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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design featuring a one-on-one conversation with interior designer Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz. Were talking about art and design, but also family. What value is there in design if you don’t have loved-ones with which to share it?

Family. It is more important than design, art or architecture. Yet, Design, art and architecture are invaluable because there are loved ones with which to share it. The intrinsic value of design is often compared to that of art and while I do love art, it isn’t the same to me. Art, photography, even music…all things I am passionate about, are not the same creative endeavors as that of interior design and architecture because there is a function that follows form that is not present in single sensory creative endeavors. This is another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.

To sit in a cozy space, feel that material under a shared and focused light enhances the experience so much more when one is in the presence of family and friends. I love this side of design. Brendan and I explore this a little bit and cover some other associated topics. I hope you enjoy this conversation and another installment of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol, with interior Designer, Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz.

Before we get into our conversation for this week, I received an unexpected surprise in the mail. It was a copy Unapologetically Chic, Ryan Saghian’s new book. Ryan was last featured on the show in 2019, episode 221. If you would like to hear it, and I encourage you to do just that, you can find a link to that episode in the show notes. You will also find a link to Ryan’s book.

I cannot think of a more appropriate title than Unapologetically Chic because Ryan is both. Always. And that is what I love about him. He is also one of the most talented designers working today. Not most talented young designers, not most talented Los Angeles designers, not most talented Jewish designers…No, most talented designers. Full stop. He infuses a sexy, cool and chic style into his work that becomes inextricably tied to the work itself. It’s not a style, look or feel yet it’s all at once. There are consistent through lines whether you’re looking at a monochromatic, black and white or in living color. The work is endued  with attitude. One that very clearly says, “you love this and you deserve it.” There is a certain arrogance that comes with the attitude, and if that wasn’t present, neither would the quality of the work. Everything is ideated upon a concept and placed to work together. From the case goods, soft goods, accessories, everything.  Interesting too, Ryan shares his creations with you but doesn’t rub noses in the stature or wealth of the clients themselves. There are no clients named, only their spaces and locations.

It’s funny. At the time of my most recent conversation with Ryan, published in 2019 but took place in 2018, I described him as, “an aggressive designer who attacks the space with luxurious finishes and a creative use of space”. He is that now as much as we was then. Unapologetically chic. 

Designer Resources

ThermaSol – Redefining the modern shower experience

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

York Wallcoverings – Designed to inspire for over 125 years

Franz Viegener – Finely crafted sculptural faucets

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

Thank you Brendan, I loved our time together. For more about Bendan and her practice, please check the show notes for links. Thank you to Convo By Design partners ThermaSol, Article Furniture, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegner and Moya Living. If you would like to learn more about any of these amazing companies, yes, the show notes for more info and direct links to check them out for yourself.

And thank you for spending part of your day, or night listening to the show. I appreciate you and hope that these conversations help your design business , make a project go more smoothly or provide inspiration. Remember why you do what you do and for whom you do it. Be well, take today first. -CXD