I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design and after 3 years, we’re back at WestEdge. Deep appreciative breath, a nod to all the work and those who participated and here we go…
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Episode 271 featuring Mitch Altman
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
The nod of appreciation is important because there were times in 2020 and 2021 when I wasn’t sure about the future of live events returning in large format editions. Don’t get me wrong, I love small gatherings and intimate events, but the big ones are exciting and add another dimension to what we can do, present and how we can engage with large groups at one time. That is also why I think it is so important to lead off with this talk, presented and sponsored by Wescover.
Find out how creatives from across the US are pushing the envelope through their innovative approach to design. They will be joined by Kevin Wildes of Oakland based sustainable furniture brand Model No along with Dallas based textile artist Nosheen Iqbal and Austin designer, Kristin Martino of KozyKasa. All these creatives share a passion for supporting local artisans, craftsmanship and sustainability. Learn how these designers stand out by thinking outside the box and sourcing unique and thoughtfully designed products for their projects.
Featuring Kristin Martino, Kevin Wildes & Nosheen Iqbal and Moderated by Hilary Sessions
Hilary Sessions is a San Francisco Bay Area-based Marketing professional with decades of experience in interior design and business management.She is the Head of Partnerships and PR for Wescover, a marketplace for authentically designed home decor.Hilary also served as the Principal of Quarry Hill Consulting, a PR and Marketing firm serving the Interior Design industry.
Kristin Marino discovered her passion for design at a young age. Having moved multiple times before she was 18, Kristin found her creative outlet in decorating her bedroom in each new home. She describes moving numerous times as a blessing in disguise because she learned early on that there was a career path in her love for decorating. After earning her degree in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, she began working for several top LA-based design firms shortly after graduating. A few more moves and backpacking trips later, she accidentally settled in Austin, TX, where KozyKasa was born.
Born in Surrey, England, she moved to Texas in her mid-teens, Nosheen Iqbal received a BA with outstanding portfolio award in Communication Design from the University of North Texas. After graduation, she worked for Fossil for over a decade in design, art direction and finally as a lead watch designer. She has also worked for brands such as DKNY, Armani Exchange and a collaborative collection with Opening Ceremony whilst still at Fossil. She is currently a multidisciplinary artist working in the fields of product design and development, illustration and graphic design.
Nosheen Iqbals Pakistani heritage plays a dominate role in her choice of color, pattern and texture. Pakistan has a rich history of pigment dyeing and embroidery techniques which varies in each province and dates back further than the Mughal Empire. She is also heavily influenced by the intricate and interlaced patterns found Islamic Art. Taking key elements from the classical tradition, she elaborates upon them in order to invent a new form of decoration and design.
Kevin Wildes has over two decades of experience in manufacturing, design, marketing, retail merchandising, and décor for some of the nation’s top companies and has worked extensively with startups on company formation and brand and product development. Kevin is a graduate of The University of Georgia with a BFA in Interior Design and earned an MBA from Kennesaw State University. Kevin has over two decades of experience in manufacturing, design, marketing, retail merchandising, and décor for some of the nation’s top companies and has worked extensively with startups on company formation and brand and product development. Motivated by sustainable design, he endeavors to explore solutions that result in a better life for us all.Model No.
Thank you Nosheen, Hillary, Kristin and Kevin for this amazing chat. Thank you WestEdge for having me out for this first edition in Texas.For those playing the home game, this is my 6th WestEdge Design Fair. I love putting these panels together for you and I’m really excited to see you again soon.
Thank you to CXD partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Article Furniture, Moya Living, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener. Please make sure to check the show notes for links to each of these remarkable companies.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to subscribe and listen to the show. I appreciate you. Until next week, remember why you do what you do and take today first. CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design. How’s your day going so far? Well, I hope. And I think it’s about to get a little bit better. you are about to hear my conversation with artist and wallcoverings creator, Ann Jackson.
