In this roundtable conversation, a diverse group of interior designers and kitchen specialists discuss how kitchen design has transformed in the post-pandemic era. Rising costs, shifting client expectations, and new technologies are forcing designers to rethink how kitchens function and how they are delivered to clients.
The conversation explores everything from appliance innovation and zoning strategies to the emotional role of kitchens as gathering spaces. Designers also confront difficult realities such as escalating budgets, supply chain issues, and the need to guide clients through increasingly complex decisions. We gathered at the Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home showroom in San Diego. A beautiful and well appointed space with so much to see and the room to enjoy it.
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At its core, the discussion highlights a broader truth about the design profession today: kitchens are no longer simply rooms for cooking. They are ecosystems that reflect lifestyle, culture, wellness, and the evolving way people live in their homes.
Explore the life, philosophy, and creative process of a designer whose global upbringing and eclectic career shaped the essentialist approach of Commune Studio. From Caracas to Los Angeles, from fashion to interior design, he shares how formative experiences, partnerships, and a pursuit of quality have defined both a firm and a design philosophy centered on purpose, craft, and essential beauty. This is the April, 2026 Convo By Design Icon Registry episode featuring our newest inductee, Roman Alonso presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home.
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Alonso grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, experiencing both urban and rural life; early road trips fostered observational skills and appreciation for simplicity. You heard him on the show in 2025 where he told his story. Moved to Miami in 1978, then Boston for college (BU, class of 1987), followed by New York and eventually Los Angeles.
Worked across fashion, publishing, and editorial (including New York Times Magazine and a publishing venture with Lisa Eisner).
Early exposure to high-quality design and aesthetics shaped design sensibilities. He later was part of a team that formed Commune.
Influences on Design
Latin American upbringing emphasized simplicity, rustic charm, and authentic beauty.
Exposure to fashion (Isaac Mizrahi), PR, and the Pressman family shaped understanding of color, detail, and quality.
Personal journey included absorbing lessons from diverse experiences rather than formal design training.
Product and Collection Development
Starts with identifying gaps or problems in the market (e.g., linear sconces, bathroom accessories).
Combines functional necessity with craftsmanship and subtle aesthetics.
Collaborates closely with partners (like David at Remaine) to maintain quality, usability, and accessibility.
Every product is prototyped and tested in real projects before public launch.
Personal Philosophy and Values
Stoicism: focus on controlling what is controllable and striving for virtue.
Commitment to fairness, thoughtful creation, and ethical production.
Imposter syndrome acknowledged as a persistent aspect of creative life.
Approach prioritizes listening to clients, understanding needs, and curating experiences rather than self-expression alone.
Evolution of the Firm
Studio evolved from a small, highly collaborative team to a large firm, then deliberately scaled back to maintain culture and creative flexibility.
Growth now pursued through products, partnerships, and retail rather than studio expansion.
This month’s Convo By Design Icon Registry inductee is architect, Peter Pennoyer, FAIA who shares his lifelong passion for architecture, tracing its roots to his upbringing in New York City and the rich urban fabric that shaped his design philosophy. From classical influences to modern interventions, in this conversation recorded in 2021, Pennoyer discusses how context, history, and creativity inform his work across New York, Miami, and beyond. This episode offers a rare glimpse into Pennoyer’s process, highlighting how tradition and innovation coexist in his projects.
In this episode, Pennoyer explores the balance between respecting historic streetscapes and embracing contemporary design, sharing insights on notable projects including French modern townhouses in Manhattan, Adirondack retreats, and reimagined New England homes. Listeners will hear about his approach to materials, light, and functionality, as well as the lessons learned from urban and natural environments. From small creative spaces to sweeping estates, Pennoyer reveals how architecture can feel both inevitable and personal.
Show Topics / Outline:
Early Influences
Growing up in NYC, next to an architect’s modernized Victorian townhouse.
Father’s role on the Art Commission (Design Review Commission) and early exposure to civic architecture.
Walking through the Metropolitan Museum during new wing constructions and its impact.
Philosophy of Context and Streetscape
Importance of buildings as parts of streets rather than standalone monuments.
Learning from historic architecture and urban fabric.
Balancing preservation with creative reinterpretation.
Firm Origins and Approach
Founding Peter Pennoyer Architects in 1990, NYC and Miami.
Learning along the way; responding to each commission individually.
Miami as a freer design environment vs. New York’s strict urban constraints.
Design Inspirations and Innovation
Interest in unusual historic ideas, color, and modern adaptation (e.g., Adirondack home with vibrant red windows).
Classical architecture as a living, evolving language.
Integrating modern functionality with traditional forms.
Key Projects
Adirondacks Retreat: Rustic materials, vibrant accents, blending modern and traditional.
