As hard as it is for me to believe, it’s August. It’s hard for me to believe it’s August because it just felt like it was January. I was feeling a little tense about a number of things on the horizon at that time. Thank goodness none of the feared chaos materialized. (6SS)
Okay, perhaps a little… Perhaps a lot. It might surprise you to know that it wasn’t Kelly Clarkson who came up with that concept. It was German philosopher, Fredrich Nietzsche. It can be found in his book, from 1888 called Twilight of the Idols. It’s an expanded philosophical approach to post-traumatic growth. This year has been the most stressful since the 2020-2022 Pandemic Era. If you recall, those challenges made our industry stronger, made us stronger. It’s a challenge to talk about life and death in the context of design. But it’s not a stretch at all to discuss these concepts while framing the quality of life and design.
Today, you are going to hear from Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear.
Barrie shared her background in design, influenced by her grandmother’s interest in design school and her father’s work in high-end real estate in Cleveland. She expressed her lifelong passion for using color and bold textures in design, citing personal experiences with how colors can impact emotions and spaces. Josh praised her work for its use of color and texture but expressed a critique about her sometimes conservative approach, particularly given her background in the traditionally traditional Midwest.
Barrie and I discuss the challenges of balancing client preferences with personal design philosophy, particularly regarding color choices. Barrie explained how her firm was built around bold, colorful designs, though she still accommodates clients who prefer neutral tones by incorporating subtle pops of color. They explored the impact of design trends, including the “Color of the Year” phenomenon, with Barrie noting that while it can inspire, it often leads to over-saturation in the market and potentially regrettable choices for clients.
We talk about the influence of coastal trends on Midwest culture, particularly in Ohio, where different cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland have distinct styles. Barrie explained that post-pandemic, there has been an influx of people moving to Ohio from coastal cities, attracted by its affordable cost of living, lack of natural disasters, and the ability to work remotely. This migration has positively impacted Barrie’s business, allowing for more creative and custom design work at a lower cost due to lower labor and trade costs, as well as access to skilled Amish carpenters.
How the decline of traditional design centers, noting that the Cleveland Design Center has largely closed, and they now travel to Chicago for client meetings means to those affected. That the model has become less effective due to several factors, including the opening of design centers to the public, which made pricing confusing and diminished the special experience for designers and clients. They also observed that the proliferation of design houses and the ease of finding products online has watered down the quality of design experiences previously offered by these centers.
And how the challenges in the furniture industry, particularly regarding pricing, availability, and logistics are changing the way designers specify. How the pandemic and tariffs have affected supply chains, leading to long lead times and unexpected issues. Barrie emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers and showrooms to navigate these challenges. They also touched on the logistics of furniture production and distribution, noting the inefficiencies of the current point-to-point system in the U.S. and the potential benefits of a regional approach for some designers.
Barrie discussed several design projects, focusing on a colorful maximalist bedroom, a multi-color kitchen in Shaker Heights, and a whimsical bathroom in Rocky River. Barrie explained the design process and client preferences for each project, highlighting the use of custom elements and color palettes. Make sure to go to the show notes and click the link to see her work as she explains it.
I think these conversations can accomplish a few things that include; allowing you to hear how other creatives are experiencing the same thing you are and how they chose to address these issues. And you are going to hear all about it, right after this.
That was Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear. A magnificent kitchen designed for a thruple. That is a first on the show and I love that.Thank you, Barrie. Loved our chat. Since I opened with Nietzsche, I’ll close with a quote of his.
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
While widely credited to Nietzsche, there is no evidence he actually said it. But there was no internet in the 1800’s, so I choose to believe he said it. And just how important this idea is. Being true to the ideals, morals and vision that drive you as a creative will always be challenge to maintain. As the philosophical force known a Steelers Wheel once pondered, “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Don’t let the clowns and jokers define you or your work. It’s easier said than done. I know.
Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
I’m really excited about today’s episode because I had the chance to sit down with the incredible Corey Damen Jenkins. We covered a ton of ground—from how Corey manages multiple design projects and prioritizes what matters most, to his inspiring journey from starting his business in the mid-90s to becoming one of the most respected voices in interior design today.
Corey Damen Jenkins is one of the most vibrant and visionary voices in American interior design today. Known for his unapologetically bold aesthetic—full of lush textures, vivid color, and sophisticated pattern play—Jenkins brings more than just beauty to the spaces he creates. His work is joyful and aspirational, infused with a sense of personal integrity and a deep understanding of how interiors can enhance the way people live and feel. From best-selling books to international product collaborations, Jenkins continues to redefine what luxury and accessibility can look like when rooted in authenticity, resilience, and creativity.
