Category Archives: Landscape Architecture

CXD July 2026 Icon Registry | 676 | Mary Ann Schickedanz: Blending European Longevity with Western Resiliency

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The Studio Schickedanz founder is inducted into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, showcasing three decades of sustainable innovation, material intelligence, and integrated architectural practice.

This episode celebrates the installation of Mary Ann Schickedanz, founder of Carmel-based Studio Schickedanz, into the Convo By Design Icon Registry. Bringing a foundational Austrian perspective where buildings are crafted to endure for generations, Schickedanz has spent over thirty years pioneering sustainable architecture across the American West. The conversation highlights her holistic approach to environmental integration—combining high-performance building science with deep material intelligence to combat regional ecological pressures like drought and wildfire risks. The episode also revisits a poignant 2019 archival interview from the La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) Legends event, where she discusses her creative process, storytelling, and the influence of Austrian modernist pioneer Josef Hoffmann on her multidisciplinary practice.

  • The Icon Registry Induction: Recognized for achieving the highest tier of performance and intentionality in the design industry, proudly presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home.
  • Material Intelligence & Eco-Integration: Schickedanz’s work prioritizes site-specific architecture, featuring native rooftop flora, local granite, and earth-toned integral plaster that allow structures to坐 sit seamlessly within their ecologies, achieving LEED certification and net-zero status.
  • Modular Construction & Innovation: Her multi-family compound at the Santa Lucia Preserve demonstrates how high-end factory fabrication can deliver sustainable, all-electric, manufactured housing assembled on-site in just seven hours to minimize environmental disruption.
  • The Integrated Studio Model: A key differentiator where architects, interior designers, and horticulturalists collaborate from project inception to ensure a fluid connection between the structural shell and the natural landscape.
  • Honoring Heritage at LCDQ: The episode reflects on her 2019 window vignette at Mansur Carpets during the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends event, channeling the comprehensive maker-designer philosophy of Josef Hoffmann alongside collaborations with Shirley Robinson Wallpaper and furniture from Design Within Reach.

Designing for Generations: The Material Intelligence of Mary Ann Schickedanz

The contemporary architecture landscape frequently wrestles with the concept of “intentionality,” yet Mary Ann Schickedanz has quietly spent the last thirty years operationalizing it. Inducted into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, the Austrian-native and founder of Studio Schickedanz has permanently altered how the American West approaches luxury residential design by rejecting “disposable architecture” in favor of ancestral longevity.

Schickedanz’s design philosophy bridges a European reverence for multi-generational structural permanence with the acute ecological demands of California’s topography. Rather than treating sustainability as a surface-level checklist, her methodology relies on deep material intelligence and total environmental integration. From pioneering the first LEED-certified projects in Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea to engineering net-zero contemporary estates, her structures are designed to function as living, breathing extensions of their native ecosystems.

This is achieved primarily through her firm’s integrated studio model. By seating architects, interior specialists, and regional horticulturalists at the same table from day one, she eliminates the traditional fragmentation of design. Structural concrete, local granite, and native exposed-root rooftop flora are specified in tandem, maximizing thermal efficiency and wildfire resiliency while anchoring buildings seamlessly into rolling topography.

Her forward-thinking mindset extends equally to modern building science and historic preservation. Whether rewriting the narrative around modular housing by assembling a luxury, all-electric compound at the Santa Lucia Preserve in a single day, or meticulously updating the performance of a 1948 Henry Hill midcentury landmark, Schickedanz proves that high design and strict environmental metrics are not mutually exclusive. Ultimately, her work champions a vital shift in the industry: shifting away from an architectural “etch-a-sketch” mentality and moving toward purposeful, permanent spaces built right the first time.

Building a Safe Harbor for Creative Growth: A Family Affair | 675 | Introducing Shelter Republic

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Today is one of the most incredible episodes of the show I have ever produced. I don’t say this lightly. Today, you are going to hear about a new project called Shelter Republic, officially launching although if you are an avid listener, you have probably heard me talking about it as we prepared for launch. Well, it’s here, and it’s official. And You are going to hear from my co-founder…I’m sitting down with computer engineer and Shelter Republic co-founder Jack Cooperman to discuss the platform’s structural architecture, functionality, purpose, and the necessity for safe places to explore ideas amongst peers.

