Tag Archives: Kitchen Design

Human-Centric Design in an AI World | 649 | Experiences from KBIS and Why True Value is Found in the Removal of Friction

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:06 — 39.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

I have a confession to make. I’m exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today!

My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas.

But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That’s true, but here’s a secret. Come a little closer, it’s just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It’s about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there’s more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it’s exciting to see it happen in real time.

Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don’t say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes.

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.

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.

Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver

  • Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
  • Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
  • Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.

Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard

  • Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
  • UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
  • Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.

Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen

  • Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
  • Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
  • Flexibility and modular integration are essential.

Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation

  • Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features.
  • Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction.
  • Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems.

Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life

  • Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical.
  • Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines.
  • Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion.

Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium

Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence.

  • Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.
  • Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity.
  • Performance becomes more important than appearance.

Identity & Evolution in Design

    • Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant.
    • Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach.

Burnout vs Ambition

    • Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor.
    • Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth.
    • Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork.

Emotional Labor & Client Management

    • Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing.
    • Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures.
    • Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability.

Social Media & Comparison Culture

    • Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition.
    • Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients’ desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception.

These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times.

Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show.

Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living’s Design Advantage

Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever.

Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process.

Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates.

The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry.

Vertical Integration Changes Everything

  • Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control
  • Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication
  • Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations

Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance

  • Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters
  • Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum
  • Performance and longevity are core to brand value

Design as the Core Differentiator

  • Industrial design roots shape product philosophy
  • Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture
  • Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics

Relationships Still Drive Specification

  • Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential
  • Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships
  • Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical

Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry

  • Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty
  • Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset
  • Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth

In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn’t just an operational advantage—it’s a creative one.

For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form.

This control allows for something rare in today’s manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes.

Kirshner’s path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn’t driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity.

Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing.

Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust.

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living’s approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention.

“Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.”

“Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.”

“You can’t innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.”

“Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.”

“No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we’ll figure it out. That mindset is essential.”

This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take.

Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design

Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth.

Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support.

Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos.

The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking.

At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service.

Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression

  • Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments
  • Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times
  • Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional

Growth Through Challenge and Adversity

  • Personal and professional hardship builds resilience
  • Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders
  • Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities

Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift

  • Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing
  • Families are staying connected longer
  • Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics

The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension

  • Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos
  • Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress
  • Creatives help people reimagine how they live

Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design

  • Trend cycles are often superficial and misleading
  • True architecture transcends short-term aesthetic movements
  • Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction

Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value

  • Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession
  • Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work
  • Design is both a gift and a responsibility

For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It’s about supporting a lifetime.

As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time.

That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof.

Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior.

Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one’s ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work.

For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it.

“Architecture isn’t about solving for a moment. It’s about supporting people over time.”

“Through suffering, we become stronger—and that’s what allows us to better serve others.”

“Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.”

“Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.”

“The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”

KBIS Series Part Two | The Smart Home Standoff: Tech vs. Tradition in Appliances

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (50.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The New Appliance Ecosystem: Translating Value, Technology, and Human-Centric Design

The modern appliance conversation has shifted beyond features and price into something far more consequential: value, usability, and human-centered design. 

Designers, manufacturers, showrooms, and independent testing labs now operate as an interconnected ecosystem guiding consumers through increasingly complex decisions. The future of appliance specification belongs to those who can translate technology into meaningful, intuitive, lifestyle-driven solutions.

Featuring insights from Nicole Papantoniou of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jeff Sweet of Sub-Zero Group Inc., and Christa Mallinger of AJ Madison, this conversation explores how appliances have evolved from commodities into lifestyle infrastructure—and why education, not persuasion, defines the next era.

KBIS Podcast Studio Resources:

KBIS

AJ Madison

NKBA

LUXE Interiors + Design

SubZero, Wolf & Cove

SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite

Hearth & Home Technologies

Kitchen365

Green Forrest Cabinetry

Midea

The appliance industry has entered a human-centric phase, where performance, intuitive use, and real lifestyle benefit outweigh raw features or price alone. Designers act as translators of lifestyle, manufacturers as problem-solvers, and showrooms as educators—collectively helping consumers navigate increasingly sophisticated choices.

