I’m really excited about today’s episode because I had the chance to sit down with the incredible Corey Damen Jenkins. We covered a ton of ground—from how Corey manages multiple design projects and prioritizes what matters most, to his inspiring journey from starting his business in the mid-90s to becoming one of the most respected voices in interior design today.
Corey Damen Jenkins is one of the most vibrant and visionary voices in American interior design today. Known for his unapologetically bold aesthetic—full of lush textures, vivid color, and sophisticated pattern play—Jenkins brings more than just beauty to the spaces he creates. His work is joyful and aspirational, infused with a sense of personal integrity and a deep understanding of how interiors can enhance the way people live and feel. From best-selling books to international product collaborations, Jenkins continues to redefine what luxury and accessibility can look like when rooted in authenticity, resilience, and creativity.
1. Trade Events & Time Management: The Toy Box Philosophy
The conversation began with Jenkins discussing how he navigates the demands of a high-profile career—balancing trade shows, media appearances, and client work. He shared a metaphor of a toy box to explain time management: putting the large “toys” (key priorities) in first ensures space for the smaller items to fit. It’s a disciplined approach to focus, and it reflects how he manages both his calendar and creative energy.
2. Editing as a Design and Business Principle
This prioritization isn’t just logistical—it’s philosophical. Jenkins draws a parallel between business decisions and the creative act of editing in design. Both require focus, clarity, and the willingness to strip away excess in pursuit of excellence.
3. Early Career & Industry Entry: Facing Doubts and Defying Odds
Jenkins reflected on his long journey in design, which began in 1996 and gained traction during the 2008 recession when he officially launched his firm. Entering an industry where Black designers were—and remain—underrepresented, Jenkins faced skepticism about his viability and visibility. But he persevered, fueled by vision and grit.
4. Corporate to Creative: A Risk That Paid Off
Before design, Jenkins worked as a buyer in the automotive industry. A layoff became the turning point. He left behind a secure but unfulfilling career and embraced the uncertainty of entrepreneurship. The decision marked a shift not just in vocation but in health, happiness, and purpose.
5. Rejection & Resilience: Knocking on 779 Doors
One of the most powerful stories he shared was about knocking on 779 doors before securing his first big client. That perseverance wasn’t just physical—it was emotional. Jenkins emphasizes that success has a price, and it’s often paid in rejection, humility, and endurance.
6. Creative Theft & the Reality of Dupes
As his profile grew, Jenkins became acutely aware of the challenges around intellectual property in design. He spoke candidly about how creatives are often vulnerable to idea theft and copycat culture—an issue particularly painful for designers who, like him, put years into building an original voice.
7. Licensing Strategy & Brand Diversification
To combat market volatility and scale his impact, Jenkins has smartly expanded into licensing and product partnerships. Strategic collaborations with brands that align with his values—such as Eichholtz—enable him to protect his vision while reaching broader audiences and creating new revenue streams.
8. Staying Hungry: The Myth of “Making It”
Despite his success, Jenkins operates with what he calls “ambition, not abundance.” The hustle doesn’t stop when you become visible—it shifts. Staying grounded and hungry is part of his ethos and keeps both him and his team striving for more.
9. Leadership & Team Building: Values Over Vanity
Jenkins’ approach to hiring is deeply intentional. He prioritizes humility, character, and shared values over pure talent. Potential hires go through multiple interviews to ensure cultural fit. As he puts it: “We design with the intent to make people jealous—but in the best way possible.” That aspirational quality extends to his leadership style—firm, fair, and focused on mutual respect.
On Design Reimagined: A Book—and Ethos—That Reflects Evolution
Jenkins’ latest book, Design Reimagined, represents a major evolution from his debut, Design Remix. While Remix was thematic and Midwestern in focus, Reimagined is bolder, more global, and even more daring in its expression. The projects span a wider aesthetic spectrum—from restrained and modern to exuberantly maximalist. That diversity reflects not only the range of his clients, but the creative depth of his team.
“We want our interiors to incite envy—not out of malice, but desire,” he said. “That feeling of, ‘I want to live like that too.’”
The book—and the ethos behind it—embody Jenkins’ belief that beauty belongs to everyone, no matter the scale or budget.
That’s a wrap on my conversation with Corey Damen Jenkins. I hope you found it as inspiring and insightful as I did. Corey’s journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance, humility, and a clear creative vision can carry you through even the toughest challenges.
Be sure to check out his upcoming book, Design Reimagined, launching on September 9th, and keep an eye out for the new season of his series as well as his lighting collection. Corey is definitely someone to watch, and I’m looking forward to reconnecting with him soon for a deeper dive into his portfolio and upcoming projects.
As always, thanks for tuning in. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might find it valuable. Until next time, stay focused, keep pushing forward and rise above the chaos. -Convo By Design
Today, we’re taking you into the heart of the home—and into the heart of a crisis. This is part three of our special series on kitchen design in the context of post-wildfire rebuilding. But this isn’t just about appliances and finishes. It’s about resilience, emotional healing, and how design professionals are redefining what a kitchen truly means in the aftermath of disaster.