1. Trade Events & Time Management: The Toy Box Philosophy
The conversation began with Jenkins discussing how he navigates the demands of a high-profile career—balancing trade shows, media appearances, and client work. He shared a metaphor of a toy box to explain time management: putting the large “toys” (key priorities) in first ensures space for the smaller items to fit. It’s a disciplined approach to focus, and it reflects how he manages both his calendar and creative energy.
2. Editing as a Design and Business Principle
This prioritization isn’t just logistical—it’s philosophical. Jenkins draws a parallel between business decisions and the creative act of editing in design. Both require focus, clarity, and the willingness to strip away excess in pursuit of excellence.
3. Early Career & Industry Entry: Facing Doubts and Defying Odds
Jenkins reflected on his long journey in design, which began in 1996 and gained traction during the 2008 recession when he officially launched his firm. Entering an industry where Black designers were—and remain—underrepresented, Jenkins faced skepticism about his viability and visibility. But he persevered, fueled by vision and grit.
4. Corporate to Creative: A Risk That Paid Off
Before design, Jenkins worked as a buyer in the automotive industry. A layoff became the turning point. He left behind a secure but unfulfilling career and embraced the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. The decision marked a shift not just in vocation but in health, happiness, and purpose.
5. Rejection & Resilience: Knocking on 779 Doors
One of the most powerful stories he shared was about knocking on 779 doors before securing his first big client. That perseverance wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. Jenkins emphasizes that success has a price, and it’s often paid in rejection, humility, and endurance.
6. Creative Theft & the Reality of Dupes
As his profile grew, Jenkins became acutely aware of the challenges around intellectual property in design. He spoke candidly about how creatives are often vulnerable to idea theft and copycat culture—an issue particularly painful for designers who, like him, put years into building an original voice.
7. Licensing Strategy & Brand Diversification
To combat market volatility and scale his impact, Jenkins has smartly expanded into licensing and product partnerships. Strategic collaborations with brands that align with his values—such as Eichholtz—enable him to protect his vision while reaching broader audiences and creating new revenue streams.
8. Staying Hungry: The Myth of “Making It”
Despite his success, Jenkins operates with what he calls “ambition, not abundance.” The hustle doesn’t stop when you become visible—it shifts. Staying grounded and hungry is part of his ethos and keeps both him and his team striving for more.
9. Leadership & Team Building: Values Over Vanity
Jenkins’ approach to hiring is deeply intentional. He prioritizes humility, character, and shared values over pure talent. Potential hires go through multiple interviews to ensure cultural fit. As he puts it: “We design with the intent to make people jealous—but in the best way possible.” That aspirational quality extends to his leadership style—firm, fair, and focused on mutual respect.
On Design Reimagined: A Book—and Ethos—That Reflects Evolution
Jenkins’ latest book, Design Reimagined, represents a major evolution from his debut, Design Remix. While Remix was thematic and Midwestern in focus, Reimagined is bolder, more global, and even more daring in its expression. The projects span a wider aesthetic spectrum—from restrained and modern to exuberantly maximalist. That diversity reflects not only the range of his clients, but the creative depth of his team.
“We want our interiors to incite envy—not out of malice, but desire,” he said. “That feeling of, ‘I want to live like that too.’”
The book—and the ethos behind it—embody Jenkins’ belief that beauty belongs to everyone, no matter the scale or budget.
That’s a wrap on my conversation with Corey Damen Jenkins. I hope you found it as inspiring and insightful as I did. Corey’s journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance, humility, and a clear creative vision can carry you through even the toughest challenges.
Be sure to check out his upcoming book, Design Reimagined, launching on September 9th, and keep an eye out for the new season of his series as well as his lighting collection. Corey is definitely someone to watch, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with him soon for a deeper dive into his portfolio and upcoming projects.
As always, thanks for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find it valuable. Until next time, stay focused, keep pushing forward and rise above the chaos. -Convo By Design
Welcome to the Convo By Design Icon Registry episode for the month of July, 2025. This month’s inductee is someone you certainly know, a West Coast design staple and someone with whom I have had a number of conversations. Jeff Andrews first appearance on the show was in 2019 and then again in 2020. Just before the world shut down. Jeff and I spoke form his Legends of LaCienega showroom window in May, 2019. He later appeared on a panel conversation at WestEdge in 2019. The last iteration of the show until 2022.
The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company. Pacific Sales is comprised of long time professionals who love design and architecture as much as you do. Which is why it is so fitting that they present this recognition of some of the worlds greatest design talent every month here on Convo By Design.
On the show today, you are going to hear from Jeff again. These were his appearances on the show from 2019. First, you will hear the individual conversation with Jeff from Legends and then, you will hear the conversation form WestEdge. I hope you enjoy hearing these again as much as I enjoy sharing them with you. Jeff, thank you for all you do for the industry and providing such joy through your work.
