Tag Archives: Wellness and Design Thought Leadership Series

He Said, She Said | 533 | Exceptional Hospitality Design feat. Brewco’s Michael Zislis and Designer Noelle Isbell

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation about going home. You’ve heard the old adage, you can’t go home again. Derived from the Thomas Wolfe novel published in 1940, posthumously. It’s true, you can’t go home again because so much changes in your absence. I went home recently to Manhattan Beach. It’s true things change, but not everything and sometimes, change is good.

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 love Manhattan Beach. One of the things I missed most after we moved to Oklahoma was walking down the greenbelt with kids and  getting dinner in downtown MB followed by a trip to the Creamery for an ice cream sandwich the likes of which you just can’t find anywhere else. While there, I stopped into Brewco to speak with Michael Zislis, restaurateur, developer, hotelier and MB devotee. So much so, that through his restaurant and hotel development, has almost singlehandedly reshaped the city for the better over the past 30 years. We talked about the redevelopment of Brewco, an eatery on Manhattan Beach Boulevard and an iconic spot for those who’ve lived there or those who’ve come to visit. you’re going to hear that and then, you are going to hear from Noelle Isbell, Manhattan Beach designer who took on the Brewco project in amazing fashion, called her shot and delivered a spot that is representative of Manhattan Beach’s past, present and future. Turns out, you can go home again. Even if it’s not exactly the same. If you love design, you are going to love this story. If you are a designer, this is how you go and get that project you have always wanted. And you are going to hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you, Noelle and Michael, thank you for creating something that makes me feel at home!. Thank you to my partner sponsors, ThermaSol, Pacific Sales, TimberTech, Monogram and Design Hardware. These partners are amazing companies all who have made a concerted effort to support the design community through education, incentives, events, media and exposure, not to mention a collection of extraordinary products and service to match. Check the show notes for links to each of them so you can see first hand how they can make your design business thrive and your projects exceed expectations. Thank you for listening, downloading, subscribing and sharing the show with your friends and colleagues. Thank you for your emails, show and guest suggestions. Please keep them coming, convobydesign at Outlook dot com and on Instagram @ConvoXdesign, with an “x”.  Until the next episode, be well and take today first. – CXD

Daring in Design. Taking Risks. Standing Out | 476 | Laura Thornton

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I’m josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation with designer Laura Thornton about streamlining the design experience. And, this one hits very close to home. As I have mentioned on many occasions, I am working on the Tulsa Remote Design House. This is a real project, working with real designers who do not come to Tulsa. Their work is virtual and remote while the project is real. The experience of design is everything. Right?

What goes into providing a wonderful experience for those who provide design and architecture services? What is more important a wonderful experience or the finest products and materials? Sometimes, there are choices that need to be made in which one must choose one over the other. There is a quote on Laura’s website, “I have two things I live by: Buy things you love, they will never tire + Classics never go out of style.” But if you scroll the ‘gram, all you hear about are trends and what’s hot versus what’s not. We’re not going to be talking about that so, tune out the noise and enjoy this conversation with designer Laura Thornton. 

Thank you Laura for taking the time to speak with me. This is why I love doing this and why it is so rewarding for me to share these stories with you.Thank you to my partners and sponsors, ThermaSol, Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the show and for the design community.

For more stories like these from the design community, please make sure you are subscribing to the podcast, so you receive new episodes automatically when they are published. That way, you never miss an episode. Convo By Design is available everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening, until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Martyn Lawrence Bullard | 434 | Legendary Human and Fabulous Designer LIVE from The Showroom

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Martyn and I first spoke in 2019. We spoke at his showroom in the West Hollywood Design District and we spoke about set design, of which Martyn and I are both very fond. We talked about Tony Duquette and how the art of stagecraft allows Martyn to transcend the design with ideas and strategies for feel and emotional spaces. Use of non-traditional materials in unusual ways to create now objects. That is quintessential set decoration, masterfully employed. In this episode, Martyn and I have more time to really explore the ideas, history and experience behind his work.

We recorded this conversation live from the brand new Soho Home Studio on Melrose Blvd. in West Hollywood. They are actually Martyn’s showroom neighbor in an iconic space serving formerly as the Rose Tarlow showroom. Just an exquisite space that made for the perfect setting for our chat. Enjoy this edition of The Showroom, a one on one with Martyn Lawrence Bullard. 

Thank you Martyn for your time, I loved this. Thank you Soho Home Studio for hosting this conversation and our tenth anniversary party. Thank you for listening, downloading and subscribing to the show. If not already, please make sure you are subscribing to the show. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts.

Thank you to my wonderful partners and sponsors, ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware. Without you, I would not be able to do this and for that, thank you. Thanks again for listening. Be well and until next week, take today first. -CXD

Cutting Edge Concepts Behind Designing for Wellness | 425 | Live from WestEdge Design Fair Dallas Edition feat. Shelly Rosenberg, Philip Vanderford and Christina Garcia-Lysaught  Moderated by Brenda Houston

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a panel conversation recorded live from the WestEdge Design Fair, Dallas edition. This conversation was entitled, Designing for Wellness Inside and Out | An Exploration to Stunning Holistic Design that Connects Inside and Out with Those Who Inhabit the Space.

