Calgary-based designer Stephanie Martin shares the story of launching her firm during the 2008 financial crisis, the gap between design education and reality, and why hand-crafted authenticity remains vital in the age of AI. She also takes us inside the Rideau Residence, a project blending modern aesthetics with sentimental family history.
Launching in a Recession: Stephanie discusses starting her firm in 2008 during the financial crisis, which heavily impacted Calgary’s oil and gas-driven economy. She attributes her early success to “door-to-door” marketing and building a reputation through exceptional service rather than just aesthetics.
The “Cowboy Town” Reality: A look at Calgary’s diverse culture, strong job market, and affordable housing, countering its reputation as just a “cowboy town.”
Service Over Style: Stephanie emphasizes that the core of her business is caring about the clients’ lives, a lesson she learned early on that differentiates her firm today.
The Evolution of Design Practice
Education vs. Reality: A candid discussion on how design schools often focus on exaggerated creativity while overlooking practical skills like budgeting, timelines, and coordination.
Post-Pandemic Expectations: Clients now prioritize emotional connections and functional spaces over mere aesthetics, seeking designs that actively enhance their well-being.
Sustainability: The conversation touches on the necessity of sustainable building practices, including Stephanie’s experience with passive homes.
Technology & Authenticity
The AI Debate: Stephanie and Josh discuss the rise of AI in design. While Stephanie is optimistic about AI for efficiency, she argues for maintaining “hand-crafted” creativity to ensure designs remain meaningful.
Authentic Marketing: In an era of AI-generated content, Stephanie commits to keeping her social media presence true to her values by showcasing only authentic, human-created work.
Project Spotlight: The Rideau Residence
Modern-Traditional Mix: A deep dive into the kitchen design which juxtaposes modern elements with sentimental details, specifically a brick backsplash sourced from the owner’s grandmother’s house.
Space Transformation: How a formal dining room was reimagined into a dark, masculine office space that contrasts sharply with the rest of the light-filled home.
Luxury can be expensive, but it can also be subtle, practical, or deeply personal. Sometimes it’s about choice, sometimes restraint, sometimes the way a space or product simply works better for you. Through thoughtful discussion, the episode examines how luxury shows up in appliances and design—through performance, comfort, longevity, and everyday ease—and why it resonates differently for everyone over time
This nuanced conversation explores the evolving meaning of luxury through multiple industry perspectives, featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager at AJ Madison, alongside industry expert Jill Cohen, Editor-in-Chief, Luxe Interiors + Design.
Luxury Isn’t a Price Point. It’s a Performance Standard.
At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2026, leaders from AJ Madison and Luxe Interiors + Design reframing luxury as durability, intentionality, and the ability of design to support how people actually live.
The word “luxury” has become one of the most overused—and least defined—terms in the design industry. At KBIS 2026, a live conversation featuring Devoree Axelrod, General Manager of AJ Madison, and Jill Cohen, Editor in Chief of Luxe Interiors + Design, set out to recalibrate its meaning. What emerged was less about price and more about performance, longevity, and intent.
For decades, luxury was shorthand for premium brands, higher costs, and visual distinction. Today, that definition is insufficient. The modern homeowner isn’t simply buying a product; they’re investing in how their home supports their routines, relationships, and future. Luxury, in this context, becomes the elimination of friction. It’s the appliance that performs reliably every day. It’s the kitchen designed around how a family actually cooks and gathers. It’s the confidence that decisions made today will still make sense twenty years from now.
Cohen shared findings from Luxe’s upcoming national survey of 1,000 leading architects, designers, and builders, confirming that the kitchen remains the single most important area of homeowner investment. More significantly, appliances are often the first and most consequential decisions made in the design process. They establish the spatial, technical, and functional framework around which everything else follows.
Axelrod reinforced this from her vantage point inside one of the country’s largest appliance retailers. Appliance selection determines infrastructure—electrical loads, ventilation, plumbing, and spatial relationships—making it foundational rather than decorative. When clients prioritize performance and usability first, the rest of the design aligns more effectively, both functionally and financially.
The conversation also addressed the persistent myth of the fixed budget. In reality, budgets are fluid, shaped as much by emotion as by arithmetic. Homeowners may begin with a number in mind, but that number evolves as priorities clarify. The role of the designer and appliance advisor becomes essential: helping clients distinguish between what serves their lives and what merely satisfies aspiration.