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 he serves. And, giving back along the way. Thank you, Jeff and congratulations. Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the retelling of inspiration that led to his window design at Legends and the Doorbell story. It’s the little things, right?
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
California’s escalating wildfire crisis is forcing a radical rethink in residential architecture. With fires growing in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability, architects, planners, and policymakers are coming together to define a new blueprint for resilient, sustainable living in the wildland-urban interface. In May, I journeyed to Design Hardware for the Spring Design Thought Leadership Summit, something we do four times ayear at Design Hardware to delve into trending ideas and concepts bubbling up through the design and architecture community. After hosting these events for over 6-years at Design Hardware, I always come away with a fresh perspective on emerging ideas and this time was no exception. The idea this time was to isolate the concepts and ideas that are needed now to address climate change, specifically fire related issues and develop them into actionable strategies for building—and rebuilding—homes in fire-prone areas.
California’s escalating wildfire crisis is forcing a radical rethink in residential architecture. With fires growing in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability, architects, planners, and policymakers are coming together to define a new blueprint for resilient, sustainable living in the wildland-urban interface. In May, I journeyed to Design Hardware for the Spring Design Thought Leadership Summit, something we do four times ayear at Design Hardware to delve into trending ideas and concepts bubbling up through the design and architecture community. After hosting these events for over 6-years at Design Hardware, I always come away with a fresh perspective on emerging ideas and this time was no exception. The idea this time was to isolate the concepts and ideas that are needed now to address climate change, specifically fire related issues and develop them into actionable strategies for building—and rebuilding—homes in fire-prone areas.
The day was broken down into two parts. The first was specifically about fire-related building issues discussed during a panel featuring architect Greg Chasen of Chasen Architects and Ben Stapleton and Becky Feldman Edwards of the USGBC-CA. The second panel covered Market and supply chain issues being affected by both a surge in demand due to rebuilding and exacerbated by the on-again-off-again tariffs. That program will be published here as well so check back for publication.
This panel covers a lot. Here are some of the broader topics covered:
Developed with global design firm Arup, USGBC CA’s Rebuilding Guide is a cornerstone resource for homeowners, builders, and municipalities. It demystifies complex codes and synthesizes building science into digestible recommendations—ranging from site selection to material resilience, insurance options, and fire-adapted landscaping.
Common Language for Safety
One of the guide’s goals is to bridge communication gaps. “We have to be speaking the same language,” says Becky. Misunderstandings about what terms like “non-combustible” mean can lead to critical design flaws. The guide standardizes terminology to ensure that homeowners, contractors, and code officials are aligned.
3. Materials Matter: Vetting for Performance
The Rebuild Marketplace
To combat this, USGBC CA created the Rebuild Marketplace, a centralized database of rigorously vetted materials. By aggregating third-party certifications, performance data, and supplier information, it streamlines product selection and ensures homeowners aren’t left to navigate a confusing and inconsistent market on their own.
4. Passive Design for Active Protection
Building Without Vents
5. Codes, Compliance & Insurance Gaps
Aligning Codes and Insurance
6. Rethinking Density and Land Use
Smart Growth Strategies
7. Innovations in Housing Delivery
Housing innovation is also key to faster, more affordable recovery. Chasen outlines the benefits and limitations of prefab and modular construction, noting that while these methods reduce waste and speed up timelines, they aren’t always cheaper. He also encourages more creative approaches, such as:
ADUs as interim housing. These can serve displaced families during reconstruction and offer long-term rental income later.
Basements for cooling and shelter. Subterranean spaces provide thermal stability and potential fire refuge.
Fire-adapted finishes. Materials like thermally modified wood and fiber cement can replicate traditional aesthetics with modern protection.
8. Resilient Infrastructure Beyond the Home
Wildfire resilience extends beyond individual parcels. “These technologies exist, but we’re not implementing them,” says Ben, citing innovations like:
Buried power lines to reduce ignition risk.
Automatic water shutoffs for firefighting.
Community-scale solar and battery systems for grid independence during outages.
Investment in resilient infrastructure must parallel private construction to ensure collective security.
9. Regulating Rebuilds to Avoid Gentrification
Post-fire redevelopment often attracts large developers aiming to maximize profits. Chasen criticizes this dynamic: “You’re getting cheap, maximum-footprint homes with no real investment in community.” Without local involvement and regulation, fire-impacted areas risk displacement and gentrification.
Community-Led Planning
USGBC CA advocates for inclusive rebuild processes that prioritize original residents, especially those underinsured or living in high-risk zones. Incentives for owner-builders, design review standards, and community land trusts are potential tools to maintain affordability and equity.
10. From Reaction to Resilience: A Cultural Shift
I often say, “It’s always too soon… until it’s too late.” Rebuilding with intention requires proactive engagement, long-term thinking, and coordinated leadership. Communities can emerge stronger if they view wildfire not just as a hazard, but as a catalyst for transformation.
