Today, I sit down with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales about how retail, design, and customer experience intersect in today’s market. Gonzalez shares how Pacific Sales’ culture of continuous learning and a customer first sales model has helped establish the company as the West Coast’s leading appliance retailer.
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EZ and I explore long-term partnerships, wellness-focused design, and the importance of storytelling in shaping client experiences and how the brand’s people-first approach to retail sets it apart in the design industry. With immersive showrooms, a strong emphasis on education, and community partnerships that extend beyond the showroom floor, Pacific Sales is redefining what it means to support both trade professionals and homeowners. Gonzalez also unpacks timely challenges facing designers and clients—from navigating project uncertainty to incorporating wellness as a fundamental design principle.
Topics and Ideas
Pacific Sales’ Culture & Philosophy
How a non-commissioned, education-driven model creates trust and long-term value for customers and trade partners.
Partnerships & Community Engagement
Building meaningful relationships across KBIS, CEDIA, West Edge, and supporting organizations like Saint Jude.
Wellness as a Design Standard
From circadian lighting to functional home workspaces, why wellness is no longer a luxury but an essential part of design.
Design in Uncertain Times
Why informed decision-making, collaboration, and storytelling help clients and designers navigate long projects.
Mentorship & Professional Growth
Supporting the next generation of design professionals through education, rewards programs, and a culture of learning.
Retail Meets Design
How immersive showrooms and Pacific Sales’ connection to Best Buy combine to deliver expertise, installation, and ongoing support.
Thank you, EZ for the time and conversation. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
Courtney Novogratz: Designing a Life of Creativity and Family Courtney Novogratz has spent her career reimagining spaces that celebrate individuality, family, and joy. Alongside her husband Robert, she’s built an iconic brand known for bold style, adventurous projects, and a commitment to living beautifully without pretense. In this conversation, Courtney shares her design philosophy, her family-first approach, and how she balances creativity with business. In this episode of Convo By Design, Courtney Novogratz opens up about her journey as a designer, entrepreneur, and mother of seven. From revitalizing historic properties to curating collections that reflect everyday living, Courtney brings her unique perspective on what it means to design with heart. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, her take on authenticity in design, and why storytelling matters just as much as furniture and finishes.
Ideas and Topics discussed during our chat. What you will hear are universal concepts that are then executed to perfection. “Perfection” doesn’t mean perfect. That might sound strange, but often perfection is used to describe design but let’s be , there is no such thing as perfect in design. To me, perfection is a philosophical approach to blending the work with the story and The Novogratz do this expertly, which is why they are Octobers Convo By Design Icon Registry inductees presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Here are some of the reasons why and ideas you are going to hear explained:
The Novogratz Design Journey
Courtney on how she and Robert grew their design practice into a recognizable lifestyle brand.
Balancing Creativity & Family
How raising seven kids has shaped her outlook on interiors and informed her approach to livable, joyful design.
The Power of Storytelling in Design
Why personality and narrative are essential to creating meaningful spaces.
From Renovations to Product Lines
Expanding beyond interiors into retail, furniture, and collaborations.
Lessons in Building a Design Brand
Courtney reflects on resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your vision.
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. You are going to hear all about hit, right after this.
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, Courtney and congratulations to you and Robert. Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the ideas with regard to your world-class story-telling skills. Your work is exceptional and the branding is masterful.
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
This week, the Convo By Design studio went mobile inside the VW ID.Buzz at CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo in Denver—bringing you candid conversations with leaders shaping the future of smart homes, design integration, and resilient technology.
From energy resilience to invisible lighting, European design influences to smarter tools, these ride-along interviews capture the pulse of the connected design and integration industry. Join Soundman in the VW ID.Buzz for a road trip packed with insight, innovation, and the people pushing design and technology forward.
CEDIA & CIX Overview
CEDIA: The global association for home technology pros—advancing smart home, DenverDenverAV, networking, and integrated systems through education and advocacy.
CEDIA Expo: The industry’s largest annual gathering with hundreds of exhibitors, demos, and training sessions.
Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX): The companion event focusing on commercial AV, IT, and building automation solutions.
Making lighting tech accessible to designers and integrators.
Demystifying with clear, plain-language education.
PhaseX (DMX over Romex) expanding retrofit options.
The rise of lighting demo rooms in showrooms.
The payoff of early collaboration on project outcomes.