  • The Genesis of Shelter Republic: Jack and I reflect on the evolution of the platform, tracking its roots back to when Jack and his sister first visited Josh on stage at the WestEdge Design Fair. The community was built to bridge regional gaps and provide a collaborative, peer-to-peer ecosystem for architects and designers.
  • Designing UX for Geographic Context: Jack outlines the structure of the platform, which is divided into five nationwide micro-communities (including the Mountain Atlantic and Southwest regions). This allows for highly localized discussions on styles, culture, and business norms while keeping a unified national hub.
  • Cultivating a “Safe Place to Fail”: The co-founders debate the nature of failure in school versus a creative career. Josh emphasizes that Shelter Republic is deliberately engineered as a vetted, invite-only environment to protect accomplished creatives from public “dogpiling” or algorithmic scrutiny when exploring new, untested concepts.
  • Platform Features & Onboarding: Built to avoid user-data exploitation and ad clutter, the platform operates via direct invitation and QR codes. Features include text-based feeds, real-time messaging, direct networking via professional member bios, live video-conferencing rooms, and educational modules—including Josh’s masterclass, Podcasting for Creatives.
  • Addressing Industry Disruptions (AI & Legislation): The conversation dives into how early-career junior designers are transitioning into technology facilitators due to AI studio integration. They also discuss how the platform serves as a “modern town crier” for critical industry news, citing a recent user post by a Southern California designer regarding the engineered quartz ban in California due to silicosis risks.
  • Cooperation Over Competition: Drawing a contrast with the competitive nature of the design world, Josh shares a lesson from his time covering the Playboy Jazz Festival, where legendary jazz musicians prioritized mentoring the next generation to keep the collective genre alive. Shelter Republic aims to foster that exact cross-regional mentorship.

Thank you Jack. I know I have already said it, but I have enjoyed every moment putting this together and we are thrilled to share it. Note on Access: Shelter Republic is entirely free, and does not collect user data except when stated like the use of polls and prompts for professional input. To maintain community standards and security, entry is restricted to verified industry professionals via peer invitation or direct QR code scanning at upcoming events.

Bill Baldwin of Hartman Baldwin | 674 | The New Intentionality Behind Design-Build, Guided by Passion & Driven by Purpose

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A conversation with Bill Baldwin of HartmanBaldwin on how shifting cultural values and environmental challenges are reshaping the way we build and live.

A Continued Shift Toward Purposeful Design The conversation explored how the pandemic served as a pivotal moment of clarity, leading to a profound shift in how people view their homes. Bill noted that clients are now designing with a greater sense of purpose and intent, moving away from surface level trends and toward spaces that truly reflect how they want to live. This “new intentionality” is seeing a focus on long term needs, such as aging in place and creating multi-generational living environments.

The Evolution of the Kitchen as Mission Control The concept of the kitchen has evolved from a simple functional area into the high tech, multi-functional hub of the home. Bill and the host discussed how the kitchen now functions as a “mission control” center, where multiple activities from professional work to family social life converge. This has led to more complex infrastructure needs and a desire for specialized elements like secondary working kitchens and advanced appliance suites that reflect specific lifestyle interests.

Preservation and Resilience in the Face of Environmental Challenges Reflecting on recent events like the wildfires in California, the discussion turned to the challenges of preserving historical architecture while meeting modern safety and environmental standards. Bill emphasized that while we have the technical knowledge to build more resilient structures, the challenge lies in adapting existing communities and historical properties to these new realities without losing their character.

The Philosophy of Design Build A key part of the conversation centered on the “design build” philosophy, which aims to create synergy between the disparate talents of architects, interior designers, and builders. By working in unison from the project’s inception, this integrated approach ensures that the final result is greater than the sum of its parts, with the invisible infrastructure and the respect for craftsmanship elevating the overall experience of the home.

The Future of Innovation and Adaptive Reuse The episode wrapped up with a look at future innovations, including the potential for prefabricated and modular homes to address housing needs. The idea of “adaptive reuse,” moving and repurposing existing functional structures instead of demolishing them, was also discussed as a potentially more sustainable way forward for the industry, reflecting a broader trend toward more conscious and resourceful building practices.