We cover a lot here and you are going to hear it all for Design Hardware, right after this.
Thank you Becky, Ben and Greg for taking the time to have this important conversation and providing so much actionable information! Check the show notes for details and links. Thank you for making the time during your busy day to listen to the show, subscribe and share with colleagues. Thank you to my partners sponsors; Pacific Sales, Best Buy, The AZEK Company, TimberTech and Design Hardware. All of these companies make a concerted effort to support the design industry through support of publishers like Convo By Design and sharing content and materials created to make our industry better and more resilient. Please give them an opportunity on your next project.
I created Convo By Design to serve a robust and incredibly creative design and architecture industry through programming like this. I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know. Send me an email with show and guest suggestions, convobydesign@outlook.com and join in the conversation on Instagram @ConvoXDesign, with an “X”. Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Until next time—be well, I hope this show help you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD
Today, we are getting in the way way-way back machine, back to February of this year for a journey to Las Vegas for KBIS, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. It’s funny to me that even though this was only a few months back, it feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened this year. But if you recall, in February, before protests, riots, big bills, big balls, tariffs, and all the rest of the chaotic shenanigans, there was KBIS. It was an extraordinary show this year. Part of that were the conversations that took place. I am going to share three of them with you today:
Amazing, right? Thank you Sharon, Jamie and Hannah. Thank you to all of the incredible people from KBIS, NKBA, Emerald, Flying Camel, Leeann, Rachael and everyone else who made this experience possible, and made it possible for me to bring it to you. I want to thank my partner sponsors who help make this show possible: Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy Company, TimberTech, and Design Hardware. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show with your colleagues. Your support means everything, and it helps grow this conversation across the design community.
Make sure you subscribe to Convo By Design so you never miss an episode. We have more incredible guests, ideas, and conversations coming your way.
Please keep those emails coming. You can reach me directly at convoByDesign@outlook.com, and be part of the conversation on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign—that’s Convo X Design with an “X”..
These are complex issues that requires both deeper thought and immediate action.I want to thank every one of our expert guests for their insights, time, and passion. We are surrounded by complex issues, are we not? That’s why I have been encouraging you to manage these complicated times. Because it’s real. It’s exhausting. But, from transition, comes opportunity. It is just a matter of thinking about it differently and finding the shiny, glimmering opportunities amongst dark and ominous clouds. So, stay focused and rise above the chaos. – CXD
This episode of Convo By Design is scheduled for the week of July 8th, 2025. Intentionally so we can begin thinking about what’s coming. It’s hard to forget trauma, like what we saw in Pacific Palisades and Altadena earlier this year. But not impossible. Traditionally, “fire season” in California begins in August and ends around the end of October. Over the decades, there has been a creep into July, then June on the front end and then into November and December on the back end. Sadly, now, there is no longer a fire season, only an ongoing threat. Part of a recent California tour that started in the Bay Area and ended in Pasadena, I got an earful, and, because the mics are always on, so will you.In this special episode, you’re going to hear an extraordinary panel conversation in its entirety—one that explores the very real and immediate design challenges and opportunities facing architects, builders, designers, and manufacturers when creating residential projects in fire-prone areas. This conversation was recorded live and it’s one of the most practical, informative, and emotionally resonant discussions we’ve had about fire-resilient design. This was recorded live from Golden State Lumber in Concord, CA. It features amazing professionals from design, landscape design and architecture. We have industry insiders and those on the front lines, literally.
This episode features the full conversation in four parts and here are some important ideas to listen for:
Setting the Context—Urgency, Evolution, and Mindset Shifts
We open with a candid discussion about the evolving nature of wildfire—how modern firestorms are not the slow-moving ground fires of the past, but fast, intense, and unpredictable events that demand a complete rethinking of how homes are sited, designed, and built.
Listen for how the professionals on the panel are redefining “resilience”, not as a post-disaster reaction, but as a forward-thinking design responsibility.
There’s discussion about the emotional component—how clients are now asking for homes that not only reflect their aesthetic desires but also protect their families and investment.
You’ll hear the beginnings of a common theme: that collaboration across disciplines—architecture, landscape, materials, policy—is essential to progress.
Materials, Methods, and Design Strategy
This section dives into the specific building systems and material choices that can help defend a home against wildfire.
Pay close attention to the comparisons between wood vs. non-combustible materials, and the increasing use of metal roofs, cementitious siding, and Class A-rated assemblies.
There are valuable insights into decking, fencing, vents, and eaves—often overlooked but critical components in fire resistance.
The discussion touches on building codes and certifications, and how understanding these nuances can inform smarter material selection and design detailing.
Design Solutions in Action
This is where we get into real-world case studies. Panelists share examples of how they’ve adapted fire-resilient strategies in current projects and how clients are responding to new realities.