Recorded live inside the VW ID.Buzz, this episode captures the energy and ideas driving CEDIA Expo / CIX 2025. From resilient energy to invisible lighting, these conversations remind us that design and technology are converging faster than ever—and collaboration is the bridge. Thank you to everyone and CEDIA, CEDIA Expo, CIX, Brand Definition, Julia, Dan, Ray, Irene, and everyone who helped make this an incredible experience. Thank you to VW. I enjoyed the ride and hope you did too! -CXD
Today on the show, Mr. Alex Tate’s, Alex Alonso and I discuss the evolution of interior design, exploring how technology, client expectations, and personal vision shape today’s industry from AI integration to marketing strategies and maximalist design philosophy, this conversation examines how designers adapt to market shifts while staying true to their creative ethos.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Alex for a litany of reasons and I’ll share some of them with you, but first, know this… And, you are going to hear it. Alex is an unapologetic Maximalist. And as we begin to discuss it, you will hear him launch in about the idea of clutter and then demonstrate how it’s not what people say something is but what a talented creative can do with an idea. Listen for that because it was a really fun exchange. Here are some of the other ideas you will hear more about in the following conversation.
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Design Industry Evolution: Discussion on how the past three years reshaped design business approaches, client expectations, and industry trends.
Budgets and Client Chemistry: Emphasis on project fit over budget size and navigating increased transparency due to social media.
AI and Technology: Exploring AI’s role in speeding processes, educating clients, and enhancing personalized design without compromising creativity.
Maintaining Design Vision: Importance of staying true to one’s aesthetic, turning down projects that don’t align, and creating layered, meaningful spaces.
Marketing and Brand Strategy: Leveraging SEO, SEM, PR, and controlled distribution to build visibility while maintaining authenticity.
Publications and Industry Platforms: Critique of celebrity-driven content and the responsibility of publications to support diverse talent.
Trends vs. Thoughtful Design: Conversation on biophilic design in bathrooms and balancing trend adoption with thoughtful creativity.
Maximalist Philosophy and Brand Extensions: Exploring potential ventures like curated retail spaces or historical renovation studios, all aligned with layered, maximalist design principles.
Ultimately, designers must balance business strategy with creative integrity, embrace technology judiciously, prioritize client alignment, and maintain a clear, authentic brand message. Loved this and I think you will too. It’s coming right up, after this.
Thank you, Alex for this Maximalist conversation. Loved it and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams and downloads. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
This special two-part episode features Roman Alonso of Commune and David Calligeros of Remains Lighting in two distinct conversations exploring origins, philosophy, and the meaning of design partnerships.
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From salvaging antiques to designing timeless interiors, David and Roman share stories of growth, collaboration, and craft. What began as a single interview turned into a richer double feature—a master class in design values, sustainability, and the essential philosophies behind two influential studios.
Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting
Origins and Influences: From antiques and architectural salvage to a design career shaped by an arts-influenced mother and an engineer father.
The Birth of Remains: Starting in Manhattan in 1995, evolving from antiques into lighting design.
Engineering Meets Art: Marrying technical precision with artistic intuition.
Custom Work & Collaborations: Partnering with Commune, Robert A.M. Stern, Matthew Fisher, and others.
IP, Dupes & Authenticity: Protecting design through integrity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Sustainability & Craft: LEED Gold Brooklyn factory, solar array, stormwater recycling, and green production practices.
Business & Market Challenges: Navigating the 2008 crash, tariffs, and the value of US-based manufacturing.
Philosophy: Design as a question-driven, ethical practice rooted in long-term value and collaboration.
Link: Remains Lighting
Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune
Origins and Career Path: From Caracas to Miami, Boston, New York, and LA; a career spanning publishing, fashion, and interiors.
Formation of Commune Studio (2003): Built around collaboration, essentialism, and quality.
Studio Philosophy: Purposeful, small by design, focused on meaningful work and enduring value.
Influences: Latin American upbringing, Isaac Mizrahi, Lisa Eisner, and lessons from fashion and editorial worlds.
Product Development: Solving real design problems, prototyping in-house before release.
Collaboration: Strategic partnerships (including Remains Lighting) to ensure usability and quality.
Personal Philosophy: Stoicism, fairness, ethical production, and acknowledging imposter syndrome.
Evolution of the Firm: Scaling deliberately—growing reach through products and partnerships while keeping the studio intimate.
Quotes:
“Good design shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right.”