In this episode, you’ll hear from an extraordinary panel of designers and industry pros tackling some of the toughest questions we face when rebuilding from scratch—often under pressure, always with purpose.
We talk about the emotional weight clients carry into the design process and how trauma-informed planning can help ease that burden. You’ll hear how priorities shift when clients aren’t just dreaming up a dream kitchen—they’re reconstructing their lives. Function trumps flash, accessibility takes center stage, and the kitchen becomes more than a cooking space—it’s a symbol of comfort, safety, and a return to normalcy.
We’re also exploring how wildfires and insurance timelines are reshaping the design-build process itself. From tight ALE (Additional Living Expense) windows to panic buying and long lead times, designers are balancing empathy with efficiency, and creativity with constraint.
You’ll hear how technology—from induction cooktops to full home automation—is influencing new builds, and why education and trust are key when introducing these tools. We’ll talk about sustainable materials, fire-resistant solutions, and why regional design—from Altadena to the Palisades—is more influential than ever.
Finally, we examine the critical importance of early collaboration. When architects, designers, and contractors don’t align from day one, it’s the homeowner who pays the price—in money, time, and emotional energy.
This is a conversation for designers, builders, architects, and homeowners navigating recovery—or for anyone passionate about the evolving role of residential design in a time of crisis. It’s thoughtful. It’s raw. And it’s exactly the kind of dialogue that defines Convo By Design. The following program was recorded live form Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home in Pasadena, California. This group of amazing creatives had fantastic insights. The group included:
Emma DeRoche of DeRoche Interior Design specializes in interior architecture with a deep emphasis on personalization. Her approach is highly client-centric—rooted in understanding who clients are, were, and aspire to be—and translating that into meaningful, livable design. Rather than adhere to a signature style, Emma’s work ranges from sleek, minimalist kitchens with hidden appliances to richly traditional spaces with detailed millwork and warm finishes. She designs kitchens that are not just functional, but deeply expressive—often including secondary prep kitchens, outdoor cooking spaces, and thoughtful additions like bathroom fridges or bedroom coffee stations. Her work reflects a shift in how we live: more casually, more connected, and more personally.
Eva Hughes, founder of Black House Beige, leads a bi-coastal design firm based in Los Angeles with projects in both California and New York. Her work blends beauty and function, creating homes that evolve with families while reflecting their identity and lifestyle. Eva emphasizes regional lifestyle differences—such as LA’s car-centric, home-focused routines versus New York’s walkable, compact living—which directly influence design choices. Her approach involves keen observation and communication, especially when tailoring kitchens to client routines, from child-friendly layouts to chef-grade functionality. Eva is also a featured designer in this year’s Pasadena Showcase House, where she designed a powder bath—gaining insight as her own client and connecting deeply with the design community.
Gail Jamentz is the principal of Soul Interiors Design, a firm deeply rooted in wellness-focused, sustainable design. Based in Altadena—where she also resides—Gail brings a personal and empathetic approach to her work, having lost her own home in the recent fires. Her mission is to help clients rebuild with intention, turning tragedy into an opportunity to create healthier, more fire-resistant, and joy-filled homes. Gail emphasizes education and advocacy, guiding clients through the complex rebuilding process while honoring Altadena’s character and community. She’s also a vocal supporter of thoughtful planning over rushed prefab solutions, and a believer in design as a tool for hope, healing, and community regeneration.
Neela Woodard is the founder of Neela Woodard Design, based in Burbank, California. With East Coast roots, Neela blends a personalized, human-centered approach with practical functionality—designing spaces that reflect not just her clients’ tastes, but who they are and how they live. Her work emphasizes the kitchen as the heart of the home, especially in contrasting communities like Altadena and the Palisades, where needs and styles vary widely. Neela brings a deep understanding of how lifestyle and regional context shape kitchen use, from indoor-outdoor living to evolving tech and storage solutions. She’s also navigating current supply chain and tariff challenges with creative problem-solving and a forward-thinking mindset—balancing urgency with long-term vision.
Tanya Paz, founder of TAP Studio in Pasadena, integrates architecture, interiors, and wellness in her work across residential and institutional projects. The recent fires deeply impacted the Los Angeles area, reshaping designers’ roles to include client advocacy, emotional support, and practical assistance in temporary housing and rebuilding. The loss extends beyond structures to personal histories embedded in homes, prompting new conversations about functionality and client needs. Rebuilding spans diverse housing types and budgets, demanding inclusive design solutions. Inspired by historical mass-produced kitchens like the Frankfurt Kitchen, TAP Studio explores customizable prefab “kits of parts” to deliver quality kitchens within fixed budgets. Prefabrication offers speed and cost control, especially for ADUs and cabinetry, but must balance standardization with customization. Overall, the fires have expanded designers’ responsibilities, highlighting their role in supporting clients through trauma and rebuilding resilient, meaningful homes.
