Introducing The Design Messengers | 470 | A New Series Designed to Change the Way We Think About The Design Industry

I’m Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo By Design with something brand new for you. A Monday episode of the show, called The Design Messengers. I think you’re going to like this for a number of reason not the least of which is that this is going to make your design business stronger because together, we are going to start thinking differently about this industry and ways to do it better, faster, smarter.

Let me remind you, I’m a journalist, not a designer, and certainly not a consultant, I have interviewed some of the very best in the business and have shared techniques, strategies and ideas that allow you to execute better on your design business. Or, if you are a consumer, of which I hear from many who listen to the show, you know this helps you select the right creative for you, interview designers with a keen understanding of what you want which allows you better to select who is going to be your best partner. 

I have said this a few times and that is one of the main drivers for launching this new brand extension of the podcast. Podcasts are fantastic for learning, entertainment and companionship. What do I have against consultants? Nothing at all. I think business advice is one of the most valuable things you can do to grow a strong and healthy business. Why would you take the advice of a marketer/ consultant who doesn’t really know the technical side of your industry? A former designer who couldn’t make it in the business but instead decides to host a podcast to tell other designers what they couldn’t do or starts a consulting business to share the in’s and out’s of a business that has dramatically changed since they were in the game? Does this sound mean? It’s not intended to be. It is intended to make you think about the information you consume and the purpose it is intended to serve. Let’s be clear, Convo By Design is about storytelling. I am a mirror on the industry with an opinion. I will continue to share my ideas with you, but I don’t:

  1. Tell you what to do.
  2. Tell you what to buy.
  3. Tell you how to think.
  4. Tell you who is not getting the job done.
  5. Tell you how great I am, or all of the wonderful things I have done to make you believe me.
  6. Tell you to believe what I share with you. If you do, you do and if you don’t, that’s cool too.

I will tell you about my experience and share it in context. That context is to position the next story. As a journalist, I’m not here to sell you anything. Not products, services, trips, club memberships, subscriptions. Nothing excepts stories. Stories about our incredible business researched and crafted to help strengthen our industry. Stories that I hope you find interesting and help you think differently about what it is you do. I present a thought and you have a reaction to it.

Why is this important?

I have told you about my time in radio broadcasting. When I first started, it was the early nineties, I was fresh out of college with bright eyes, a curious mind and wanted to succeed. Shortly after, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law. This law deregulated cable service, made some technical changes with regard to censorship options parents could use on individual TV’s but the big thing for me that I did not understand at the time was lifting of the cap on the number of stations radio operators could own. I’ll go straight to the last page and share the ending. It killed local radio. the radio that was local, special and truly unique to your city. If you look at radio in any of the listenership ratings in major markets, medium markets or even most small markets, you will find the same 5 or 6 companies O/O the top stations in each market because they O/O almost all the stations. Radio was once a vibrant, diverse and varied group of individual operators who could be creative in their presentation of the music playlist, personalities in each daypart, the amount of time DJ’s could talk between songs. That is not the case today and if you would like to know why, you can draw a line to the Telcom Act of 1996. I think it stifled creativity in a meaningful way, limited the type of new music we were exposed to and irrevocably changed the future of music by making way for Napster, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube amongst a host of others which is why we use media differently these days and why radio is what it is. How many of you listen to over-the-air radio? Depending on your generation, it probably drops precipitously. 

Industries change based on business climate and appetite for what they offer. The design industry has lost a number of incredible titles over the past years and it’s not just here in the US. This is not just a design industry issue, every category of print is suffering and as both a journalist and lover of design, it saddens me. The pressures on the industry have been caused by a number of factors that includes the cost of paper, printing, paying good writers and the proliferation of digital options. And the outlook for print is not improving with the latest in AI, ease of digital content creation and the subscription squeeze. 

The purpose of The Design Messenger series is to keep you abreast of new developments, the latest media and business ideas. Yes, I am a mirror on the industry but I also have a take and I plan on sharing this take with you measured against facts, opinion and results.

Would you really want a former stock broker telling you what your clients want and how you should specify your work? I wouldn’t. So, if you want to know how to better keep your books, find a great content hosted by an accountant. There are many truly amazing podcasts hosted by lawyers about contracts, hiring managers share best practices about hiring and recruiting. With only so many hours in the day, why not prioritize the “free” time you do have and make that information count. Please understand, there are also a number of wonderful shows hosted by actual working designers sharing their strategies with you and that is amazing. Those shows should be in your queue.