Applicable Elements HartmanBaldwin: https://hartmanbaldwin.com/ Historic England: https://historicengland.org.uk/ KBIS: https://kbis.com/ The Sea Ranch: https://www.tsra.org/ Pasadena, CA: https://www.visitpasadena.com/

My recent conversation with Bill Baldwin of HartmanBaldwin was a profound look at how our industry is evolving in response to the massive cultural shifts of the last few years. One of the most striking points Bill made was how the pandemic acted as a “moment of clarity” for so many people. It stripped away the surface level distractions and forced us all to really look at how we were living in our homes.

What has emerged is what Bill calls a “new intentionality” in design. People are no longer just looking for the latest aesthetic trend. They are looking for spaces that serve a deep, functional purpose in their lives. We’re seeing a significant rise in projects focused on multi generational living and aging in place. It’s no longer about just having a beautiful house; it’s about having a home that is a resilient, supportive environment for all stages of life.

We also dug into the idea of the kitchen as “mission control.” The days of the kitchen being a hidden room for food prep are long gone. Today, it’s the high tech hub of the entire home’s infrastructure. This means we have to think much more deeply about what Bill refers to as the “invisible infrastructure”; the plumbing, electrical, and data needs that allow these spaces to function at such a high level.

One of the most sobering parts of our talk was discussing environmental resilience. Living through the California wildfires has fundamentally changed the conversation around preservation and building standards. We have the technology to build more resilient homes, but as Bill pointed out, the real challenge is how we integrate these necessary changes into our existing communities and historic neighborhoods without losing the soul and character that make them special. It’s a complex, ongoing balance that requires the kind of integrated, design build thinking that Bill has championed for decades.

Nick Cryer of Berkeley Place | 672 | Historical Preservation in the UK: Respecting the Past While Building for the Future

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A conversation with Nick Cryer from Berkeley Place on balancing heritage preservation with modern, sustainable design innovations. After spending over thirty years in media, you develop a keen ear for the difference between a trend and a philosophy. My conversation with Nick from Berkeley Place was a masterclass in the latter. We sat down to explore the intricate dance of high-end residential restoration, a world where the weight of history meets the uncompromising demands of modern luxury.

What struck me most was the inherent tension between time, cost, and quality. 

In our world of instantaneous communication and “Amazon Prime” expectations, the craftsmanship required to restore a listed Georgian property in a place like Bath simply cannot be rushed. Nick pointed out that while we can accelerate many things, we cannot accelerate the soul of a building. When you are dealing with Historic England and the preservation of original fabric, you aren’t just a builder; you are a steward of a narrative that started centuries before you arrived.

We also dug into the “Material Intelligence” of these older structures. There is a common misconception that heritage buildings are inherently inefficient. In reality, the thermal mass of thick stone walls often outperforms the “thin-skinned” structures of today. The challenge lies in the surgical integration of 21st-century life, sophisticated kitchen suites, seamless technology, and sustainable upgrades like sympathetic double glazing, without erasing the character that made the property valuable in the first place.

Since the pandemic, the kitchen has evolved into a high-functioning hub that requires more infrastructure than original floor plans ever intended. Seeing how Berkeley Place navigates these installations, sometimes building “rooms within rooms” to protect original plasterwork is a testament to the level of detail required at this level of the industry. It’s a reminder that true luxury isn’t just about the finish; it’s about the invisible infrastructure and the respect for the hands that laid the first stones.

Key Discussion Points

The Evolution of Professional Communication: Nick reflected on over 40 years in the design and consulting industry, noting the dramatic shift from paper letters to the instantaneous nature of modern communication. Today, client expectations are driven by constant connectivity, often requiring multiple communication channels to confirm receipt of information.

The Interplay of Time, Cost, and Quality. A core principle in Berkeley Place’s project management is the dynamic relationship between time, cost, and quality. Nick emphasized that while high-speed delivery is often requested, achieving top-tier quality in restoration—particularly with historical materials—requires a significant investment of time.

Preserving Historical Fabric Under Regulation. The conversation touched on the strict regulations governing “listed properties” in the UK, managed by Historic England. Nick explained the complexities of altering these buildings, where even internal features and original windows are often protected to maintain the character and historical narrative of the structure.