If I have learned anything on this journey that you and I take every week for the past 10 years, it’s that designers, architects, artists, product manufacturers and the rest of you that make up the D&A community, you make the world a better place to be. You do so by crafting things and ideas that make life better because you make living better.. I hope you never forget that. It’s easy to do, especially when a new election cycle comes around and focus changes, it can get dark. So I am hoping to bring you back to the light for an hour or so at a time. This week, we are hearing from Ann Jackson. Ann is an artist and creator/ purveyor of fine wallcoverings. She is from Dallas, Texas, my second home and what I love most about Ann and her work is that she takes an artists approach to wallcoverings. She built her company around it and if you haven’t been introduced to Ann and her work yet, you’re welcome. Enjoy this conversation with Ann Jackson.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
So great, thank you Ann for taking the time to speak with me. Special thanks to CXD sponsors and partners ThermaSol, Moya Living, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegenr and Article Furniture. Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to listen to Convo By Design. I produce this show for you. Those in the design industry to hear what others are doing and hopefully provide you with some inspiration to do that thing you do. Remember why and for whom you craft and create. Please subscribe to the show so you don’t miss an episode, you can find us everywhere you get your favorite podcasts. Thank you, have a great week and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a long overdue introduction to a new concept in design houses. Remote and virtual Design. Check out the video here.
Fist things first. I am a native Angeleno, born and raised in Los Angeles, The Valley to be more specific. In the 1980’s when Valley Girls, parachute pants, mini-trucks, and Depeche Mode were part of my everyday life. I wasn’t into design and architecture at that time. It was only after leaving, and returning to LA did I realize an appreciation for the amazing design surrounding me. I grew up in a mid-century traditional, a California Ranch House that was once a stage coach stop and later a train station in Chatsworth and much later, a Dingbat that was toppled in the Northridge earthquake.
So when Tulsa, Oklahoma was selected as the site for the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa, most people I spoke with about the concept didn’t really understand the idea behind it. The idea is so simple that it gets lost from the start.
The pandemic created a forced shelter-in-place which affected home and office design more than most other industries.
The core ideas of both home and office have changed forever. And rightfully so. At the same time, the very nature of what architects and designers do hasn’t changed at all, while their means, methods, processes and procedures certainly have. The remote nature of this design house is in direct response to designers responding to clients that they could not see in person at the time and, for those who have left their current city or state but love their designer and want to remain with them. If I live in Los Angeles and move to Aspen, I might want my designer to to work on my project. But if my designer doesn’t know how to work remotely, or virtually, that can and will be a problem.
Remote Design is the practice of working in one place on a project in another.
Virtual Design is the process of working on a project that does not currently exist. Thank of it as an idea without a physical embodiment.
The Remote Design House – Tulsa is a real project, using real designers who will never physically step foot in the project house. All the work is being done virtually, and remotely with local trades and artisans doing the work.
This project will also not have tours and there are no tickets for events or parties. No matter where you are listening to this, you will have access to the final project through videos, before and after segments, product features and an intimate look at the project house, neighborhood and City of Tulsa.
Side note. I was recently in Los Angeles for a design event (May) and as I was telling many in the trade about the project, the most common response was, “eww, why Tulsa.” This has been a common response since I started planning this project in 2020. There is a visceral, negative response to the idea of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Midwest from many I have met in LA, New York, San Francisco and the other “tier one” design destinations. My response is always the same, “oh, when was the last time you were in Tulsa?” Not a single person with that response has ever been to Tulsa because had they been, they would know what a special city this is. Which is exactly why it was selected over Austin, Nashville, St. Louis, Kansas City, Seattle and Denver. Nothing against those cities, but Tulsa is special and over the next year, you are going to find out why.
The Family | The Jennings’s, Michael (45), Rachael (42) and their children, Davis (19) and Rose (17) are transplants from New York City. The family learned that they could work remotely from anywhere in the country and sought out a city where they could slow down, focus on family and still grow their business, make friends, finish high school and pursue a higher quality of life. The desire was to slow down, focus and decrease the rat race pace and find their space.
Michael is a TV producer. He is an avid cook, not a chef. He enjoys his work but is looking for ways to separate himself from doing it 24/7/365. Michael is connected (media) and looks for ways to disconnect, spend time volunteering coach youth sports and engaging in creative endeavors. This includes building and refinishing furniture.
Rachel is in sales. She manages a territory across the US and does the majority of her work online but travels about 5 times a year to industry trade shows. Rachel enjoys reading, yoga and quiet meditation. She is an avid baker who loves spending time in the kitchen and enjoys spending time with the family.
Davis is a college student, attending school on the east coast. While his room is not occupied year-round, when he is at home, he spends countless hours on research projects. He spends time gaming with his college friends around the country and enjoys reading, golf and computer training events.
