology and expect seamless integration across devices. Appliances must function as part of a unified system rather than standalone tools.
The ultimate goal is not to add complexity, but to remove friction.
Automation, behavioral learning, and architectural integration all contribute to this objective. Appliances anticipate needs, simplify processes, and reduce cognitive load. They enhance experience without demanding attention.
In this future, the most advanced appliances will not announce themselves.
They will disappear.
And in doing so, they will redefine luxury—not as something you see, but as something you feel.
Innovation Under Pressure: Prefab, Modular, and the Future of Resilient Design Under Pressure. Architecture is evolving faster than ever, driven by natural disasters, technology, and client expectations—but how do designers balance innovation with risk, regulation, and lifestyle priorities? Josh Cooperman hosts an unfiltered conversation with Drew Davis, Brian Pinkett, Aaron Neubert, and Joseph Dangaran about prefabrication, modular construction, client programming, and the challenges of rebuilding communities in fire- and flood-prone regions. From the Palisades to Paris, they explore how architecture must adapt—or risk falling behind.
1. Introduction and Context
Host introduction: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design.
Acknowledgements: Kim Gordon Designs (venue), Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (sponsor and industry supporter).
Why the discussion matters: natural disasters as a case study in architecture’s evolving role.
Personal anecdote: Josh’s wildfire experience in 1983 highlighting the urgency of resilient design.
Calgary-based designer Stephanie Martin shares the story of launching her firm during the 2008 financial crisis, the gap between design education and reality, and why hand-crafted authenticity remains vital in the age of AI. She also takes us inside the Rideau Residence, a project blending modern aesthetics with sentimental family history.
Launching in a Recession: Stephanie discusses starting her firm in 2008 during the financial crisis, which heavily impacted Calgary’s oil and gas-driven economy. She attributes her early success to “door-to-door” marketing and building a reputation through exceptional service rather than just aesthetics.
The “Cowboy Town” Reality: A look at Calgary’s diverse culture, strong job market, and affordable housing, countering its reputation as just a “cowboy town.”
Service Over Style: Stephanie emphasizes that the core of her business is caring about the clients’ lives, a lesson she learned early on that differentiates her firm today.
The Evolution of Design Practice
Education vs. Reality: A candid discussion on how design schools often focus on exaggerated creativity while overlooking practical skills like budgeting, timelines, and coordination.
Post-Pandemic Expectations: Clients now prioritize emotional connections and functional spaces over mere aesthetics, seeking designs that actively enhance their well-being.
Sustainability: The conversation touches on the necessity of sustainable building practices, including Stephanie’s experience with passive homes.
Technology & Authenticity
The AI Debate: Stephanie and Josh discuss the rise of AI in design. While Stephanie is optimistic about AI for efficiency, she argues for maintaining “hand-crafted” creativity to ensure designs remain meaningful.
Authentic Marketing: In an era of AI-generated content, Stephanie commits to keeping her social media presence true to her values by showcasing only authentic, human-created work.
Project Spotlight: The Rideau Residence
Modern-Traditional Mix: A deep dive into the kitchen design which juxtaposes modern elements with sentimental details, specifically a brick backsplash sourced from the owner’s grandmother’s house.
Space Transformation: How a formal dining room was reimagined into a dark, masculine office space that contrasts sharply with the rest of the light-filled home.
When interiors meet intention: a dynamic panel on how color theory, holistic living, sustainable materials, and design thinking come together to redefine residential spaces for 2025 and beyond.
Sherwin Williams set out to cover Earth with beautiful colors over 150 years ago. 1866, Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams founded the company in Cleveland, Ohio, on a mission really. And the result is a company dedicated to delivery of thebest in paints, coatings and related products to discerning clients all over the world. That dedication was evident from the start with the hiring of Percy Neyman, the very first chemist employed by an American paint manufacturer. Sherwin Williams continues to set the bar high and provide the design community with the essential tools to create superior projects. Sherwin Williams is commitment to supporting the design community, which is why they sponsor programs, like this one. They are also dedicated to a betterment philosophical approach which is why they selected ‘wellness” as the topic for this talk.Thank you Sherwin Williams for your tireless support.
