WestEdge Wednesday Part One | 631 | Home Again: How the Palisades is Reclaiming its Future

Since areas of Los Angeles, entire communities burned to the ground in January, 2025, the world around us has jumped in with opinions on how to rebuild.  Moderated by: Allison Holdorff Polhill, LAUSDFeaturing: Reza Akef, Polaris Homes; Sue Kohl, Pacific Palisades Community Council; Ron Marome, Fleetwood Windows and Doors; Rob Jernigan, Clayco; May Sung, SUBU Design Architecture; and Matt Talley , AECOM I made a promise to those in attendance that I would do my homework and find resources, phone numbers, contacts… And I have. It’s voluminous but you will find many of these links in the show notes of this episode. I will also continue to dig and share my findings on Instagram so please follow along. Convo X Design and email me if you would like more information and resource contacts. Convo By Design at Outlook dot com. Key Agencies & Contacts for Rebuild / Recovery in Pacific Palisades 1. City of Los Angeles Los Angeles City Planning Palisades Rebuild & Recovery Team — Email: Planning.PalisadesRebuild@lacity.org City Planning+1 One‑Stop Rebuilding Center (city permit center): 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 City Planning+1 Departments represented at the One‑Stop: LADBS (Building & Safety) City Planning Bureau of Engineering (BOE) City Planning StreetsLA / Urban Forestry City Planning LADWP (Water & Power) City Planning LADOT (Transportation) City Planning LAFD (Fire Department) City Planning LA Housing Department (LAHD) City Planning LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) City Planning Bureau of Contract Administration (BCA) City Planning SoCalGas (utility) City Planning Los Angeles Emergency Management Department For recovery inquiries: EmergencyUpdates@LACity.org L.A. Emergency Management Their 2025 Wildfire Recovery page includes resources for disaster‑rebuild. L.A. Emergency Management Mayor’s Office – Resilient Rebuild Advisory Committee Under Emergency Executive Order 5 (2025), a Resilient Rebuild Advisory Committee was established. Los Angeles Mayor’s Office 2. Los Angeles County (for areas in the County jurisdiction) LA County Recovers Main Recovery Website: recovery.lacounty.gov LA County Recovers Public Works Hotline (for rebuilding / debris): 844‑347‑3332 LA County Recovers+1 Fire Debris Removal Permit: call 888‑479‑7328 for fire debris removal help. LA County Recovers LA County Public Works – Building & Safety Contact for building, grading, and drainage issues: via their offices. LA County Public Works Geotechnical & Materials Engineering (soils, geology): (626) 458‑4925 LA County Public Works Fire Prevention (County Fire): LACoFD Headquarters (323) 890‑4132 LA County Public Works LA County Department of Regional Planning Zoning, planning, rebuilding permitting: (213) 974‑6411 LA County Public Works The “Road to Rebuilding” program provides one-on-one concierge appointments (Public Works / Planning / Fire / Public Health) for Palisades rebuilding. LA County Public Works LA County Environmental Health For septic system (onsite wastewater) approvals: contact the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) team via Public Health. LA County Public Works Water “Will‑Serve” letter (potable water) – Drinking Water Program: required for some rebuilds. LA County Public Works LA County Assessor’s Office For tax reassessment after fire damage (“Misfortune & Calamity”): call (213) 974‑8658. LA County Recovers State / Federal Agencies California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) As a major state-level emergency agency, they coordinate recovery resources. (Generic contact: via caloes.ca.gov) Gather ADU Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) For disaster assistance (debris removal, housing, financial help): contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 for general assistance. Gather ADU U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (for debris removal specifically): their LA mission office is reachable; per FEMA, call center 213‑308‑8305. FEMA Recommended Approach / Strategy Start at the One‑Stop Rebuilding Center (LA City or County as applicable) — this gives you a “concierge” experience with multiple departments in one place. Follow up with direct department emails (e.g., Planning, Public Works) for specialized issues (soils, septic, fire‑safety). Use FEMA / CalOES early — get registered for federal/state disaster relief. Engage community‑based networks (ENLA, local recovery groups) — they often have the most up-to-date, local practical advice. Document everything — keep track of all contacts, permit numbers, and correspondence. Additional Information will be posted to the Convo By Design website. 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 https://www.convobydesign.com

Design After Disruption | 630 | How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever LIVE From Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home

Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.

Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.

