Category Archives: Kitchen Design

Human-Centric Design in an AI World | 649 | Experiences from KBIS and Why True Value is Found in the Removal of Friction

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:06 — 39.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

I have a confession to make. I’m exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today!

My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas.

But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That’s true, but here’s a secret. Come a little closer, it’s just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It’s about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there’s more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it’s exciting to see it happen in real time.

Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don’t say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes.

Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live.

  • Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life.
  • Luxury is durability aligned with intent.
  • Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten.
  • Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit.
  • Luxury is not what you spend. It’s what you never have to rethink.

The Kitchen as the Primary Investment

  • The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide.
  • Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space.
  • The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home.
  • It represents identity: “I’m a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.”
  • Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories.

The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem

  • Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home.
  • Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler’s pantries) are rising.
  • Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common.
  • Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements.
  • Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets.
  • Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites.
  • Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design.
  • Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home.

Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver

  • Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
  • Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
  • Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.

Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard

  • Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
  • UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
  • Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.

Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen

  • Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
  • Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
  • Flexibility and modular integration are essential.

Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation

  • Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features.
  • Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction.
  • Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems.

Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life

  • Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical.
  • Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines.
  • Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion.

Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium

Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence.

  • Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.
  • Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity.
  • Performance becomes more important than appearance.

Identity & Evolution in Design

    • Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant.
    • Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach.

Burnout vs Ambition

    • Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor.
    • Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth.
    • Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork.

Emotional Labor & Client Management

    • Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing.
    • Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures.
    • Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability.

Social Media & Comparison Culture

    • Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition.
    • Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients’ desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception.

These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times.

Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show.

Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living’s Design Advantage

Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever.

Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process.

Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates.

The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry.

Vertical Integration Changes Everything

  • Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control
  • Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication
  • Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations

Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance

  • Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters
  • Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum
  • Performance and longevity are core to brand value

Design as the Core Differentiator

  • Industrial design roots shape product philosophy
  • Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture
  • Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics

Relationships Still Drive Specification

  • Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential
  • Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships
  • Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical

Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry

  • Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty
  • Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset
  • Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth

In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn’t just an operational advantage—it’s a creative one.

For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form.

This control allows for something rare in today’s manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes.

Kirshner’s path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn’t driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity.

Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing.

Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust.

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living’s approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention.

“Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.”

“Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.”

“You can’t innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.”

“Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.”

“No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we’ll figure it out. That mindset is essential.”

This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take.

Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design

Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth.

Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support.

Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos.

The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking.

At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service.

Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression

  • Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments
  • Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times
  • Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional

Growth Through Challenge and Adversity

  • Personal and professional hardship builds resilience
  • Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders
  • Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities

Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift

  • Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing
  • Families are staying connected longer
  • Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics

The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension

  • Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos
  • Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress
  • Creatives help people reimagine how they live

Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design

  • Trend cycles are often superficial and misleading
  • True architecture transcends short-term aesthetic movements
  • Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction

Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value

  • Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession
  • Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work
  • Design is both a gift and a responsibility

For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It’s about supporting a lifetime.

As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time.

That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof.

Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one’s ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work.

For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it.

“Architecture isn’t about solving for a moment. It’s about supporting people over time.”

“Through suffering, we become stronger—and that’s what allows us to better serve others.”

“Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.”

“Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.”

“The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”

KBIS Series Part Two | The Smart Home Standoff: Tech vs. Tradition in Appliances

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (50.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The New Appliance Ecosystem: Translating Value, Technology, and Human-Centric Design

The modern appliance conversation has shifted beyond features and price into something far more consequential: value, usability, and human-centered design. 

Designers, manufacturers, showrooms, and independent testing labs now operate as an interconnected ecosystem guiding consumers through increasingly complex decisions. The future of appliance specification belongs to those who can translate technology into meaningful, intuitive, lifestyle-driven solutions.

Featuring insights from Nicole Papantoniou of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jeff Sweet of Sub-Zero Group Inc., and Christa Mallinger of AJ Madison, this conversation explores how appliances have evolved from commodities into lifestyle infrastructure—and why education, not persuasion, defines the next era.

KBIS Podcast Studio Resources:

KBIS

AJ Madison

NKBA

LUXE Interiors + Design

SubZero, Wolf & Cove

SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite

Hearth & Home Technologies

Kitchen365

Green Forrest Cabinetry

Midea

The appliance industry has entered a human-centric phase, where performance, intuitive use, and real lifestyle benefit outweigh raw features or price alone. Designers act as translators of lifestyle, manufacturers as problem-solvers, and showrooms as educators—collectively helping consumers navigate increasingly sophisticated choices.