In this timely conversation, experts from across interior design and sustainable living explore what it means to design for wellness in 2025. Moderated by Sue Wadden and Ashlynn Bourque of Sherwin-Williams, the panel features voices from:
Jeanne Chung (Cozy, Stylish, Chic) — known for crafting spaces that blend comfort, style, and emotional balance.
Julee Ireland (Julee Ireland Design Studio) — bringing a refined, intentional aesthetic rooted in longevity and livable elegance.
Greg Roth (CarbonShack) — spotlighting eco-conscious material sourcing, sustainable practices, and climate-aligned living environments.
Together they examine how interior design can be a catalyst for holistic living — from color palettes that promote calm and emotional balance, to spatial planning that supports aging in place, to circadian lighting and neurodiversity-friendly layouts. The discussion underscores a rising trend: residential interiors inspired by hospitality, wellness, and sustainability principles.
Listeners will come away with fresh ideas on turning their homes into future-proof sanctuaries — design-forward, earth-conscious, and emotionally attuned.
Health span-focused design: Designing spaces that help residents live longer, healthier lives at home.
Aging in place: Home layouts that accommodate long-term functionality and wellness.
Home gyms, saunas, cold plunges: Integrating spa-level wellness amenities in private residences.
Dual kitchens: Inspired by Italian family homes for multigenerational living.
Collaboration with architects: Designers as integral contributors to maximize natural light and spatial flow.
VR visualization: Helping clients experience proportion, scale, and sightlines before construction.
Problem-solving as designers: Addressing unforeseen construction issues creatively while maintaining aesthetics.
Circadian lighting: Lighting systems (e.g., Lutron Ketra) that mimic natural light patterns to support sleep and productivity.
I have a confession to make. I’m exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today!
My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas.
But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That’s true, but here’s a secret. Come a little closer, it’s just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It’s about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years.
You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there’s more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it’s exciting to see it happen in real time.
Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don’t say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes.
Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live.
Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life.
Luxury is durability aligned with intent.
Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten.
Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit.
Luxury is not what you spend. It’s what you never have to rethink.
The Kitchen as the Primary Investment
The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide.
Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space.
The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home.
It represents identity: “I’m a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.”
Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories.
The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem
Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home.
Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler’s pantries) are rising.
Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common.
Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements.
Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets.
Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites.
Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design.
Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home.
Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver
Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.
Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard
Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.
Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen
Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
Flexibility and modular integration are essential.
Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation
Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features.
Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction.
Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems.
Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life
Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical.
Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines.
Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion.
Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium
Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence.
Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.
Performance becomes more important than appearance.
Identity & Evolution in Design
Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant.
Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach.
Burnout vs Ambition
Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor.
Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth.
Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork.
Emotional Labor & Client Management
Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing.
Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures.
Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability.
Social Media & Comparison Culture
Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition.
Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients’ desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception.
These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times.
Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show.
Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living’s Design Advantage
Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever.
Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process.
Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates.
The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry.
Vertical Integration Changes Everything
Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control
Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication
Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations
Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance
Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters
Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum
Performance and longevity are core to brand value
Design as the Core Differentiator
Industrial design roots shape product philosophy
Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture
Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics
Relationships Still Drive Specification
Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential
Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships
Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical
Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry
Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty
Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset
Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth
In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn’t just an operational advantage—it’s a creative one.
For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form.
This control allows for something rare in today’s manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes.
Kirshner’s path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn’t driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity.
Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing.
Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust.
In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living’s approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention.
“Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.”
“Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.”
“You can’t innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.”
“Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.”
“No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we’ll figure it out. That mindset is essential.”
This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take.
Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design
Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth.
Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support.
Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos.
The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking.
At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service.
Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression
Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments
Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times
Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional
Growth Through Challenge and Adversity
Personal and professional hardship builds resilience
Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders
Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities
Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift
Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing
Families are staying connected longer
Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics
The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension
Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos
Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress
Creatives help people reimagine how they live
Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design
Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction
Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value
Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession
Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work
Design is both a gift and a responsibility
For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It’s about supporting a lifetime.
As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time.
That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof.
Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior.
Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one’s ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work.
For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it.
“Architecture isn’t about solving for a moment. It’s about supporting people over time.”
“Through suffering, we become stronger—and that’s what allows us to better serve others.”
“Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.”
“Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.”