At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, leading architects, designers, and industry specialists gathered to examine how pandemic-era shifts, rising client expectations, and rapid product innovation are reshaping the future of kitchens and baths. Their insights reveal an industry moving beyond trend talk toward highly personalized, wellness-driven, and performance-first design.

The kitchen is no longer just a workspace, and the primary bath is no longer just a retreat. Over the past five years, these rooms have become emotional anchors, wellness centers, hospitality zones, tech platforms, and reflections of how people believe they should live. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, a cross-section of the industry’s leading voices came together to discuss how the profession is adapting—and what clients now expect designers to deliver.

For Sayler Design Studio founder Beth Sayler (https://saylorstudio.com), the shift is rooted in emotion. After years of pandemic-related uncertainty, material shortages, and insurance-driven rebuilds, clients want spaces that feel personal, restorative, and meaningful. Her projects now lean into “experience design,” where primary suites might include refrigeration drawers, espresso stations, integrated audio, and hospitality-level details. Her biggest tool is expectation-setting—helping clients redefine what’s realistic, what’s essential, and what will ultimately make them feel at home again.

Architect Luis Escalera of LMD Architecture Studio (https://www.lmdarchitecturestudio.com) experiences the evolution through the lens of constraints. Small lots, stricter codes, and the ongoing battle between mandated electrification and client cooking preferences require tight onboarding, detailed questionnaires, and careful translation of desires to built form. The modern kitchen triangle now includes the deck, yard, and pool—one interconnected lifestyle zone that must function as a unified system.

For Jessica Nicastro Design (https://www.jessicanicastrodesign.com), the challenge is volatility. Pricing, tariffs, and supply chains remain inconsistent, making early builder involvement essential. Her firm works to recalibrate what clients think they want—often shaped by social media—into spaces appropriate to the home, lifestyle, and budget. Transparency and trust have become the designer’s most valuable currency.

At Laney LA (https://www.laney.la), designer Michelle Her sees a growing demand for wellness integration: whole-home RO systems, chromotherapy, therapeutic water pressure, and recovery spaces designed with the same rigor once reserved for kitchens. Their philosophy—“the best idea wins”—creates an environment where architecture, interiors, and engineering collaborate fluidly to support elevated living.

Representing the host venue, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (https://www.pacificsales.com) showcased the power of specialized knowledge. Trade leaders Verzine Hovasapyan and Juan Pantoja describe a client landscape with no single standard—making customization and education critical. Manufacturer immersion programs ensure staff can guide clients through increasingly complex appliances and smarter home ecosystems, offering a level of service no online retailer can match.

Designer Shanna Shryne of Shanna Shryne Design (https://www.shannashryne.com) emphasized lifestyle-first programming. Outdoor kitchens, in particular, require multi-disciplinary collaboration—interiors, landscape architecture, and systems integration—to achieve unified performance. Complexity, she argues, demands partnership rather than lone-wolf generalists.

Finally, RHG Architecture + Design founder Rachel Grachowski (https://www.rhgdesign.com) and Hudson Home Interior Design principal Shelly Hudson (https://www.hudsonhomeinteriors.com) highlighted biophilia, natural light, and personalized ergonomics as the next frontiers. From adjustable counter heights to dedicated recovery rooms, the home is becoming a hybrid of spa, laboratory, and living space.

Taken together, their perspectives reveal a profession not following trends but redefining standards—one kitchen, one bath, one wellness ecosystem at a time.

Design After Disruption: How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever

The pandemic didn’t just change where we work—it redefined how we live, gather, and experience our homes. In this episode, designers and industry experts explore how COVID accelerated shifts in lifestyle, technology, and client expectations, forcing a fundamental rethink of residential design. From wellness and personalization to process and trust, this conversation reveals why great design today begins long before materials are selected.

A wide-ranging conversation about how post-pandemic living reshaped residential design, why understanding behavior matters more than trends, and how slowing the process leads to better, more meaningful homes.

Today, we examine the profound shift in how people relate to their homes—and how designers have had to evolve in response. What began as a temporary adjustment during the pandemic became a lasting transformation: homes turned into offices, classrooms, social hubs, and sanctuaries, often all at once.

As a result, clients now arrive more informed, more opinionated, and more influenced by social media than ever before. But with that access comes confusion. The conversation explores how designers increasingly serve as educators and translators—helping clients filter inspiration, understand trade-offs, and make decisions rooted in how they actually live rather than how a space looks online.