Integrating Sustainability in Heritage Design. Despite rigid preservation laws, the industry is gradually seeing a shift towards allowing sustainable upgrades, such as double glazing and improved insulation, provided they are sympathetic to the original design. Nick noted that older structures, with their thick stone walls and natural thermal performance, often offer inherent sustainability advantages over modern, thinner-walled builds. Modern Kitchen Functionality in Historic Spaces The pandemic has redefined the kitchen as a central social and functional hub, requiring more sophisticated appliance suites and technology. Adapting these modern requirements to historic layouts often involves creative solutions like building internal partitions to accommodate new plumbing and infrastructure without damaging the original building fabric. Applicable Elements

Berkeley Place: For more information on Nick’s work in high-end residential restoration and property development.

Historic England: Information on the regulatory body overseeing the listing and preservation of historical buildings in the UK.

Bath, UK: Context on the Georgian architecture and heritage management discussed during the conversation.

Architecture After Disruption: Health, Resilience, and the Future of the American Home | 670 | Tim Barber Architects

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In this conversation with the principals of Tim Barber Architects, the discussion explores how architecture has evolved since 2020. The pandemic fundamentally changed how people live in their homes, forcing architects to rethink everything from spatial organization and material choices to health, resilience, and long-term adaptability.

The architects describe a profession balancing client desires, environmental realities, and community responsibility. Topics include aging in place, the shift away from open floor plans, rebuilding after wildfire loss, and the growing role of resilience and sustainability in residential design.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The conversation also examines larger systemic issues—from the housing crisis and the loss of architectural criticism to concerns about deregulating the architectural profession and the future pipeline of architects. Ultimately, the discussion reveals architecture as both a creative discipline and a civic responsibility.

Tim Barber, Kelly Becker, David Stone, Ari Engleman, Katie Peterson-Hesketh

Post-Pandemic Spatial Design

Homes are now workplaces, classrooms, and wellness environments. Architects are designing more flexible, compartmentalized spaces rather than large open rooms.

The Reassessment of the Open Floor Plan

Open layouts are losing popularity as homeowners seek acoustic separation, privacy, and spatial hierarchy.

Healthy Homes

Clients increasingly ask about air quality, non-toxic materials, EMF concerns, and overall wellness in the built environment.

Aging in Place & Multigenerational Living

Homes are being designed for lifelong occupancy, with elevators, adaptable bathrooms, and secondary primary suites.

Housing Crisis Misconceptions

The problem is not a lack of housing overall but a shortage of affordable, well-located housing.

Sustainability Through Longevity

The most sustainable building is the one that already exists. Adaptive reuse and generational homes are key strategies.

Fire Resilience and Climate Adaptation

Wildfire rebuild projects are forcing architects to rethink materials, structural resilience, and building codes.

“Performance Spending”

Homeowners must choose between visible luxury and invisible resilience investments.

Architects as Client Advocates

Architects frequently guide clients away from poor decisions through education and alternatives rather than simply saying “no.”

Material Uncertainty and Construction Cost Volatility

Rapid cost changes and new materials create challenges for planning and specification.

Professional Deregulation Concerns

Removing architectural licensing protections could threaten safety, quality, and professional standards.

Education and Knowledge Sharing

The firm runs an internal “university” model to continuously train staff and share knowledge.

Loss of Architectural Criticism

The disappearance of critics and serious architectural journalism has created a cultural vacuum in evaluating design.

Adaptive Reuse and Density

Office conversions and moderate urban density may become major architectural trends.

Future of Residential Design

Homes may become smaller but more sophisticated—prioritizing performance, durability, and resilience.

The Ride Along CEDIA Expo | 662 | Integration, Illumination, and the Future of the Connected Home

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From the show floor at CEDIA Expo 2025, three distinct voices reveal an industry in the midst of transformation—where technology, design, and business are converging in new and unexpected ways. What emerges is not a story about gadgets, but about integration at every level: systems, teams, and ideas. The future of the home is being shaped as much by collaboration and communication as by innovation itself.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Jason Knott, Hagan Kappler, and Bob Schuppe each bring a different lens to the evolving world of residential technology, exploring how integrators, designers, and architects must align to meet rising expectations around performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Jason Knott | D-Tools

Integration Over Innovation
The industry has shifted from breakthrough moments (CDs, DVDs, early automation) to iterative refinement.
https://www.d-tools.com

Lighting as the Entry Point
Lighting design is now the gateway for integrators to engage at the earliest stages of a project.
https://www.lutron.com
https://www.ketra.com

Early-Stage Collaboration
Integrators must be involved during architectural planning to avoid conflicts with structure, HVAC, and design intent.
https://cedia.org

The Designer–Integrator Language Gap
Misalignment between aesthetics and performance leads to inefficiencies and compromised outcomes.