Verzine Hovasapyan is the Premium Manager at Pacific Sales, where she’s spent the past 25 years building deep relationships in the appliance industry. Based in Southern California, she oversees luxury sales, vendor training, and trade partnerships, with a strong focus on supporting the design community and staying ahead of appliance trends. Verlaine brings a relational, client-centered approach to her work—emphasizing continuity, care, and partnership, particularly in communities like Altadena, where many are rebuilding after fire loss. She champions the role of designers in grounding clients’ aspirations in reality, offering Pacific Sales showrooms and vendor spaces as hands-on resources. With ties to Best Buy, her team also offers financing programs, community incentives, and a designer rewards system—supporting both professionals and homeowners through every phase of the build or remodel journey.
Some of the topics covered in the following conversation include:
The Kitchen as the Emotional and Functional Heart of the Home
Kitchens hold deep emotional significance—sites of daily rituals, memories, and togetherness.
After a wildfire, the kitchen becomes a symbolic space for recovery and hope.
Design decisions are highly personal and emotionally charged.
Clients often want to recreate or reimagine their old kitchens with updated functionality.
Regional Differences in Design Expectations and Constraints
Distinct design preferences and material palettes between regions like Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.
Community aesthetic and architectural history influence rebuilding styles.
Regulatory hurdles vary by area, with different zoning, setback rules, and historical preservation requirements shaping outcomes.
Evolving Client Priorities Post-Wildfire
Clients are more focused on resilience, function, and safety than aesthetic trends.
Many are embracing sustainability, energy efficiency, and adaptability.
There is increased openness to modern design and materials, including induction cooking and engineered surfaces.
Emotional trauma affects client engagement—many lean on designers to make decisions.
Role of the Designer in Trauma-Informed, Post-Disaster Projects
Designers become part therapist, part advocate, and part project manager.
Clear, compassionate communication is key.
Emotional intelligence is just as important as technical design knowledge.
Clients often need guidance to make rational decisions under emotional duress.
Integration of Technology and Customization in Kitchen Design
Appliance integration is increasingly customized to lifestyle, with layouts tailored to how families live and cook.
Tech choices (e.g., induction, smart appliances) must be balanced with usability and client familiarity.
Over-customization can be a risk when designing from trauma—designers guide clients toward practical solutions.
Accessibility, Aging-in-Place, and Multigenerational Living
Kitchens are being designed with long-term use in mind—features accommodate aging or differently abled residents.
Appliance height, clearance, lighting, and ergonomic storage are now standard considerations.
Design reflects changing family dynamics, including more multigenerational households post-disaster.
Supply Chain Disruptions and Construction Delays
Long lead times for appliances, cabinetry, doors, and windows require early ordering—often a year or more in advance.
Delays lead to warehousing challenges, lost warranties, and misaligned installation schedules.
Designers, builders, and clients must constantly adapt timelines to product availability.
Financial Pressures: Tariffs, Budgets, and Insurance Deadlines
Rising material and appliance costs due to tariffs force compromises in design.
Insurance coverage for temporary housing (ALE) puts pressure on timelines and decision-making.
Budget-conscious clients often opt for fewer or more affordable design elements.
Designers must advocate for quality while respecting financial realities.
Collaboration Between Designers, Architects, and Contractors
Misalignment between architecture and interior functionality often leads to design inefficiencies.
Early collaboration is essential—especially in kitchen planning—to ensure layouts work for real-life usage.
Clear role definition and respect for each discipline improve outcomes and reduce errors.
Educating Clients and the Public About New Technologies
Induction cooking is gaining traction for its efficiency and safety, but requires client education.
Misinformation and lack of awareness among electricians, builders, and homeowners can slow adoption.
Designers play a key role in bridging the knowledge gap and driving sustainable choices.
That was the full conversation on designing for fire restoration and the ultimate functional kitchen.—an important and timely topic that continues to evolve as our climate, policies, and expectations shift. Thank you to this amazing group; Gail, Neela, Eva, Emma, Tanya and Verzine. I want to thank my partner sponsors who help make this show possible: Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy Company, TimberTech, and Design Hardware. Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the show with your colleagues. Your support means everything, and it helps grow this conversation across the design community.
Make sure you subscribe to Convo By Design so you never miss an episode. We have more incredible guests, ideas, and conversations coming your way.
Please keep those emails coming. You can reach me directly at convoByDesign@outlook.com, and be part of the conversation on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign—that’s Convo X Design with an “X”..
This is a complex issue and one that requires both deeper thought and immediate action.I want to thank every one of our expert guests for their insights, time, and passion. We are surrounded by complex issues, are we not? That’s why I have been encouraging you to manage these complicated times. Because it’s real. It’s exhausting. But, from transition, comes opportunity. It is just a matter of thinking about it differently and finding the shiny, glimmering opportunities amongst dark and ominous clouds. So, stay focused and rise above the chaos. – CXD