Rose is a senior in high school. She is a highly accomplished athlete. She plays club soccer and lacrosse and debate competitions. Rose misses her friends back home and looks forward to playing host when they come to town and visit her. There are times when she is often exhausted and physically beat up from long tournament weekends. She spends long hours doing research papers and studying so her workspace needs to be both functional and comfortable. She is fashion forward and cherishes her personal space as teenage girls do.
The home is American Colonial Revival built in 1936. This is a unique property with a park setting and Tulsa’s Crow Creek running though the back yard. Project rooms include; Living Room, Kitchen/ Dining Room, Michel and Rachael’s Room, Rose’s Room, Davis’s Room, Club Room, Guest Quarters w/ Sunroom, Office. All bedrooms are en-suites.
The Designers | Rather than introduce you to all the designers selected for this project, I am going to introduce you to them as their projects are coming to reality. Do to a nightmare of a supply chain, product discontinuations and logistical issues, all of which you will hear about, we are working on two project rooms at a time to capture all the details.
Gail Davis of Gail Davis Designs is a friend, someone I have immense respect for and who was so generous with her time. She selected the Club Room. Gail is an amazing designer with a skill that transcends the work. She has a process and flow that was such a pleasure to work with. Nothing phases Gail and if there is a problem, discontinuation or needed reselect, she just handles it and it was such a joy working with her on this space.
Gail has a background in fashion and her passion for both color and textiles are evident in this design work. One story about Gail. There is a small stairway leading down to the Clubroom, a walkout basement. Gail said that for the stairs, we’re going with Black. My first response was….”excuse me? No, I don’t think so.” There was a pause and she said, “I get it. Trust me.” I did, and she was right. Her vision turned a small, tight stairway into a moment of anticipation. A theatrical entry that allows the mind to wonder what is around the corner.
Gail studied at New York School of Interior Design and sharpened her skills interning at Bunny Williams, Inc. and David Kleinberg & Associates. Gail’s work has been published in AD Pro, Elle Decor, Domino, House Beautiful and you have heard her here on Convo By Design.
As you will hear, Gail knows her business, she is clear in her ideas and she is an absolute joy to work with. As promised some behind the scenes stories that you would never know if we weren’t talking about it here.
Supply Chain – If you are a designer, you know that the struggle is real. If you are a client, you are just plain frustrated by the cost increases, delivery problems, lack of customer service and product delays.
For the Club Room, the vendors we worked with include NOIR, Benjamin Moore, The Home Depot and Article amongst others.Local work was done by local trades and here is what was so surprising. The response time of painters and electricians was really fast. In just a few weeks, they were scheduled, showed up and did the work. The problem was in product re-selects for various reasons but the number one reason was discontinuation or lack of availability.
We specified product in September of 2021. It arrived in Tulsa in late May 2022 and then sat in a warehouse for a few more weeks. After delivery, then it was inspected and defects were discovered and that created a whole new set of issues.
PRODUCT DAMAGE SEGMENT. There was one vendor we worked with that, to date, has not disappointed in product or service. Article. You may have heard Article advertised on the show, and you might think that their partnership is the reason for a stellar review. Actually, it’s the other way around. They are partners BECAUSE of their stellar products and service. For the Club Room, their product arrived first. It actually got here so fast, as ordered that it sat in the space, in the original packaging while we waited for everything else. The sofa and chairs arrived exactly as ordered. The ordering process was simple. It was ordered through their Trade Program and I could not be happier with them. As is the case with all of the rooms in the Remote Design House – Tulsa, there will be videos, before and after shots, product features and more. You can check the show notes for links to everything as it’s published.
Surprisingly, The Home DepotPro services provided an incredible opportunity. The rug originally specified for this space became “unavailable” weeks after it was ordered. And the most frustrating part was the manner it which it happened. It was ordered and then an email comes and “oopsie”, no more rug. So, I looked into The Home Depot’s Pro program and sent Gail some reselect options. We found a rug that was very similar to the original, slightly smaller which actually worked out better due to the beauty of the original Saltillo tile. But it was also $1,500 less expensive and while I was a little dubious at first, when it was delivered, IN 4 WEEKS the quality is exactly what I was hoping for. So the lesson learned here is not to overlook the obvious. Home Depot, Lowes, Target have all providedan element to the space and a high/ low mix that really works well.
