Category Archives: Los Angeles

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

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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

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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

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

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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.

WestEdge Wednesday Part Two | 633 | Creative Burnout: The Rules for Thriving & Evolving in Chaotic Times

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At WestEdge, a panel of accomplished designers opened up about the emotional highs and lows of a career in creative design. The conversation delved into the toll that challenging clients can take, emphasizing that boundaries are not just beneficial but necessary for longevity in the industry. Panelists reflected on early career experiences, noting that optimism and the desire to see the best in clients can sometimes lead to depletion when projects are mismatched. These stories reinforced the idea that learning to say “no” and choosing the right clients is both a practical and emotional necessity. Beyond client challenges, the panel explored ways designers replenish their creative energy. Travel, flea markets, and tactile art projects, such as creating feathered artworks or doodling with Sharpies on rocks, were highlighted as powerful methods to reconnect with the craft. Attendees also shared experiences with artist dates, personal excursions that nurture inspiration outside work routines. For many, small, seemingly mundane moments—like walking barefoot on the beach or exploring museum exhibits—serve as vital opportunities to recharge. Central to the discussion was the notion of hope and intention in design. Designers are not only crafting spaces but facilitating transformative experiences for their clients. From arranging reveal days to curating details that clients cannot yet envision, designers play a key role in shaping both the aesthetic and emotional outcome of a home. These moments, when clients recognize the thought and care embedded in every choice, provide a profound sense of validation and joy for the designer. Technology emerged as both a boon and a challenge. Tools like Google Banana Nano and reverse image searches empower clients but can also accelerate expectations, requiring designers to continually adapt. To maintain balance, panelists suggested strategies such as phone lockboxes, one-word reset practices (e.g., travel, camping, art), and engaging in the tactile and analog experiences that digital feeds cannot replicate. Magazines were championed as a crucial resource in the digital age, offering tactile, spontaneous inspiration that cannot be algorithmically curated. They allow designers to explore beyond the bounds of client constraints and rediscover creative joy in a medium that encourages discovery and reflection. Ultimately, the WestEdge panel underscored the importance of integrating self-care, boundaries, and intentional creative practices into the professional life of a designer. Burnout is inevitable at times, but with mindfulness, grounding practices, and opportunities to reconnect with the joy of creation, designers can sustain their passion and continue to deliver transformative experiences for their clients. The panel left attendees with actionable insights and inspiration to navigate the demanding yet rewarding world of design. About: Convo By Design is a platform designed to share and promote the ideas of those shaping design and architecture today. We provide inspiration to the design and architecture community. In constant pursuit of sublime design. ©2013-2026 Subscribe to the podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/c… https://www.convobydesign.com

Design With Intention: Antiques, Process, and the Art of Creating Meaningful Spaces | 632 | Kristin Mullen, Kristen Mullen Designs

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Design is more than aesthetics—it’s about understanding how people live, move, and connect with their spaces. In this episode, Kristin Mullen and I explore how sourcing, observation, and thoughtful decision-making shape interiors that feel authentic and functional. From Round Top to kitchen design to client relationships, the conversation reveals why the best work begins with listening and ends with purpose.

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

A thoughtful conversation on antiques, design philosophy, client trust, and why the most successful spaces are built on intention rather than trends. You are going to hear from designer Kristin Mullen. We’re exploring the deeper thinking behind successful interior design—where process, perspective, and human behavior matter as much as aesthetics. The conversation opens with a discussion of the Round Top Antiques Show, which Kristin describes as an essential destination for designers seeking character, craftsmanship, and pieces with history. While digital sourcing has its place, both agree that nothing replaces the experience of seeing and understanding objects in person. Round Top, in particular, offers an immersive environment that encourages discovery, education, and creative connection.

From there, the conversation turns inward, examining how a designer’s background and worldview shape their approach. Kristin shares how her early training in speech and language pathology sharpened her ability to read clients, recognize unspoken preferences, and interpret behavior—skills that now inform every project she takes on. That sensitivity, paired with her passion for antiques, results in spaces that feel layered, personal, and grounded in story rather than surface-level trends.

A central theme throughout the episode is redefining what “value” means in design. Josh and Kristin challenge the idea that good design is about price or status. Instead, they discuss how meaningful spaces come from clarity, intention, and thoughtful editing. The role of the designer, they explain, is often to simplify—helping clients focus on what truly matters and guiding them away from choices that don’t support how they actually live.

The conversation naturally moves into kitchens, where function and behavior intersect most clearly. From layout and stone selection to lighting and storage, Josh and Kristin explore how small decisions can dramatically affect daily life. They discuss the importance of planning for real habits rather than idealized ones, and how photographic trends often misrepresent how spaces are actually used. The evolution of kitchen design, they note, reflects broader changes in how homes function as multi-use environments.