This is also a living, breathing idea that has changed in real time, because that is the new reality. Over the years, I have shared business ideas with you. Not the blocking and tackling of your day to day, but what is happening in the world of creative businesses and what others are doing, perhaps in other industries that you might be able to use to execute better on your day to day. Monday’s on The Design Messenger episodes of Convo By Design, you will find actionable ways to start your week, perhaps thinking a bit differently about this vibrant and diverse industry of ours. Perhaps we will be talking about AI, stock market financials of some of the biggest companies in the design space. Why, because you can learn a great deal about what the clients are spending on by the performance of these companies. The Design Messenger episodes will also be sharing trending ideas in the business that allow you to know whats coming well before they become the trends that the trade pubs tell you are the next “must haves”.

What’s the point? Have you ever heard of Evolutionary Adaptation? Evolutionary adaptation is what organisms do by way of adapting to  the changing circumstances of their environment to improve their chances of survival. In the wild, the attached article demonstrates how birds eyes are getting smaller to account for light pollution. Have you noticed that most schools have perimeter fences where there were none 5, 10 years ago. We all know why that is happening. But we rarely think about it. This is not about a color for this year, but an adaptive change that designers, architects, landscape architects can use to do more, better business. On the show, we have been talking about the multi-kitchen household. Conventional design thought had one kitchen in the home and some form of exposed fire for cooking outdoors. Look at what the industry has done with the outdoor kitchen, working kitchens, butlers Pantry and scullery. Many a landscape architect are now experts in the outdoor culinary pavilion.  That should be the domain of the interior designer. That is a business extension given away because it happens to reside on the other side of the threshold. If you could add an $80,000+ room to every project you design, would you? You can listen back some episodes ago where I share the story of the record companies vs. radio. And radio vs. Apple. Same exact thing but it happened in the 1990’s. As Mark Twain said, “History may not repeat itself, but it rhymes.” We will certainly be exploring more of these ideas.

Think differently about what you say.

In November of 2023, I produced the programming lounge at the WestEdge Design Fair as I have for many of the 8 editions of the show.  In preparation for casting and while ideating new and different programming concepts, I did a great deal of research and if you are a designer, architect, showroom owner, manufacturer or anyone else that i would consider for the programming stage, its an interview for which many don’t even know they are being interviewed. And, I am not alone in this. As a journalist, every contributor, editor, publisher should be looking at the social media of those with whom we might want to work. I have been watching the social media feeds of many creatives and I think it warrants mentioning that your social media feed might be costing you opportunities.

It doesn’t matter what you think about wars around the world, when you take a side, you are offending those who believe the other side of the conflict. This not only affects the usual third-rails like politics and religion but everything… The false consensus effect is the idea that individuals are predisposed to the idea that their own beliefs and ideas are correct. It’s a cognitive bias.  It’s the idea that others believe what they believe. 

You might very well be costing yourself, your firm, your brand by posting the non-endemic commentary. By endemic, I refer to your company goals, ideals and values. You will rarely see in the “about” section of any website what a firm or individuals “values” or “morals” happen to be. Many I have spoken with say that they limit what they share in their “about” to be vague. As not to offend or limit who might be interested in what they do, potential clients,, editors, etc. Yet, their social profiles scream of things many would never discuss were they on a programming stage in front of a live and engaged audience. 

I will tell you that as a programmer, I will not cast someone who has the tendency to veer off course and potentially derail a focused conversation. The biggest problem here is that the individuals who do this have no idea that there were consequences for their opinions. If you have a business profile, use that to promote your business philosophy. Save your personal views for your personal or your burner profile. 