This shift is evident in how kitchens are expanding beyond their traditional boundaries. Secondary prep kitchens, beverage stations, outdoor kitchens, coffee bars, and integrated refrigeration throughout the home reflect a broader redefinition of convenience. These are not excesses for their own sake; they are extensions of daily life, driven by multigenerational living, remote work, and a deeper integration between hospitality and residential design.
Perhaps most telling was the reframing of luxury itself. Neither Axelrod nor Cohen defined it by brand name. Instead, luxury was described as ease, time, and permanence. It is waking up and having what you need within reach. It is durability that eliminates the need for replacement. It is thoughtful planning that prevents regret.
In this light, luxury is not what something costs. It is what something enables.
And increasingly, what it enables is a home that works—quietly, reliably, and seamlessly—in service of the people who live there.
Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live.
Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life.
Luxury is durability aligned with intent.
Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten.
Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit.
Luxury is not what you spend. It’s what you never have to rethink.
The Kitchen as the Primary Investment
The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide.
Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space.
The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home.
It represents identity: “I’m a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.”
Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories.
Appliance-First Design Strategy
Appliances determine electrical, ventilation, plumbing, and layout requirements.
Major appliance decisions must precede cabinetry and finish selections.
Early appliance specification prevents costly redesigns.
Designers increasingly plan around cooking infrastructure first.
Professional appliance advisors play a key role in product education and innovation updates.
Budget Realities & Psychology
Budgets are rarely fixed; they are often unstated or misunderstood.
Clients frequently establish budgets before fully understanding what they want.
Designers must define the intersection of “want” and “need.”
Stretching budget in the kitchen feels justified because it is essential.
Strategic trade-offs are common (invest in cooking, scale back secondary items).
Transparency and cost clarity are critical in today’s climate.
Surprises—especially tariff or pricing shocks—undermine trust.
Professional designers protect clients from unrealistic expectations and long-term regret.
The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem
Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home.
Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler’s pantries) are rising.
Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common.
Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements.
Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets.
Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites.
Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design.
Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home.
Lifestyle-Driven Design Trends
Hospitality influences residential expectations.
Convenience and personalization outweigh pure status signaling.
Aging in place is shaping appliance planning (drawer refrigeration, wall ovens).
Durability is increasingly valued over trend-based aesthetics.
Remote work drives integrated kitchenettes and beverage access in home offices.
Multiple laundry setups reflect modern household logistics.
Status vs. Practicality
Status still influences resale-driven decisions in some cases.
However, emotional connection tends to be with category (cooking, entertaining) rather than brand alone.
Longevity and service reliability often justify premium selections.
Magazine-driven or editorial glamour exists—but practical function ultimately wins.
Role of the Professional Designer
Designers provide budget discipline and scope management.
They help clients make decisions faster, reducing cost creep.
They balance aspiration with feasibility.
Professional oversight protects long-term value.
Design is positioned not as a privilege, but as a necessity.
Market & Cultural Influences
COVID permanently shifted how homes are used.
Entertaining moved inward; bar and pizza oven sales spiked.
Multigenerational living increased spatial complexity.
Social media informs but can distort expectations.
Consumers increasingly research via reviews and digital channels.
Clients are more cautious amid economic and tariff uncertainty.
Guiding Principle
“Proper planning prevents poor performance.”
Early, honest, and intentional planning reduces regret.
Design is both a desire business and a service industry.
The goal is not excess—it is alignment between space and life.
The design industry has changed more in the past five years than in the previous two decades. In this episode, Amy Courtney and I unpack how technology, social media, and shifting client expectations have transformed the way designers work, communicate, and create. From in-person collaboration to photography, craftsmanship, and professional credibility, the conversation explores what it really means to practice design today.
A candid discussion about design after 2020, the rise of digital culture, evolving client behavior, and why experience still matters more than visibility.
I sat down with designer Amy Courtney and together, we are going to examine how dramatically the design industry has shifted since 2020—and what those changes mean for designers, clients, and the creative process itself. What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a permanent shift in how projects are managed, communicated, and perceived.
The conversation opens with how in-person collaboration has largely been replaced by screens, emails, and digital presentations. While technology has made certain aspects of design more efficient, it has also introduced new challenges: endless email threads, over-reliance on links and screenshots, and a growing disconnect between how spaces are discussed and how they are actually experienced. Both speakers reflect on the loss of face-to-face interaction and how it has altered everything from client relationships to decision-making.