“Wall Acne” and Invisible Technology
The push to hide visible tech (switches, speakers, controls) has created a sub-industry of concealment solutions.
https://www.framemytv.com
https://www.futureautomation.net

Business Software as Competitive Advantage
End-to-end platforms improve efficiency, project management, and profitability (~13% increase).
https://www.d-tools.com/system-integrator
https://www.d-tools.com/cloud

AI in Integration (Early Stage)
AI is being applied to proposal generation and security analytics, though much of the market is still in hype phase.

Resistance to Change
Legacy workflows (Word, Excel) persist despite clear operational disadvantages.

Designing for Reality
Client preferences, budget, and compromise often override ideal technical execution.

Hagan Kappler | Daisy

National Integration Platform
Scaling a fragmented industry through acquisition and brand unification.
https://daisyco.com

Consistency Across Multiple Residences
Clients expect identical user experiences across homes in different locations.

Recurring Revenue Model
Quarterly service visits transform integrators from project-based vendors into long-term partners.

Builder/Designer-Centric Business Model
Majority of work driven through relationships with architects, builders, and interior designers.

Purchasing Power & Market Influence
Scale enables stronger relationships with manufacturers and influence over product development.

Industry Consolidation Trend
Integration is following other trades (HVAC, pest control) toward aggregation and higher valuations.

Workforce Development & Labor Shortage
Critical shortage of technicians is limiting industry growth.

Women in Integration
Expanding the talent pool through apprenticeship programs and leadership pathways.
https://cedia.org/education

Education Pipeline Development
Outreach to high schools and partnerships with manufacturers to build awareness of integration careers.

Client Lifecycle Expansion
Shifting from one-time installs to ongoing service, upgrades, and data-driven engagement.

Bob Schuppe | Resolute Design Group

Lighting as the New Frontier
Lighting has become the defining category in modern integration.
https://www.lutron.com
https://www.ketra.com

Decline of Traditional Recessed Lighting
Shift from large can lights to small aperture, modular, and precision lighting systems.

Integrator as Technology Guide
Role evolving into advisor/translator—helping clients discover what’s possible.

Authenticity vs. Aesthetic Perfection
Designers removing tech elements from photos raises questions about transparency in design.

Invisible but Functional Technology
Technology should disappear visually while remaining fully accessible and high-performing.

Reliability Over Innovation
“Bulletproof” systems are more valuable than bleeding-edge solutions that may fail.

Engineering-Driven Approach
Performance, redundancy, and consistency are core to successful system design.

Blurred Lines Between Trades
Increasing overlap between electricians, designers, builders, and integrators.

Manufacturer–Integrator Feedback Loop
Experienced integrators play a key role in shaping product development.

Audio Nostalgia & Tangibility
Resurgence of vinyl, CDs, and physical media reflects desire for tactile experiences.
https://www.sonos.com
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com

Emotional Connection to Technology
Technology is not purely functional—it shapes memory, identity, and experience.

Integration as a Discipline, Not a Layer
Technology must be embedded from the beginning of the design process—not added later.

Collaboration as Competitive Advantage
The most successful projects are built on shared ownership between designers, architects, and integrators.

Aesthetics vs. Performance Tension
Balancing clean design with technical requirements remains the central challenge.

Standardization vs. Customization
Clients want both highly personalized spaces and consistent experiences across properties.

The Rise of Service-Based Models
Recurring engagement is replacing one-time project delivery.

Technology Disappearing Into Architecture
The end goal is seamless integration—where tech enhances space without calling attention to itself.

Industry Experts on How Fires, Technology, and Shifting Social Agenda are Redefining the “strength” of Southern California Architecture | 661 | Featuring Anthony Poon, Ben Ballentine & Luis Murillo

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In the wake of the devastating January 2025 fires, the architectural community in Southern California is facing a reckoning. The conversation at the recent panel I hosted at Ganahl Lumber in Torrance made one thing clear: the old metrics of “durability” are no longer enough. The industry is moving toward a philosophy of resilience.