Panelists discussed the shift from feature-driven sales toward performance-driven value, emphasizing longevity, ease of use, and frictionless integration into daily life. They also explored the growing role of education, testing standards, showroom partnerships, and post-installation support in helping consumers fully realize the value of their investment.

Technology remains central, but its success depends entirely on reducing friction—not adding novelty. The conversation revealed that the future of appliances lies not in more technology, but in better technology—technology that disappears into the experience.

The Appliance Ecosystem Is Interdependent

  • Designers interpret lifestyle and aesthetic needs.
  • Manufacturers engineer performance-driven solutions.
  • Showrooms educate and guide decision-making.
  • Independent testing organizations validate performance and usability.

Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver

  • Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances.
  • Longevity, performance, and service support define value.
  • Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability.

Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard

  • Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals.
  • UX consistency across appliances improves adoption.
  • Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction.

Education Is More Important Than Selling

  • Many consumers buy appliances only once every 10–15 years.
  • Showrooms and testing labs bridge the knowledge gap.
  • Post-installation education helps unlock full product potential.

Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen

  • Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home.
  • Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity.
  • Flexibility and modular integration are essential.

Technology Adoption Depends on Familiarity and Trust

  • Induction adoption accelerates when paired with familiar controls.
  • Consumers embrace technology that feels intuitive and beneficial.
  • Novelty alone does not guarantee long-term value.

The modern appliance is no longer just a tool. It’s infrastructure.

At KBIS, where the industry gathers annually to define its future, a clear shift has emerged. Appliances are no longer judged solely by features or price, but by how effectively they integrate into human behavior. The question is no longer, “What does it do?” but rather, “What does it enable?”

This shift has elevated the importance of collaboration across the appliance ecosystem. Designers serve as translators, interpreting the client’s lifestyle into functional requirements. Manufacturers act as problem-solvers, engineering solutions grounded in real user needs. Showrooms and retailers bridge the gap between technology and understanding, while independent testing organizations validate claims and ensure products deliver on their promises.

This ecosystem exists because appliance decisions have become more consequential—and more complex.

Unlike consumer electronics, appliances are purchased infrequently. A homeowner may go fifteen years between purchases. During that time, the category evolves dramatically. Induction replaces gas. Steam ovens expand culinary capability. Refrigeration becomes modular, flexible, and architectural. Appliances no longer exist solely in kitchens, but in offices, bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and wellness areas.

With that expansion comes responsibility. Technology must reduce friction, not create it.

Christa, Nicole and Jeff all emphasized that human-centric design now drives product development. Appliances must be intuitive enough to operate without instruction, consistent enough to feel familiar, and purposeful enough to justify their presence. Technology for its own sake has limited value. Technology that removes mental load, improves performance, or enhances daily living defines the future.

This is where education becomes critical.

Showrooms no longer simply display products; they contextualize them. Independent testing organizations evaluate not only performance, but usability, cleanability, and intuitive function. Manufacturers increasingly provide post-installation support, recognizing that the real product experience begins after installation, not at purchase.

Value, therefore, is no longer measured in features alone.

It is measured in longevity. In reliability. In the confidence that a product will perform consistently over time. In the reduction of friction between intention and outcome.

Perhaps most importantly, appliances have become emotional infrastructure. They support gathering, creativity, ritual, and identity. They enable the modern kitchen to function not just as a place of preparation, but as a center of living.

The future of appliances will not be defined by how advanced they are.

It will be defined by how invisible they become—seamlessly enabling life without demanding attention.

And those who understand that distinction—designers, manufacturers, and educators alike—will define the next generation of the built environment.