We ordered product in September of 2021 and it was delivered in June of 2022. That was not the plan. But, understanding that supply chain issues were universal, it was okay. What we not okay was the amount of product damage that was delivered. In one case, there was a leather chair that was damaged and discolored because someone put packing tape on the leather itself. Another piece, a steel coffee table was damaged on all sides. The manufacturer has still, as of this recording not remedied the situation. They promised a refund due to the fact that both items were discontinued.
I am going to say this again, because it bears repeating…Article was an absolute standout. They do receive promotional consideration on the podcast as a promotional partner that extended a trade discount through their trade program. And they are the real deal. Their products are beautiful, high quality and durable. Their customer service, for this project has been amazing! I will be asking our other design partners to specify from them when possible.
Most clients don’t know what designers really do because they don’t tell you every time something goes wrong. They don’t bother clients with the minutia, they deal with it like professionals and show the client the spaces that make them happy.
This is where the true superpowers of an excellent designer come into play. Gail knew what she was looking for and because she is such a good communicator, allowed me to confidently look for replacements when there was an issue. I sent her some options and she made a reselect based on her original plan and factored in all the variables. For clients, here is another valuable lesson.
*Sending your designer images and links to Instagram and Pinterest is okay. But, if you are really in tune with your designer and your designer is a good communicator, you can handle some of the selection and re-selections which will save you money in the time your designer is researching replacement materials which is a common occurrence now.
*This also helps your designer and their junior designers and interns understand your taste and that in turn will make the design process run smoother and faster. It will save money on streamlining the process by focusing on products that are more in line with your style and preferences.
Gail created a perfect environment to check out of work and check in with family and friends. A place to relax, entertain and play. A theater, game room, quiet meditative space and chill room, all in one place.
Color Selections. Gail’s color selections in this space included Benjamin Moore Mercurial in the Club Room and Caviar on the walls in the stairway. Her color selections captured the spirit of what the Jenning’s would have wanted for this space. Caviar, a rich, deep black with flat on the walls and satin on the ceiling created a dramatic entrance that set the tone and mood for what was happening down at the stairs and around the corner. While I was concerned that it would be too dark and scary, it was just the opposite, Gail added a stairway LED floor lights to light the path and set expectation. The sconce and ceiling fixture added all the light needed for utilitarian functionality light bringing the laundry down to the working side of the basement, but keeps all the glamour and fun of the Club Room in tact. Genius. The Mercurial allowed for light to bounce around the room and reflect all the colors without too much bounce allowing it to be both consistent in light and saturation. Multiple lighting was included like the sconces, overhead cans that are both enclosed and dimable LEDs as well as shelf lighting. The walls remain the original pine paneling but the Mercurial covers the original “pickling”. Interesting, the lighting plan is far better than before even though the gloss on the “pickling” bounced the light around the room, the lighting plan and adjustments like moving the sconces out 18 inches on both sides created a greater light flow. The Buster & Punch Edison Bulbs in the stairway also add to the walk in effect and overall lighting plan. Genius too was 3 coats on satin poly on the Saltillo time and satin on the ceiling added a “bounce” effect to the lighting that allowed for a high level of customization using all available lighting sources. The TV was kept in this space allowing for viewing of sports from the gaming table, movies from the sofa or business channels if working form the Club Room. Honestly, not a lot of work happens in this area. It’s too fun down there for work. And, it being a walk out basement Club Room, it creates a natural noise buffer for the Jenning kids to have their friends over while Michael and Rachael entertain upstairs.
This is the Club Room designed by Gail Davis of Gail Davis Design.
Thank you Gail for your time and talent. Your patience and amazing vision. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, York Wallcoverings, Franz Viegener, Moya Living and Article. And thank you for listening and subscribing to Convo By Design. I so appreciate that you take me with you on your drives, hikes, workouts all the other places where you listen to your podcasts. For more stories from the Remote Design House – Tulsa and interviews, panels and design events, please make sure you are subscribing to the show. Remember why you do what you do and take today first.
I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design and I’m getting really excited about something. You know that excitement you felt when you were a kid and found out you were going to Disneyland, or on a big trip? Yeah, it’s kind of like that…
Why am I excited you ask? WestEdge Design Fair is coming up. I have not been able to say that for 3 years. I have been involved with WestEdge since year 2 or 3, I’m not completely sure, but its has been a while. The show is coming up September 16 through the 18 and it is the first edition in Dallas, Texas. In future episodes of the podcast, you will have the chance to hear from some of the country’s greatest design talent discussing issues of design that you might not have heard in the past, that’s the objective. It always has been. So, I want to share a past conversation from WestEdge in 2015. This features Fu-Teng Cheng of Cheng Design. I’m keeping the preamble brief here because I am going to include my thoughts from the original post. And you can tell it’s original by how my voice has changed. You know how weird it is when you hear yourself on a recording, it’s like that for me too. Enjoy this talk from the WestEdge Design Fair, 2015, right after this.