The episode also touches on the business and sourcing side of design. Kristin shares insights into working with European antiques and the growing challenges presented by tariffs and shipping costs. Josh adds perspective on the potential return to small-scale, locally made craftsmanship, suggesting that the industry may be entering a period where quality, story, and intention carry more weight than volume or speed.

Throughout the conversation, one idea remains consistent: strong design is rooted in trust. Open communication, clear expectations, and honest dialogue between designer and client create better outcomes for everyone involved. When people feel heard and understood, the results are spaces that not only look good—but function beautifully over time. You are going to hear all about it, right after this.

Great design isn’t about excess or trends—it’s about intention, understanding, and care. When designers take the time to observe how people truly live and guide them through thoughtful decisions, the result is a space that feels authentic, functional, and deeply personal. This episode makes the case for slowing down, asking better questions, and designing with purpose at the center.

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

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

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

Show Topics:

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

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

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

WestEdge 2025 Designing the Experience | 621 | WestEdge Co-Founder Megan Reilly and Theater Designer Kim Gordon Designs

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It is very hard for me to believe it but the 2025 edition of WestEdge is almost here. This will be the 10th edition of the show and I am so excited to share the slate of talks taking place this year in the WestEdge Theater Presented By Pacific Sales! But, I’m not going to do it here because our time here is limited. But I have an idea.

I am going to link all of the programs and the times in the show notes. So, you can make your plans accordingly. Today on the show, you are going to hear from Megan Reilly, co-founder of WestEdge and my dear friend, Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs. Kim is joined by Julia Demarco, who together designed the WestEdge Theater Presented by Pacific Sales. We talk about the inspiration that went into the theater design, the how and they why. You are going to love this.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

Before we get into it, I have something really special to share with you. Something special with a WestEdge connection. My friend, and longtime friend of the show Anthony Laney of Laney LA sent me a copy of the new monograph, Poetics of Home; Essays and Spaces by Laney LA. And so, I want to share a special installment of BOOKLOOK.

BookLook – Anthony Laney, Laney LA: Poetics of Home

Avialable from Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers: Order Here. 

“ Laney LA’s work embodies a distinctly Southern California spirit – the blur between indoors and out, the layering of experiences, the quiet merger of minimalism and sensuality. – Sam Lubell . This is from the foreword of Laney LA’s book, Poetics of Home. The book is available through Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers.

Before I tell you about the book, let me tell you about my friend Anthony Laney. Laney and I first bonded on the show over a project of his in Manhattan Beach, home for me. This project had a disappearing pool, which was very cool, but it was’t the cool factor of a pool that disappeared below a functional outdoor space. It was the “why” behind its installment. The South Bay in Los Angeles is known for very expensive homes on very small lots. The underground pool is very cool but more than that, it represents something very special about Anthony and his namesake firm. This was a solution to a challenge. The client wanted this space and the home designed for the site. But they also wanted a yard for the family to enjoy the very unique exterior environment. Mark Twain said it best, “Buy land, they’re not making It anymore”. It takes a very special mind to craft something that literally makes more functional space on the same site.

If you want to understand the thought process and the ethos of this unique firm, Poetics of Home shows you what’s behind the walls, and under the deck. But Laney LA has another challenge. This was their debut monograph and just like a smash hit record, it will be very difficult to match or exceed. So, let’s focus on this one.

“Craft is where intention becomes tangible” – Anthony Laney

My favorite quote from the book because it is so simple and true. 6 words that succinctly define the motive. If you are anything like me, with regard to design and architecture, the story behind the design is equally important to form and function. Because the industry still speaks about architecture in terms of form and function. Yeah, it’ important. However, when you minimize something to simply how it looks and why it does, you can’t fully explore the intangibles. The way a space makes you feel. If you’ve never been to LA’s South Bay, you don’t know what Manhattan Beach smells like in August. Sunscreen and salt air, the scent of grilled meat and citrus. Or, what it sounds like during the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Beach Volleyball Tournament. Or, what it feels like in December during the fireworks show off the pier when 125,000 people descend on this small beach town. A special home in this place needs to be build to accommodate all of the senses. And it takes a very special architecture firm to understand how a client wants to live and then deliver a space for all the feels, sights, sounds, smells and yet, a shelter from the very same when desired.

This is the superpower behind Laney LA and Poetics of Home defines it, showcases it, explains it in text and imagery. If you are a true devotee of architecture, you need this masterpiece in your library if for no other reason, than to remind you of the true importance behind exceptional architecture. That it’s not how big it is, how expensive it was to construct, what celebrity lives there, what trade magazine put it on the cover, but instead, how it was crafted for an individual, a couple, a family… Ideated in a completely holistic manner. The joy in this book is endless, not physically, that ends on page 300 with a group photo. But the ideas endure far beyond that.  Anthony, congratulations and well done.