“The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”
The New Appliance Ecosystem: Translating Value, Technology, and Human-Centric Design
The modern appliance conversation has shifted beyond features and price into something far more consequential: value, usability, and human-centered design.
Designers, manufacturers, showrooms, and independent testing labs now operate as an interconnected ecosystem guiding consumers through increasingly complex decisions. The future of appliance specification belongs to those who can translate technology into meaningful, intuitive, lifestyle-driven solutions.
Featuring insights from Nicole Papantoniou of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jeff Sweet of Sub-Zero Group Inc., and Christa Mallinger of AJ Madison, this conversation explores how appliances have evolved from commodities into lifestyle infrastructure—and why education, not persuasion, defines the next era.
The appliance industry has entered a human-centric phase, where performance, intuitive use, and real lifestyle benefit outweigh raw features or price alone. Designers act as translators of lifestyle, manufacturers as problem-solvers, and showrooms as educators—collectively helping consumers navigate increasingly sophisticated choices.
Panelists discussed the shift from feature-driven sales toward performance-driven value, emphasizing longevity, ease of use, and frictionless integration into daily life. They also explored the growing role of education, testing standards, showroom partnerships, and post-installation support in helping consumers fully realize the value of their investment.
Technology remains central, but its success depends entirely on reducing friction—not adding novelty. The conversation revealed that the future of appliances lies not in more technology, but in better technology—technology that disappears into the experience.
The Appliance Ecosystem Is Interdependent
Designers interpret lifestyle and aesthetic needs.
Independent testing organizations validate performance and usability.
Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver
Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.
Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard
Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.
Education Is More Important Than Selling
Many consumers buy appliances only once every 10–15 years.
Showrooms and testing labs bridge the knowledge gap.
Post-installation education helps unlock full product potential.
Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen
Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
Flexibility and modular integration are essential.
Technology Adoption Depends on Familiarity and Trust
Induction adoption accelerates when paired with familiar controls.
Consumers embrace technology that feels intuitive and beneficial.
Novelty alone does not guarantee long-term value.
The modern appliance is no longer just a tool. It’s infrastructure.
At KBIS, where the industry gathers annually to define its future, a clear shift has emerged. Appliances are no longer judged solely by features or price, but by how effectively they integrate into human behavior. The question is no longer, “What does it do?” but rather, “What does it enable?”
This shift has elevated the importance of collaboration across the appliance ecosystem. Designers serve as translators, interpreting the client’s lifestyle into functional requirements. Manufacturers act as problem-solvers, engineering solutions grounded in real user needs. Showrooms and retailers bridge the gap between technology and understanding, while independent testing organizations validate claims and ensure products deliver on their promises.
This ecosystem exists because appliance decisions have become more consequential—and more complex.
Unlike consumer electronics, appliances are purchased infrequently. A homeowner may go fifteen years between purchases. During that time, the category evolves dramatically. Induction replaces gas. Steam ovens expand culinary capability. Refrigeration becomes modular, flexible, and architectural. Appliances no longer exist solely in kitchens, but in offices, bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and wellness areas.
With that expansion comes responsibility. Technology must reduce friction, not create it.
Christa, Nicole and Jeff all emphasized that human-centric design now drives product development. Appliances must be intuitive enough to operate without instruction, consistent enough to feel familiar, and purposeful enough to justify their presence. Technology for its own sake has limited value. Technology that removes mental load, improves performance, or enhances daily living defines the future.
This is where education becomes critical.
Showrooms no longer simply display products; they contextualize them. Independent testing organizations evaluate not only performance, but usability, cleanability, and intuitive function. Manufacturers increasingly provide post-installation support, recognizing that the real product experience begins after installation, not at purchase.
Value, therefore, is no longer measured in features alone.
It is measured in longevity. In reliability. In the confidence that a product will perform consistently over time. In the reduction of friction between intention and outcome.
Perhaps most importantly, appliances have become emotional infrastructure. They support gathering, creativity, ritual, and identity. They enable the modern kitchen to function not just as a place of preparation, but as a center of living.
The future of appliances will not be defined by how advanced they are.
It will be defined by how invisible they become—seamlessly enabling life without demanding attention.
And those who understand that distinction—designers, manufacturers, and educators alike—will define the next generation of the built environment.
