Category Archives: International Design

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

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

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

Show Topics & Segment Outline:

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

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

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

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

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

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

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

Talking Points:

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

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

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

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

CXD Icon Registry November 2025: Sue Firestone | 623 | California Style, Creative Evolution, and the Art of Enduring Design

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California native Sue Firestone reflects on five decades of creativity, resilience, and reinvention—from Malibu’s fires to Montecito’s rebirth, from model homes to hospitality design, and from Disney resorts to her namesake product lines.  SFA Design founder Sue Firestone to explore how her lifelong relationship with nature, her passion for authenticity, and her intuitive approach to design continue to shape California’s aesthetic identity. From building one of the largest model home merchandising firms in the country to collaborating with Disney and launching her own collections, Firestone shares how creative intuition, empathy, and mentorship have guided her through the shifting tides of design and business.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company. Pacific Sales is comprised of long time professionals who love design and architecture as much as you do. Which is why it is so fitting that they present this recognition of some of the worlds greatest design talent every month here on Convo By Design. You are going to hear all about hit, right after this.

Show Topics:

  • Origins of a Designer: Growing up in Malibu, studying pottery, and finding her way into interior design.
  • California’s Resilient Spirit: Reflections on natural disasters, community recovery, and the role of design in rebuilding.
  • Design as a Learned Craft: Why intuition helps, but practice, empathy, and listening are key to mastering the art.
  • From Model Homes to Hospitality: Building a design empire through flexibility, storytelling, and collaboration.
  • Inside the Disney Experience: Working under Michael Eisner, defining narrative-driven environments, and lessons in leadership.
  • Letting Go of Control: How to scale creativity—mentoring, trusting teams, and avoiding micromanagement.
  • The California Look: Organic, sustainable, and casual-luxury living as an enduring influence.
  • Product Design & Legacy: Transitioning from client work to her own branded lines with Kravet and A. Rudin.
  • Business of Design: How retail and social media shifted client behavior—and why great design still requires professionals.
  • The Next Generation: Why designers must remain storytellers, environmentalists, and lifelong learners.

This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Sue..

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

Designing for Experience | 619 | A Conversation with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales

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Today, I sit down with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales about how retail, design, and customer experience intersect in today’s market. Gonzalez shares how Pacific Sales’ culture of continuous learning and a customer first sales model has helped establish the company as the West Coast’s leading appliance retailer. 

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

EZ and I explore long-term partnerships, wellness-focused design, and the importance of storytelling in shaping client experiences and how the brand’s people-first approach to retail sets it apart in the design industry. With immersive showrooms, a strong emphasis on education, and community partnerships that extend beyond the showroom floor, Pacific Sales is redefining what it means to support both trade professionals and homeowners. Gonzalez also unpacks timely challenges facing designers and clients—from navigating project uncertainty to incorporating wellness as a fundamental design principle.

Topics and Ideas

  • Pacific Sales’ Culture & Philosophy
    How a non-commissioned, education-driven model creates trust and long-term value for customers and trade partners.
  • Partnerships & Community Engagement
    Building meaningful relationships across KBIS, CEDIA, West Edge, and supporting organizations like Saint Jude.
  • Wellness as a Design Standard
    From circadian lighting to functional home workspaces, why wellness is no longer a luxury but an essential part of design.
  • Design in Uncertain Times
    Why informed decision-making, collaboration, and storytelling help clients and designers navigate long projects.
  • Mentorship & Professional Growth
    Supporting the next generation of design professionals through education, rewards programs, and a culture of learning.
  • Retail Meets Design
    How immersive showrooms and Pacific Sales’ connection to Best Buy combine to deliver expertise, installation, and ongoing support.

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

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

Maximalist Visions: Navigating Design, Technology, and Trends Post-Pandemic | 616 | Alex Alonso of Mr. Alex Tate

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Today on the show, Mr. Alex Tate’s, Alex Alonso and I discuss the evolution of interior design, exploring how technology, client expectations, and personal vision shape today’s industry from AI integration to marketing strategies and maximalist design philosophy, this conversation examines how designers adapt to market shifts while staying true to their creative ethos.

I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Alex for a litany of reasons and I’ll share some of them with you, but first, know this… And, you are going to hear it. Alex is an unapologetic Maximalist. And as we begin to discuss it, you will hear him launch in about the idea of clutter and then demonstrate how it’s not what people say something is but what a talented creative can do with an idea. Listen for that because it was a really fun exchange. Here are some of the other ideas you will hear more about in the following conversation.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

Design Industry Evolution: Discussion on how the past three years reshaped design business approaches, client expectations, and industry trends.

