WestEdge Wednesday | 563 | Sustainable Design: Does it Have to be All or Nothing?

Posted on February 19, 2025 by convo-by-design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is a special edition of Convo By Design featuring all of the programming from the 2024 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair. We call these entries WestEdge Wednesday, a programming concept that will allow those of you who either didn’t make it to the show this year or, those who made it and are taking me up on my promise to share It with them again on Convo By Design.

All of these programs were shared in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home, a Best Buy company. On a stage designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design. An amazing space that served as the backdrop for our conversations. Over the next 10 weeks, you are going to hear talks, panels and conversations from the show, so I wanted to open this up with a teaser, a sample of some of these conversations. Like this one.

As a busy professional designer, you know how important it is to find the right partnerships. Partnerships that allow you to specify the right products for every project. Professionals like you just don’t have time to waste. Let me tell you about one of my partnerships. Pacific Sales is here to serve you with expert, knowledgeable and non-commissioned professionals to help you specify the right product for all your projects. Non-commissioned. That means their only incentive is your satisfaction. Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy Company has just that with over 60 years of service in Southern California. Pacific Sales is your destination for exploration, advice and inspiration. And here’s the cherry on top, access to exclusive Builder Trade Incentives from top brands like Monogram. Visit a Pacific Sales Showroom today to learn how you can unlock additional savings and benefits. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work with the best of the best. Visit Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home today and elevate your projects to new heights!

When it comes to sustainability in residential design and architecture – whether renovating or new build – the impression can be that you either have to do everything sustainably, or not even start down that path. Increasingly, many consumers/clients want to make a positive impact by making sustainable choices. How does one choose, do you have to, and which choices make the most impact?

Moderated by: Degen Pener, Writer/Editor
Featuring: Lori Dennis, CEO, Lori Dennis Inc.; Dan Brunn, Dan Brunn Architecture; Hanna Li, Creative Director and Designer, Hanna Li Interiors; and Greg Roth, CarbonShack Design

WestEdge Wednesday | 561 | Authenticity Vs. Dupes: Honor and Respect for Design and Those Who Craft Original Work

Posted on February 12, 2025 by convo-by-design

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There are stories, you have no doubt heard them or seen them for yourself on Instagram or the websites offering dupes of almost everything for less. There are many reasons why the copy-market thrives and why some creatives feel that they are entitled to change it a small detail and call it their own. Is the value in the look of it for less, or paying a bit extra and knowing you have an original? Perhaps the copy-market, while always present, only thrives during crisis-pricing for the real thing. We explore the value of original work and how knock-offs are changing the nature of creative design.

All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.

Moderated by: Kelly Phillips Badal, LUXE Interiors + Design

Featuring: Jen Samson | Jen Samson Design, KimGordon | Kim Gordon Designs, Candice Quinn | London Pierce Design and William Zhang | EMTEK

WestEdge Wednesday | 559 | Connected Vs. Unconnected: The Future of Home

Posted on February 5, 2025 by convo-by-design

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Connected vs. Unconnected: The Future of the Home The debate rages on… The fully connected home where all can be automated vs. the unconnected environment and the return to the beauty of form, function and simplicity. We’re not Luddites, but if we look at the experiential nature and convenience of a connected space, we must also consider what it means to have a space that is intentionally unconnected. The removal of screens, tech, automation, phones, and tablets can create calm and allow opportunities for true reconnection with self and others. Offline. Join this compelling conversation about AI, automation and the pros and cons of a fully connected home in a complicated world.

All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.

Moderated by: Erika Heet – Interiors Magazine

Featuring: Kristi Nelson | KM Nelson Design, Adam Hunter | Adam Hunter, Inc., Ginger Curtis | Urbanology Designs, Jaqui Seerman | Jaqui Seerman Designs

WestEdge Wednesday | 557 | What’s Next: How the Election and Recent Events will Affect the Design Industry

Posted on January 29, 2025 by convo-by-design

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No matter who wins, changes are coming. How can the business of design adapt to these changes, and thrive at the same time? Will additional tariffs change the pricing model of goods? How will new regulations affect transportation, fuel usage and household appliances? During these uncertain times, we’re all looking for a bit more stability and direction. Learn how to best navigate the changing landscape and better prepare your design firm and clients for the future.