KBIS 2026: The Road to Orlando | 640 | Innovation, AI, and Industry Evolution

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:20 — 50.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Just in time for KBIS this year, I sat down with Jason McGraw from EmeraldX and Leanne Wood with Flying Camel to talk about the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to preview the upcoming 2026 event in Orlando. This conversation dives deep into the strategic shifts for this year’s show, including the expansion of the floor plan to nearly 1.2 million net square feet and the introduction of a new editorial format for product debuts. A major theme for KBIS 2026 is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the industry. From the dedicated “Technology” track in the Voices from the Industry (VFTI) conference to live panel debates on AI’s role in luxury design, the show is positioning itself as the epicenter for modern design workflows. The team also discusses practical “pro-tips” for navigating the massive Orange County Convention Center, ensuring attendees maximize their time between the West, South, and North halls.

You still have time to register and prepare for a groundbreaking event that will shape the way you think about your design business and sharpen your specification skills. And if you are going to the show this year in Orlando, please make sure you stop by the KBIS Podcast Studio and say hello.

  • The KBIS 2026 Footprint: With over 700 exhibitors and 100,000+ expected professionals, Jason McGraw explains the logistical expansion into the Discovery District (located in the Rosen Centre) and how to navigate the skybridges and shuttles.
  • Innovation Hour: Replacing the traditional “Design Bytes,” this new fast-paced “show + tell” session at noon on February 17th allows brands to present tactile stories. The audience will vote live for “Most Innovative” and “Most Unexpected.”
  • AI and Technology: Leanne emphasizes how AI is no longer a “future” concept but a daily tool. This year features a “Technology Activation” and sessions focused on AI-powered customer journeys and smarter design workflows.
  • The Best of KBIS Awards: The awards have expanded to seven categories, including “Sustainable Standout” and “Wellness Trailblazer.” Winners will be announced live on the NEXTStage on February 18th.
  • The KBIS Podcast Studio: Now relocated to the West Hall Lobby, the studio—hosted by Josh—will feature 12 live sessions covering leadership, luxury, and the “business of design.”
  • Wellness & Sustainability: For the first time, these two tracks have been merged into a unified focus, reflecting the interconnected nature of healthy, resilient living environments.

Applicable Links & Resources

Creativity in the Age of Screens: Craft, Credibility, and the Changing Nature of Practice | 634 | Amy Courtney, Amy Courtney Design

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:12:56 — 100.2MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

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.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

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.

Designing for Experience | 619 | A Conversation with EZ Gonzalez of Pacific Sales

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (22.0MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

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. 

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully.

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

The Novogratz | 618 | Our October 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductee

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 55:26 — 76.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

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

Order and Courage Amid Chaos. The Will to Style Meaningful Interiors | 604 | Barrie Spang, Sapphire Pear

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:14:56 — 102.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

As hard as it is for me to believe, it’s August. It’s hard for me to believe it’s August because it just felt like it was January. I was feeling a little tense about a number of things on the horizon at that time. Thank goodness none of the feared chaos materialized. (6SS)

Okay, perhaps a little… Perhaps a lot. It might surprise you to know that it wasn’t Kelly Clarkson who came up with that concept. It was German philosopher, Fredrich Nietzsche. It can be found in his book, from 1888 called Twilight of the Idols. It’s an expanded philosophical approach to post-traumatic growth. This year has been the most stressful since the 2020-2022 Pandemic Era. If you recall, those challenges made our industry stronger, made us stronger. It’s a challenge to talk about life and death in the context of design. But it’s not a stretch at all to discuss these concepts while framing the quality of life and design.

Today, you are going to hear from Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear. 

Barrie shared her background in design, influenced by her grandmother’s interest in design school and her father’s work in high-end real estate in Cleveland. She expressed her lifelong passion for using color and bold textures in design, citing personal experiences with how colors can impact emotions and spaces. Josh praised her work for its use of color and texture but expressed a critique about her sometimes conservative approach, particularly given her background in the traditionally traditional Midwest. 

Barrie and I discuss the challenges of balancing client preferences with personal design philosophy, particularly regarding color choices. Barrie explained how her firm was built around bold, colorful designs, though she still accommodates clients who prefer neutral tones by incorporating subtle pops of color. They explored the impact of design trends, including the “Color of the Year” phenomenon, with Barrie noting that while it can inspire, it often leads to over-saturation in the market and potentially regrettable choices for clients.

