Icon Registry Induction for February 2024 | 488 | Cara Woodhouse

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a very special episode. Part of a new series of the show and something that I have been considering for quite some time but I specifically wanted to complete year 10 of the show before I rolled this out. 

Do you know that in the 11+ years of Convo By Design, I have published over 450 episodes, spoken with over 600 creatives, produced over 5 dozen panel conversations for design events across the country. From all of these amazing conversations with the worlds greatest creative talent, I wanted. to start enshrining some of these individuals into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, a hall of fame if you will.

I don’t do contests and I most certainly don’t do lists. Lists are gimmicks designed to capture clicks. They are, click bait pure and simple. You cannot tell me that a list of 50, 75 or 100 designers and architects are the absolute best at what they do without providing context. Lists are created in the hopes that those who are being listed will promote the accolades and that attention will be driven back to the author of the list. And contests where creatives have to reach out to their base to get them to vote for them is just wrong in my opinion. Because, if someone is amazing at what they do… Celebrate that, no strings attached. And that is what we are going to do here. 

Now, the criteria… Each inductee has been a guest on Convo By Design. They have a body of work that is exceptional in their various disciplines and there is no justification required for their world class status. They give back to the industry, they are innovators, givers and make our industry better than they found it. This project is called the Convo By Design Icon Registry, because that is what this is, tantamount to a hall of fame, but more. What is an ICON? Described as an icon; A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration. A registry is a well curated list. You can consider this a venerable who’s who in our industry with gifts to offer and a willingness to share. Pablo Picasso is credited with saying, “the meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away”. Now, I am not suggesting that those enshrined in the Icon Registry have all just been giving away their gifts. These are professionals of the highest order and part of being a professional is knowing your worth and understanding your value. Each of these individuals have appeared on Convo By Design, shared what they know for the betterment of others, and I am deeply appreciative for that. This is the most authentic way that I can express my gratitude for that. As deeply appreciative as I am for their sharing, I am equally grateful for your taking the time to share a few moments, an hour out of your busy schedule each week to listen to the show. Again, the most authentic way that I can express that gratitude is to give you an opportunity to hear them again. Every month, the last Thursday of the month, unless it’s a holiday week, in which case I will publish a week sooner, I will share a new inductee with you.

This creative is, to me an extraordinary example of what it means to be a modern designer. Not as in her aesthetic or style is purely modern but instead, her understanding of the design universe and being universally adroit at presenting traditional materials in new ways, expertly navigating space gracefully, seamlessly and yet sparking emotion in, again unique and different ways. Cara Woodhouse is crafty, creative and her work begins and ends with a full understanding of what she is working with in terms of space, desires, needs and materiality. Woodhouse isn’t a joanna come lately, she isn’t a reality TV star designer. She’s paid her dues. Ive not just covered her professionally for the podcast, but I have been the beneficiary of her work. When I was the general manager and program director for Playboy Radio, I spent time at the Beverly Hills Playboy offices, that she designed. Her work is imaginative. It’s exciting. It makes the brain pop and wiggle. Woodhouse is a curator of color, shape and space, mixing and blending all to please the senses and make you wonder, “what if”.

Thank you Cara, for your skill, talent, art willingness to share. It was my honor speaking with you and congratulations. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol and Design Hardware for making the show possible. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show and the feedback I receive. Thanks you for your guest and topic suggestions. If not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you receive every episode automatically to your feed. 

If you are so inclined, please consider following us on Instagram. Convo X Design with an “X” and we can further the conversation. Thank you for listening and until next week, be well, and take today first. -Convo By Design

CXD Icon Registry Induction Episode Celebrating Bunny Williams | 475 | The Godmother of Decor

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a very special episode. Part of a new series of the show and something that I have been considering for quite some time but I specifically wanted to complete year 10 of the show before I rolled this out. 

Do you know that in the 11+ years of Convo By Design, I have published over 450 episodes, spoken with over 600 creatives, produced over 5 dozen panel conversations for design events across the country. From all of these amazing conversations with the worlds greatest creative talent, I wanted. to start enshrining some of these individuals into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, a hall of fame if you will.