Panelists discussed the shift from feature-driven sales toward performance-driven value, emphasizing longevity, ease of use, and frictionless integration into daily life. They also explored the growing role of education, testing standards, showroom partnerships, and post-installation support in helping consumers fully realize the value of their investment.

Technology remains central, but its success depends entirely on reducing friction—not adding novelty. The conversation revealed that the future of appliances lies not in more technology, but in better technology—technology that disappears into the experience.

The Appliance Ecosystem Is Interdependent

  • Designers interpret lifestyle and aesthetic needs.
  • Manufacturers engineer performance-driven solutions.
  • Showrooms educate and guide decision-making.
  • Independent testing organizations validate performance and usability.

Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver

  • Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
  • Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
  • Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.

Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard

  • Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
  • UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
  • Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.

Education Is More Important Than Selling

  • Many consumers buy appliances only once every 10–15 years.
  • Showrooms and testing labs bridge the knowledge gap.
  • Post-installation education helps unlock full product potential.

Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen

  • Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
  • Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
  • Flexibility and modular integration are essential.

Technology Adoption Depends on Familiarity and Trust

  • Induction adoption accelerates when paired with familiar controls.
  • Consumers embrace technology that feels intuitive and beneficial.
  • Novelty alone does not guarantee long-term value.

The modern appliance is no longer just a tool. It’s infrastructure.

At KBIS, where the industry gathers annually to define its future, a clear shift has emerged. Appliances are no longer judged solely by features or price, but by how effectively they integrate into human behavior. The question is no longer, “What does it do?” but rather, “What does it enable?”

This shift has elevated the importance of collaboration across the appliance ecosystem. Designers serve as translators, interpreting the client’s lifestyle into functional requirements. Manufacturers act as problem-solvers, engineering solutions grounded in real user needs. Showrooms and retailers bridge the gap between technology and understanding, while independent testing organizations validate claims and ensure products deliver on their promises.

This ecosystem exists because appliance decisions have become more consequential—and more complex.

Unlike consumer electronics, appliances are purchased infrequently. A homeowner may go fifteen years between purchases. During that time, the category evolves dramatically. Induction replaces gas. Steam ovens expand culinary capability. Refrigeration becomes modular, flexible, and architectural. Appliances no longer exist solely in kitchens, but in offices, bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and wellness areas.

With that expansion comes responsibility. Technology must reduce friction, not create it.

Christa, Nicole and Jeff all emphasized that human-centric design now drives product development. Appliances must be intuitive enough to operate without instruction, consistent enough to feel familiar, and purposeful enough to justify their presence. Technology for its own sake has limited value. Technology that removes mental load, improves performance, or enhances daily living defines the future.

This is where education becomes critical.

Showrooms no longer simply display products; they contextualize them. Independent testing organizations evaluate not only performance, but usability, cleanability, and intuitive function. Manufacturers increasingly provide post-installation support, recognizing that the real product experience begins after installation, not at purchase.

Value, therefore, is no longer measured in features alone.

It is measured in longevity. In reliability. In the confidence that a product will perform consistently over time. In the reduction of friction between intention and outcome.

Perhaps most importantly, appliances have become emotional infrastructure. They support gathering, creativity, ritual, and identity. They enable the modern kitchen to function not just as a place of preparation, but as a center of living.

The future of appliances will not be defined by how advanced they are.

It will be defined by how invisible they become—seamlessly enabling life without demanding attention.

And those who understand that distinction—designers, manufacturers, and educators alike—will define the next generation of the built environment.

KBIS Series Part One | Beyond the Price Tag: Defining Luxury in Appliances & Design

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:20 — 48.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Luxury can be expensive, but it can also be subtle, practical, or deeply personal. Sometimes it’s about choice, sometimes restraint, sometimes the way a space or product simply works better for you. Through thoughtful discussion, the episode examines how luxury shows up in appliances and design—through performance, comfort, longevity, and everyday ease—and why it resonates differently for everyone over time

This nuanced conversation explores the evolving meaning of luxury through multiple industry perspectives, featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager at AJ Madison, alongside industry expert Jill Cohen, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Interiors + Design.

KBIS Podcast Studio Resources:

KBIS

AJ Madison

NKBA

LUXE Interiors + Design

SubZero, Wolf & Cove

SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite

Hearth & Home Technologies

Kitchen365

Green Forrest Cabinetry

Midea

Luxury Isn’t a Price Point. It’s a Performance Standard.