There is a showroom owner I follow on social media. I don’t follow this individual because I like their commentary. I do like much of what they produce, and no, I will not be sharing the name of this individual here. I use them as an adverse example. I “what not to do” sample, if you will. When speaking in person with creatives to demonstrate this idea and this particular showroom owner is the perfect example of what NOT to do. Why? First, they live for lists. We have spoken about “lists” before and why I dislike them as much as I do. They use big name designers in these lists in the hopes of getting said designers to repost. It’s marketing, yes. But it’s pedestrian and purely click-bait. This individual also takes shots at other showrooms. This is a terrible idea for a litany of reasons not the least of which is that it just makes you a jerk in the eyes of those specifiers who use that brands product in their work. If you were to stand in front of a group and simply trash brands because you don’t like them, the odds are not in your favor that you would exit that environment with a positive outcome. And while vague, that can mean a number of things like diminished reputation, loss of sales and or influence within the design community. Free speech you say. We all know that free speech has consequences. You can say it. But, you then have to live with the consequences. Life is hard enough as it is. Don’t go out of your way to make it more difficult. I read an article called, Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid, by Jonathan Haidt from the May 2022Issue of The Atlantic. Haight makes reference to the tower of Babel. It’s a great read and makes some interesting points about how our ideas, language and deployment of our ideas has become an incomprehensible mess. 

Thinking differently about your words and context is vital to not just your success, but the success of our industry. I have mentioned my days in radio before and that is the perfect industry to use as one that had it all. For decades, radio enjoyed a monopolistic rarity, still does for those companies that own radio frequencies on the AF and FM bands. Same for TV.  But, they took this for granted, lacked vision and imagination. Now, they do not enjoy that same exclusivity because you can watch, listen and publish anytime, anywhere on so many different platforms, they cannot all be mentioned here. Same story for the record labels and General Motors which could have had the absolute exclusive on electric vehicles for decades which might have meant on Tesla, no Rivian, no Fisker, no Prius. Do you think if they knew then what they know now, they might have done things differently?

This is The Design Messengers, an audio essay crafted to get your week of to a great start by sharing ideas to launch you into being the best you can be in all your endeavors but specifically, as a creative in the design and architecture space. Thank you for listening. If you are not already a subscriber, please consider subscribing to the show so you receive every episode of The Design Messengers and Convo By Design automatically when they are published. If you are listening to us for the first time, you can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. If you are so inclined, please also consider following on IG @ConvoXDesign with an “X”. Be well and take today first. -CXD

Under Construction; Building Communities with Purpose | 469 | WestEdge Wednesday No. Two

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with another installment of Convo By Design presents WestEdge Wednesday, a look back at all of the incredible programming from the 2023 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair. These conversations were held live on the stage crafted by Marbe Designs and presented by BR Home. This conversation is entitled, Under Construction, Building Communities with Purpose. This chat features Actor, producer and author, Malinda Williams, entrepreneur Kynderly Haskins, University of Southern California’s Lauren Dandridge and designer and founder of Blackbird House, Bridgid Coulter Cheadle. This talk focuses on the building of actual communities through a co-working and event venue called Blackbird House in Culver City, California. This space was created to provide a safe and welcoming space for women of color and allies as they say, “to create positive change by providing safe space for collaboration both virtually and in-person.” But, there’s more to it. The why, how and how can concepts like these can both enhance the quality of work and quality of life simultaneously. Thank you for listening to this episode of the podcast. For more, please make sure you are subscribing to the feed and check our IG often for new conversations. This chat was amazing and was held live on the stage designed by Marbe Designs and presented by BR Home.

For those not familiar …   The Banana Republic lifestyle brand portfolio is known for delivering timeless ready-to-wear styles, and BR Home signals the brand’s transformation into a leading destination for the modern explorer.  Expanding across living room, bedroom and dining room furniture as well as lighting, bedding, and home décor, BR Home showcases materials and craftsmanship from around the world, showcasing signature design details, warm, textural layers, natural materials and traditional production techniques.

For links to everything associated with this conversation, please check the podcast episode notes accessible from the “podcast” tab from Convo By Design. Thanks for watching and listening, here’s Bridgid.

Drinking About Design No. One | 467 | A Journalist, Designer and Architect Walk into a Bar feat John McClain and Erik Peterson

I’m Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo By Design with something new for you. Dropping this on Friday, for a very good reason. You’re going to want to get a drink, we’ll wait…

 In the summer of 2020, the pandemic was in full effect. We were all locked in and trying to figure out what was going to happen next. You remember, you were doing the exact same thing. So, besides the day drinking and looking up old friends on Facebook, I was trying to learn new ways to be socially engaged. On at least one occasion, John McClain, Erik Peterson and I, met via Zoom to share a few pops and tell stories. One of things I did during that time was binge watch Drunk History, Dinner for Five and Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown and No Reservations. Ground breaking shows that I never could find the time to watch before.

