Tag Archives: convo by design

Designer & Artist Ann Jackson | 394 | Transitioning Artistic Vision into A Truly Representative Product Line

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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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

WestEdge Design Fair is BACK! Celebrating the Return with a Throwback to 2015 | 392 | Featuring Fu-Teng Cheng Called Translating Creativity Into Form

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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

Capturing the Design Edge, A Different Way of Looking at Events and Engagement | 391 | Lee Hershberg

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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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

Going Big. Releasing Fear & Becoming Your True Design Self | 390 | Anne Rainey Rokahr

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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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

Understanding & Translating Essential Hospitality Design Elements for an Exquisite Experience | 389 | Jill Cole of CMCA – Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol

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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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

Unlocking The Intrinsic Value of Interior Design | 388 | Brendan Kwinter-Shwartz and A Conversation About the ‘Whom’ Design is For

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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 endued  with 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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

Artisan, Craftsman, Architect & The Power of Creativity | 387 | Darrell Wilson

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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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

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

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

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

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

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

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

Creating Beautifully Cozy, Luxuriously Well Planned Spaces using the Strategies of A Master Visual Merchandiser | 384 | Roz Murphy of Roz Murphy Designs

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I’m Josh Cooperman, this is Convo By Design and today, we’re going back to Dallas, metaphorically of course to speak with Roz Murphy of Roz Murphy Designs about planning, fabrication and process. All part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.

Roz was born and raised on the East Coast, moved to Dallas to earn her Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Art History from Southern Methodist University. She later attended El Centro College where she earned her degree in interior design. Interned with the internationally renowned Wilson & Associates, as well as with Emily Summers Design. Later honing her high-end residential design skills working for Lisa Barfield Interiors and gained expertise in the window treatment industry under Barfield’s Claire & Co.

She has a passion for luxury designs that are as comfortable as they are timeless. And that is something that keeps coming up in conversation about design these days. Luxurious and timeless. Roz is as versatile as she is creative and those are some of the ideas I wanted to drill down on with Roz, who you will hear from in just a moment.

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

Thank you Roz. I enjoyed our chat, love your work and appreciate the time.  And thank YOU for listening to the podcast, subscribing to the show and for your emails. Its Summer in 2022 and travel is in full swing so you are going to be hearing episodes of the show from New York, Texas and LA events in the coming weeks and months. You are also going to be hearing episodes showcasing the work done on the 2022 Remote Design House – Tulsa. A project I am extremely proud of and really looking forward to sharing with you. Thanks again for taking part of your busy day to spend with me and the most wonderful designers in the world! Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Beautiful Books & Legendary Libraries are Must Haves in for A Well-Designed Home | 383 | Christy Shannon Smirl of Foxtail Books & Library Services

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about books. It’s more than that, really. It’s about special books, the kind that connect with those who love to read but also love the idea behind holding the book as they do it. 

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

You can pop out the iPad, Nook or Kindle. Any digital device really and read material. It is an efficient delivery system and ubiquitous as none of us are ever really that far away from our mobile devices. But the idea of holding a book, reading the pages in anticipation of, not swiping but turning the page is an experience. Reading traditionally is a greater experience for many and that is where Christy Shannon Smirl comes in. She owns Foxtail Books & Library Services. They assist and consult their clients on building a unique library and the collection within that library to fill a void, a yearning really for an experience that only a library can provide. The services include curation, organization, appraisal, cataloguing and sourcing the right materials. It’s not jut about holding, touching and reading. It is an experience to match an escape into that thriller, comedy or  series of short stories. It’s the experiential nature of design. And you’ll meet Christy, right after this.

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