Listen for examples of reimagining exterior spaces—gravel moats, Mediterranean-inspired gardens, and drought-tolerant landscapes that are also fire-resistant.
There’s a growing theme of creative compromise—how to design beautiful homes that meet code, earn insurance, and still feel like home.
One of the strongest takeaways here is the growing influence of insurance companies as drivers of design decisions, often dictating what is and isn’t possible based on risk models.
Systems, Bureaucracy, and the Bigger Picture
The final section broadens the lens to policy, forest management, and societal responsibility.
You’ll hear passionate commentary on how municipal red tape and lack of funding are holding back fuel reduction and prevention efforts on public lands.
There’s a sharp critique of the conflicting policies surrounding water conservation versus the need to irrigate plants to keep them from becoming fire hazards.
Perhaps most striking is the discussion about emotional decision-making in real estate—how people choose to build in beautiful, risky places and the evolving responsibility of design professionals to help guide those decisions.
The panel ends with a moment of humor and honesty, reflecting on the risks of living in various climate zones, whether it’s fire, flood, tornado, or drought—and the universality of risk in a changing climate.
What you’re about to hear is the full conversation—raw, honest, and highly informative. It captures the crossroads where climate, design, policy, and personal responsibility meet. Whether you’re a designer, builder, municipal official, or homeowner, this discussion offers real, actionable insights into how we build safer, smarter, and more beautiful homes for a rapidly changing world.
That was the full conversation on designing and building for fire resilience—an important and timely topic that continues to evolve as our climate, policies, and expectations shift. Thank you to this amazing group; Mary Ann, Amy, Caroline, Jay, Ian, Robby, John and Dustin. I want to thank my partner sponsors who help make this show possible: Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy Company, TimberTech, The AZEK Company and Design Hardware. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show with your colleagues. Your support means everything, and it helps grow this conversation across the design community.
Make sure you subscribe to Convo By Design so you never miss an episode. We have more incredible guests, ideas, and conversations coming your way.
Please keep those emails coming. You can reach me directly at convoByDesign@outlook.com, and be part of the conversation on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign—that’s Convo X Design.
This is a complex issue and one that requires both deeper thought and immediate action.I want to thank every one of our expert guests for their insights, time, and passion.
Today, we learned:
How climate change and wildfire risk are reshaping architecture and landscape design;
What role new materials and building products play in safeguarding homes;
How to design beautiful, fire-conscious landscapes that meet strict new codes;
The ways insurance, regulations, and policy gaps are changing the game;
And why client education and holistic collaboration across disciplines is more important than ever.
Huge thanks, as always, to you for joining the conversation and to our sponsors for supporting these meaningful stories.
If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague and subscribe to make sure you don’t miss what’s next. We’ll continue bringing you the people, ideas, and innovations pushing the design world forward.
Until next time, stay curious, resilient, focused and rise above the chaos. – CXD
New product discovery is one of the most important tasks designers face today. The challenge of simply working with the brands you know is hard enough. Today, we’re diving into a new brand to you and color, chemistry, culture—a whole new approach to what goes on your walls. You are about to hear from Maya Crowne and Price Latimer,, the visionary duo behind Alkemis Paint, a brand attempting to redefine the paint industry through sustainability, style, and substance.
Launched in 2023 after over three years of rigorous R&D, Alkemis was born out of the pandemic with a mission: to eliminate toxic chemicals from our living spaces and replace them with mineral-based, eco-conscious, air-purifying alternatives. But this isn’t just about cleaner paint—it’s about redefining how we think about surfaces, health, and design.
With a background steeped in creativity and a love for reggae and dub influencing their bold palette, Maya and Price are creating more than color—they’re creating a movement. We’ll talk about the science behind their unique formula, the challenges of launching a purpose-driven product in a tough market, and why education, authenticity, and collaboration are core to their growth.
This is a story about design with depth, color with conscience, and paint that actually breathes. Let’s get into it, right after this.
Thank you Maya and Price. Alkemis Paint, and if you’re like me, you’re walking away from this conversation with a renewed sense of what’s possible in the world of design materials.
Alkemis isn’t just making paint—they’re making a statement. One rooted in health, sustainability, and the kind of creative authenticity that sticks with you. From CO₂-absorbing finishes to culturally inspired hues, they’re bringing an entirely new mindset to the surface of modern interiors.
If you’re a designer, architect, or even a homeowner thinking about your next project, consider what Alkemis is doing. It’s more than a product—it’s a philosophy. And in a world where every choice we make leaves a mark, it’s refreshing to find a brand that’s thinking far beyond the brush.
Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Until next time—be well, I hope this show help you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD
Welcome to the Convo By Design Icon Registry episode for June, 2025, and today’s episode is something special. I’m joined by four extraordinary architects—Gary Brewer, Randy Carell, Grant Marani, and Roger Schiefter—partners at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, a firm globally recognized for its enduring elegance and rigor in design. Collectively, they represent decades of leadership and legacy, and I’ve dubbed them, affectionately, the Fab Four of architecture.
We’re exploring their latest book, Houses, a breathtaking volume showcasing RAMSA’s residential work from across the globe. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about architecture that works, endures, and adapts. As someone who values tactile design and the subtle elegance of spaces that feel lived in, I was especially drawn to the honesty and detail these architects bring to their craft.
We’ll talk about how RAMSA evolved from a small, hands-on firm into a global powerhouse using a unique studio structure, how the architects grew up within a culture of high expectations, and how they now design homes as full ecosystems—self-contained, resilient, and deeply personal. And, how the pandemic changed the way we think about domestic space, and why, despite digital tools, the printed page still holds unmatched power in architectural storytelling.
So, whether you’re an architect, designer, student, or someone who just loves great design, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and heart. And you will hear it all form this months inductees, right after this from our Convo By Design Icon Registry presenting partner, pacific Sales Kitchen & Home.
That was Gary Brewer, Randy Carell, Grant Marani, and Roger Schiefter—four voices with a shared vision, yet distinct design perspectives, brought together in Houses, a book that feels more personal, more immersive, and more intimate than past RAMSA monographs.
What struck me most is their deep respect—for clients, for context, and for the act of living itself. Whether it’s a house in East Hampton rebuilt with reverence for sycamore trees, a modern reinterpretation of a black-and-white colonial home in Singapore, or Roger’s own renovation of a Southern California midcentury gem, these projects aren’t just beautiful—they’re functional, thoughtful, and designed for longevity.
In a world increasingly obsessed with speed and spectacle, these homes offer something slower and deeper. As one client said after moving into her RAMSA-designed house: “All I had to buy was a tablecloth.” That’s not just a compliment—it’s a blueprint for what design should be: complete, coherent, and truly lived-in.
Print may be fighting for its place in a digital age, but books like Houses remind us why it still matters. It’s not about nostalgia—it’s about permanence. About slowing down to experience a space the way the architects intended.
Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales, 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 help you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. -CXD
This is Convo By Design—where we explore the ideas, people, and projects shaping the future of design. But you know that, I imagine this is why you listen each week… To hear stories behind the design. One of the things I have been thinking about lately is how ideas, feelings and purpose can change over time. When I started CXD in January of 2013, I thought I was speaking to design and architecture clients. Homeowners who wanted to learn about the stories behind design. From the response I received, almost immediately, I realized it was the trade I was speaking to. Well, that’s who was listening. And it was that way for years. It was probably around 2015 or 2016 that homeowners were listening and speaking to their designers about imbuing their story into the work. Personalizing it which prior to that was still seen as a detriment to resale. That idea is pretty much gone now, and that’s a good thing.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Lindsie Davis, the creative force behind Bluberry Jones, a design firm based in Texas. Lindsie’s story is rooted in authenticity—an interior designer who once felt uncomfortable in the spotlight, but found herself pulled into a public-facing role by the very nature of her work. Her creative journey weaves through fashion, art education, and eventually, full-scope interior design, fueled by instinct, passion, and an unwavering desire to build spaces with soul.
From her first unexpected design job at a paint store to launching a firm amid the uncertainty of 2020, Lindsie has leaned into change—and thrived in it. We talk about her evolution from the suburbs of Dallas to the creative haven of Wimberley, the cultural rise of Texas design, and the very real challenges and rewards of running a design business in a rapidly growing, ever-shifting market like Austin.
This conversation also dives deep into kitchens—yes, white kitchens, colorful kitchens, and how even the smallest design decisions can echo with intention and meaning. Lindsie’s perspective is one of quiet confidence, shaped by creativity, hard-earned business acumen, and a genuine love for making homes better, one thoughtful layer at a time.
That was Lindsie Davis of Bluberry Jones. A designer with a sharp eye, a creative spirit, and a grounded understanding of how to make spaces work beautifully and meaningfully for the people who live in them.
Her story is a reminder that design is rarely a straight line—it’s a winding road of experiments, pivots, passion, and perseverance. Whether she’s reimagining a kitchen, collaborating with architects on multi-year projects, or navigating the changing landscape of Texas design, Lindsie brings intentionality and warmth to every corner she touches.
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In a thoughtful and far-ranging conversation, architect Mitch Rocheleau sits down with me to discuss the deeper layers of architecture, the critical importance of reflection in design, and the challenges—and opportunities—presented by rebuilding in the face of disaster. Throughout our exchange, Rocheleau consistently returns to one core belief: architecture is not merely about aesthetics or function, but about the human experience.
“I think architecture, if you study and reflect on it, write about it, think about it deeply, can be in some ways a storybook,” Rocheleau said early in the conversation. “You can read it and gain profound insights into the people that were building it.” Which is such a dynamic idea and one we just don’t often consider.
Thank you Mitch, Amazing. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors, TimberTech, Pacific Sales, and Design Hardware. Amazing companies and great friends to the trade so please give them an opportunity for your next project. Thank you for listening, subscribing to the show and sharing with your colleagues. If not already subscribing, please consider that so you receive every new episode automatically to your podcast feed.
Until next week, thank you for sharing this time together, until the next episode, be well, stay focused and now that it has arrived in earnest, try to rise above the chaos.
The Power of Writing in Design
Rocheleau has become known not just for his architectural practice, but for his written reflections on the field. These writings—available via Rust Architects—provide critical insight often missing from mainstream discussions of architecture.
What drives this urge to document and reflect? Rocheleau sees it as an essential part of the creative process.
“As I’ve gone through that process [of creating], I’ve begun to feel the intuition or this need to reflect,” he explained. “To say, okay, what am I actually doing? Where is this coming from? What is the work I’m putting into the world?” Such purposeful cogitation creates the framework for managing creative ideas for a greater purpose.
This emphasis on writing as a reflective tool, rather than simply a vehicle for promotion or analysis, places Rocheleau in a tradition of architectural thinkers who seek deeper meaning in their work. He draws inspiration from historical figures such as John Ruskin, seeing the built environment as both a product and reflection of civilization.
Bridging School and Reality
A particularly compelling moment in the interview, for me, came when Mitch and I discuss a comment from architect Brian Pinkett: that architecture school doesn’t teach students how to design, but rather how to think critically. Rocheleau agreed, but pointed out a troubling disconnect between that training and the professional world.
“It seems to me that there may be in the path of architecture… a primary path, and then along the way, a series of possibly distractions,” he said. These distractions include software, rendering techniques, and other technical tools that—while valuable—can steer young architects away from their original, human-centered purpose.
Rocheleau’s concern is that without conscious reflection, the architectural process becomes reactive, not intentional. He views writing, philosophy, and psychology as tools to reconnect with that original path.
“At its essence, it all can come back to the idea of the human and what’s going on in the human’s mind as we’re walking through space.”
A Lens on the Farnsworth House
Mitch and I discuss one of his recent writings on the Farnsworth House by Mies van der Rohe. While often seen as a minimalist icon of modernism, Rocheleau sees it through a more emotional and humanistic lens.
“There was this really maybe sensitive approach from Mies van der Rohe about the human experience,” Rocheleau explained. “Which is a strange thing, because I think he often doesn’t really get credit for that type of thinking.”
He views the Farnsworth House not just as an object of design, but as a symbol of a new, more transparent way of living—one that connects people more directly with their surroundings. The building, in his view, represents not only architectural purity but emotional vulnerability.
“It’s massively freeing to think that it’s possible to live that way,” he said of the open, glass-walled structure.
Lessons from the Past: Venice as a Living Artifact
Turning to another of Rocheleau’s essays, I highlighted a piece on the architectural history of Venice—an improbable city that, as the architect pointed out, “shouldn’t exist.” The challenges Venice faced gave rise to unique solutions, like the Venetian chimney, which doubled as both an artistic feature and a fire safety measure.
“It’s this confluence of beautiful art and necessity,” Rocheleau explained. “Somebody’s in a challenging place, and they’re problem solving.”
For Rocheleau, Venice exemplifies how constraints and adversity often lead to innovation. He contrasted this with the top-down, utopian visions often proposed by urban planners—visions that may be beautiful but are often divorced from lived reality.
“Without those challenges, that city would not be what it is today,” he noted. “There’s a bit of hollowness in a plan that hasn’t faced resistance.”
Rebuilding After Disaster: Southern California’s Moment
Los Angeles and Southern California in the wake of wildfires that have devastated communities. With the surge in rebuilding efforts provide both risk and an opportunity.
Rocheleau sees parallels with Venice’s resilience—suggesting that, just as hardship led to innovation in the past, today’s crises could inspire smarter, more human-centered urban planning.
Rocheleau agrees that now is a time to reflect deeply on what kind of environments truly serve humanity—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
“I think we should reflect as a collective society… to help us get a better compass for how to proceed with architectural work in the future.”
The Takeaway: Thought Before Form
Throughout the discussion, Mitch Rocheleau makes a compelling case that architecture is as much about thought as it is about form. His writings, rich with philosophy, psychology, and historical insight, aim to bring intentionality back into a profession often overwhelmed by trends and tools.
In a world dealing with climate disasters, urban sprawl, and shifting cultural values, his voice is a reminder that architecture has always been—and should remain—a human art.
Rebuilding Los Angeles: Balancing Urgency, Legacy, and Vision for the Future
In the wake of disaster, the urgency to rebuild is often overwhelming. Families are displaced, communities fractured, and infrastructure shattered. It’s entirely human to want to move quickly—to restore normalcy, provide shelter, and begin again. But what if moving fast risks missing the chance to do something truly transformational?
This tension is especially evident in places like Los Angeles—a sprawling, layered urban environment that defies easy categorization. To understand LA is to understand that it’s not one unified city but a complex mosaic of neighborhoods, each with its own identity, architecture, and community fabric. In a region so rich in diversity and history, rebuilding isn’t just about putting walls back up—it’s about deciding how we live, why we build, and what legacy we leave behind.
The Dangers of Rebuilding in Haste
The instinct to rebuild quickly is understandable, especially after catastrophe. But speed can come at the cost of quality, thoughtfulness, and long-term resilience. As one architect reflected, there’s a real risk in responding with haste: the impulse to recreate the same structures, to replicate familiar patterns without taking the time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what could be improved.
Rather than defaulting to “build back the same,” there’s a compelling argument for pausing—just long enough—to ask deeper questions. What are the values of the community? How should infrastructure serve people today, and tomorrow? And how can the rebuilt environment contribute not just to housing needs, but to culture, identity, and connection?
Preservation vs. Progress: A Los Angeles Dilemma
Los Angeles faces a unique architectural paradox. On one hand, it houses some of the most iconic mid-century and modernist structures in the country. On the other, it is a living, breathing organism that constantly evolves—one that doesn’t (and arguably shouldn’t) preserve everything for the sake of nostalgia.
Take the example of Eichler homes. Built as part of the post-World War II housing boom, these homes reflect a critical shift in how Americans thought about suburban living. With open courtyards, indoor-outdoor flow, and modern materials, Eichlers weren’t just houses—they were a statement about a new way of life. They marked a philosophical and aesthetic evolution, one that mirrored broader changes in society.
But here’s the irony: while Eichlers are celebrated today as architectural gems, they were once just part of a larger tract housing movement—one often dismissed for its uniformity and lack of design rigor. This contradiction highlights the challenge of preservation: how do we decide what is “worth” saving? What makes one tract home a heritage site, while another is fair game for demolition?
A Moment of Opportunity
Today, Southern California has a rare opportunity—perhaps the greatest since the postwar boom—to reshape the urban landscape for generations to come. Disaster, as tragic as it is, presents a unique chance to not just restore, but to reinvent.
It’s a chance to take what we’ve learned—about materials, sustainability, equity, and design—and apply it at scale. To create housing that isn’t just affordable, but beautiful and dignified. To craft public spaces that foster connection. To reimagine density not as a threat, but as a solution to sprawl, climate strain, and social isolation.
This isn’t about tearing down the past. It’s about learning from it—and building a better future because of it.
The Role of Architectural Language
Architecture is a language, and like any language, it evolves. Styles shift, materials change, needs adapt. Yet at its core, good architecture speaks to the human experience. It tells a story—about how we see ourselves, our values, our aspirations.
In the absence of nuanced architectural criticism, however, these stories are often lost. Today’s social media environment favors snapshots over substance, impressions over inquiry. A photo of a sleek facade might go viral, but who explains the deeper design choices? Who critiques whether a building works—not just visually, but emotionally, functionally, and socially?
This is why thoughtful architectural voices are needed now more than ever. Not just to defend preservation or promote innovation, but to interpret, contextualize, and push the conversation forward.
Learning from the Masters—And Moving Beyond Them
Even the most revered architects had blind spots. Visiting Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, one is struck by its grandeur and ambition—but also by its shortcomings. The dramatic design includes soaring glass expanses and rich materials, but also narrow hallways and impractical living spaces. One secretary’s desk was placed beneath a half-wall that blocked her view, despite floor-to-ceiling windows nearby. It’s a reminder that architectural vision can sometimes ignore human needs.
These imperfections don’t diminish Wright’s legacy—but they do highlight the importance of designing not just for expression, but for experience. Today’s architects must balance vision with empathy, aesthetics with usability.
Toward a New Los Angeles
What does the next Los Angeles look like? That depends on the questions we’re willing to ask—and how brave we are in answering them.
Can we build faster and better? Can we honor the past while embracing the future? Can we move beyond labels—“modernist,” “traditionalist,” “preservationist”—and simply strive to create environments that work for people?
The answer lies not in one master plan, but in many conversations—among architects, planners, community members, and leaders. It lies in resisting the pressure to rush, and instead seizing this moment to do something deeper.
Los Angeles is not static. It never has been. But it can be intentional. And in that intention lies the hope of a more resilient, equitable, and inspiring city for the next generation.