Budgets and Client Chemistry: Emphasis on project fit over budget size and navigating increased transparency due to social media.

AI and Technology: Exploring AI’s role in speeding processes, educating clients, and enhancing personalized design without compromising creativity.

Maintaining Design Vision: Importance of staying true to one’s aesthetic, turning down projects that don’t align, and creating layered, meaningful spaces.

Marketing and Brand Strategy: Leveraging SEO, SEM, PR, and controlled distribution to build visibility while maintaining authenticity.

Publications and Industry Platforms: Critique of celebrity-driven content and the responsibility of publications to support diverse talent.

Trends vs. Thoughtful Design: Conversation on biophilic design in bathrooms and balancing trend adoption with thoughtful creativity.

Maximalist Philosophy and Brand Extensions: Exploring potential ventures like curated retail spaces or historical renovation studios, all aligned with layered, maximalist design principles.

Ultimately, designers must balance business strategy with creative integrity, embrace technology judiciously, prioritize client alignment, and maintain a clear, authentic brand message. Loved this and I think you will too. It’s coming right up, after this.

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

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

Commune & Remains Lighting: Craft, Collaboration, and the Philosophy of Design | 615 | A Double Episode for Twice the Inspiration on Convo By Design

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This special two-part episode features Roman Alonso of Commune and David Calligeros of Remains Lighting in two distinct conversations exploring origins, philosophy, and the meaning of design partnerships.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

From salvaging antiques to designing timeless interiors, David and Roman share stories of growth, collaboration, and craft. What began as a single interview turned into a richer double feature—a master class in design values, sustainability, and the essential philosophies behind two influential studios.

Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting

  • Origins and Influences: From antiques and architectural salvage to a design career shaped by an arts-influenced mother and an engineer father.
  • The Birth of Remains: Starting in Manhattan in 1995, evolving from antiques into lighting design.
  • Engineering Meets Art: Marrying technical precision with artistic intuition.
  • Custom Work & Collaborations: Partnering with Commune, Robert A.M. Stern, Matthew Fisher, and others.
  • IP, Dupes & Authenticity: Protecting design through integrity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
  • Sustainability & Craft: LEED Gold Brooklyn factory, solar array, stormwater recycling, and green production practices.
  • Business & Market Challenges: Navigating the 2008 crash, tariffs, and the value of US-based manufacturing.
  • Philosophy: Design as a question-driven, ethical practice rooted in long-term value and collaboration.

Link: Remains Lighting

Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune

  • Origins and Career Path: From Caracas to Miami, Boston, New York, and LA; a career spanning publishing, fashion, and interiors.
  • Formation of Commune Studio (2003): Built around collaboration, essentialism, and quality.
  • Studio Philosophy: Purposeful, small by design, focused on meaningful work and enduring value.
  • Influences: Latin American upbringing, Isaac Mizrahi, Lisa Eisner, and lessons from fashion and editorial worlds.
  • Product Development: Solving real design problems, prototyping in-house before release.
  • Collaboration: Strategic partnerships (including Remains Lighting) to ensure usability and quality.
  • Personal Philosophy: Stoicism, fairness, ethical production, and acknowledging imposter syndrome.
  • Evolution of the Firm: Scaling deliberately—growing reach through products and partnerships while keeping the studio intimate.
  • Quotes:
    • “Good design shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right.”
    • “Design is about editing, listening, and creating solutions that people might not even know they need.”

This episode illustrates how partnerships in design aren’t just about collaboration—they’re about shared values, craft, and philosophy. By hearing these conversations separately, you’ll gain insights into two distinct but complementary approaches to design, sustainability, and creativity.

So much to take in. This was a master class on how to structure, nurture and grow design partnerships. Make sure you check the show notes for links and notes about all of the topics covered. Thank you, David and Roman for doing this and being so willing to share your thoughts, ideas and practice. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.

