Category Archives: Interview

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

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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

Luxury Design for the Home Away From Home | 458 | Vacation Home Design from Alder & Tweed

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with another story about sublime design and in this episode, you are going to hear from Heather Humphrey, principal designer of Park City, Utah and Big Sky, Montana based interior and furniture design company, Alder & Tweed. 

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!

Heather and Reed Humphrey have created a firm that designs both distinct luxury homes and distinct luxury furnishings making them a unique brand. Heather and I talk about their projects, so per usual, please go to the show notes and click on the link to their projects if so inclined and follow along as Heather walks us through some of their more extraordinary work. Of note, Alder & Tweed, as a firm has been fashioned as “curators of the luxury home-away-from-home experience” and the branding is spot on. And by specializing in the second home market, they are working in some of the worlds most amazing locations. And you are going to hear the whole story, right after this.

Thank you, Heather for the time. Exceptional work. Thank you for taking me on this journey through the Rockies and beyond.

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

Jewelry for the Home. The Beauty of Functional Art | 457 | Heath Wagoner of HW Studio

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. Episode 457 of the show with a wonderful creative who crafts one of a kind functional items for the most discerning clientele. This is a really fun story featuring an exquisite creative, simply divine creations and a story to match.

Heath Wagoner of HW Studio tells his story with 7 words. HW Studio is jewelry for the table. As you will hear, it really is. Wagoner is a trained goldsmith who uses traditional methods in metalsmithing to craft, create and ideate functional, artistic objects. Objects meant to be used and thats where this gets fun.

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!

Imagine you could use a Picasso or an original Banksy in some way other than viewing. I’m not dismissing the one dimensional nature of some art. And some will argue with me vehemently that art is far more than one dimensional. I won’t take the bait. My point, Heath creates precious metal objects to be used at the table. For eating. As a utensil. Further, he uses these objects at happenings like dinner parties for the purpose of…well eating with something other than his hands. And that’s the point. We only get som many trips around the sun and why not make the most of every day by enjoying these objects to the fullest. Thereby crafting an experience, furthering the conversation and engaging with others in unique and authentic ways. 

Thank you Heath. Loved our chat. See, isn’t life more interesting when one can take a fresh look at an old object. Think about it and create a whole new way to view it, use it and enjoy it. Absolutely. 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

Reflecting on Summer Vibes and 4 Incredible Designers | 456 | Design Leadership LIVE from Design Hardware featuring; Lorena Pulichino, Jeanne Chung, Stephanie Hatten and Kim Colwell

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. This Summer, I spent some time back in LA visiting with some very talented designers and I wanted to share some of those conversations with you. 

But first, you should know that if you are in LA and listening to this episode the week it was released, November 14th, the WestEdge Design Fair is happening RIGHT NOW and you should come down to Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and take in some of the incredible conversation being produced by yours truly. These are highly curated conversations that were crafted specifically for those in the trade as well as those who love design. So check out @ConvoXDesign with an “X” on IG and message me for more details and tickets. If I have any left, they’re yours for the asking. We’ll be right back with this weeks episode, right after this.

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!

Thank you Stephanie, Kim, Lorena and Jeanne for your time, loved this. Thank you to Michele Solomons and everyone at Design Hardware for making this space available for having these important conversations. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Please make sure you are also reaching out with show ideas and guests you would like to hear on the podcast. I love hearing them and it has given me the chance to meet new creatives not already on my radar, so thank you. Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

Design Justice: How this Amazing Creative Traded A Law Career for Design, And Has Not Looked Back | 455 | Kevin Murphy

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a visit this week, and in keeping to our NorthEast swing, this is Kevie Murphy of K.A. Murphy Interiors. A Manhasset, NY based firm led by a super-driven creative in Kevie herself. Love this story and I think you will too.

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!

Follow along and check out her projects here:

Kevie was later than many to the design industry because she first attended Boston University, became an attorney and later a partner at a New York City firm.  She and her husband bought a house and she realized she needed some help. Now, you have one logical option, right? Yes, hire a designer. Nope. Kevie realized her love for design and enrolled at the New York School of Interior Design. Exactly. I’ll let Kevie tell the story, but this is one of those incredibly interesting creatives who started in a very different place and is now crafting and creating some exquisite work. And you’ll hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you Kevie, incredible story, love the work. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Please make sure you are also reaching out with show ideas and guests you would like to hear on the podcast. I love hearing them and it has given me the chance to meet new creatives not already on my radar, so thank you. Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

Design is to Be Enjoyed, Savored and Celebrated. It’s A Family Affair and They Do it Right | 454 | Nicole Forina

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. This week, we are heading to New Jersey to speak with Nicole Fornia of Nicole Forina Home.  Her honest and fully exposed approach to her design business is as unique as her work, and we’re talking about both.