We talk about the influence of coastal trends on Midwest culture, particularly in Ohio, where different cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland have distinct styles. Barrie explained that post-pandemic, there has been an influx of people moving to Ohio from coastal cities, attracted by its affordable cost of living, lack of natural disasters, and the ability to work remotely. This migration has positively impacted Barrie’s business, allowing for more creative and custom design work at a lower cost due to lower labor and trade costs, as well as access to skilled Amish carpenters.

How the decline of traditional design centers, noting that the Cleveland Design Center has largely closed, and they now travel to Chicago for client meetings means to those affected. That the model has become less effective due to several factors, including the opening of design centers to the public, which made pricing confusing and diminished the special experience for designers and clients. They also observed that the proliferation of design houses and the ease of finding products online has watered down the quality of design experiences previously offered by these centers.

And how the challenges in the furniture industry, particularly regarding pricing, availability, and logistics are changing the way designers specify. How the pandemic and tariffs have affected supply chains, leading to long lead times and unexpected issues. Barrie emphasized the importance of maintaining strong relationships with manufacturers and showrooms to navigate these challenges. They also touched on the logistics of furniture production and distribution, noting the inefficiencies of the current point-to-point system in the U.S. and the potential benefits of a regional approach for some designers.

Barrie discussed several design projects, focusing on a colorful maximalist bedroom, a multi-color kitchen in Shaker Heights, and a whimsical bathroom in Rocky River. Barrie explained the design process and client preferences for each project, highlighting the use of custom elements and color palettes. Make sure to go to the show notes and click the link to see her work as she explains it.

I think these conversations can accomplish a few things that include; allowing you to hear how other creatives are experiencing the same thing you are and how they chose to address these issues. And you are going to hear all about it, right after this.

That was Barrie Sprang of Sapphire Pear. A magnificent kitchen designed for a thruple. That is a first on the show and I love that.  Thank you, Barrie. Loved our chat. Since I opened with Nietzsche, I’ll close with a quote of his.

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”

While widely credited to Nietzsche, there is no evidence he actually said it. But there was no internet in the 1800’s, so I choose to believe he said it. And just how important this idea is. Being true to the ideals, morals and vision that drive you as a creative will always be challenge to maintain. As the philosophical force known a Steelers Wheel once pondered, “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you. Don’t let the clowns and jokers define you or your work. It’s easier said than done. I know.

Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show.

Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

KBIS Confidential: Kitchen ReVOLUTION or Evolution, You Decide | 581 | Christine Vroom, Arianne Bellizaire, Jonah Kilday

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:18 — 71.8MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

The kitchen rEvolution is here…But is it more evolution or revolution.  Are designers developing contemporary kitchens based solely on new ideas or looking to the past for inspiration? Is it a wholesale revolution or a patchwork of ideas creating a whole new set of ideas and opportunities?. How is the evolving nature of kitchen design changing the way we think about the heart of the home? How are changing technologies and desired functionality reshaping the modality of kitchen use and design. We explore how new opportunities in appliances and technology have evolved the programming of a kitchen suite. How sous vide, various mode appliances, Wi-Fi enabled appliances, water saving faucets and features combined with revised floor planning have forever altered these spaces making the kitchen, once again the place where everything happens and from which life takes shape.

This conversation features; Christine Vroom | Christine Vroom Interiors, Arianne Belazaire | Arianne Bellizaire Interiors, Jonah Kilday | MK Workshop. Topics of conversation include;

  • Multi-Kitchen homes
  • Resurgence of butler’s pantry, scullery, wine bar, coffee bar
  • Increased appliance packages and programming
  • Programming changes in kitchen spaces
  • What defines luxury and how does that manifest itself
  • For show or hidden?
  • Definition of “luxury”
  • Triangle Vs. Zones
  • Inside out and the rise of luxury outdoor kitchens
  • Modern definition of function
  • En suite kitchenette

What a remarkable experience. I believe that KBIS is one of the annual must-attend events. Not just for all the reasons listed above, but so many others as well. KBIS is the pulse of the industry in America. It represents a true cross section of disciplines. You will see architects, landscape architects, designers, contractors, design-build firms, hospital, education, prison design specialists all looking for new products to specify and unique ways to use them. 