I became enamored with the skill by which Anthony Bourdain found a complete language revolving around found and association to society, how Jon Favreau could take 4 celebrities and craft a vibrant tableau out of each of the stories shared around a table. How Derek Waters told stories through the honest interpretations of historical events through the drunken lens of comics woven together as a tapestry featuring some of the funniest people working in Hollywood.

Then all of a sudden, it was over. Things opened up all at once and we all got busy. Really busy. I’ve been missing some of those evenings at the virtual bar, My virtual bar is called, Big D Energy. Big Design Energy for my Hip Hop loving friends. I wouldnt want you to get the wrong idea.

So I got an idea that I have been toying with for about 2 years and I finally got a chance to do it. And what better way to launch this than to reunite with John and Erik.

John McClain tells the story of William Haines I’m also sharing an interesting story you might find illuminating.

Erik Peterson is talking about Al Beadle. You have probably never heard of Al Beadle? Well, you will now. 

This is just 3 friends getting together at the local virtual watering hole, talking a little shit and telling stories. And, yes, this is very different than the episodes of the show you have heard in the past. We’re drinking and this episode carries the Explicit label. If you are sensitive to some salty language, you might want to delete this episode and move on to the next one. With that, I give you the first installment of Drinking About Design. 

This was the first installment of Drinking About Design featuring John McClain and Erik Peterson sharing stories about William Haines and Al Beadle. Two incredible talents, and good friends. Thank you both for doing this. For notes, drink recipe’s and further links to the stories and work you heard about here, check the show notes. Thanks for listening. Cheers. 

UpCycled, Repurposed, Local and Fabulous Specifying and Sourcing Local | 466 | WestEdge Wednesday No. One

I’m Josh Cooperman with Convo By Design and this is the first of a 10 part series called Convo By Design presents WestEdge Wednesday’s with conversation held at the WestEdge Design Fair in late November, 2023 from Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California. 

This conversation features Moya O’Neill of Moya Living,Nancy Russert of Les Beaux Interiors and Twist Custom, Lenora Aguilar and Judy Davis of Vintage Junktion and moderated by Luxe Magazine’s Kelly Phillips Badal. This is a conversation called, Up-Cycled, Recycled, Repurposed, Local and Fabulous; Specifying and Sourcing Locally. The idea here is that design has entered a new era. One that is not defined by beauty or expense alone. We have entered an experiential phase of interior design, landscape design, exteriors and architecture. One that places a greater value on the experience and enjoyment of materiality, objects and usefulness of things as opposed to simply how expensive, luxurious or rare things happen to be. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of the podcast. For more, please make sure you are subscribing to the feed and check our IG often for new conversations. This chat was amazing and was held live on the stage designed by Marbe Designs and presented by BR Home.

For those not familiar …   The Banana Republic lifestyle brand portfolio is known for delivering timeless ready-to-wear styles, and BR Home signals the brand’s transformation into a leading destination for the modern explorer.  Expanding across living room, bedroom and dining room furniture as well as lighting, bedding, and home décor, BR Home showcases materials and craftsmanship from around the world, showcasing signature design details, warm, textural layers, natural materials and traditional production techniques.

For links to everything associated with this conversation, please check the podcast episode notes accessible from the “podcast” tab from Convo By Design. 

Thank you Moya, Judy, Lenora, Nancy and Kelly for your incredible insights, knowledge base and willingness to share your gifts. So, let’s get to it. Here’s Kelly Phillips Badal.

A Family Owned Company Putting Designers First for Over 65 Years | 465 | Mitch & Murray Altman + the 2023 Steam Shower Contest Winners

In October, I headed out for Round Rock, Texas to help celebrate ThermaSol’s 65th anniversary. A few thoughts before I share the details of this happening. If you have listened to the show for any amount of time over the past four years, you have heard me telling you about ThermaSol, they are the presenting partner of the podcast and I have had the good fortune to both tour the factory and spend some time with Mitch Altman, 3rd generation president and CEO of ThermaSol. On this most recent trip, I also had the opportunity to sit with Murray Altman, 2nd generation president and CEO, and Mitch’s father. 