I don’t do contests and I most certainly don’t do lists. Lists are gimmicks designed to capture clicks. They are, click bait pure and simple. You cannot tell me that a list of 50, 75 or 100 designers and architects are the absolute best at what they do without providing context. Lists are created in the hopes that those who are being listed will promote the accolades and that attention will be driven back to the author of the list. And contests where creatives have to reach out to their base to get them to vote for them is just wrong in my opinion. Because, if someone is amazing at what they do… Celebrate that, no strings attached. And that is what we are going to do here. 

Now, the criteria… Each inductee has been a guest on Convo By Design. They have a body of work that is exceptional in their various disciplines and there is no justification required for their world class status. They give back to the industry, they are innovators, givers and make our industry better than they found it. This project is called the Convo By Design Icon Registry, because that is what this is, tantamount to a hall of fame, but more. What is an ICON? Described as an icon; A person or thing regarded as a representative symbol or as worthy of veneration. A registry is a well curated list. You can consider this a venerable who’s who in our industry with gifts to offer and a willingness to share. Pablo Picasso is credited with saying, “the meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away”. Now, I am not suggesting that those enshrined in the Icon Registry have all just been giving away their gifts. These are professionals of the highest order and part of being a professional is knowing your worth and understanding your value. Each of these individuals have appeared on Convo By Design, shared what they know for the betterment of others, and I am deeply appreciative for that. This is the most authentic way that I can express my gratitude for that. As deeply appreciative as I am for their sharing, I am equally grateful for your taking the time to share a few moments, an hour out of your busy schedule each week to listen to the show. Again, the most authentic way that I can express that gratitude is to give you an opportunity to hear them again. Every month, the last Thursday of the month, unless it’s a holiday week, in which case I will publish a week sooner, I will share a new inductee with you.

Bunny Williams: 

This, the inaugural Convo By Design Icon Registry episode inductee is the incomparable, godmother of decor, Bunny Williams. The best way for me to share her journey with you is to allow her to tell her stories, in her own words. So, here is the conversation I had with Bunny during the heart of the pandemic, via Zoom in front of a live remote audience. This is the first inductee to the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Bunny Williams.

Thank you Bunny, for your skill, wit, willingness to share, your incredible talent and love of dogs. It was my honor speaking with you and congratulations. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol and Design Hardware for making the show possible. Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show and the feedback I receive. Thanks you for your guest and topic suggestions. If not already, please subscribe to the podcast so you receive every episode automatically to your feed. 

If you are so inclined, please consider following us on Instagram. Convo X Design with an “X” and we can further the conversation. Thank you for listening and until next week, be well, and take today first. -Convo By Design

The Gratitude You Deserve | 463 | Putting A Bow on 2023

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. I have no interview to share with you today. No spectacular chat about design, no upcoming promotion, no BOOKLOOK, nope. Just two simple words followed by a few more to expand on the thought. Thank you. 

Thank you for taking the time to listen to the show, email me with guest suggestions and show ideas. Thank you for coming out to Convo By Design events, watching and liking the silly videos on IG, subscribing to the show and for supporting the sponsors of the show.

Speaking of which, thank you to my partners and sponsors, ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware. Your support of the show is what allows me and our editorial team to do this. Your support of the design and architecture community is special and I’m thankful for you.

Thank you to the guests who take the time to share a bit of themselves, their skill and that special something that has catapulted them to the levels at which we find them. Thank you to Soho Home in West Hollywood for serving as the location for our 10th anniversary celebration. 10 years. Cannot believe I have been doing this show for that long. Like any success, nobody does it alone. No one. We all have help form friends as well as the generosity of strangers. I have never met most of you who listen to the show. But you listen, and I’m thankful. I have met a number of listeners at events where I attend and speak. This year alone, Las Vegas Market, KBIS, West Hollywood Design District, ASID Orange County, the A&D Building in New York, Dallas Market Center and WestEdge Design Fair. To all my publicist friends, thank you for trusting me with your clients. To the brands I work with, thank you for trusting me with your messaging and content production. To the designers and architects with whom I have spoken this year and the previous years, thank you for making the time to tell your stories on the show. 