French Modern Townhouse, Upper East Side: Maximizing light in a constrained footprint; stair design, flow, and functionality.
New England House: Rebuilding a landmarked site with respect to site and history.
Fifth Avenue Maisonette: Reimagining space for luxury, comfort, and personal lifestyle integration.
Architecture and Society
Lessons from pandemics and historical health-driven design.
Flexibility in modern living: home and work blending, privacy, and adaptability.
The balance of aesthetics, comfort, and livability in contemporary classical design.
Process and Collaboration
Importance of team and long-term partnerships in shaping projects.
Working with interior designers and artisans to achieve cohesive spaces.
Creative problem-solving under structural, site, and regulatory constraints.
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.
Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.
Late last year, I moderated an event hosted by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home with the goal of breaking down kitchen desires and needs of todays well informed and demanding design clients. You would think this is an easy conversation to have. I assembled an all star cast of design and architecture talent for an incredible conversation. One that you might want to save and re-listen every now and then.
At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, leading architects, designers, and industry specialists gathered to examine how pandemic-era shifts, rising client expectations, and rapid product innovation are reshaping the future of kitchens and baths. Their insights reveal an industry moving beyond trend talk toward highly personalized, wellness-driven, and performance-first design.
The kitchen is no longer just a workspace, and the primary bath is no longer just a retreat. Over the past five years, these rooms have become emotional anchors, wellness centers, hospitality zones, tech platforms, and reflections of how people believe they should live. At Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home in Torrance, a cross-section of the industry’s leading voices came together to discuss how the profession is adapting—and what clients now expect designers to deliver.
For Sayler Design Studio founder Beth Sayler (https://saylorstudio.com), the shift is rooted in emotion. After years of pandemic-related uncertainty, material shortages, and insurance-driven rebuilds, clients want spaces that feel personal, restorative, and meaningful. Her projects now lean into “experience design,” where primary suites might include refrigeration drawers, espresso stations, integrated audio, and hospitality-level details. Her biggest tool is expectation-setting—helping clients redefine what’s realistic, what’s essential, and what will ultimately make them feel at home again.
Architect Luis Escalera of LMD Architecture Studio (https://www.lmdarchitecturestudio.com) experiences the evolution through the lens of constraints. Small lots, stricter codes, and the ongoing battle between mandated electrification and client cooking preferences require tight onboarding, detailed questionnaires, and careful translation of desires to built form. The modern kitchen triangle now includes the deck, yard, and pool—one interconnected lifestyle zone that must function as a unified system.
For Jessica Nicastro Design (https://www.jessicanicastrodesign.com), the challenge is volatility. Pricing, tariffs, and supply chains remain inconsistent, making early builder involvement essential. Her firm works to recalibrate what clients think they want—often shaped by social media—into spaces appropriate to the home, lifestyle, and budget. Transparency and trust have become the designer’s most valuable currency.
At Laney LA (https://www.laney.la), designer Michelle Her sees a growing demand for wellness integration: whole-home RO systems, chromotherapy, therapeutic water pressure, and recovery spaces designed with the same rigor once reserved for kitchens. Their philosophy—“the best idea wins”—creates an environment where architecture, interiors, and engineering collaborate fluidly to support elevated living.
Representing the host venue, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (https://www.pacificsales.com) showcased the power of specialized knowledge. Trade leaders Verzine Hovasapyan and Juan Pantoja describe a client landscape with no single standard—making customization and education critical. Manufacturer immersion programs ensure staff can guide clients through increasingly complex appliances and smarter home ecosystems, offering a level of service no online retailer can match.
Designer Shanna Shryne of Shanna Shryne Design (https://www.shannashryne.com) emphasized lifestyle-first programming. Outdoor kitchens, in particular, require multi-disciplinary collaboration—interiors, landscape architecture, and systems integration—to achieve unified performance. Complexity, she argues, demands partnership rather than lone-wolf generalists.
Finally, RHG Architecture + Design founder Rachel Grachowski (https://www.rhgdesign.com) and Hudson Home Interior Design principal Shelly Hudson (https://www.hudsonhomeinteriors.com) highlighted biophilia, natural light, and personalized ergonomics as the next frontiers. From adjustable counter heights to dedicated recovery rooms, the home is becoming a hybrid of spa, laboratory, and living space.
Taken together, their perspectives reveal a profession not following trends but redefining standards—one kitchen, one bath, one wellness ecosystem at a time.
Design After Disruption: How We Live Now—and Why Process Matters More Than Ever
The pandemic didn’t just change where we work—it redefined how we live, gather, and experience our homes. In this episode, designers and industry experts explore how COVID accelerated shifts in lifestyle, technology, and client expectations, forcing a fundamental rethink of residential design. From wellness and personalization to process and trust, this conversation reveals why great design today begins long before materials are selected.