“Design is about editing, listening, and creating solutions that people might not even know they need.”
This episode illustrates how partnerships in design aren’t just about collaboration—they’re about shared values, craft, and philosophy. By hearing these conversations separately, you’ll gain insights into two distinct but complementary approaches to design, sustainability, and creativity.
So much to take in. This was a master class on how to structure, nurture and grow design partnerships. Make sure you check the show notes for links and notes about all of the topics covered. Thank you, David and Roman for doing this and being so willing to share your thoughts, ideas and practice. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
When I spoke with Scott Richler, co-founder of Gabriel Scott, I quickly realized his design journey wasn’t linear but layered. With a background in architecture, jewelry and fashion Scott brings that same sense of structure and detail into furniture and lighting design. He explained how the precision of jewelry—where every small move influences the whole—mirrors his architectural training, allowing him to think critically on both macro and micro scales.
Lighting was a major theme. Scott and I discussed how LED technology has completely shifted design possibilities, freeing designers from the limitations of older systems. No longer about blasting a room with light, the new approach is about using illumination strategically—whether it’s enhancing a hospitality experience or subtly shaping a residential atmosphere.
We also tackled the often-overused labels in design—“modern,” “traditional,” and everything in between. Scott pushed back on the idea of rigid categories, noting that Gabriel Scott’s pieces live comfortably in both sleek penthouses and classic homes. The goal, he said, is timeless versatility, not chasing a label.
Scott also opened up about his creative process. His team of artisans develops intricate parts that are refined enough to feel bespoke but adaptable enough to be assembled by everyday people—a kind of design language built for universal assembly. It’s jewelry thinking applied to lighting and furniture.
Of course, no conversation about product design is complete without addressing knockoffs. Scott acknowledged the frustration of seeing his work duplicated but emphasized the importance of strong contracts, local representation, and participating in trade shows like Milan Design Week to establish authenticity.
We wrapped up talking the Triforium project in Los Angeles, reflecting on how lighting has evolved from mechanical systems in the 1970s to today’s AI-driven adaptability. For Scott, it’s less about chasing technology for its own sake, and more about how design—whether jewelry, furniture, or lighting—creates lasting experiences.
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And that is where I lost the connection with Scott. He was in Ibiza. And the WI-FI dropped, so I thought it would be fun to conclude this conversation with a brief chat with the founders of the Triforium Project.
YACHT, Experimental Pop, and Reimagining the Triforium
The Los Angeles-based band YACHT (Young Americans Challenging High Technology) has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of music, technology, and performance art. Founded by Jona Bechtolt and later joined by Claire L. Evans, YACHT blends electronic pop, punk energy, and conceptual art into a body of work that often doubles as cultural critique. With albums like See Mystery Lights and Chain Tripping—the latter created with the help of AI-generated lyrics and sounds—the band has consistently explored the edges of where music meets innovation.
One of their most intriguing projects is their involvement with the Triforium, a massive 1970s public art installation in downtown Los Angeles. Originally envisioned as a “polyphonoptic” sculpture, the Triforium contains 1,494 glass prisms designed to light up in sync with computer-generated music. Despite its futuristic ambitions, technical limitations of the era kept the piece from reaching its full potential, and it was largely dismissed as a failed experiment in civic art.
Enter YACHT. Alongside a group of artists and technologists, the band helped spearhead efforts to restore and reinterpret the Triforium for a new generation. They worked on updating its outdated systems with modern technology, enabling the sculpture to finally achieve its original goal of synchronizing light and sound in real time. For YACHT, the Triforium became more than a restoration project—it was a living metaphor for their own artistic ethos: finding new meaning in old technology, and using experimentation to transform limitations into possibilities.
The project reflects YACHT’s broader philosophy: music isn’t just something to listen to, but an evolving experience shaped by design, technology, and cultural context. Just as the Triforium has been reimagined for today, YACHT continues to show how creative vision can turn the discarded or overlooked into something vibrant, communal, and new. Be right back
Breathing New Life Into LA’s Triforium
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles stands a curious six-story structure that has puzzled, frustrated, and fascinated Angelenos for decades. It’s called the Triforium, a 60-ton public artwork created by artist Joseph Young in 1975. Designed as a “polyphonic musical instrument,” the piece features nearly 1,500 colorful glass prisms synced to a 79-note carillon. At its debut, it was billed as the future of civic art—an interactive sculpture that would respond to music and even the movement of passersby.