Thank you, Megan, Kim and Julia for the time, conversation and partnership. Can’t wait to see you at WestEdge. 

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

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

Balancing Modern, Traditional, and Transitional | 620 | A Deep Dive with SHM Architecture’s, Nick McWhirter

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I had the opportunity to sit with down with Nick McWhirter or SHM Architects to explore the nuances of transitional design, the delicate dance between modern and traditional elements, and the intentionality behind every architectural choice. From furniture-driven layouts to aspirational lighting strategies, Nick shares the thought process, research, and we discuss philosophy that transform houses into harmonious, living machines. Listeners will gain insight into how design, balance, and playfulness converge to create both beauty and functionality in contemporary residential architecture.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

What makes a home truly exceptional isn’t just the materials or the finishes—it’s the careful orchestration of space, light, and style. In this episode, Nick breaks down his approach to transitional design, revealing how subtle choices like shutter placement, dormer adjustments, or color balance can shift a home’s aesthetic from modern to traditional. The conversation spans everything from lighting plans and hidden technology to furniture-first design principles and the philosophy behind architecture as a living, breathing machine.  Of course, that idea comes from Le Corbusier and his thoughts on this very subject.  We also discuss the role of photography, the tension between realism and aspirational imagery, and the evolving vernacular of form and function in modern homes. This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful, intentional, and style-agnostic design.

Topics and Ideas

  1. Introduction & Context
    • Welcome and setup: Exploring transitional design
    • Nick’s philosophy: Style agnostic but deeply researched
  1. Transitional Design: Modern vs. Traditional
    • Subtle moves: Shutters, dormers, cut stone, and symmetry
    • Playfulness in design: How small details create balance
    • Color palette: Black-and-white schemes as intentional high-contrast statements
  1. Design Process & Interior Layouts
    • Inside-out approach: Furniture-driven architecture
    • Achieving balanced asymmetry
    • Experimentation and editing: Knowing when less is more
  1. Lighting as a Core Component
    • Invisible vs. visible fixtures: Philosophy of recessed lighting
    • Lighting as both function and art
    • Integration with technology: Wi-Fi, AV, and smart home systems
  1. Photography, Aspirational Design & Reality
    • Balancing reality and idealized imagery in marketing
    • Photoshop as a tool to highlight design intent
    • How photography conveys quality of light, space, and atmosphere
  1. Form Follows Function & Architectural Philosophy
    • Homes as “machines for living”
    • The role of beauty and human experience in architecture
    • Historical perspective: Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and modern vernacular
  1. Outdoor Spaces & Technology Integration
    • Creative solutions: Two TVs on a patio
    • LED walls and emerging tech as part of design storytelling
  1. Closing Thoughts & Personal Insights
    • The freedom in design: Few right or wrong answers
    • Nick’s passion for music, smoked meats, and lifestyle influence
    • Preview of future conversations and projects

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

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

The Novogratz | 618 | Our October 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

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Courtney Novogratz: Designing a Life of Creativity and Family Courtney Novogratz has spent her career reimagining spaces that celebrate individuality, family, and joy. Alongside her husband Robert, she’s built an iconic brand known for bold style, adventurous projects, and a commitment to living beautifully without pretense. In this conversation, Courtney shares her design philosophy, her family-first approach, and how she balances creativity with business. In this episode of Convo By Design, Courtney Novogratz opens up about her journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and mother of seven. From revitalizing historic properties to curating collections that reflect everyday living, Courtney brings her unique perspective on what it means to design with heart. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, her take on authenticity in design, and why storytelling matters just as much as furniture and finishes.

Ideas and Topics discussed during our chat. What you will hear are universal concepts that are then executed to perfection. “Perfection” doesn’t mean perfect. That might sound strange, but often perfection is used to describe design but let’s be , there is no such thing as perfect in design. To me, perfection is a philosophical approach to blending the work with the story and The Novogratz do this expertly, which is why they are Octobers Convo By Design Icon Registry inductees presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Here are some of the reasons why and ideas you are going to hear explained:

  • The Novogratz Design Journey
    Courtney on how she and Robert grew their design practice into a recognizable lifestyle brand.
  • Balancing Creativity & Family
    How raising seven kids has shaped her outlook on interiors and informed her approach to livable, joyful design.
  • The Power of Storytelling in Design
    Why personality and narrative are essential to creating meaningful spaces.
  • From Renovations to Product Lines
    Expanding beyond interiors into retail, furniture, and collaborations.
  • Lessons in Building a Design Brand
    Courtney reflects on resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your vision.

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

This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Courtney and congratulations to you and Robert. Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the ideas with regard to your world-class story-telling skills. Your work is exceptional and the branding is masterful.

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

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

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

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

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

Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting

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

Link: Remains Lighting

Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune

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

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

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

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