I envisioned this conversation as one that would open new avenues of thought for a southern and midwestern audience. Having spent a great deal of time recently in both the midwest and south, I can tell you that the ideas of wellness are different. We’ll get to that a bit more in a minute. First, I wanted you to hear how this concept was presented. Here is how this panel was billed and whom it featured.

The concept of ‘healthy design’ is a constantly evolving idea as new technology comes to market and the ideas behind living healthy change. In years past, it was low off-gassing materials and VOC paints, then sleep chambers crafted for a high quality sleeping experience. As the pandemic continues to change the way we live, so has the idea that defines what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Crafting luxury living both inside and out has become a universal goal to capture as much usable space while exploring ways to make that space perform in new ways. 

Featuring Shelly Rosenberg, Philip Vanderford and Christina Garcia-Lysaught  Moderated by Brenda Houston.

Simple and elegant, yet as you are going to hear, ideas about wellness change dramatically based on who you ask.  This group was cast with purpose. Each participant was hand picked for the individual superpower they possess and if you have listened to the show for a while, you have heard from each of them. Philip Vanderford of Studio Thomas James, Christina Garcia-Lysaught of Layered Dimensions and Shelly Rosenberg all bring a different perspective to this idea of what “wellness” means right now as it informs their work on behalf of their clients.  Check the links in the show notes to see their work, you’ll see what I mean. To moderate this conversation is Brenda Houston. Brenda is what I call a hybrid-creative. She works in a number of verticals that range from design to retail to product design which makes her the perfect person to bring out the gems from this highly-skilled group. You are going to hear all about it, right after this.

Thank you Christina, Shelly, Philip and Brenda. Fabulous job. I loved this and appreciate your taking the time to do this and sharing your expertise and insight. Thank you to CXD partners and sponsors including ThermaSol, Moya Living, Design Hardware and the WestEdge Design Fair. Thank YOU for taking the time out of your day to download, subscribe and listen to the show. I appreciate you and I hope this show helps you do that thing you do better. For more information about the show, about what we do here at Convo By Design, check the show notes for links and ways to connect. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

Understanding & Translating Essential Hospitality Design Elements for an Exquisite Experience | 389 | Jill Cole of CMCA – Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. Today, you are going to hear from Jill Cole of Cole, Martinez, Curtis & Associates. Designer of hotels, spas and luxury residential & commercial spaces. Jill takes an idea we have covered here before, surprise & delight to even higher levels and I wanted you to hear her perspective. Part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.

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

Jill Cole is the President and Principal of CMCA and what you are going to hear is the science of architecture and design presented with an artists eye and holistic philosophy centered around function as to serve the inhabitants of her spaces. Hospitality is of particular importance to Jill and from this, her. The idea that each space is created and crafted for the feeling it provides and that is a special gift. Jill Cole is a special type of creative and you are going to hear from her, right after this.

Thank you, Jill. Loved our conversation. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors; ThermaSol, Moya Living, Article Furniture, Franz Viegener, and York Wallcoverings. And thank you for joining me every week for these conversations. I do hope you enjoy them as much as I do. And give yourself a mental hug right now because we are all living through some very interesting times. Personally and professionally. It has gotten much harder to do business, create wonderful and sublime spaces but remember why you do what you do and why you do it. Your clients depend on you to make their lives a little better. Check back here every week for more stories of design professionals and creatives who are doing this at a very high level. Get some new ideas and inspiration to take your firm to the next level. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

True and Authentic Design | 366 | Wellness & Design Thought Leadership with Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with designer Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas. I had the chance to chat with this DC/ Maryland based designer, and principal of Interiors By Design about a lot of things, not the least of which, authenticity.

Think about it. Being authentic in all our creative endeavors is so critical to not just the work but how we feel about our own work. One of the things I lament most in the post-pandemic era is the lack of time and focus on authenticity. Think about it for a minute. There is an art to being authentic. It means being not only true to yourself, your work, your friends and family but also to the design and creative process by which we all work. I don’t think it is possible to be completely true to any of these things in a time when every aspect of the business is so unpredictably fluid right now. At a time when the on again, off again gatherings. I was at Design Chicago but bailed out of KBIS this year. And for designers trying to do the work only to have costs boosted by 30% or more on shipping and pricing, timelines continuing to shift outward and making it more challenging to remain creative and relate to the business. But we’re also talking about how Denise stays fresh, sharp and focused. g a constant stream of reselects. It’s draining. Draining emotionally and that draws from ones ability to create. So, were talking about this and other ideas with an immensely creative designer. I think you are going to like this, I hope so.

Thank you for the time and conversation, Dennese! Thank you ThermaSol, Article, York Wallcoverings and Franz Viegener for your partnership and support. You are remarkable partners and amazing allies for the trade. And, thank you for listening, remember why you do what you do and that the business of design is about making better the lives of those we serve. Until next week. Be well and take today first.