But the reality never quite lived up to the promise. Plagued by cost overruns, balky 1970s technology, and a skeptical public, the Triforium quickly earned nicknames like “Three Wishbones in Search of a Turkey.” The interactivity never fully materialized, the lights often failed, and what was supposed to be a beacon of futuristic optimism was mostly ignored.
Fast-forward a few decades, and the Triforium has found unexpected champions. A grassroots team—Tom Carroll, along with Claire Evans and Jona Bechtolt from the band YACHT—launched the Triforium Project to restore the work to its original vision. What began as a curiosity sparked by Carroll’s 2014 short documentary turned into a mission. With fundraising, public events, and a $100,000 LA2050 grant, the group has started planning a full restoration.
The updates won’t erase its quirky history but build on it—replacing bulbs with LEDs, updating the computer system, and even developing a smartphone app so visitors can program their own light and sound sequences.
For the project’s leaders, the Triforium isn’t just a relic. It’s an instrument, once played alongside the likes of Stevie Wonder and John Cage, waiting for a new audience. Reviving it isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about giving Los Angeles back a piece of its artistic imagination. You can’t learn more at triforium.la because that domain is now for sale. So, it’s probably safe to say it’s languishing again, but it’s still there so go check it out
Thank you, Scott. Ibiza sounds nice. Thank you Triforium Project for the refresher. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
In a wide-ranging conversation, I sat down with Renée Gaddis, founder of Renée Gaddis Interiors, to explore Florida’s distinct design influences, the evolving role of designers in storm-prone regions, and the business of luxury interiors in uncertain times. Speaking from Naples, Florida, Gaddis compared her region’s design sensibilities to other parts of the state, noting a blend of Midwestern, European, and Southern traditions. While many of her clients lean toward transitional or traditional styles, she observed that Miami remains more open to modern aesthetics.
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The discussion turned to real estate trends fueled by the pandemic, which brought an influx of new homeowners to Florida. Gaddis shared how this surge, combined with a major hurricane, reshaped her approach to client selection and project scope. She emphasized her boutique model, strong referral base, and commitment to seamlessly integrating interiors with exteriors to embrace Florida’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
On the financial side, she addressed rising costs and tariffs that have altered project budgets, leading to value engineering and sourcing U.S.-made products. Gaddis also reflected on the importance of partnerships with trades and vendors, especially during supply chain volatility, while advocating for transparent communication to maintain trust.
The conversation also touched on resilient building practices in storm-prone regions. Gaddis highlighted lessons learned from past hurricanes, from identifying flawed hurricane-rated windows to designing with better drainage, elevated platforms, and even safe rooms. Her insights underscored the need for long-term sustainability in luxury projects.
Beyond design, Gaddis shared her family’s advocacy journey with the American Heart Association, inspired by her daughter’s early diagnosis and treatment. This personal commitment, alongside her professional expertise, reflects her philosophy that resilience—whether in design or life—is built through experience, adaptability, and care. And you are going to hear the whole story, right after this.
Thank you, Renee. Amazing. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
Welcome to the Convo By Design Icon Registry episode for the month of July, 2025. This month’s inductee is an icon, for sure, an international luminary and someone who has been as down to earth and kind as he could possibly be. I shouldn’t have to say that. Right? But, that is one of the things that differentiates Martyn Lawrence Bullard from many, really most creatives who have achieved Bullard’s level of success. I sat down with Martyn at the SOHO Home showroom on Melrose Boulevard in West Hollywood right before the 10th anniversary party for Convo By Design. SOHO Home, previously the Rose Tarlow showroom, with it’s storied history and exceptional lighting made for a truly unique experience for me and I hope that is one of the things you pick up in this conversation with the September 2025 inductee of the Convo By Design Icon Registry.
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.
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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, Martyn and congratulations Some of the things I truly enjoyed were the review of your 2019 Legends window and your experience in theater which speaks to your world-class story-telling skills.
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
In this candid conversation, Poppy Bourg and Shannon McGough of Poppy McGough Design House unpack the evolving Dallas design scene, the challenges of modern publishing, and the importance of integrating architecture and interior design. They discuss how their unique backgrounds inform their approach, client expectations in a shifting market, and why authenticity and craftsmanship matter more than fleeting trends.