From there, the discussion moves into how design has become more visible—and more misunderstood—than ever before. With social media and image-driven platforms shaping expectations, clients often arrive with highly specific visual references but little understanding of how those ideas translate into real-world construction. The conversation explores how designers now spend much of their time educating clients, explaining limitations, and helping them understand the difference between inspiration and execution.
Photography plays a major role in this shift. Where designers once photographed only select projects, today’s market pressures encourage constant documentation. The episode unpacks the financial and creative cost of professional photography, the tension between editorial standards and reality, and how images can sometimes misrepresent how spaces actually function. The discussion also touches on how publication expectations and sponsorships can influence what gets shown—and what gets left out.
Another central theme is the difference between designers and tastemakers. Courtney and I examine how social platforms have blurred professional lines, allowing anyone with a strong aesthetic to claim authority. We discuss the growing confusion this creates for clients and the importance of experience, education, and technical understanding in producing successful projects. While inspiration is everywhere, execution still requires training, judgment, and accountability.
The episode also dives into the influence of upbringing and mentorship. From growing up around construction and craftsmanship to learning directly from tradespeople, the conversation highlights how hands-on experience shapes a designer’s confidence and decision-making. This background, combined with curiosity and respect for process, becomes the foundation for meaningful work.
The conversation closes with a reflection on credibility, creativity, and the responsibility designers have to guide clients honestly. In a culture driven by speed and visibility, the episode argues for a return to thoughtful process, clear communication, and design rooted in real-world understanding.
How design practice has changed since 2020
The impact of remote work and screen-based communication
Photography, social media, and shifting industry expectations
The difference between designers and tastemakers
Client education and managing unrealistic inspiration
The value of construction knowledge and hands-on experience
Navigating publication standards and editorial pressure
Why credibility and process still matter
Design has never been more visible—or more misunderstood. As technology reshapes how people engage with spaces and professionals, the role of the designer has become both more complex and more essential. This episode makes the case for slowing down, valuing experience, and remembering that great design is built on knowledge, intention, and trust—not algorithms or aesthetics alone.
Design is more than aesthetics—it’s about understanding how people live, move, and connect with their spaces. In this episode, Kristin Mullen and I explore how sourcing, observation, and thoughtful decision-making shape interiors that feel authentic and functional. From Round Top to kitchen design to client relationships, the conversation reveals why the best work begins with listening and ends with purpose.
A thoughtful conversation on antiques, design philosophy, client trust, and why the most successful spaces are built on intention rather than trends. You are going to hear from designer Kristin Mullen. We’re exploring the deeper thinking behind successful interior design—where process, perspective, and human behavior matter as much as aesthetics. The conversation opens with a discussion of the Round Top Antiques Show, which Kristin describes as an essential destination for designers seeking character, craftsmanship, and pieces with history. While digital sourcing has its place, both agree that nothing replaces the experience of seeing and understanding objects in person. Round Top, in particular, offers an immersive environment that encourages discovery, education, and creative connection.
From there, the conversation turns inward, examining how a designer’s background and worldview shape their approach. Kristin shares how her early training in speech and language pathology sharpened her ability to read clients, recognize unspoken preferences, and interpret behavior—skills that now inform every project she takes on. That sensitivity, paired with her passion for antiques, results in spaces that feel layered, personal, and grounded in story rather than surface-level trends.
A central theme throughout the episode is redefining what “value” means in design. Josh and Kristin challenge the idea that good design is about price or status. Instead, they discuss how meaningful spaces come from clarity, intention, and thoughtful editing. The role of the designer, they explain, is often to simplify—helping clients focus on what truly matters and guiding them away from choices that don’t support how they actually live.
The conversation naturally moves into kitchens, where function and behavior intersect most clearly. From layout and stone selection to lighting and storage, Josh and Kristin explore how small decisions can dramatically affect daily life. They discuss the importance of planning for real habits rather than idealized ones, and how photographic trends often misrepresent how spaces are actually used. The evolution of kitchen design, they note, reflects broader changes in how homes function as multi-use environments.
The episode also touches on the business and sourcing side of design. Kristin shares insights into working with European antiques and the growing challenges presented by tariffs and shipping costs. Josh adds perspective on the potential return to small-scale, locally made craftsmanship, suggesting that the industry may be entering a period where quality, story, and intention carry more weight than volume or speed.