I am a fan of ThermaSol for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that we have been working together for quite some time. I have seen how Mitch runs his company, how he treats his employees, his customers and the design talent who specify ThermaSol for their projects. I am also a fan of ThermaSol for the manner in which they make their products. With care, with skill and with both the best engineering practices as well as a policy of line testing every unit before it leaves the factory. No other company in the space that I know of provides the same level of pride in manufacturing and then stands by the product for life. It just doesn’t seem to exist elsewhere. But it does at ThermaSol, and you are about to hear why.

The story behind the design is what designers are looking for on behalf of their clients now and that is a great thing. Product quality should be rewarded, business should be awarded to companies who look out for their clients and customers. Offering the best in the industry should warrant designer and client loyalty, I believe this, full stop. If you haven’t yet looked into ThermaSol, this episode is for you. And if you are one of the premier designers who specify ThermaSol, I hope you enjoy this episode as well because it will give you a deeper and more nuanced narrative to share.

In this episode of the podcast, you are going to first hear my conversation with Mitch Altman, then you  will hear from Murray Altman. Following that, you are going to hear from two extraordinary creatives who were the recipients of ThermaSol’s design awards for their work in bathroom and steam shower design. Nadja Pentic of Knock Knock Design and Allison Cottet of House of Cottet created some amazing designs and I am really happy to share them with you. So let’s get to it, right after this.

So, there you go. The story comes full circle when you hear what the goal was at the company’s  founding 65 years ago and what it has become since. Innovators, creators and purveyors of the finest steam generators on the market today. Crafted with purpose and precision. Each tested on the line before it leaves the factory and comes with a lifetime warranty. Hopefully you understand why I am such a fan. Thank you Mitch, Murray, Allison and Nadja for sharing your story and exquisite work. Thank you to my partners and sponsors, ThermaSol, Design Hardware and Moya Living for your continued and unwavering support of the show and for the design community.

For more stories like these from the design community, please make sure you are subscribing to the podcast, so you receive new episodes automatically when they are published. That way, you never miss an episode. Convo By Design is available everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening, until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

The Gratitude You Deserve | 463 | Putting A Bow on 2023

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. I have no interview to share with you today. No spectacular chat about design, no upcoming promotion, no BOOKLOOK, nope. Just two simple words followed by a few more to expand on the thought. Thank you. 

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show, email me with guest suggestions and show ideas. Thank you for coming out to Convo By Design events, watching and liking the silly videos on IG, subscribing to the show and for supporting the sponsors of the show.

Speaking of which, thank you to my partners and sponsors, ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware. Your support of the show is what allows me and our editorial team to do this. Your support of the design and architecture community is special and I’m thankful for you.

Thank you to the guests who take the time to share a bit of themselves, their skill and that special something that has catapulted them to the levels at which we find them. Thank you to Soho Home in West Hollywood for serving as the location for our 10th anniversary celebration. 10 years. Cannot believe I have been doing this show for that long. Like any success, nobody does it alone. No one. We all have help form friends as well as the generosity of strangers. I have never met most of you who listen to the show. But you listen, and I’m thankful. I have met a number of listeners at events where I attend and speak. This year alone, Las Vegas Market, KBIS, West Hollywood Design District, ASID Orange County, the A&D Building in New York, Dallas Market Center and WestEdge Design Fair. To all my publicist friends, thank you for trusting me with your clients. To the brands I work with, thank you for trusting me with your messaging and content production. To the designers and architects with whom I have spoken this year and the previous years, thank you for making the time to tell your stories on the show. 

To all of you within the sound of my voice, thank you and I hope this holiday season is everything you want it to be. I hope you get the chance to slow down a bit, maybe even stop for a few days, spend time with friends and loved ones because at the end of the day, that’s what is really important. Well, I promised short. Happy holidays. Be well and until we meet back here, next year, take today first. – CXD

Change is Constant. Adapting to Your Creative Vision | 462 | Elisa Baran + A New BOOKLOOK feat. Homes By Byrd

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design and in this episode of the podcast, you are going to hear from designer, Elisa Baran. Baran and her eponymous bi-coastal firm are responsible for some interesting new looks. She has a very unique perspective on materiality, and the meaning of perfection in her work. Part of this includes application of wabi-sabi and brutalism in her otherwise softer and muted work for what is truly a unique new look, one that I believe will gain traction as Elisa garners more attention.