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

Florida Design, Resilience, and the Future of Luxury Interiors | 613 | Renée Gaddis Renee Gaddis Interiors on Convo By Design

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In a wide-ranging conversation, I sat down with Renée Gaddis, founder of Renée Gaddis Interiors, to explore Florida’s distinct design influences, the evolving role of designers in storm-prone regions, and the business of luxury interiors in uncertain times. Speaking from Naples, Florida, Gaddis compared her region’s design sensibilities to other parts of the state, noting a blend of Midwestern, European, and Southern traditions. While many of her clients lean toward transitional or traditional styles, she observed that Miami remains more open to modern aesthetics.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

The discussion turned to real estate trends fueled by the pandemic, which brought an influx of new homeowners to Florida. Gaddis shared how this surge, combined with a major hurricane, reshaped her approach to client selection and project scope. She emphasized her boutique model, strong referral base, and commitment to seamlessly integrating interiors with exteriors to embrace Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

On the financial side, she addressed rising costs and tariffs that have altered project budgets, leading to value engineering and sourcing U.S.-made products. Gaddis also reflected on the importance of partnerships with trades and vendors, especially during supply chain volatility, while advocating for transparent communication to maintain trust.

The conversation also touched on resilient building practices in storm-prone regions. Gaddis highlighted lessons learned from past hurricanes, from identifying flawed hurricane-rated windows to designing with better drainage, elevated platforms, and even safe rooms. Her insights underscored the need for long-term sustainability in luxury projects.

Beyond design, Gaddis shared her family’s advocacy journey with the American Heart Association, inspired by her daughter’s early diagnosis and treatment. This personal commitment, alongside her professional expertise, reflects her philosophy that resilience—whether in design or life—is built through experience, adaptability, and care. And you are going to hear the whole story, right after this.

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

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

Martyn Lawrence Bullard | 612 | Our August 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

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Welcome to the Convo By Design Icon Registry episode for the month of July, 2025. This month’s inductee is an icon, for sure, an international luminary and someone who has been as down to earth and kind as he could possibly be. I shouldn’t have to say that. Right? But, that is one of the things that differentiates Martyn Lawrence Bullard from many, really most creatives who have achieved Bullard’s level of success. I sat down with Martyn at the SOHO Home showroom on Melrose Boulevard in West Hollywood right before the 10th anniversary party for Convo By Design. SOHO Home, previously the Rose Tarlow showroom, with it’s storied history and exceptional lighting made for a truly unique experience for me and I hope that is one of the things you pick up in this conversation with the September 2025 inductee of the Convo By Design Icon Registry.

The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company. Pacific Sales is comprised of long time professionals who love design and architecture as much as you do. Which is why it is so fitting that they present this recognition of some of the worlds greatest design talent every month here on Convo By Design. 

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those he serves. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Martyn and congratulations Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the review of your 2019 Legends window and your experience in theater which speaks to your world-class story-telling skills.

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

Keeping It Authentic | 610 | Viki Chupik – Chupik Design on Austin, Design, Culture, and the Road Less Traveled

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Austin-based interior designer Viki Chupik brings the city’s unique spirit into every project she touches. From its rolling hills and cultural quirks to its understated expressions of wealth, Chupik sees Austin as a place where authenticity and individuality still matter. In this conversation, she explains how to design for a city in flux. Like most of the cities people flooded to during and post-pandemic—balancing creativity, cultural heritage, and the realities of today’s economic pressures.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

 – Where service meets excellence

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

Viki Chupik of Chupik Design unpacks Austin’s evolving design landscape, from post-pandemic migration and rising costs to the homogenizing pull of social media trends. She shares how she navigates client expectations, resists algorithm-fed aesthetics, and champions designs that are rooted in nature, personal stories, and lasting quality. Along the way, Chupik explores functional planning, economic design strategies, and her vision for the future of the American home.