Throughout the conversation, one idea remains consistent: strong design is rooted in trust. Open communication, clear expectations, and honest dialogue between designer and client create better outcomes for everyone involved. When people feel heard and understood, the results are spaces that not only look good—but function beautifully over time. You are going to hear all about it, right after this.
Great design isn’t about excess or trends—it’s about intention, understanding, and care. When designers take the time to observe how people truly live and guide them through thoughtful decisions, the result is a space that feels authentic, functional, and deeply personal. This episode makes the case for slowing down, asking better questions, and designing with purpose at the center.
Creating Timeless Elegance: How Woodson & Rummerfield Bring Hollywood Regency into the 21st Century. From celebrity estates to curated collectibles, Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson share their philosophy on bold, elevated design, preservation of iconic architecture, and the art of collaboration in Los Angeles.
To celebrate this episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Christine Anderson sits down with Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design. The duo discuss their signature approach to interiors—melding the opulence of old Hollywood with sleek modern sensibilities for a discerning clientele. They share stories from celebrity projects, the thrill of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the lessons learned from running a showroom on La Cienega. Jamie and Ron also discuss their nonprofit foundation, CA Projects, dedicated to preserving Southern California’s iconic architecture, emphasizing the importance of heritage in contemporary design.
Show Topics & Segment Outline:
Introduction & Guest Backgrounds
Christine introduces Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson.
Overview of their design style: Hollywood opulence meets modern refinement.
Design Philosophy & Influences
Hollywood Regency roots and modern adaptations.
Influence of Los Angeles history, old Hollywood cinema, and personal family heritage.
Fashion-forward client expectations and balancing boldness with timelessness.
Collaboration & Partnership
How Jamie and Ron complement each other creatively.
Problem-solving, brainstorming, and the synergy of their partnership.
Career Highlights & Notable Projects
Celebrity estates and high-profile commissions (without naming clients).
Influence of their La Cienega showroom as a “three-dimensional calling card.”
Philosophy on sourcing rare furniture, art, and collectibles.
Preservation & Advocacy
Founding of CA Projects to save iconic Southern California architecture.
Importance of protecting historically significant homes and estates.
Public involvement and future plans for the foundation.
Personal Passions & Lifestyle
Weekend hobbies, travel, research, and inspiration.
How personal passions inform design work.
Future Plans & Product Development
Upcoming secret projects and product lines.
Speaking engagements and experiential presentations for design communities.
Closing Remarks
How to connect with Jamie and Ron: WanderDesign.com, Instagram @WanderDesign.
Preview of CA Projects website: SIAPROJECTS.com.
Invitation for designers and architects to share projects with Convo By Design.
This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you Jaime and Ron for your many years of friendship, partnership and collaboration. This was the first time we met and the episode was hosted by Christine Anderson, I miss her.
Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for presenting the Convo By Design Icon Registry and Convo By Design partner sponsors, TimberTech and Design Hardware. And thank you for taking the time to listen. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show helps you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. – CXD
From Halifax to the four Maritime provinces, Stil James founders share how timeless design, regional sensibilities, and entrepreneurial grit shape their work and new cabinetry brand, Loran. There’s a kind of quiet confidence in the design work coming out of Canada’s Maritime provinces—projects that don’t chase trends but instead reflect the rhythm of life shaped by weather, culture, and community. In this episode of Convo By Design, I’m talking with the founders of Stil James, a Halifax-based design studio that embodies this spirit of regional purpose. Their approach blends design restraint with deep practicality, and their new cabinetry brand, Loran, takes that philosophy even further.
In this episode, we explore how two designers are navigating generational shifts in lifestyle, climate challenges, and a conservative market while building a business rooted in curiosity, learning, and partnership. From kitchens and mudrooms to cabinetry and color palettes, they reveal what it means to design for both function and future in Atlantic Canada.
We talked about how the pandemic reshaped design thinking in the Maritimes—how open spaces replaced formal dining rooms, and how designers are reimagining older homes to suit how families actually live. The team at Stil James described the region’s unique relationship with design: working “ten to fifteen years behind the trends” not as a limitation, but as an advantage that allows for timelessness and reflection. They draw more inspiration from Europe than North America, taking cues from craftsmanship, heritage, and texture rather than fleeting style cycles.
Our conversation moved into climate resiliency—a constant design driver in Atlantic Canada, where homes must withstand everything from coastal winds to heavy snowfall. Mudrooms become essential transitional spaces, designed for the reality of shifting weather and active family life. Clients are increasingly focused on systems, materials, and sustainable practices that ensure their homes can adapt with the climate.