A wide-ranging conversation about how post-pandemic living reshaped residential design, why understanding behavior matters more than trends, and how slowing the process leads to better, more meaningful homes.
Today, we examine the profound shift in how people relate to their homes—and how designers have had to evolve in response. What began as a temporary adjustment during the pandemic became a lasting transformation: homes turned into offices, classrooms, social hubs, and sanctuaries, often all at once.
As a result, clients now arrive more informed, more opinionated, and more influenced by social media than ever before. But with that access comes confusion. The conversation explores how designers increasingly serve as educators and translators—helping clients filter inspiration, understand trade-offs, and make decisions rooted in how they actually live rather than how a space looks online.
The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into behavior: how families gather, how kitchens function, how storage works, and how subtle design decisions impact daily life. From kitchen planning and furniture layout to the psychology of comfort and the importance of workflow, the episode highlights why the smallest details often matter most.
A central theme emerges around process. Thoughtful design requires slowing down, asking better questions, and resisting the pressure for instant gratification. Whether it’s understanding how a family entertains, how they cook, or how they want to feel in their home, the best outcomes come from listening first—and designing second.
1. Life After COVID: A Permanent Shift
How the pandemic changed expectations around home design
The rise of multifunctional spaces
Why the home is now both personal and professional
2. Social Media’s Influence on Design Culture
The upside and downside of endless inspiration
Why clients arrive more informed—but often overwhelmed
Separating aspiration from practicality
3. Designing for Real Life
Understanding how people actually use their homes
Why square footage means nothing without function
Designing for habits, not hypotheticals
4. The Role of the Designer Has Changed
From decorator to strategist
Educating clients through experience and data
Acting as a guide through complex decisions
5. The Importance of the Kickoff Process
Why the first conversations matter most
Learning how clients live before proposing solutions
Creating clarity through dialogue, not questionnaires
6. Kitchens as Behavioral Maps
Storage, workflow, and daily rituals
Why drawers often matter more than appliances
Designing around how people actually cook and gather
7. Slowing the Process to Improve Outcomes
Resisting the urge for instant answers
Why design is both art and structured process
Helping clients avoid regret through thoughtful planning
8. Trust, Education & Long-Term Value
Helping clients understand what they don’t yet know
Using experience and precedent to guide decisions
Designing homes that evolve with the people in them
Great design isn’t about trends, finishes, or fast decisions—it’s about understanding people and tailoring functional design to their lifestyle. This episode reinforces a simple truth: when designers take the time to listen, observe, and educate, the result is not just a better-looking home, but one that truly supports the lives lived inside it.
Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow.
Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments.
Whether you’re interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today.
Talking Points:
Introduction & Context
Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces.
Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion.
Guest Introductions
Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare.
Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture.
Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy
Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system.
Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience.
Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects.
Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility
Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes.
Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration.
Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies.
Technology & AI in Healthcare Design
AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement.
Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support.
Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models.
Emergency Department Design
Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients.
Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design.
Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience.
Lighting & Environmental Control
LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery.
Flexibility and control for staff and patients.
Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery.
Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency
Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation.
Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity.
Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations.
The Future of Healthcare Architecture
Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design.
Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs.
Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation.
Closing Thoughts
Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures.
The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements.
Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose.
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, 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
This week, the Convo By Design studio went mobile inside the VW ID.Buzz at CEDIA Expo and Commercial Integrator Expo in Denver—bringing you candid conversations with leaders shaping the future of smart homes, design integration, and resilient technology.
From energy resilience to invisible lighting, European design influences to smarter tools, these ride-along interviews capture the pulse of the connected design and integration industry. Join Soundman in the VW ID.Buzz for a road trip packed with insight, innovation, and the people pushing design and technology forward.
CEDIA & CIX Overview
CEDIA: The global association for home technology pros—advancing smart home, DenverDenverAV, networking, and integrated systems through education and advocacy.
CEDIA Expo: The industry’s largest annual gathering with hundreds of exhibitors, demos, and training sessions.
Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX): The companion event focusing on commercial AV, IT, and building automation solutions.
Making lighting tech accessible to designers and integrators.
Demystifying with clear, plain-language education.
PhaseX (DMX over Romex) expanding retrofit options.
The rise of lighting demo rooms in showrooms.
The payoff of early collaboration on project outcomes.