To all of you within the sound of my voice, thank you and I hope this holiday season is everything you want it to be. I hope you get the chance to slow down a bit, maybe even stop for a few days, spend time with friends and loved ones because at the end of the day, that’s what is really important. Well, I promised short. Happy holidays. Be well and until we meet back here, next year, take today first. – CXD

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

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

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

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

Follow along and check out her projects here:

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

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

Illuminated Ideas: Architecture and Lighting for A Modern Client | 442 | Charles Pavarini III

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with Charles Pavarini III.  Pavarini has reinterpreted the legacy of the Pavarini Construction Company, known for creating historic landmarks including the Seagram Tower, the United Nations, the State Theater at Lincoln Center, and numerous other landmark buildings in New York City and throughout the world. All of his projects hinge around a powerful central design theme and maintain a certain ‘vision’ which is always dramatically executed given Charles’ keen sense of color, style, and use of lighting as a ‘design tool’. Having sat on the board of directors of the Designer’s Lighting Forum of New York for twenty-five years, he has a refined approach to interior design always staged with strong focal points and exacting lighting technique to harness the artistic and architectural vernacular of the spaces he designs. His extensive experience in the Performing Arts as performer, costume designer and set designer qualify him to conceive projects of any scale and proportion with great dignity and an unmatched passion for mood. While that is the bio, it should also be noted that Pavarini co-authored a book that was featured on BookLook. His offering, Lighting Beyond Edison: Brilliant Residential Lighting Techniques in the Age of LED’s is truly a transformative look at what is possible in modern lighting and how it works to elevate the design and increase functionality.  We are going to cover this and a great deal more.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

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

The Oasis Alliance – Providing design to those in need.

ICAA Southern California – SoCal is Southern California’s preeminent resource on classical architecture and the allied arts.

Thank you Charles for the time. Thank you to my partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living, Design Hardware. I truly appreciate the partnership. And thank you for listening, downloading and subscribing to the podcast. Please make sure you are subscribed so you get every episode of the show the moment its published. Please email me with suggestions and show ideas, love the input. Email is convobydesign@outlook dot com and on Instagram @convoxdesign with and “x”. Thanks for listening. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

This New York Based Architect Crafts Projects That Will Make Your Heart Skip A Beat | 426 | Wayne Turett: The Turett Collaborative

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about architecture. The kind of architecture that, if you are a true fan, makes your heart race. It did mine Wayne Turett is. the force behind The Turett Collaborative. He and his team are reshaping New York and surrounding through the application of extraordinary architecture principles, new ideas and and a reimagined idea of what architecture is and can be. The work is imaginative, daring and the philosophy is sustainable. Everything from reshaped inner city dwellings to a ground up passive house. Outdoor playgrounds inside, inside living spaces outdoors and so much more.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

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

Wayne and I take a walk through quite a few of these projects and if you are so inclined, you can walk through them with us. As always, check the show notes for a link to The Turett Collective website project pages and we’ll explore together. What you are going to find is that Wayne’s firm takes the work seriously, but in that approach, find ways to reignite the imagination through the use of materials in unexpected ways, application of technique in a manner that is multifunctional and serves as multiplier against other materials and techniques. Space, flow, lighting, emotion and a clear passion for the work are evident in every detail. Can you tell I’m a fan? I am and I think if you are not already familiar with their work, by the end of this episode, you will be as well. The is Wayne Turett of The Turett Collective.

Thank you Wayne for the time. Thank you CXD partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for your continuous partnership and support. Thank you for taking the time to subscribe, download and listen to the show. I appreciate you. 

Now more than ever, remember why you do what you do and for whom you do it. The design and architecture community single handedly makes the lives of those we serve better and it’s because of you. Thanks again for listening, we’ll be back next week with another story, so until then, be well and take today first.

Perspectives on Salone del Mobile | 385 | Featuring Michael Cox, Kaitlin Madden and Jonathan Zanger LIVE from Hastings Tile & Bath

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design and following is a very special conversation that was recorded LIVE from the Hastings Tile & Bath showroom in the A&D Building, New York City. Live, in-person and focused on an event that we have been missing for years…

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

The idea is a little different, we gathered at Hastings Tile and Bath to talk about Salone del Mobile, but before that, about a month before we met, I asked each of the participants to capture Milan in any way they felt demonstrated their experience. I really wanted their perspective and I wanted to try and experience it through their eyes so those that were not able to attend, could feel like they did attend.