While Convo By Design has changed a lot over the past 10 years, some things remain the same as the day I started this show. I want to introduce you to amazing creatives in interior/ exterior design and architecture. I love this business and I love what they do. Nicole Forina Home is a family run business. Her husband, Mike, with his ME degree (he’s a mechanical engineer) worked in civil engineering as well as teaching upper level high school math, is able to project manage as well as offer a very unique skillset to the design firm. This was a fun chat and I hope you enjoy it. You’ll hear it, right after this.

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!

Thank you Nicole, loved our chat. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Please make sure you are also reaching out with show ideas and guests you would like to hear on the podcast. I love hearing them and it has given me the chance to meet new creatives not already on my radar, so thank you. Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

Following A Clear Path to Design Mastery | 453 | Helen Bergin

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with balmy breezes and sublime design as we visit with Palm Beach designer, Helen Bergin. This is the story of a tremendous creative who rose to prominence the “old fashioned” way. Bergin studied her craft, working as a designer from some very talented studios and when it was right, she went out on her own.

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!

That is a clear path to success for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that as Bunny Williams once told us on this very show, that while working for Sister Parish, she learned what she wanted and what she did not want in her own firm. You are going to hear about Helen’s journey and what makes her so highly sought out in South Florida as well as what makes her work so unique. And it is. Before we move on to that, something you should know about Helen. After our conversation, she sent me two of the most beautiful bowls from Katharine Allsopp Pottery. Beautiful, surprising and greatly appreciated. You should know that when I received them, the episode had already been recorded. I was already a fan. Helen is amazing, here is a link to her projects… Follow along as we explore together.

Thank you Helen, I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

The Showroom featuring Pride of the ATL, A Masterful Design Team Crafting Incredible Hospitality Work| 452 | C+TC Design Studio

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design featuring a return of The Showroom, a conversation series with amazing design talent from across the US and around the world.  

In this episode of The Showroom, you are going to hear from C+TC Design Studio heads; William Cox, Billie Thorne and James Culpepper. If not familiar with them you should be and you will be over the course of the next hour. Their work is exceptional and you are going to hear a master-class in hospitality design. Billie, Jim and Bill are a rare combination of artisan creativity, craftsman skill and as a team, they posses this ability to create spaces that cater to feeling, emotion and giving guests a feeling of home while they are away. You are going to hear how they do it, right after this.

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!

Thank you Billie, Jim and Bill for joining me in The Showroom, I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. 

As in every episode of The SHowroom, we have imagery of thier work. Please head over to ConvXDesign with an “X” on Instagram to check it out.

Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

Kitchen and Bath Evolution | 451 | Tiffany Cassidy of Lagnappe Interiors on the Modern Kitchen and Bath Design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. I offer you a conversation with a previous guest about what is transpiring in the kitchen and bath space, in real time and the developments are extraordinary. This is Tiffany Cassidy of Lagnappe Interiors.

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!

I really do have a special place in my heart for return Convo By Design guests. It means a few things. One, they came back to do it again which means it was a good experience for them the first time. Second, and more important, there is a familiarity that you and I both share with this individual. That shared experience allows for a deeper level of conversation. In this episode, Tiffany shares her experience working on projects that are leveling up the form and functionality in the kitchen and bath spaces. This is important because there are some dramatic changes afoot and you are going to hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you Tiffany for taking the time to talk, I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Thank you for taking the time to listening to the show and share in the experience, until next week, be well and take today first. – CXD

Architecture, Design and Exquisite Work Deep in the Heart of Texas and Beyond | 450 | Eddie Maestri

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with an exceptional architect emanating from Dallas, Texas. Eddie Maestri of Maestri Studio. I have known Eddie for a while and I am a huge fan. I think by the end of this episode, you will be too.

Here is just a bit from Eddie’s bio, Eddie Maestri, AIA, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas with a certificate in Health Systems & Design. In addition, he spent a semester in Italy focusing on architectural and urban studies, as well as expanding his talents and love of freehand drawing, art and interior design.

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!

Thank you Eddie for taking the time to talk, I really enjoyed our time together. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continued support of both Convo By Design and the design community. A side note, the sponsors and partners you hear on CXD are more than companies with a product, each of the partners I work with have been fully vetted, they are owned and operated by people who love what they do and have dedicated themselves to serving the design community and customers by providing the best products and services available. If you would like to know why I am so proud to have them part of Convo By Design, email me at convobydesign@outlook or on IG @convoxdesign with an “X”. I would be happy to share my experience. Thanks again for listening to the podcast, until next week, be well and take today first. – Convo By Design