We also discussed how lifelong learning has become central to the Stil James ethos. They encourage their team to attend design shows, seek global perspectives through digital tools, and value soft skills—resilience, empathy, and curiosity—just as highly as formal training.
Then came Loran, their new cabinetry venture, born out of a clear market need for design-forward millwork in Halifax. Partnering with an Ontario-based manufacturer allows them to maintain quality and scale while keeping exclusivity within the Maritimes. Loren’s mission extends beyond their own design projects, serving other designers and homeowners seeking elevated cabinetry built with longevity in mind.
Show Topics
Shifts in design philosophy post-2020
Retrofitting Maritime homes for modern living
Working “behind the trends” as an advantage
Designing for climate resiliency and functional living
Building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning
Launching Loren: a cabinetry company for the Maritimes
Rejecting color trend cycles for timeless design
Entrepreneurship, partnership, and the business of expansion
The dynamics of collaboration and shared creative leadership
We closed with a conversation about color and timelessness—how they resist seasonal trend reports and instead design for relevance over the next decade or more. They balance enduring finishes with accents that allow for evolution and personal expression.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in their story, both having grown up in business-minded families. Their partnership was forged during the pandemic, when shared values and complementary strengths—operations and development—created a foundation of trust that continues to shape their design practice and the growing Loren brand.
This conversation is about more than design. It’s about purpose, perseverance, and how regional context can inspire innovation rather than restrict it. And that is coming up, right after this.
Thank you, Natalie and Victoria for taking the time to speak with me and sharing for sharing your insight.
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 this episode of Convo By Design, I connect with London-based designer Juliette Byrne to explore how refined design adapts to different cultures and markets. From navigating international trade to redefining timeless interiors, Juliette shares how adaptability, craftsmanship, and collaboration drive her studio’s continued success across continents.
One of the unexpected gifts of the pandemic was the opportunity to connect with remarkable designers around the world from my Los Angeles studio. My conversation with Juliette, principal of her namesake firm in London, highlights just how universal good design can be. We talked about the contrasts between Los Angeles and London—two cities with vastly different scales, materials, and architectural rhythms—and how exceptional design principles translate beautifully in any setting. Juliette described how American brands like Holly Hunt find their place in European homes, and how that exchange of ideas enriches both markets.
Our discussion naturally turned to the realities of global design, especially the political and logistical hurdles that come with tariffs and shipping. Juliette shared the challenges of importing products from across Europe and the U.S., explaining how her firm helps clients decide when an imported piece is worth the cost or when local craftsmanship is the smarter choice. Her story about a Dresden project—where customs required a fiber-by-fiber analysis of drapery fabrics—perfectly illustrated the level of complexity designers now face.
We explored how design has evolved from an architectural accessory into an independent philosophy rooted in creativity and collaboration. Juliette’s optimism stood out to me. She attributes her perspective to a “glass-half-full” mindset and the strong, talented team that supports her.
Juliette walked me through her design process, emphasizing her studio’s focus on sourcing from a broad network of suppliers rather than producing in-house. She compared interior design to fashion—forever changing, always inspired by color, material, and innovation. Her team’s regular visits to Milan and Paris for exhibitions, and Ria’s recent trip to New York to meet suppliers, reflect the studio’s commitment to staying curious and connected.
We also talked about her remarkable project in Dresden, where she transformed an 18th-century merchant’s house into an elegant, richly detailed home. Juliette preserved historical carvings and plasterwork while integrating modern amenities like carefully designed lighting and personalized baths. The project earned a major European design award and is now nominated for another in Capri—a testament to her thoughtful approach and respect for craftsmanship.
Juliette shared her perspective on kitchen and bath design, where timelessness is key. She favors natural materials—stone, wood, marble—and thoughtful lighting that elevates the everyday. She also noted how generational preferences shape aesthetics: younger clients in areas like Notting Hill often lean into playful colors and bold gestures, while others seek quiet, enduring elegance.
Finally, Juliette described a major residential project completed during the pandemic, which demanded creative adaptation to remote collaboration and shifting schedules. Her ability to balance practicality with beauty during that time underscored a central theme of our conversation—design as both necessity and art.
This conversation reminded me that design, in its truest form, is a global language. It’s about adaptation, discovery, and finding richness in every creative challenge. And you’re going to hear it all, right after this.