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

Your Best Year in Design | 326 | Proven Strategies for Growing and Promoting Your Design Firm

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This is Convo By Design with a conversation about adapting to the ever-changing design environment. Since only everything has changed. When I say that, I mean it. Everything has changed in the business. I remember last March when everyone I was speaking with, myself included thought the events would come back last fall and that the supply chain would return to normal. As time went on, we all started to realize that things were not going back to normal quickly, if at all. this conversation is part of the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol.

That being said, not all change is bad. The following conversation includes designers Shirry Dolgin of ASD Interiors, Michelle Salz-Smith of Studio Surface and Jason Lai of L2 Interiors. The panel explores the changes in the design and architecture industry, in real time with a focus on adapting to these changes and maximizing new business and revenue growth. Change is hard. The unknown is uncomfortable.

This exploration unearths some of the most challenging issues we are facing as it relates to the business and how these three firms are addressing these issues.Many of this issues revolve around specifying product right now as the supply chains are stretched and demand has grown as inventories drop. This has led to both shortages and increased costs. There challenges now include managing the disappointment of precuts not being available, reselects, increase costs, lack of manufacturer response times and products showing differently online from reality.

“Our business is so personal, whether we’re face to face, or not. We are people pleasers and that’s not always the greatest thing, especially now. But, I think the greatest challenge now, for me as a perfectionist and a people pleaser, is managing disappointment. Relaying the reality of the situation without making excuses.” – Michelle Salz-Smith

“I spend a lot of my time being upfront with my client saying, ‘listen, it is what it is.’ So, we can either wait, or pick something else.” – Shirry Dolgin

“I know what we want and what we are looking for in our head already, we just haven’t seen it and once we see it, we pull it. But this process has just been so slow. We have to go online and scroll through 75 pages of fabric on one color finish and it’s nothing like what you expect because online it shows differently.” -Jason Lai

In this episode, you will not only hear the challenges restated, you will also hear solutions to many of the issues every designer faces now and what the business might look like in the near future. The best way to overcome challenges is to envision and plan for them in the future. This is another episode in the Wellness & Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol featuring Michelle Salz-Smith, Jason Lai and Shirry Dolgin.

Are you subscribing to the podcast, if not, please do so you get every episode automatically when they are published. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts and now, you can find us on DesignNetwork dot Org, a destination dedicated to podcasts, all things design and architecture so make sure to check it out.

And when it comes to working with a partner who has your back, knows your challenges and is there for you every step of the way…

Thank you, Shirry, Jason and Michelle. Thank you Walker Zanger and ThermaSol for your partnership. And thank you for listening. Without you, there is no joy in doing this, you are appreciated. My hope is to bring you inspiration and sublime design through these conversations. To give you that extra push to be the most creative designer you can be. I think we did that here. Please make sure you are subscribing to the show so you don’t miss a single episode. You can also follow us on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign, with an “x” and convo by design dot com. Be well and remember to take today first.

Wellness & Design Leadership Series | 319 | The Promotion of Design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a solution for one of the biggest challenges you face as a busy design professional. This conversation is going to change the way you do business. Really, it’s all about the promotion of design.

Promotion and marketing are two issues, one issue really but often conflated, that confound most creatives, and simply frustrate the rest. The socials are not user friendly, people don’t tell you what they want to see and if you are focused on the work, as most of you are, the promotion side is just frustrating. Following is a conversation that is part of the Wellness and Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol. This conversation features designers Jeanne Chung, Breegan Jane and John McClain. Between Jeanne’s CozyStylishChic blog, Breegan, managing the work and a role on ABC’s Extreme Home Make Over and John McClain with all of his hats, designer, firm owner, television and magazine contributions… This group is busy, but they have figured out some amazing hacks that will help you wrap your arms around the promotional challenges. This conversation is moderated by contributing editor and publicity professional, Alexandra Abramian. This is such fun for me because Alex asked me to stick around and chime in with tips I’ve learned nit just promoting Convo By Design but the work I did at Playboy and in broadcast radio over two decades. This is another edition of the Wellness and Design Thought Leadership Series presented by ThermaSol with The Promotion of Design. Are you subscribing to the podcast, if not, please do so you get every episode automatically when they are published. You can find Convo By Design everywhere you find your favorite podcasts and now, you can find us on DesignNetwork dot Org, a destination dedicated to podcasts, all things design and architecture so make sure to check it out.

Alex, Breegan, Jeanne and John…thank you. Thank you ThermaSol and Walker Zanger for your support. And, thank you for listening. Without you, there is no joy in doing this, you are appreciated. My hope is to bring you inspiration and sublime design through these conversations. To give you that extra push to be the most creative designer you can be. I think we did that here. Please make sure you are subscribing to the show so you don’t miss a single episode. You can also follow us on Instagram, @ConvoXDesign, with an “x” and convo by design dot com. Be well and remember to take today first.