Thank you to the NKBA, KBIS, Emerald, Flying Camel, AJMadison and all of the amazing creatives who came on the show. The KBIS Podcast Studio was  just extraordinary. 

Thank you for listening to Convo By Design Presents KBIS Confidential. As always, please join in the conversation on Instagram @convoXdesign with an “X” and, if you would like to reach me with a note, show or guest suggestion, please do. Email me, convo by design @ outlook.com.

Until next time, stay focused and rise above the chaos. – CXD

KBIS Confidential: LIVE from KBIS 2025 | 574 | Pitch to Published – Get Your Projects the Love They Deserve

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:03:06 — 86.7MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

Part One – Pitch to Published: Best Practices and Strategies to Get Your Projects Published

Learn what the pros know about getting projects published and how professional photography, narrative creation and knowing your audience can set you apart. Learn how can brand partnerships help get your designs promotion and exposure to potential new clients as well as new branding and revenue generating opportunities.

Featuring: Vanessa DeLeon – CEO & Principal Designer | Vanessa DeLeon Associates, Kathryn Given – Style Director | LUXE Interiors + Design and Amy Chernoff – VP of Marketing | AJ Madison

This is a comprehensive conversation for design and publicity professions that details and outlines ways to get designers projects into the public media. Topics include;

  • Process (prep)
  • Strategy – Photography, story, client approvals, art clearances, etc.
  • The Pitch
  • Creative deliverables, photography, re-shoots, etc.
  • Promotion
  • Expectations

KBIS is Coming and This is Everything You Need to Know | 562 | Brian Pagel, EVP – Emerald

Posted on by

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:33 — 88.6MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Email | TuneIn | RSS | More

In one week from today, KBIS will be hitting Las Vegas with the force and impact you might expect from the worlds greatest kitchen and bath show. Yes, there are others. And, yes, they are great… But this one is my favorite. And you’re about to find out why.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

Monogram – It’s the details that define Monogram

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience. Without steam, it’s just a bathroom.

Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!

 – Where service meets excellence

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

I have a personal connection to KBIS, the kitchen and bath industry show. The NKBA does a magnificent job presenting this event each year. For me, this is a homecoming, an opportunity to network with friends, colleagues, past guests and meet future guests, and partners. It’s an important show for the industry because designers, architect, builders, contractors, remodelers, all specifiers really get the opportunity to see what’s new, next and on the horizon. They have the opportunity to hear about ways the most innovative creatives in the industry are using these products in new and unconventional ways. Its a time for innovation and discovery. Surprise and delight in over one million square feet of convention space when combined with the Industry Builders Show.

Today, you are going to hear from Brian Pagel, Executive Vice President at Emerald. He oversees the residential and commercial connections portfolio which means he oversees the production of KBIS, which you will see, is an extraordinary feat that brings together the most influential brands in the world from appliances, lighting surfaces, plumbing… Basically, if it goes in a kitchen or bath, you’ll find it represented at KBIS. You also find some exceptional programming, I’m honored to be a part of that this year on the next Stage as well as the podcast studio. So when you are at the show this year, please do come by and say ‘hello’. You are going to hear all about the show, why you should attend and how to make the most of the experience. Right after this.

Thank you Brian for taking the time to talk, I’m looking forward to catching up with you at the show! 

Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors, ThermaSol, TimberTech, Pacific Sales, Monogram and Design Hardware. Amazing companies and great friends to the trade so please give them an opportunity for your next project. And, thank you for listening, subscribing the show and sharing with your colleagues. If not already subscribing, please consider that so you receive every new episode automatically to your podcast feed. Until next week, thank you for sharing this time together, until the next episode, be well, stay focused and rise above the chaos. – CXD