Before we get to my chat with Baran, it’s time for another BOOKLOOK segment of the show featuring; Homes By Byrd, The Art and Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son Gary, a new offering by Chris Lukather showcasing the work of Robert Byrd and his son Gary, as the title suggests. This book is an amazingly fun trot down memory lane for people like me who grew up in SoCal and love architecture. Byrd rose to prominence at a time when one could perform the work of an architect without actually being a licensed architect. For those of you who listened to the tragic story of 1001 North Roxbury. In that situation, not Byrd, but Carlton L. Burgess designed a world-class home despite not being a licensed architect. 

I wonder if he had been licensed, if that might have dampened his creative approach to residential design? First Robert Byrd and then later, work by his son, Gary represent some of the most identifiable architecture of the San Fernando Valley. The whimsical approach to residential design with flagstone patios, leaded glass windows, fun and fanciful brickwork, shingles and forever views of pools, canyons, yards and open spaces. Low slung walls with rooflines that seemingly extend off cliffs. Turret-like chimneys, all lend to the feeling of the San Fernando Valley from the perspective of a young-Angeleno with a passion for architecture and design. I grew up in a home similar to this and if you are not from LA, though Byrd and his son, Gary did work in other states, this is a SoCal design story. But, the great part is, you don’t need to be from LA to appreciate the Byrds’ work. And it’s right her in this book from Lukather, to view, peruse, learn about and enjoy. The book is called, Homes By Byrd: The Art & Architecture of Robert Byrd and His Son Gary. Check the show notes for a link to buy.

As we explore Elisa Baran’s work, follow along here.

Thank you, Elisa. I am so happy that we finally met and had the opportunity to talk. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and thank you for the work you’re doing. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your partnership and support.And, thank you for taking the time out of your day to listen to the show. I hope this allows you to think about things in new ways. 

As we put a bow on 2023, there are a few things you should know. I have some really fun, productive and exciting new programming for you in 2024. It includes The Design Messengers, a brand new Monday episode that will cover issues, news, developments and ideas for you to grow your design business. I stopped covering the business of design a few years ago as there was a flood of new podcasts that were covering the business of home and design. That’s not what The Design Messengers is, instead of business tips, this is going to be a synopsized, high level view of new concepts, economic developments, technological advancements and other ideas that I think will help you launch into your week. These episodes will drop on select Mondays. Sometimes, every Monday, sometimes not. But, as long as you are subscribing to the podcast, you will receive them automatically in your feed. 

I will also be publishing a new series called WestEdge Wednesday. These will feature the conversations that took place live from the WestEdge Design Fair in Santa Monica, California. If you missed the show, you can hear all the talks as if you were there in person.

I also have two additional new series that will be published to the feed. Throwback Thursdays featuring some of your favorite design talent that have appeared on the show over the past 11 years and Drinking About Design, a Friday series where I get together virtually with fun and amazing design and architecture talent and we uncover stories from the world of design while getting a little loose. I think you are going to really love these and hey, if you are so inclined, plan on listening to the show on a Friday afternoon with a pop or two of your own. It’ll be a thing.

Please keep those emails coming. Convo by design @ outlook.com with show suggestions, guest ideas, just to say ‘hello’ .Thanks again, and until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Fearless and Faithful. Leaning In on Heritage and Trusting Her Talent | 461 | Rachel Moriarty

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design featuring a designer I have know about for a long time but only recently had the opportunity to speak with. She is an amazing creative with an incredible perspective on life and design.

It’s true that I have known about Rachel Moriarty for quite some time. Have you ever felt like you really know someone even though you never actually met? That is how this was for me and hen I finally saw her at the Feizy showroom in Las Vegas, I just introduced myself and following that brief introduction, you have the following conversation. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you, Rachel. I am so happy that we finally met and had the opportunity to talk. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and thank you for the work you’re doing. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your partnership and support.And, thank you for taking the time out of your day to listen to the show. I hope this allows you to think about things in new ways. 