Show Topics
Design adaptability between Los Angeles and London
Navigating tariffs, customs, and global logistics
The evolution of design as a standalone philosophy
Maintaining creativity and team balance in challenging times
Trade show networking and supplier collaboration across Europe and the U.S.
Timeless principles in kitchen and bath design
The Dresden Merchant House restoration project
Managing international projects amid pandemic restrictions
Thank you, Juliette for taking the time to speak with me and sharing your insight.
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 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
California native Sue Firestone reflects on five decades of creativity, resilience, and reinvention—from Malibu’s fires to Montecito’s rebirth, from model homes to hospitality design, and from Disney resorts to her namesake product lines.SFA Design founder Sue Firestone to explore how her lifelong relationship with nature, her passion for authenticity, and her intuitive approach to design continue to shape California’s aesthetic identity. From building one of the largest model home merchandising firms in the country to collaborating with Disney and launching her own collections, Firestone shares how creative intuition, empathy, and mentorship have guided her through the shifting tides of design and business.
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.
Show Topics:
Origins of a Designer: Growing up in Malibu, studying pottery, and finding her way into interior design.
California’s Resilient Spirit: Reflections on natural disasters, community recovery, and the role of design in rebuilding.
Design as a Learned Craft: Why intuition helps, but practice, empathy, and listening are key to mastering the art.
From Model Homes to Hospitality: Building a design empire through flexibility, storytelling, and collaboration.
Inside the Disney Experience: Working under Michael Eisner, defining narrative-driven environments, and lessons in leadership.
Letting Go of Control: How to scale creativity—mentoring, trusting teams, and avoiding micromanagement.
The California Look: Organic, sustainable, and casual-luxury living as an enduring influence.
Product Design & Legacy: Transitioning from client work to her own branded lines with Kravet and A. Rudin.
Business of Design: How retail and social media shifted client behavior—and why great design still requires professionals.
The Next Generation: Why designers must remain storytellers, environmentalists, and lifelong learners.
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, Sue..
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
I had the opportunity to sit with down with Nick McWhirter or SHM Architects to explore the nuances of transitional design, the delicate dance between modern and traditional elements, and the intentionality behind every architectural choice. From furniture-driven layouts to aspirational lighting strategies, Nick shares the thought process, research, and we discuss philosophy that transform houses into harmonious, living machines. Listeners will gain insight into how design, balance, and playfulness converge to create both beauty and functionality in contemporary residential architecture.
LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.
What makes a home truly exceptional isn’t just the materials or the finishes—it’s the careful orchestration of space, light, and style. In this episode, Nick breaks down his approach to transitional design, revealing how subtle choices like shutter placement, dormer adjustments, or color balance can shift a home’s aesthetic from modern to traditional. The conversation spans everything from lighting plans and hidden technology to furniture-first design principles and the philosophy behind architecture as a living, breathing machine.Of course, that idea comes from Le Corbusier and his thoughts on this very subject.We also discuss the role of photography, the tension between realism and aspirational imagery, and the evolving vernacular of form and function in modern homes. This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful, intentional, and style-agnostic design.
Topics and Ideas
Introduction & Context
Welcome and setup: Exploring transitional design
Nick’s philosophy: Style agnostic but deeply researched
Transitional Design: Modern vs. Traditional
Subtle moves: Shutters, dormers, cut stone, and symmetry
Playfulness in design: How small details create balance
Color palette: Black-and-white schemes as intentional high-contrast statements
Experimentation and editing: Knowing when less is more
Lighting as a Core Component
Invisible vs. visible fixtures: Philosophy of recessed lighting
Lighting as both function and art
Integration with technology: Wi-Fi, AV, and smart home systems
Photography, Aspirational Design & Reality
Balancing reality and idealized imagery in marketing
Photoshop as a tool to highlight design intent
How photography conveys quality of light, space, and atmosphere
Form Follows Function & Architectural Philosophy
Homes as “machines for living”
The role of beauty and human experience in architecture
Historical perspective: Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and modern vernacular
Outdoor Spaces & Technology Integration
Creative solutions: Two TVs on a patio
LED walls and emerging tech as part of design storytelling
Closing Thoughts & Personal Insights
The freedom in design: Few right or wrong answers
Nick’s passion for music, smoked meats, and lifestyle influence
Preview of future conversations and projects
Thank you, Nick 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 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
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