Recorded live inside the VW ID.Buzz, this episode captures the energy and ideas driving CEDIA Expo / CIX 2025. From resilient energy to invisible lighting, these conversations remind us that design and technology are converging faster than ever—and collaboration is the bridge. Thank you to everyone and CEDIA, CEDIA Expo, CIX, Brand Definition, Julia, Dan, Ray, Irene, and everyone who helped make this an incredible experience. Thank you to VW. I enjoyed the ride and hope you did too! -CXD
Today on the show, Mr. Alex Tate’s, Alex Alonso and I discuss the evolution of interior design, exploring how technology, client expectations, and personal vision shape today’s industry from AI integration to marketing strategies and maximalist design philosophy, this conversation examines how designers adapt to market shifts while staying true to their creative ethos.
I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Alex for a litany of reasons and I’ll share some of them with you, but first, know this… And, you are going to hear it. Alex is an unapologetic Maximalist. And as we begin to discuss it, you will hear him launch in about the idea of clutter and then demonstrate how it’s not what people say something is but what a talented creative can do with an idea. Listen for that because it was a really fun exchange. Here are some of the other ideas you will hear more about in the following conversation.
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Design Industry Evolution: Discussion on how the past three years reshaped design business approaches, client expectations, and industry trends.
Budgets and Client Chemistry: Emphasis on project fit over budget size and navigating increased transparency due to social media.
AI and Technology: Exploring AI’s role in speeding processes, educating clients, and enhancing personalized design without compromising creativity.
Maintaining Design Vision: Importance of staying true to one’s aesthetic, turning down projects that don’t align, and creating layered, meaningful spaces.
Marketing and Brand Strategy: Leveraging SEO, SEM, PR, and controlled distribution to build visibility while maintaining authenticity.
Publications and Industry Platforms: Critique of celebrity-driven content and the responsibility of publications to support diverse talent.
Trends vs. Thoughtful Design: Conversation on biophilic design in bathrooms and balancing trend adoption with thoughtful creativity.
Maximalist Philosophy and Brand Extensions: Exploring potential ventures like curated retail spaces or historical renovation studios, all aligned with layered, maximalist design principles.
Ultimately, designers must balance business strategy with creative integrity, embrace technology judiciously, prioritize client alignment, and maintain a clear, authentic brand message. Loved this and I think you will too. It’s coming right up, after this.
Thank you, Alex for this Maximalist conversation. Loved it and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams and downloads. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
This special two-part episode features Roman Alonso of Commune and David Calligeros of Remains Lighting in two distinct conversations exploring origins, philosophy, and the meaning of design partnerships.
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From salvaging antiques to designing timeless interiors, David and Roman share stories of growth, collaboration, and craft. What began as a single interview turned into a richer double feature—a master class in design values, sustainability, and the essential philosophies behind two influential studios.
Part One: David Calligeros, Remains Lighting
Origins and Influences: From antiques and architectural salvage to a design career shaped by an arts-influenced mother and an engineer father.
The Birth of Remains: Starting in Manhattan in 1995, evolving from antiques into lighting design.
Engineering Meets Art: Marrying technical precision with artistic intuition.
Custom Work & Collaborations: Partnering with Commune, Robert A.M. Stern, Matthew Fisher, and others.
IP, Dupes & Authenticity: Protecting design through integrity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
Sustainability & Craft: LEED Gold Brooklyn factory, solar array, stormwater recycling, and green production practices.
Business & Market Challenges: Navigating the 2008 crash, tariffs, and the value of US-based manufacturing.
Philosophy: Design as a question-driven, ethical practice rooted in long-term value and collaboration.
Link: Remains Lighting
Part Two: Roman Alonso, Commune
Origins and Career Path: From Caracas to Miami, Boston, New York, and LA; a career spanning publishing, fashion, and interiors.
Formation of Commune Studio (2003): Built around collaboration, essentialism, and quality.
Studio Philosophy: Purposeful, small by design, focused on meaningful work and enduring value.
Influences: Latin American upbringing, Isaac Mizrahi, Lisa Eisner, and lessons from fashion and editorial worlds.
Product Development: Solving real design problems, prototyping in-house before release.
Collaboration: Strategic partnerships (including Remains Lighting) to ensure usability and quality.
Personal Philosophy: Stoicism, fairness, ethical production, and acknowledging imposter syndrome.
Evolution of the Firm: Scaling deliberately—growing reach through products and partnerships while keeping the studio intimate.
Quotes:
“Good design shouldn’t be a privilege—it’s a right.”
“Design is about editing, listening, and creating solutions that people might not even know they need.”
This episode illustrates how partnerships in design aren’t just about collaboration—they’re about shared values, craft, and philosophy. By hearing these conversations separately, you’ll gain insights into two distinct but complementary approaches to design, sustainability, and creativity.
So much to take in. This was a master class on how to structure, nurture and grow design partnerships. Make sure you check the show notes for links and notes about all of the topics covered. Thank you, David and Roman for doing this and being so willing to share your thoughts, ideas and practice. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD