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From the pitfalls of celebrity-driven design magazines to the nuanced demands of Dallas homeowners, Poppy and Shannon reveal how they balance creativity, technical knowledge, and client relationships to create spaces that are not only beautiful but built to last. They explore the impact of regional influences, climate challenges, and the expanding role of interior designers in shaping cohesive, livable homes.
1. The State of Design Publications & Celebrity Influence
Shift in design media focus: from architecture to celebrity homes
Challenges of magazines cutting back editorial staff and local flavor
Dallas’s design culture: diverse, not pigeonholed into one “look”
2. Client Trends and Diversity in Dallas Architecture
Clients influenced by wide range of styles via online exposure
Resurgence of traditional styles alongside modern, Mediterranean, Santa Barbara influences
Growing trend of lake homes post-2020 pandemic and its impact on local design culture
3. Modernism and Design Inspirations
Experience visiting Modernism Week in Palm Springs
Dallas’s limited mid-century modern presence compared to other cities
Appreciation for maximalism and richly detailed interiors beyond minimalist trends
4. Backgrounds & Partnership Story
Shannon’s hospitality design and hotel experience, focus on durability and build process
Poppy’s real estate and builder project management background, deep builder and trade knowledge
How their combined skills create a holistic approach to residential design and construction collaboration
5. Building Challenges in Dallas
Impact of active soil, climate extremes, and shifting weather on construction and interiors
Importance of realistic client expectations around timelines, soil testing, and permitting
Regional differences in design challenges and neighborhood personalities across Dallas metroplex
6. Expanded Role of Interior Designers
Growing client education on lighting, air quality, water filtration, and acoustics
Increasing involvement in exterior design for cohesive indoor-outdoor flow
Navigating intellectual property issues, brand extensions, and designer-led product lines
7. Photography, Styling, and Portfolio Strategy
Not every project gets photographed due to client preference or cost
In-house styling process balancing client personality with editorial needs
Preference for showcasing recent projects and maintaining strong referral-based business
Thank you, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
Austin-based interior designer Viki Chupik brings the city’s unique spirit into every project she touches. From its rolling hills and cultural quirks to its understated expressions of wealth, Chupik sees Austin as a place where authenticity and individuality still matter. In this conversation, she explains how to design for a city in flux. Like most of the cities people flooded to during and post-pandemic—balancing creativity, cultural heritage, and the realities of today’s economic pressures.
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Viki Chupik of Chupik Design unpacks Austin’s evolving design landscape, from post-pandemic migration and rising costs to the homogenizing pull of social media trends. She shares how she navigates client expectations, resists algorithm-fed aesthetics, and champions designs that are rooted in nature, personal stories, and lasting quality. Along the way, Chupik explores functional planning, economic design strategies, and her vision for the future of the American home.
The Austin Effect
How Austin’s natural beauty and geography shape lifestyle and client priorities.
The city’s evolution from “hippie government town” to tech-creative hub.
Why “Keep Austin Weird” is about individuality and local culture, not just quirky aesthetics.
Understated expressions of wealth versus flash seen in other Texas cities.
Design Influenced by Lifestyle
Incorporating travel, life experiences, and personal artifacts into home design.
Creating spaces that reflect a client’s narrative rather than a preset style.
Prioritizing true customization over formulaic trends.
Austin’s Cultural Capital
Influence of UT, major festivals, and historic districts on the city’s identity.
Embracing quirks—bats, music, history—in design and urban character.
Post-pandemic migration: challenges and benefits of new creative influx.
Viki Chupik’s Design Fingerprint
Calm, collected, nature-inspired aesthetic.
Timeless design choices: earthy palettes, organic materials, and visual serenity.
Rejecting trend-chasing in favor of enduring appeal.
Design vs. Trends
Critique of social media–driven “trendification” and AI-generated design content.
Seeking out artisans, unique finds, and unexpected pairings.
Why individuality in design is harder—and more important—than ever.
The Budget Reality
Impact of rising costs from tariffs, materials, and labor.
Emphasis on quality investments over disposable design.
Importance of involving designers early in architectural planning.
Functional Design in Changing Times
Rethinking square footage for smarter, more livable spaces.
Evaluating the real utility of specialty rooms and features.
Applying the “Are you going to use it?” test to every decision.
Portable Kitchens & the Future of Home
Considering modular, moveable kitchens inspired by European models.
How rising land values could shift the role of the house toward adaptability.
The tension between permanence and flexibility in residential design.
Thank you, Viki. Amazing. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