The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into behavior: how families gather, how kitchens function, how storage works, and how subtle design decisions impact daily life. From kitchen planning and furniture layout to the psychology of comfort and the importance of workflow, the episode highlights why the smallest details often matter most.

A central theme emerges around process. Thoughtful design requires slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting the pressure for instant gratification. Whether it’s understanding how a family entertains, how they cook, or how they want to feel in their home, the best outcomes come from listening first—and designing second.

1. Life After COVID: A Permanent Shift

  • How the pandemic changed expectations around home design
  • The rise of multifunctional spaces
  • Why the home is now both personal and professional

2. Social Media’s Influence on Design Culture

  • The upside and downside of endless inspiration
  • Why clients arrive more informed—but often overwhelmed
  • Separating aspiration from practicality

3. Designing for Real Life

  • Understanding how people actually use their homes
  • Why square footage means nothing without function
  • Designing for habits, not hypotheticals

4. The Role of the Designer Has Changed

  • From decorator to strategist
  • Educating clients through experience and data
  • Acting as a guide through complex decisions

5. The Importance of the Kickoff Process

  • Why the first conversations matter most
  • Learning how clients live before proposing solutions
  • Creating clarity through dialogue, not questionnaires

6. Kitchens as Behavioral Maps

  • Storage, workflow, and daily rituals
  • Why drawers often matter more than appliances
  • Designing around how people actually cook and gather

7. Slowing the Process to Improve Outcomes

  • Resisting the urge for instant answers
  • Why design is both art and structured process
  • Helping clients avoid regret through thoughtful planning

8. Trust, Education & Long-Term Value

  • Helping clients understand what they don’t yet know
  • Using experience and precedent to guide decisions
  • Designing homes that evolve with the people in them

Great design isn’t about trends, finishes, or fast decisions—it’s about understanding people and tailoring functional design to their lifestyle. This episode reinforces a simple truth: when designers take the time to listen, observe, and educate, the result is not just a better-looking home, but one that truly supports the lives lived inside it.

 

Rising Above the Chaos: Lessons from 2025 for a Smarter 2026 | 629 | Happy, Prosperous and Health New Year

Let me start with a disclaimer—this isn’t a political editorial. It’s a conversation about ideas. Lessons from business, design, culture, and philosophy that might help us grow—individually and collectively. And if you disagree, email me at ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com. I welcome the debate.

As this year closes, I’m feeling a mix of frustration and optimism. This moment feels chaotic—as does most of life lately—which is why I often end the show with, “rise above the chaos.” We can’t eliminate it, but we can manage what’s within our control. The Stoics told us that long ago: focus on what you can control, release what you can’t, act with virtue, and let obstacles sharpen resilience. This essay is about taking back even a small amount of control through the work we do and the spaces we shape.

The Problem with Trend-Driven Design

This year, phrases and hashtags flew faster than ever—Quiet Luxury, Brat Green, Fridgescaping, Millennial Grey. Much like the “big, beautiful bill” language we’ve all heard tossed around in political discourse, design’s buzzwords can distract from what actually matters. They generate attention, not meaning. They look good on social media, not necessarily in the lived experience of a home, workplace, or public square.

So instead of centering our design conversations around fleeting edits, let’s pivot toward the global innovations that are transforming the built world in ways that truly matter.

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

Real Innovation Worth Talking About

Across the globe, designers, architects, and researchers are developing ideas that transcend buzz. These are the concepts with longevity—the ones shaping smart, resilient, human-centered spaces:

  • Biophilic Design, rooted in the work of Edward O. Wilson, Erich Fromm, and Japanese shinrin-yoku, continues to reframe our relationship with nature.
  • Net-Zero Architecture, pioneered in Canada, Germany, and Australia, redefines building performance through projects like Seattle’s Bullitt Center and Colorado’s RMI Innovation Center.
  • Smart Homes and Invisible Tech, building on early Asian innovation, hiding circuitry and functionality behind seamless design powered by Apple, Google, and Amazon ecosystems.
  • Prefab and Modular Construction, originally exemplified by structures like the Crystal Palace and the Sydney Opera House, now reimagined by firms such as Plant Prefab.
  • Passive House Design, born in Germany but rapidly shaping U.S. projects in California, New York, and the Pacific Northwest.

And the list goes on:

  • Self-Healing Concrete by Hendrik Marius Jonkers
  • Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry
  • Bët-bi Museum in Senegal by Mariam Issoufou
  • Powerhouse Parramatta in Australia
  • Pujiang Viewing Platform in China by MVRDV

Landscape and biophilic approaches—Wabi-Sabi gardening, edimental gardens, climate-adaptive landscapes, and indoor biophilia—are redefining how we engage with natural systems in daily life.