At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2026, leaders from AJ Madison and Luxe Interiors + Design reframing luxury as durability, intentionality, and the ability of design to support how people actually live.

The word “luxury” has become one of the most overused—and least defined—terms in the design industry. At KBIS 2026, a live conversation featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager of AJ Madison, and Jill Cohen, Editor in Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design, set out to recalibrate its meaning. What emerged was less about price and more about performance, longevity, and intent.

For decades, luxury was shorthand for premium brands, higher costs, and visual distinction. Today, that definition is insufficient. The modern homeowner isn’t simply buying a product; they’re investing in how their home supports their routines, relationships, and future. Luxury, in this context, becomes the elimination of friction. It’s the appliance that performs reliably every day. It’s the kitchen designed around how a family actually cooks and gathers. It’s the confidence that decisions made today will still make sense twenty years from now.

Cohen shared findings from Luxe’s upcoming national survey of 1,000 leading architects, designers, and builders, confirming that the kitchen remains the single most important area of homeowner investment. More significantly, appliances are often the first and most consequential decisions made in the design process. They establish the spatial, technical, and functional framework around which everything else follows.

Axelrod reinforced this from her vantage point inside one of the country’s largest appliance retailers. Appliance selection determines infrastructure—electrical loads, ventilation, plumbing, and spatial relationships—making it foundational rather than decorative. When clients prioritize performance and usability first, the rest of the design aligns more effectively, both functionally and financially.

The conversation also addressed the persistent myth of the fixed budget. In reality, budgets are fluid, shaped as much by emotion as by arithmetic. Homeowners may begin with a number in mind, but that number evolves as priorities clarify. The role of the designer and appliance advisor becomes essential: helping clients distinguish between what serves their lives and what merely satisfies aspiration.

This shift is evident in how kitchens are expanding beyond their traditional boundaries. Secondary prep kitchens, beverage stations, outdoor kitchens, coffee bars, and integrated refrigeration throughout the home reflect a broader redefinition of convenience. These are not excesses for their own sake; they are extensions of daily life, driven by multigenerational living, remote work, and a deeper integration between hospitality and residential design.

Perhaps most telling was the reframing of luxury itself. Neither Axelrod nor Cohen defined it by brand name. Instead, luxury was described as ease, time, and permanence. It is waking up and having what you need within reach. It is durability that eliminates the need for replacement. It is thoughtful planning that prevents regret.

In this light, luxury is not what something costs. It is what something enables.

And increasingly, what it enables is a home that works—quietly, reliably, and seamlessly—in service of the people who live there.

Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live.

  • Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life.
  • Luxury is durability aligned with intent.
  • Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten.
  • Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit.
  • Luxury is not what you spend. It’s what you never have to rethink.

The Kitchen as the Primary Investment

  • The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide.
  • Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space.
  • The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home.
  • It represents identity: “I’m a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.”
  • Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories.

Appliance-First Design Strategy

  • Appliances determine electrical, ventilation, plumbing, and layout requirements.
  • Major appliance decisions must precede cabinetry and finish selections.
  • Early appliance specification prevents costly redesigns.
  • Designers increasingly plan around cooking infrastructure first.
  • Professional appliance advisors play a key role in product education and innovation updates.

Budget Realities & Psychology

  • Budgets are rarely fixed; they are often unstated or misunderstood.
  • Clients frequently establish budgets before fully understanding what they want.
  • Designers must define the intersection of “want” and “need.”
  • Stretching budget in the kitchen feels justified because it is essential.
  • Strategic trade-offs are common (invest in cooking, scale back secondary items).
  • Transparency and cost clarity are critical in today’s climate.
  • Surprises—especially tariff or pricing shocks—undermine trust.
  • Professional designers protect clients from unrealistic expectations and long-term regret.

The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem

  • Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home.
  • Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler’s pantries) are rising.
  • Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common.
  • Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements.
  • Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets.
  • Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites.
  • Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design.
  • Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home.

Lifestyle-Driven Design Trends

  • Hospitality influences residential expectations.
  • Convenience and personalization outweigh pure status signaling.
  • Aging in place is shaping appliance planning (drawer refrigeration, wall ovens).
  • Durability is increasingly valued over trend-based aesthetics.
  • Remote work drives integrated kitchenettes and beverage access in home offices.
  • Multiple laundry setups reflect modern household logistics.