So there you go, fun right? And so interesting that these ideas were being shared in 2015, before the world changed. This is exactly why design trade events like WestEdge are so important. And you are either hearing this before WestEdge in Dallas so you can still attend, OR you are hearing this after the show has wrapped in which case, you will be hearing all the panels soon if they are not up already.Either way, make sure to check them out and make sure you make WestEdge next year in Dallas or the LA edition coming back to Southern California.
Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about design trade experiences, trade shows and networking opportunities as well as the chance to discover new products. It’s the Design Edge.
Lee Hershberg is the CEO of Design Edge and reinvented concept for the trade show. The ideas revolving around events continues to evolve because the way the design trade show business continues to evolve. Hershberg envisioned an event that is boutique in nature, travels from city to city and provides a first-look at new products, materials and services. Want to hear more, including get some information about upcoming shows, keep listening,
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you, Lee. Great job, looking forward to seeing you at Design Edge. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and for whom you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about going big. Going big with the design, go big with the business, big furnishings, the color selection and why not, after all we only get one chance to play the game of life. So go big, here’s how.
There is a difference between going big and strategically maximizing every potential opportunity. Anne Rainey Rokahr is doing just that from her home base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Rokahr is unapologetically fancy, maximalist, playful in her design and loves to manipulate color, fabric, accessories to wield a new look that shocks the senses and calms the soul. How can one do both simultaneously? Keep listening. We’ll be back in just a moment.
BOOKLOOK: John McClain Book – The Designer Within
I received another surprise in the mail a few weeks ago and I have been consuming and absorbing the contents since. The new book called, The Designer Within, A Professional Guide to a Well-Styled Home, by designer John McClain arrived and I am going to tell you why this book should be on your shelves. Let me first start by saying that I consider John a friend. I have known him since 2010. John and I reconnected through the show and he was a guest years ago, episode 217 for those playing the home game and there is a link to that episode in the show notes. Here is what I said about John at the time…
“Some designers have a signature look while others practice a signature process. Designer John McClain is a blender and bender of styles to achieve unique and unforgettable looks. John is bi-coastal with offices in Florida and California. His signature style really is in his approach which makes him truly unique and worthy of watching. I believe in the art forms that are design and architecture. When speaking with a designer like John, I am in my element because I can ask questions that might get a sideways look from another designer. I ask questions like these to break the information down into small bites, then rebuild a concept so the non-designer can understand it. I really enjoyed my chat with John. He knows the look he is trying to achieve which enables him to experiment a bit more and to me, that is where design gets really exciting.”
So, when John writes a book about design, it’s built on a strong foundation and he’s not just showing you his work, but explaining how it’s done with crafted experience and a look that is both personal and well-styled.
This is not a picture book that simply shows off expensive design of the ultra-wealthy. It is a thoughtful exploration into the techniques and strategies of what makes design work and how to utilize the fundamentals to make your style look well-styled and effortless.Who doesn’t want that. There is a link to get the book in the show notes as well.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you, Anne. Loved our conversation. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. Today, you are going to hear from Jill Cole of Cole, Martinez, Curtis & Associates. Designer of hotels, spas and luxury residential & commercial spaces. Jill takes an idea we have covered here before, surprise & delight to even higher levels and I wanted you to hear her perspective. Part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Jill Cole is the President and Principal of CMCA and what you are going to hear is the science of architecture and design presented with an artists eye and holistic philosophy centered around function as to serve the inhabitants of her spaces. Hospitality is of particular importance to Jill and from this, her. The idea that each space is created and crafted for the feeling it provides and that is a special gift. Jill Cole is a special type of creative and you are going to hear from her, right after this.
Thank you, Jill. Loved our conversation. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design featuring a one-on-one conversation with interior designer Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz. Were talking about art and design, but also family. What value is there in design if you don’t have loved-ones with which to share it?