For Anthony Poon of Poon Design and Ben Ballentine of Ballaetine Architects, the challenge lies in balancing this need for hardened structures with the fundamental human desire for beauty and light. As Poon noted, a building could be made entirely fireproof, but if it ends up looking like a “bomb shelter,” the architecture has failed its purpose. The goal is now “kinetic” and “resourceful” design—structures that don’t just survive a disaster but facilitate the recovery of the families within them.

The panel also addressed the friction between rapid rebuilding and thoughtful design. With developers racing to fill the housing shortage by “plopping down” identical units, Luis Murillo of LMG Architecture Studio raised concerns about the loss of neighborhood character. Meanwhile, Jay Williams of TimberTech highlighted how material science—blending the aesthetics of natural wood with the fire-rated performance of advanced PVC and fiber cement—is bridging the gap between safety and style.

Ultimately, the consensus was that technology, from AI-driven detailing to digital twin visualizations, is shrinking the production timeline but cannot replace the human element. The architect’s role is evolving from a pure designer into a “civic leader” and “marriage counselor,” navigating a world where clients are armed with TikTok-sourced ideas and a desperate need for a sense of home in an increasingly volatile environment.

Key Concepts

  • Resilience vs. Strength: The shift from making buildings “unbreakable” to making them “recoverable” and resourceful after a cataclysm.
  • The “Bomb Shelter” Dilemma: The struggle to meet strict fire and safety codes (like hardening the building envelope) without sacrificing natural light and aesthetic appeal.
  • Material Science Innovation: The rise of high-performance composites (James Hardie/TimberTech) that offer Class A fire ratings while mimicking the warmth of natural materials.
  • Architectural Accountability: The increasing need for architects to provide highly specific, litigious-level detailing due to shifting contractor liabilities.
  • The AI Influence: How AI is revolutionizing visualization and R&D, while simultaneously creating “educated but misinformed” clients.
  • Rebuilding Ethics: The tension between the speed of rebuilding in burn areas and the opportunity to rethink density and multifamily housing.

Elana Tenenbaum Cline of Carta Creatives | 655 | From Blueprints to Well-Being: A Masterclass in Human-Centric Design

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The emotional impact of our surroundings, the challenges of a multi-year global project, and why the perfect kitchen starts with the “mother archetype.”

Elana Tenenbaum Cline, architecturally trained-interior designer with a fascinating background rooted in both structured discipline and creative layering came into the virtual studio to share her journey from attending Syracuse University’s intensive architecture program to working on massive global projects like the Abu Dhabi Airport.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

The conversation explores the “practical creative” mindset, the importance of constraints in design, and the profound shift from large-scale architecture to the intimate human scale of interior design. Elana explains her philosophy that our surroundings completely impact how we perform and think, detailing how she uses personal narratives to craft spaces that truly resonate with her clients.

  • The Architectural Foundation: Elana discusses growing up with a structured father and a creative mother, and how her five-year architecture degree informs her complex interior renovations today.
  • The Emotional Connection: Why Elana pivoted to interior design to achieve a more intimate understanding of how people actually live—from how they serve coffee to their favorite childhood colors.
  • We talk about running and The “Suck” of the Marathon: A unique analogy comparing the phases of a design project to running a marathon, specifically the “mile 20” moment where clients might lose the vision just before the finish line.
  • Redefining Luxury: Why “luxury” in interior design might be as simple as a perfectly organized silverware drawer rather than just expensive materials.
  • The Performance of Space: Insights into commercial projects like the West River Surgery Center, where the design’s primary goal is to evoke a sense of ease and calm for patients.

Elements & Links

  • E: Explore Elana’s portfolio and the “all senses” approach to residential and commercial design.
  • Syracuse Architecture: Information on the intensive five-year program that shaped Elana’s professional background.
  • Convo By Design Archive: Catch up on previous episodes featuring architects and designers.
  • The Soul of a House: A recommended read on the emotional impact of interior spaces.

“I call myself a practical creative. I love being creative, but I love having constraints.”

“What is so beautiful about architecture and interior design is… how do you actually live in the space? How do you think?”

“I believe that our surroundings completely impact how we feel, how we perform, and how we think.”

“Architecture, depending on the scale… can go on for a long time. There is a pace with interiors that keeps me going.”

“Luxury in architecture is a material choice… luxury in interior design might be a silverware organizer in a drawer.”