Status vs. Practicality

  • Status still influences resale-driven decisions in some cases.
  • However, emotional connection tends to be with category (cooking, entertaining) rather than brand alone.
  • Longevity and service reliability often justify premium selections.
  • Magazine-driven or editorial glamour exists—but practical function ultimately wins.

Role of the Professional Designer

  • Designers provide budget discipline and scope management.
  • They help clients make decisions faster, reducing cost creep.
  • They balance aspiration with feasibility.
  • Professional oversight protects long-term value.
  • Design is positioned not as a privilege, but as a necessity.

Market & Cultural Influences

  • COVID permanently shifted how homes are used.
  • Entertaining moved inward; bar and pizza oven sales spiked.
  • Multigenerational living increased spatial complexity.
  • Social media informs but can distort expectations.
  • Consumers increasingly research via reviews and digital channels.
  • Clients are more cautious amid economic and tariff uncertainty.

Guiding Principle

  • “Proper planning prevents poor performance.”
  • Early, honest, and intentional planning reduces regret.
  • Design is both a desire business and a service industry.
  • The goal is not excess—it is alignment between space and life.

WestEdge Wednesday Part Seven | 645 | Kitchen rEvolution: Crafted, Curated Spaces Created for an Evolving Clientele

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 56:27 — 77.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Kitchen Revolution: Elevating Kitchens and Baths for Lifestyle, Wellness, and Technology. Designers and innovators discuss how kitchens and bathrooms have transformed into lifestyle-focused, wellness-oriented, and tech-savvy spaces, shaping the homes of today’s discerning clients. From pandemic-driven shifts to smart appliances, spa-like bathrooms, and open-concept living, this panel explores the evolving demands of homeowners and the strategies designers use to balance aesthetics, function, and innovation.

1. Introduction

  • Host Virzine Hovasapyan, Experience Director of Marketplace of Innovation for Pacific Sales, introduces the panel and sets the stage: kitchens and baths are no longer purely functional—they are deeply personal lifestyle environments.
  • Emphasis on the convergence of beauty, comfort, and smart technology to meet wellness-focused and tech-savvy client needs.

2. Panel Introductions

  • Karen Rideau, Kitchen Design Group: three decades of experience, expanding from kitchen and bath to full interior architecture.
  • Holly Hollenbeck, HSH Interiors: bi-coastal firm specializing in remodels and new builds, high focus on kitchen and bath.
  • Lori Hafele, Hafele Design: luxury cabinetry-focused design, hard surfaces specialist.
  • Pam Barthold, Poziom Designs: national remodels, holiday decor focus, wellness integration.

3. Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Shifts

  • Kitchens evolving into living spaces for family interaction and entertaining.
  • Movement from segmented to open-plan living; the kitchen is now the “heart of the home.”
  • Rise of furniture-like cabinetry and hidden storage to maintain aesthetic beauty.

4. Collaboration Between Designers and Showrooms

  • Importance of collaboration between designers, manufacturers, and showrooms.
  • Need for continuous education on appliance and technology innovations (steam ovens, microwaves/air fryers, modular units).
  • Designers as knowledge bridges for clients.

5. Wellness in Kitchen and Bath

  • Bathrooms now spa-like: steam showers, infrared saunas, cold plunges.
  • Kitchens adapting for wellness-conscious lifestyles: beverage centers, accessible hot water, herb gardens, indoor/outdoor cooking integration.
  • Efficiency for tech-savvy clients: proximity solutions, outdoor entertaining, smart layout adjustments.

6. Technology Integration

  • Challenges of over-technology vs. simplicity: balancing clients’ desire for tech with usability.
  • AI and digital inspiration may introduce non-buildable concepts; designers interpret and adapt.
  • Circuit breaker capacity and smart appliance integration considerations.
  • Strategies to educate clients and ensure the right technology fits their lifestyle.

7. Translating Client Dreams into Practical Design

  • Process includes space planning, 3D renderings, vendor collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
  • Importance of editing ideas to fit space and budget.
  • Budget discussions start early; expectations around pricing, lead times, and custom millwork.

8. Setting Expectations & Discovery

  • Use of robust client questionnaires to uncover lifestyle, wellness, and usage patterns.
  • Managing timelines, trades, and supply chain realities.
  • Addressing dual-client decision-making and educating clients on care and maintenance of appliances and materials.

9. Audience Q&A Highlights

  • Managing open-plan kitchens and sound/visual separation through back kitchens, secondary prep spaces, and innovative layouts.

10. Key Takeaways

  • Kitchens and bathrooms are now multifunctional lifestyle spaces, blending aesthetics, wellness, and technology.
  • Collaboration, client discovery, and education are critical for successful design.
  • Designers balance aspirational visions with practical realities to deliver functional, beautiful, and personalized homes.

Links / Resources:

  • Pacific Sales – West Coast leader in Kitchen, Bath, Outdoor, and Total Home solutions.
  • Kitchen Design Group – Caren Rideau
  • HSH Interiors – Holly Hollenbeck
  • Hafele Design – Laurie Hafele
  • Pazzam Designs – Pam Barthold

WestEdge Wednesday Part Five | 641 | Inspired by Nature: Exterior Spaces Built to Last

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:22 — 87.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The panel explored the intersection of natural and man-made materials in landscape design, highlighting the balance between aesthetic, sustainability, and functional concerns. Participants discussed how interior and landscape designers borrow nature to create cohesive environments, including outdoor “rooms” and hardscape features softened with plantings. Material selection — stone, metal, glass, composite decking, and synthetic turf — was debated, with attention to local sourcing, durability, environmental impact, and client expectations. The panel also emphasized the sensory experience of landscapes, touching on sight, sound, smell, and taste, and how design can evoke memory and emotion. Sustainability, fire safety, maintenance, and longevity were recurring themes, particularly in the adoption of synthetic materials that mimic natural ones while reducing environmental or upkeep costs.

  • Borrowed landscape: Using surrounding natural colors and textures to inform material choices in hardscape design.
  • Softening hardscape: Plantings and layered design to maintain depth without overwhelming the property.
  • Context-appropriate material selection: Stone, metal, glass, gravel, and concrete chosen according to environment, use, and climate.
  • Trend toward natural imperfection: Broken edges, less precision, biophilic design responding to a highly digital, precise world.
  • Sustainability tensions: Balancing natural and synthetic materials for longevity, cost, and environmental impact.
  • Synthetic decking and recycled composites: TimberTech and similar products for durability, low maintenance, and fire safety.
  • Artificial turf considerations: High-use areas, water savings, lifespan, recycling challenges.
  • Sensory-driven design: Sight, sound, smell, and taste incorporated into landscapes for holistic human experiences.
  • Childhood memory and emotional recall: Design that evokes personal sensory memory for users.
  • Fire and climate constraints: Materials must meet modern safety and insurance standards.

KBIS 2026: The Road to Orlando | 640 | Innovation, AI, and Industry Evolution

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:20 — 50.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Just in time for KBIS this year, I sat down with Jason McGraw from EmeraldX and Leanne Wood with Flying Camel to talk about the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to preview the upcoming 2026 event in Orlando. This conversation dives deep into the strategic shifts for this year’s show, including the expansion of the floor plan to nearly 1.2 million net square feet and the introduction of a new editorial format for product debuts. A major theme for KBIS 2026 is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the industry. From the dedicated “Technology” track in the Voices from the Industry (VFTI) conference to live panel debates on AI’s role in luxury design, the show is positioning itself as the epicenter for modern design workflows. The team also discusses practical “pro-tips” for navigating the massive Orange County Convention Center, ensuring attendees maximize their time between the West, South, and North halls.

You still have time to register and prepare for a groundbreaking event that will shape the way you think about your design business and sharpen your specification skills. And if you are going to the show this year in Orlando, please make sure you stop by the KBIS Podcast Studio and say hello.

  • The KBIS 2026 Footprint: With over 700 exhibitors and 100,000+ expected professionals, Jason McGraw explains the logistical expansion into the Discovery District (located in the Rosen Centre) and how to navigate the skybridges and shuttles.
  • Innovation Hour: Replacing the traditional “Design Bytes,” this new fast-paced “show + tell” session at noon on February 17th allows brands to present tactile stories. The audience will vote live for “Most Innovative” and “Most Unexpected.”
  • AI and Technology: Leanne emphasizes how AI is no longer a “future” concept but a daily tool. This year features a “Technology Activation” and sessions focused on AI-powered customer journeys and smarter design workflows.
  • The Best of KBIS Awards: The awards have expanded to seven categories, including “Sustainable Standout” and “Wellness Trailblazer.” Winners will be announced live on the NEXTStage on February 18th.
  • The KBIS Podcast Studio: Now relocated to the West Hall Lobby, the studio—hosted by Josh—will feature 12 live sessions covering leadership, luxury, and the “business of design.”
  • Wellness & Sustainability: For the first time, these two tracks have been merged into a unified focus, reflecting the interconnected nature of healthy, resilient living environments.

Applicable Links & Resources

WestEdge Wednesday Part Four | 639 | Designing for Disaster: Intelligent Design for a Resilient Southern California

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:15 — 91.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Rebuilding After the Fire: How Designers, Architects & Community Leaders Are Reimagining Livability in Southern California A panel of architects, designers, sustainability experts, and community advocates explore what the 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires taught us about resilience, materiality, community loss, rebuilding timelines, economic displacement, and the future of Southern California living. Moderated by Adam Hunter.

The 2025 Palisades and Altadena fires delivered a historic and deeply personal shock to Southern California communities, reshaping not only homes but expectations for safety, materiality, and resilience. In this WestEdge Wednesday conversation moderated by Adam Hunter, the panel digs into both the physical and emotional layers of rebuilding.

Architect Richard Manion contextualizes the fires as a “perfect storm”—a wind-driven event functioning like a flamethrower—requiring a more holistic approach to resilient construction. Sarah Malek Barney highlights the risks of long-standing industry shortcuts in material selection and emphasizes the renewed value of fire-resistant, performance-proven products. Marcella Oliver outlines actionable guidance from USGBC California and the Net Zero Accelerator, underscoring vetted building strategies and digital-twin modeling as essential tools for community education.

Stacy Munich brings forward the human consequences: underinsurance, temporary housing, and the emotional weight of rebuilding while navigating uncertainty. She explores prefab/precision-built housing as a potential solution for families priced out of traditional custom rebuilding. Todd Paolillo expands on the challenge of unifying a large number of well-intentioned contributors across agencies, nonprofits, and design sectors—and why true leadership must emerge to align them.

Throughout the discussion, key themes emerge:

  • Holistic resilience (materials, landscape, climate risk, embers, structural vulnerabilities)
  • Community cohesion vs. community erosion
  • Education gaps for homeowners suddenly forced into complex architectural decisions
  • Economic realities shaping who can return and who is pushed out
  • Long rebuilding timelines and the risk of “enthusiasm fatigue,” as Adam Hunter notes
  • Avoiding both prefab monotony and hyper-luxury displacement in the Alphabet Streets

The panel collectively reinforces a core message: rebuilding isn’t simply architecture—it’s long-term community-making. And it requires every discipline to show up.

PARTICIPANTS & WEB LINKS

(Links provided to official homepages or primary professional sites)

Adam Hunter — Moderator
https://adamhunterinc.com

Richard Manion, Architect

Architecture for the 21st Century

Sarah Malek Barney – Band Design
https://www.bandd.com

Stacy Munich – Stacy Munich Interiors
https://www.stacymunichinteriors.com

Todd Paolillo – CCA Design Group
https://www.ccadesigngroup.com

Marcella Oliver – USGBC California
https://www.usgbc.org
(Net Zero Accelerator) https://netzeroaccelerator.org

I. Opening Context

  • Adam Hunter describes his own displacement in the Palisades fires
  • Acknowledgment of community members who lost homes and businesses

II. Materiality & Rebuilding After Fire

  • Shortcut culture in residential construction (Sarah)
  • Fire-resistant materials, embers, and construction techniques (Richard)
  • The “flamethrower” dynamic of the 2025 event

III. Community-Scale Impacts

  • Rebuilding as a multi-block, multi-stakeholder challenge (Marcella)
  • Community cohesion among displaced residents (Stacy)
  • Education gaps for homeowners suddenly navigating design/architectural choices

IV. Leadership & Coordination

  • Who should be leading discussions?
  • The role of USGBC California and the Net Zero Accelerator (Marcella)
  • Design community mobilization & town halls (Todd)

V. Economics, Insurance & Rebuilding Pathways

  • Underinsurance and cost prohibitions (Stacy)
  • Prefab/precision-built options
  • Avoiding both tract-home rebuilding and ultra-luxury exclusivity (Richard, Adam)

VI. Visualization & Future Planning

  • Digital twins for community workshops
  • Landscape resilience
  • Neighborhood-scale guidelines

VII. Psychological & Long-Term Impacts

  • Rebuilding fatigue
  • Multi-year rebuilding timeline (10+ years)
  • Keeping optimism and community support alive (Adam)

Translating Design in a Chaotic Market, A Shifting Landscape in Focus 2026 | 637 | Forces Shaping the Industry

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:48 — 63.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

This program explores the collision of tariffs, sustainability, design business acumen and shifting client expectations, offering a roadmap for navigating the volatility of the 2026 design landscape. Recorded live at Design Hardware in Los Angeles, I gathered a panel of industry leaders to dissect the economic and social forces shaping interior design as we head into 2026. Featuring Eva Hughes (Black House Beige), Shelly Sandoval (The Lauzon Collective), Rachel Grachowski (RHG Architecture), and Priya Vij (Hapny Home), the conversation confronts the “chaos” of the current market—from tariff-induced supply chain disruptions to the critical shortage of skilled labor.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

The discussion pivots from the technical challenges of “designing for disaster” and uninsurability to the creative opportunities found in circular economies and intentional sourcing. The panelists argue for a shift away from “fast fashion” interiors toward a “friendliness” of durability, prioritizing materials that pass the “grandparent test” of longevity. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that in a volatile market, the most valuable currencies are transparency, deep vendor relationships, and educating clients on the true cost of craftsmanship.

  • The “Friendliness” of Durability: A move toward “legacy” materials—like solid brass hardware and high-quality hardwood—that age gracefully and avoid the landfill, countering the disposable nature of current trends.
  • Supply Chain as Design Driver: How tariffs and stock volatility are forcing firms to adopt “high-low” budgeting and pre-purchase models (buying and storing materials early) to protect projects from price surges.
  • Designing for Disaster: The reality of rebuilding in fire-prone zones (like Altadena and the Palisades) is driving a demand for non-toxic, fire-resistant materials and a “circular economy” approach where building products can return to the earth safely.
  • The Labor Crisis: A candid look at the “graying” of the trades; as master craftsmen retire without a new generation to replace them, the industry faces a loss of institutional knowledge and execution capability.
  • Intentionality Over “Modern”: The panel discusses abandoning vague buzzwords like “wellness” and “modern” in favor of deep-dive mood boarding and psychological profiling to align client expectations with reality.

Resources

Thank you, Eva, Rachel, Shelly and Priya for taking the time to share your thoughts. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors; Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, TimberTech and Best Buy. Their sponsorship of Convo By Design allows me to seek out sublime design, stories from beyond the work itself and showcase unique personalities chasing new ideas and changing the way we think about design and architecture.. And present it to you so please give them an opportunity on your next project.

Thank you for listening and sharing this journey of ours. 2026 marks thirteen years of constant publication of the podcast with over 700 interviews and three million downloads, streams, and listens.  Please keep those guest suggestions coming as well as thoughts about where you would like the show to record live. Convo By Design at Outlook and on Instagram, Convo X Design, with an “X”.

Thanks again for listening, until next time, be well, focused and driven so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD

CXD Icon Registry January 2026 | 636 | Peter Pennoyer, FAIA

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:09 — 90.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

This month’s Convo By Design Icon Registry inductee is architect, Peter Pennoyer, FAIA who shares his lifelong passion for architecture, tracing its roots to his upbringing in New York City and the rich urban fabric that shaped his design philosophy. From classical influences to modern interventions, in this conversation recorded in 2021, Pennoyer discusses how context, history, and creativity inform his work across New York, Miami, and beyond. This episode offers a rare glimpse into Pennoyer’s process, highlighting how tradition and innovation coexist in his projects.

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

In this episode, Pennoyer explores the balance between respecting historic streetscapes and embracing contemporary design, sharing insights on notable projects including French modern townhouses in Manhattan, Adirondack retreats, and reimagined New England homes. Listeners will hear about his approach to materials, light, and functionality, as well as the lessons learned from urban and natural environments. From small creative spaces to sweeping estates, Pennoyer reveals how architecture can feel both inevitable and personal.

Show Topics / Outline:

  1. Early Influences
    • Growing up in NYC, next to an architect’s modernized Victorian townhouse.
    • Father’s role on the Art Commission (Design Review Commission) and early exposure to civic architecture.
    • Walking through the Metropolitan Museum during new wing constructions and its impact.
  1. Philosophy of Context and Streetscape
    • Importance of buildings as parts of streets rather than standalone monuments.
    • Learning from historic architecture and urban fabric.
    • Balancing preservation with creative reinterpretation.
  1. Firm Origins and Approach
    • Founding Peter Pennoyer Architects in 1990, NYC and Miami.
    • Learning along the way; responding to each commission individually.
    • Miami as a freer design environment vs. New York’s strict urban constraints.
  1. Design Inspirations and Innovation
    • Interest in unusual historic ideas, color, and modern adaptation (e.g., Adirondack home with vibrant red windows).
    • Classical architecture as a living, evolving language.
    • Integrating modern functionality with traditional forms.
  1. Key Projects
    • Adirondacks Retreat: Rustic materials, vibrant accents, blending modern and traditional.
    • French Modern Townhouse, Upper East Side: Maximizing light in a constrained footprint; stair design, flow, and functionality.
    • New England House: Rebuilding a landmarked site with respect to site and history.
    • Fifth Avenue Maisonette: Reimagining space for luxury, comfort, and personal lifestyle integration.
  1. Architecture and Society
    • Lessons from pandemics and historical health-driven design.
    • Flexibility in modern living: home and work blending, privacy, and adaptability.
    • The balance of aesthetics, comfort, and livability in contemporary classical design.
  1. Process and Collaboration
    • Importance of team and long-term partnerships in shaping projects.
    • Working with interior designers and artisans to achieve cohesive spaces.
    • Creative problem-solving under structural, site, and regulatory constraints.

Links & References:

  • Peter Pennoyer Architects – Official Website
  • Adirondack Long Barn Project
  • Upper East Side French Modern Townhouse
  • New England Landmark House Rebuild
  • Fifth Avenue Maisonette

Creativity in the Age of Screens: Craft, Credibility, and the Changing Nature of Practice | 634 | Amy Courtney, Amy Courtney Design

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:56 — 100.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The design industry has changed more in the past five years than in the previous two decades. In this episode, Amy Courtney and I unpack how technology, social media, and shifting client expectations have transformed the way designers work, communicate, and create. From in-person collaboration to photography, craftsmanship, and professional credibility, the conversation explores what it really means to practice design today.

A candid discussion about design after 2020, the rise of digital culture, evolving client behavior, and why experience still matters more than visibility.

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

I sat down with designer Amy Courtney and together, we are going to examine how dramatically the design industry has shifted since 2020—and what those changes mean for designers, clients, and the creative process itself. What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a permanent shift in how projects are managed, communicated, and perceived.

The conversation opens with how in-person collaboration has largely been replaced by screens, emails, and digital presentations. While technology has made certain aspects of design more efficient, it has also introduced new challenges: endless email threads, over-reliance on links and screenshots, and a growing disconnect between how spaces are discussed and how they are actually experienced. Both speakers reflect on the loss of face-to-face interaction and how it has altered everything from client relationships to decision-making.

From there, the discussion moves into how design has become more visible—and more misunderstood—than ever before. With social media and image-driven platforms shaping expectations, clients often arrive with highly specific visual references but little understanding of how those ideas translate into real-world construction. The conversation explores how designers now spend much of their time educating clients, explaining limitations, and helping them understand the difference between inspiration and execution.

Photography plays a major role in this shift. Where designers once photographed only select projects, today’s market pressures encourage constant documentation. The episode unpacks the financial and creative cost of professional photography, the tension between editorial standards and reality, and how images can sometimes misrepresent how spaces actually function. The discussion also touches on how publication expectations and sponsorships can influence what gets shown—and what gets left out.

Another central theme is the difference between designers and tastemakers. Courtney and I examine how social platforms have blurred professional lines, allowing anyone with a strong aesthetic to claim authority. We discuss the growing confusion this creates for clients and the importance of experience, education, and technical understanding in producing successful projects. While inspiration is everywhere, execution still requires training, judgment, and accountability.

The episode also dives into the influence of upbringing and mentorship. From growing up around construction and craftsmanship to learning directly from tradespeople, the conversation highlights how hands-on experience shapes a designer’s confidence and decision-making. This background, combined with curiosity and respect for process, becomes the foundation for meaningful work.

The conversation closes with a reflection on credibility, creativity, and the responsibility designers have to guide clients honestly. In a culture driven by speed and visibility, the episode argues for a return to thoughtful process, clear communication, and design rooted in real-world understanding.

  • How design practice has changed since 2020
  • The impact of remote work and screen-based communication
  • Photography, social media, and shifting industry expectations
  • The difference between designers and tastemakers
  • Client education and managing unrealistic inspiration
  • The value of construction knowledge and hands-on experience
  • Navigating publication standards and editorial pressure
  • Why credibility and process still matter

Design has never been more visible—or more misunderstood. As technology reshapes how people engage with spaces and professionals, the role of the designer has become both more complex and more essential. This episode makes the case for slowing down, valuing experience, and remembering that great design is built on knowledge, intention, and trust—not algorithms or aesthetics alone.