Family. It is more important than design, art or architecture. Yet, Design, art and architecture are invaluable because there are loved ones with which to share it. The intrinsic value of design is often compared to that of art and while I do love art, it isn’t the same to me. Art, photography, even music…all things I am passionate about, are not the same creative endeavors as that of interior design and architecture because there is a function that follows form that is not present in single sensory creative endeavors. This is another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.
To sit in a cozy space, feel that material under a shared and focused light enhances the experience so much more when one is in the presence of family and friends. I love this side of design. Brendan and I explore this a little bit and cover some other associated topics. I hope you enjoy this conversation and another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol, with interior Designer, Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz.
Before we get into our conversation for this week, I received an unexpected surprise in the mail. It was a copy Unapologetically Chic, Ryan Saghian’s new book. Ryan was last featured on the show in 2019, episode 221. If you would like to hear it, and I encourage you to do just that, you can find a link to that episode in the show notes. You will also find a link to Ryan’s book.
I cannot think of a more appropriate title than Unapologetically Chic because Ryan is both. Always. And that is what I love about him. He is also one of the most talented designers working today. Not most talented young designers, not most talented Los Angeles designers, not most talented Jewish designers…No, most talented designers. Full stop. He infuses a sexy, cool and chic style into his work that becomes inextricably tied to the work itself. It’s not a style, look or feel yet it’s all at once. There are consistent through lines whether you’re looking at a monochromatic, black and white or in living color. The work is enduedwith attitude. One that very clearly says, “you love this and you deserve it.” There is a certain arrogance that comes with the attitude, and if that wasn’t present, neither would the quality of the work. Everything is ideated upon a concept and placed to work together. From the case goods, soft goods, accessories, everything.Interesting too, Ryan shares his creations with you but doesn’t rub noses in the stature or wealth of the clients themselves. There are no clients named, only their spaces and locations.
It’s funny. At the time of my most recent conversation with Ryan, published in 2019 but took place in 2018, I described him as, “an aggressive designer who attacks the space with luxurious finishes and a creative use of space”. He is that now as much as we was then. Unapologetically chic.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you Brendan, I loved our time together. For more about Bendan and her practice, please check the show notes for links. Thank you to Convo By Design partners ThermaSol, Article Furniture, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegner and Moya Living. If you would like to learn more about any of these amazing companies, yes, the show notes for more info and direct links to check them out for yourself.
And thank you for spending part of your day, or night listening to the show. I appreciate you and hope that these conversations help your design business , make a project go more smoothly or provide inspiration. Remember why you do what you do and for whom you do it. Be well, take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with the kind of architect you love to hear from and I love speaking with, both craftsman and creator. What’s the difference?
Years ago on the show, you heard from a friend and former high school classmate, now amazing chef and restauranteur, Steve Samson. He explained to us that he did not consider himself an artist, but a craftsman. He wasn’t interested in creating new dishes but instead, wanted to take his customer back to Italy with a regional focus. He wanted his food to make you feel the way he did when his grandmother made this for him. Architect Darrell Wilson is a Principal Designer with Mark Weaver & Associates. He is both craftsman in the sense that if a client wants a Hollywood Regency style, he can create an original design with historical accuracy. Wilson can also ideate an original idea for his more adventurous clients influenced by Modern ideas or traditional. There is a big difference between artist and craftsman, there is a huge difference in creatives who can straddle both worlds, Darrell Wilson is one of them. This is another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol. You are going to hear from Darrell, right after this.
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
Thank you Darrell. I appreciate the time and, I am in awe of your talent and skill. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD
I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with one half of The Novogratz, a husband and wife team crafting and cultivating a truly unique design brand. I spoke with Courtney Novogratz about life, family and design, and not necessarily in that order…
Designer Resources
ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience
Article, great style is easy. It’s the best way to buy beautiful modern furniture
The Novogratz design brand is just that, a brand with so many offshoots it makes the mind spin. It spins because if you do the math, and I encourage you to do this, listen to all the brand extensions and offshoots in which she and husband Robert engage. If you try to imagine filling all of this into days and weeks, the time doesn’t match the ambition. Between family, travel, the store, the design and developments… Okay, there is a lot packed into the following chat so let’s get to it.
Thank you Courtney. Loved our chat, next time we have to have you and Robert on together. That will be fun.Thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Thank you to CXD partners; ThermaSol, Article, York Wall Coverings, Franz Viewgener and Moya Living for your partnership! Coming up on the show in the next few months…You are 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