Even infrastructure has become a site of innovation:

  • CopenHill/Amager Bakke, Denmark’s waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope
  • Urban Sequoias by SOM—skyscrapers designed as carbon sinks
  • 3D-printed timber in Germany, Finland, and France

This is the work that deserves our attention—not the color of the week on TikTok.

Rethinking the Shelter Space

For years I described architecture as a language, design as a dialect, and landscape as the narrative. Mies van der Rohe famously introduced the concept of architecture as language. It caught on, and then the bandwagon effect took over. But today, the metaphor feels insufficient—especially for the shelter space, where people spend their lives, raise families, work, heal, and age.

The shelter space isn’t like a retail store or restaurant, where design is often intended for those who pass through briefly while the people who labor there navigate the leftover space. The shelter space must serve those who inhabit it deeply and continuously. And that shifts the conversation.

Design begins with the usual questions—purpose, function, users, goals, budget. But these questions don’t define design. They only outline it. There is no universal purpose of architecture or design, no single philosophy, no singular “right” answer. The shelter space varies as widely as the people living within it.

So instead of treating architecture and design as technical processes, we should approach them philosophically.

A Philosophical Framework for Design

Stoicism offers clarity:
Accept that budget overruns and changes will occur. Respect the expertise of the designer you hired. Invest in authenticity rather than dupes. Create environments that support health—clean air, clean water, noise reduction, resilience.

Utilitarianism reminds us that choices have consequences. If the design decisions you make are based on influencer content instead of expertise, the result is no surprise.

And now, a new framework is emerging that could transform our shared spaces entirely.

Sensorial Urbanism: Designing the City We Actually Feel

One of the most compelling movements emerging globally is Sensorial Urbanism—a shift from focusing on how the city looks to how it feels. It’s neuroscience, phenomenology, and inclusive design rolled into a multi-sensory toolkit.

Five Key Sensory Principles

  1. Soundscaping
    Water features masking traffic. Acoustic pavilions. Designed sound gardens.
    Paris’ Le Cylindre Sonore. Soundscape parks in Barcelona and Berlin.
  2. Smellscaping
    Native flowers, herbs, and aromatic trees restoring identity—especially critical after disasters like wildfires.
    Kate McLean’s smellwalks map a city’s olfactory signature.
  3. Tactile Design
    Materials that invite touch and respond to temperature—stone, wood, water—connecting inhabitants to place.
  4. Visual Quietness
    Reducing signage and visual clutter, as seen in Drachten, Netherlands, creates calmer, more intuitive environments.
  5. Multisensory Inclusivity
    Design that accommodates neurodiversity, PTSD, aging, and accessibility through tactile paving, sound buffers, and scent markers.

Why It Matters

Because cities didn’t always feel this overwhelming.
Because design wasn’t always rushed.
Because quality of life shouldn’t be compromised for aesthetics.

Sensorial Urbanism reconnects us with spaces that are restorative, intuitive, and emotionally resonant. A city is not just a picture—it is an experience.

The Takeaway for 2026

Rising Above the Chaos: Lessons from 2025 for a Smarter 2026

HED (3-sentence summary):

As 2025 closes, the design and architecture world has experienced unprecedented chaos and rapid trend cycles. In this episode, Soundman reflects on lessons from business, culture, and global innovation, emphasizing resilience, purposeful design, and human-centered spaces. From Stoic philosophy to sensorial urbanism, this conversation offers guidance for navigating the next year with clarity and intentionality.

DEK (Expanded description):

Twenty twenty-five tested the design industry’s patience, creativity, and adaptability. In this reflective episode, we explore the pitfalls of trend-driven design, the enduring value of service, and the innovations shaping architecture globally — from net-zero buildings to multisensory urbanism. With examples ranging from TimberTech decking to Pacific Sales’ trade programs, we examine how designers can reclaim control, prioritize meaningful work, and create spaces that heal, inspire, and endure. A philosophical lens, practical insights, and actionable guidance make this a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Outline of Show Topics:

  1. Introduction & Context
    • Reflection on the chaotic year of 2025 in design and architecture.
    • Disclaimer: this is a philosophical conversation, not a political editorial.
    • Invitation for audience engagement via email.
  1. Trends vs. Meaningful Design
    • Critique of buzzwords like “quiet luxury” and “millennial gray bookshelf wealth.”
    • Emphasis on global innovation over social media-driven trends.
    • The gap between American design influence and international innovation.
  1. Global Innovations in Architecture & Design
    • Biophilic design and its philosophical roots.
    • Net-zero buildings: Bullitt Center (Seattle), RMI Innovation Center (Colorado).
    • Smart homes, modular construction, and passive house adoption in the U.S. vs. abroad.
  1. Focus on Service & Professional Support
    • Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home: Pro Rewards program and exceptional service.
    • TimberTech: innovation in sustainable synthetic decking.
    • Importance of performance, durability, and client-focused solutions.
  1. Philosophical Approach to Design
    • Architecture as experience, not just a visual language.
    • Stoicism, utilitarianism, and mindfulness applied to design.
    • Sensorial urbanism: engaging all five senses in public and private spaces.
  1. Emerging Global Examples of Innovation
    • Self-healing concrete (Henrik Marius Junkers), Copenhill (Denmark).
    • 3D printed timber in Germany, Finland, France.
    • Climate-adaptive landscapes, Wabi-sabi gardening, inclusive urban design.
  1. Moving Beyond Social Media Trends
    • Rejecting influencer-driven design priorities.
    • Returning to performance, resilience, and quality of life.
    • Practical guidance for designers in all regions, including overlooked U.S. markets.
  1. Closing Reflections & New Year Outlook
    • Encouragement to rise above chaos and focus on what can be controlled.
    • Goals for 2026: intentional, human-centered, and innovative design.
    • Call to action: share, subscribe, and engage with Convo by Design.
  1. Sponsor Mentions & Callouts
    • Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home
    • TimberTech
    • Design Hardware

If you enjoyed this long-form essay, share it with a friend. Subscribe to Convo By Design, follow @convoxdesign on Instagram, and send your thoughts to ConvoByDesign@Outlook.com.

Thank you to TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of it’s kind!

Convo By Design Icon Registry December 2025: Woodson & Rummerfield | 628 | Hollywood Glam Meets Modern Elegance and Opulent Interiors

Creating Timeless Elegance: How Woodson & Rummerfield Bring Hollywood Regency into the 21st Century. From celebrity estates to curated collectibles, Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson share their philosophy on bold, elevated design, preservation of iconic architecture, and the art of collaboration in Los Angeles.

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

To celebrate this episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Christine Anderson sits down with Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design. The duo discuss their signature approach to interiors—melding the opulence of old Hollywood with sleek modern sensibilities for a discerning clientele. They share stories from celebrity projects, the thrill of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the lessons learned from running a showroom on La Cienega. Jamie and Ron also discuss their nonprofit foundation, CA Projects, dedicated to preserving Southern California’s iconic architecture, emphasizing the importance of heritage in contemporary design.

Show Topics & Segment Outline:

  1. Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
    • Christine introduces Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson.
    • Overview of their design style: Hollywood opulence meets modern refinement.
  1. Design Philosophy & Influences
    • Hollywood Regency roots and modern adaptations.
    • Influence of Los Angeles history, old Hollywood cinema, and personal family heritage.
    • Fashion-forward client expectations and balancing boldness with timelessness.
  1. Collaboration & Partnership
    • How Jamie and Ron complement each other creatively.
    • Problem-solving, brainstorming, and the synergy of their partnership.
  1. Career Highlights & Notable Projects
    • Celebrity estates and high-profile commissions (without naming clients).
    • Influence of their La Cienega showroom as a “three-dimensional calling card.”
    • Philosophy on sourcing rare furniture, art, and collectibles.
  1. Preservation & Advocacy
    • Founding of CA Projects to save iconic Southern California architecture.
    • Importance of protecting historically significant homes and estates.
    • Public involvement and future plans for the foundation.
  1. Personal Passions & Lifestyle
    • Weekend hobbies, travel, research, and inspiration.
    • How personal passions inform design work.
  1. Future Plans & Product Development
    • Upcoming secret projects and product lines.
    • Speaking engagements and experiential presentations for design communities.
  1. Closing Remarks
    • How to connect with Jamie and Ron: WanderDesign.com, Instagram @WanderDesign.
    • Preview of CA Projects website: SIAPROJECTS.com.
    • Invitation for designers and architects to share projects with Convo By Design.

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 Jaime and Ron for your many years of friendship, partnership and collaboration. This was the first time we met and the episode was hosted by Christine Anderson, I miss her.

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