“In an interior project, mile 20 is when you’ve done all the work… you’re almost there, and the client doesn’t see the vision yet because they can’t sit on it or touch it.”

“I try to use plain speak with clients… even the wealthiest clients all have budgets and want to manage them extremely carefully.”

“You finish a renovation… and they put a pink Dove soap pump from Walgreens on the counter. It’s like a knife to the heart.”

“People want to be outside as much as possible; they want to connect to nature as much as possible while still having access to power and shade.”

WestEdge Wednesday Part Ten | 652 | Green Shoots: Evolving Materials, Innovative Mindsets

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Innovation Under Pressure: Prefab, Modular, and the Future of Resilient Design Under Pressure. Architecture is evolving faster than ever, driven by natural disasters, technology, and client expectations—but how do designers balance innovation with risk, regulation, and lifestyle priorities? Josh Cooperman hosts an unfiltered conversation with Drew Davis, Brian Pinkett, Aaron Neubert, and Joseph Dangaran about prefabrication, modular construction, client programming, and the challenges of rebuilding communities in fire- and flood-prone regions. From the Palisades to Paris, they explore how architecture must adapt—or risk falling behind.

1. Introduction and Context

  • Host introduction: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design.
  • Acknowledgements: Kim Gordon Designs (venue), Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (sponsor and industry supporter).
  • Why the discussion matters: natural disasters as a case study in architecture’s evolving role.
  • Personal anecdote: Josh’s wildfire experience in 1983 highlighting the urgency of resilient design.

2. Guest Introductions

  • Drew Davis, Partner, Kligerman Architecture & Design, NYC – Residential expertise nationwide.
  • Brian Pinkett, Principal, Landry Design Group – High-end, global custom homes, with focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • Aaron Neubert, Principal, Annex – Residential and hospitality projects in LA & Las Vegas.
  • Joseph Dangaran, Founding Partner, Woods & Dangaran– West Coast single-family homes, high-end interiors.

3. Critical Thinking vs. Design Education

  • Discussion of Brian Pinkett’s insight: architecture school teaches critical thinking, not design itself.
  • How critical thinking shapes the conversation about innovation and client expectations.
  • The influence of NIMBYism and cultural resistance on design risk-taking.

4. Client Literacy and Innovation

  • How clients’ exposure to Instagram, travel, and boutique experiences shapes design expectations.
  • Balancing aspirational ideas with practical constraints: budget, schedule, site conditions.
  • Scenario-based design and programming as a tool to understand lifestyle priorities.

5. Prefabrication and Modular Construction

  • Defining terms: prefabrication vs. modular, and their misconceptions in high-end architecture.
  • Historical examples: Eiffel Tower (prefabricated in 1889), Wallace Neff bubble homes.
  • Case studies: past Malibu prefab project, Arts District hotel project.
  • Discussion of benefits (speed, quality, cost) and challenges (flexibility, client acceptance, perception).

6. Lifestyle vs. Shelter in Rebuilds

  • How trauma and loss after disasters impact client priorities.
  • The tension between rebuilding for necessity vs. recreating lifestyle and memory.
  • Temporary housing solutions and lessons from disaster response (Shigeru Ban, Fresno pre-approved plans).

7. The Role of Regulation in Innovation

  • Flood, fire, and safety regulations: both barriers and catalysts for creativity.
  • Discussion of over-regulation and its impact on rebuilding efficiency, particularly in high-demand areas like Pacific Palisades.

8. The Future of Architectural Innovation

  • Emerging materials, prefabrication, and modular design for high-end custom homes.
  • How technology enables flexibility and quality at scale.
  • The challenge of evolving architectural vernacular to reflect contemporary technology.
  • The importance of balancing client desires, regulatory frameworks, and architectural creativity.

9. Closing Thoughts

  • Necessity drives invention, but adaptation and education are key.
  • Designers’ role in guiding clients through uncertainty and risk.
  • Encouragement to rethink traditional paradigms: innovation in practice, materials, and process.

10. Callouts / Quotes for Social Media

  • “Innovation isn’t about change for change’s sake—it’s about solving the problem you didn’t know existed.” – Brian Pinkett
  • “Prefabrication isn’t a compromise. It’s a new way to design for speed, quality, and scale.” – Aaron Neubert
  • “The goal isn’t just shelter. The goal is lifestyle.” – Joseph Dangaran

11. Links & References

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

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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.