With that, let me introduce the group. Michael Cox of Foley & Cox, Kaitlin Madden from Homes and Gardens and Jonathan Zanger, a commercial design, tile and stone expert. Check the show notes for video from this event where you can follow along AND share the images, descriptions and videos. So, let’s get to it. You’ll hear all about it, right after this.

That was so much fun!  Thank you Michael, Kaitlin and Jonathan. Thank you Bob Gifford from Hastings for having me out to share this conversation.  And thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Its Summer in 2022 and travel is in full swing so you are going to be hearing episodes of the show from New York, Texas and LA events in the coming weeks and months. You are also going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

This is How Architecture, Historic Preservation and Product Design Comes Together | 374 | It Takes A Visionary Like David Khouri

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation that spans architecture, historic preservation and product design with David Khouri of KGBL.

Let’s add the tag multi-disciplinary creative to this episode because that is what you are getting with David Khouri. A master’s degree in both Architecture and Historic Preservation from Columbia University, and then after years of travel and self-discovery, starts developing furniture. Now, Design Director at KGBL, where he has been creating for over 13 years. This conversation covers far more than just design, we talk about stunning American made furnishings that speak to the need for both unique product and domestic production. Modern furniture, and a story that begins by starting a company during one of the worst financial times in recent memory. 

Thank you, David. I appreciate the time and I am a huge fan of your work. The story is amazing. Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener and Moya Living for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

Moya Living  Beautiful, durable powder coated kitchen, bath & outdoor kitchen cabinetry

Finally! Strategies for Fine Art & Interior Design for any Budget or Style | 362 | Anelle Gandelman of A List Interiors

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with designer, Anelle Gandelman. Former student of The New School of Interior Design with a degree in Fine Art from Parsons School of Design and a certificate in American art & antiques from Sotheby’s. I bet you know where we’re going with this one.

Yep, art and design. We talk about it quite a bit. I think it’s important to cover this subject for a number of reason. In my experience, designer tend to shy away form fine art, antiques and the perceived high expense of such endeavors in design. Why? Because of cost, overall percentage of the design budget, lack of quality control, delivery issues, but the main reason? I suspect it is due to a lack of comfort with the idea that there is rarity to this and an inability to circle back and return the product if it doesn’t fit perfectly. But think about it this way, art and antiques can be woven into a design concept in so many way that it can raise the level of design exponentially. You can use art as a feature, accessory, complimentary item, balance to low in the high-low scenario. You can use antiques to balance a modern or contemporary feel but most importantly to me anyway is that a skilled designer can use art and antiques to further craft the story behind the design itself making it a unique story exclusive to their clients. That is what many if not most clients are looking for now. So, we are going to get into this with a deep dive into the world of design, art and antiques with designer and founder of the Manhattan firm, A List Interiors, Anelle Gandelman.

Thank you, Anelle. I truly appreciate the time! Thank you Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener for your partnership. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.

The Showroom featuring The Brownstone Boys | 309 | Restoring Beautiful Brownstones

We’re taking you on a virtual trip to New York for a visit with The Brownstone Boys in another episode of The Showroom, a partnership between Convo By Design and Walker Zanger.

This is a deep design dive with Barry and Jordan, The Brownstone Boys. I love what these two are doing, they brought their passion for design and brownstones to a boil and focus exclusively on bringing traditional brownstones back to their original glory. They started with their own Brooklyn Brownstone and blogged about the process they went through to painstakingly bring this classic up to modern standards with amazing design while still respecting the origins of the space. The Showroom, as previously mentioned, is a partnership between Convo By Design and our sponsor, Walker Zanger.

By the way, are you subscribing to the podcast, if not, please do so you get every episode automatically when they are published. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts and now, you can find us on DesignNetwork dot Org, a destination dedicated to podcasts, all things design, and architecture so make sure to check it out. Okay, Let’s get to it…

Thank you Jordan and Barry, thank you, Erika, thank you, Walker Zanger, for your continued support, and thank you for listening, without you, what’s the point. If you are not already a subscriber to the show, what are you waiting for, it’s easy. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. Ask your smart speaker to play Convo By Design, it’s really that easy. Follow along on the socials and check out our YouTube channel for videos from some of your favorite episodes, like this one with The Brownstone Boys. Thanks again for listening to the show, be well and until next week, keep creating.

#ConvoByDesign #WalkerZanger #TheBrownstoneBoys #Brownstone #TheShowroom