As we put a bow on 2023, there are a few things you should know. I have some really fun, productive and exciting new programming for you in 2024. It includes The Design Messengers, a brand new Monday episode that will cover issues, news, developments and ideas for you to grow your design business. I stopped covering the business of design a few years ago as there was a flood of new podcasts that were covering the business of home and design. That’s not what The Design Messengers is, instead of business tips, this is going to be a synopsized, high level view of new concepts, economic developments, technological advancements and other ideas that I think will help you launch into your week. These episodes will drop on select Mondays. Sometimes, every Monday, sometimes not. But, as long as you are subscribing to the podcast, you will receive them automatically in your feed. 

I will also be publishing a new series called WestEdge Wednesday. These will feature the conversations that took place live from the WestEdge Design Fair in Santa Monica, California. If you missed the show, you can hear all the talks as if you were there in person.

I also have two additional new series that will be published to the feed. Throwback Thursdays featuring some of your favorite design talent that have appeared on the show over the past 11 years and Drinking About Design, a Friday series where I get together virtually with fun and amazing design and architecture talent and we uncover stories from the world of design while getting a little loose. I think you are going to really love these and hey, if you are so inclined, plan on listening to the show on a Friday afternoon with a pop or two of your own. It’ll be a thing.

Please keep those emails coming. Convobydesign@outlook.com with show suggestions, guest ideas, just to say ‘hello’ .Thanks again, and until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

An Oasis of Design Love When it’s Needed Most | 460 | The Oasis Alliance

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a story about giving back. On the show, over the past year, you have heard me talking about The Oasis Alliance, an organization co-designing the personal spaces of trauma survivors. Their vision, clearly stated….The Oasis Alliance envisions a world where every trauma survivor has a dignified place of refuge to refuel and recharge.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

The Oasis Alliance – Providing design to those in need.

The thing about trauma is you can’t just look at them and instinctively see their pain. You don’t know what people have been going through any more than someone else can look at you and know your pain, anxiety, discomfort. If you are a design enthusiast, as in, a fan, perhaps a client, but not in the business but have worked with a designer or architect, you know and have experienced the power of design. Many of the designers I speak with have experienced the gratitude of their clients, the recognition from media or on social platforms that showcase images of the work. But design is more meaningful than that.

Trauma is universal in that everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. For others, life went a direction then otherwise desired. Trauma became a constant and anyone who has experienced or loves someone who has been affected by traumatic events, you know, the scars are invisible and long lasting. A safe space is critical to renewal through recovery.

Design has the power to transform lives from within by providing spaces that have been ideated and crafted to foster wellness, inspire creativity or act as a safe-space, a refuge or even just a place to stop and experience peace and quiet. This conversation features Danielle Woodhouse-Johnson, founder and executive director of The Oasis Alliance. You are going to hear her story and the “why” behind this project, right after this.

Thank you, Danielle. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and thank you for the work you’re doing. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your partnership and support.And, thank you for taking the time out of your day to listen to the show. I hope this allows you to think about things in new ways. 

Please keep those emails coming. Convo by design @ Outlook.com with show suggestions, guest ideas, just to say ‘hello’ or from this episode, to find out how to be a part of The Oasis Alliance.Thanks again, and until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Sensational Tactile Creations that Loom Large in a Time of Renewed Artistic Appreciation | 459 | William Storms

Have you ever heard about the “mathematical driven craftsman”? I had never heard the term before but after speaking with the founder of his eponymous, Brooklyn based textile studio, I understand. And I think after hearing his story, you will understand as well. 

Woven deep into the fabric of William Storms DNA lies an almost primal desire to create from instinct. To weave a story into the work he crafts and looming large within the narrative is a strong desire to make something never before seen and at a time when there is a premium placed on unique, original, handmade work, William Storms is someone you should know.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

Side note. I do love that hand-made artistry has found its way back into design. I believe craftsmanship matters again. For a while, it was lost due to the proliferation of massed produced, cheaper product from destinations near and far. Craftsmanship matters because i don’t care for cookie-cutter and I think most designers and certainly clients feel the same way. It’s a challenge finding creative artisans and that is one of the reasons why I actively seek them out. And you are going to hear William’s story, right after this.

Thank you, William. Loved our chat, love the work. Thank you for making the time to speak with me. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your partnership and support.And, thank you for taking the time out of your day to listen to the show. I hope this allows you to think about things in new ways. 

Please keep those emails coming. Convo by design @ outlook.com with show suggestions, guest ideas or just to say ‘hello’, I love hearing from you. Thanks again, and until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD