Category Archives: Maximalism

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

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

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

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

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

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

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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