  1. The Austin Effect
    • How Austin’s natural beauty and geography shape lifestyle and client priorities.
    • The city’s evolution from “hippie government town” to tech-creative hub.
    • Why “Keep Austin Weird” is about individuality and local culture, not just quirky aesthetics.
    • Understated expressions of wealth versus flash seen in other Texas cities.
  1. Design Influenced by Lifestyle
    • Incorporating travel, life experiences, and personal artifacts into home design.
    • Creating spaces that reflect a client’s narrative rather than a preset style.
    • Prioritizing true customization over formulaic trends.
  1. Austin’s Cultural Capital
    • Influence of UT, major festivals, and historic districts on the city’s identity.
    • Embracing quirks—bats, music, history—in design and urban character.
    • Post-pandemic migration: challenges and benefits of new creative influx.
  1. Viki Chupik’s Design Fingerprint
    • Calm, collected, nature-inspired aesthetic.
    • Timeless design choices: earthy palettes, organic materials, and visual serenity.
    • Rejecting trend-chasing in favor of enduring appeal.
  1. Design vs. Trends
    • Critique of social media–driven “trendification” and AI-generated design content.
    • Seeking out artisans, unique finds, and unexpected pairings.
    • Why individuality in design is harder—and more important—than ever.
  1. The Budget Reality
    • Impact of rising costs from tariffs, materials, and labor.
    • Emphasis on quality investments over disposable design.
    • Importance of involving designers early in architectural planning.
  1. Functional Design in Changing Times
    • Rethinking square footage for smarter, more livable spaces.
    • Evaluating the real utility of specialty rooms and features.
    • Applying the “Are you going to use it?” test to every decision.
  1. Portable Kitchens & the Future of Home
    • Considering modular, moveable kitchens inspired by European models.
    • How rising land values could shift the role of the house toward adaptability.
    • The tension between permanence and flexibility in residential design.

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

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

The Heart of Design: Building Trust, Telling Stories, and Staying True | 606 | Rosa Santiago Zimmerman

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In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly insightful Rosa Santiago Zimmerman for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about the state of the interior design industry, the evolving nature of creative work, and the deeper values that guide us as professionals. Our dialogue spans everything from our recent experiences at major trade shows like KBIS and IBS to the strategic and emotional challenges that come with building and sustaining a design business today.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

 – Where service meets excellence

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Rosa shares how she has navigated an often unpredictable industry landscape—from the 2008 financial crisis to the more recent impact of COVID-19—emerging stronger by focusing on clarity in communication, refining her client base, and anchoring her business in authenticity and trust. We explore her decision to operate by referral only, a bold move that allows her to take on projects that align deeply with her values while maintaining creative control and long-term vision.

One of the most resonant parts of our conversation is Rosa’s approach to client relationships and project storytelling. She believes that every project begins with truly understanding the people behind it—their story, lifestyle, and what brings them joy. Her philosophy goes far beyond aesthetics; it’s about designing spaces that are meaningful, personal, and connected.

We also dive into the practical but often overlooked aspects of the business: the need for strong contracts, the complexity of product sourcing in a globalized market, and the legal risks surrounding intellectual property. Rosa doesn’t shy away from hard truths. She emphasizes that every line of a contract must be intentional, and every expectation clearly defined to avoid the kinds of misunderstandings that can derail even the most promising projects. I couldn’t agree more. As we both acknowledged, there’s a growing need in our industry to better educate clients—especially those new to working with designers—so they can become thoughtful, empowered partners in the creative process.

Our talk also turns toward education, mentorship, and the next generation of talent. Rosa speaks passionately about the importance of showing children—and especially young Latinas—that the design industry can be a space for them. Her journey from a background in medicine to a thriving creative career is a powerful reminder that following one’s passion is not only possible, but necessary. We discuss the lack of business training in design schools, and how that gap often leaves talented creatives unprepared for the realities of entrepreneurship. Rosa’s upcoming book, which touches on the idea of discovering one’s “superpower,” promises to be an inspiring resource for aspiring designers and leaders alike.

Throughout our conversation, I was struck by Rosa’s clarity, generosity, and refusal to compromise on what matters. We also talk about future collaborations and visits—from potentially recording a future episode in Atlanta to attending next year’s KBIS event in Orlando. I’m hopeful for the opportunities ahead and grateful for the chance to share this honest, inspiring exchange.

This episode is for anyone who’s passionate about design, business, and the human stories that fuel creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or just curious about what it takes to build something meaningful in a fast-changing world, I think you’ll find a lot to take away from this one. And we’ll get to it, right after this.

Thank you, Rosa, loved our chat and grateful to have run into you at KBIS! And, of course, thank you to our amazing partners: TimberTech, Pacific Sales, and Design Hardware. These are incredible companies and true friends of the trade. Please keep them in mind for your next project.

Thanks to you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show with your friends and colleagues. If you haven’t subscribed yet, go ahead and hit that button so you get each new episode delivered straight to your feed.

I always love hearing from you, so keep those messages coming—email me at convo by design at outlook dot com and follow along on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign (with an “X”).

Until next week—thank you for spending this time with me. Be well, stay focused, and now that it has really settled in… do your best to rise above the chaos.