All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.

Moderated by: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design

Featuring: Scott Specht | Specht Novak, Erik Peterson | PHX Architecture, Shirry Dolgin | ASD Interiors, Joe Carline | Kligerman Architecture & Design

WestEdge Wednesday | 554 | The Intelligent Kitchen: How Technological Advancements Create A Higher Quality of Life

Posted on January 22, 2025 by convo-by-design

After so many conversations at the show this year, a few things became quite clear. We are in a bifurcated market. Some designers are extremely busy, others, not so much. The most creative and successful creatives all understand that the one way to maximize their edge is to attend these events, talk to new suppliers, vendors and product manufacturers. We all have to be lifetime learners if our hope is to maintain a competitive edge. That means coming out and attending these panel conversations as so many have this year and in past years. Gather incredible product and technical application about kitchen design like this from The Intelligent Kitchen: How Technological Advancements Create a Higher Quality of Life.

All of these programs took place in the WestEdge Theater presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. The stage was designed by Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design.

We’ve all heard that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It has also evolved into the brain and central nervous system through advancements in modern technology. These developments have created a more intelligent kitchen and a space the addresses the emotional and intellectual needs as well. Thought-full design and development of modern appliances that address needs without being asked, a focus on food preservation, preparation, cooking and a mindful approach to household tasks have changed the way designers think about the kitchen. They are providing new avenues for the enjoyment of kitchen spaces and an increased quality of life that is human-centric. Learn how the kitchen has been forever changed and how these advancements will continue to evolve.

Moderated by; EZ Gonzalez, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home

Featuring: Mark Cutler & Nichole Schulze of CutlerSchulze, Jess Jones | Jess Jones Design Group, Rachael Grochowski | RHG Architecture + Design and Kerrie Kelly | Kerrie Kelly Studio

WestEdge Wednesday | 552 | Small Space Big Style: The ADU Revolution and Popularity Behind Living Small

Posted on January 15, 2025 by convo-by-design

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Something that has taken hold globally is the idea that living small doesn’t have to be spartan and without enjoyment. The ADU Revolution is real and nowhere else has it evolved to fully capture the California Style than in Southern California. But the beauty here is that these ideas, once explored don’t just stay in California. Those ideas are exported for the benefit of others.

Small Space Big Style: The ADU Revolution and Popularity Behind Living Small
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) has become an amazing opportunity for those wishing to add additional space to a property. ADUs have also changed the way many think about living within a smaller footprint. Whether a first home, guest house, income generating space, home office or other functional space, a small space can still offer big impact. The Cato Institute tracks the stratospheric rise of ADU’s and demonstrates how once again, California is leading the way in creative problem solving. Hear what’s next for the ADU, and how homeowners, developers and tenants are planning accordingly.

Moderated by: Frances Anderton

Featuring: Joan Barton, Dirty Girl Construction, Marcos Santa Ana, Alloi, Scott Specht | Specht Novak, Aejie Rhyu, ARA-la Studio, Erik Peterson | PHX Architecture

Iconic Architecture at the 2024 WestEdge Design Fair | 538 | A Preview AND Tickets to the Show

Posted on November 5, 2024 by convo-by-design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with another preview episode as we get ready for the WestEdge Design Fair in Santa Monica, California. We’ll be back at the Barker Hanger for another installment of the show. That means another stage featuring 2 full days of talks and and thought provoking conversations. Thought provoking, yeah we’ve got that. And if you’d like to attend, here’s a link for tickets:

https://www.grsreg.com/westedge24/exhPass?exh=cxd

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

Every year around April or May, I sit down and put pen to paper. I will write out dozens of program ideas from some of the most intriguing concepts that come from the podcast and sketch out what a more detailed conversation might look like. The episode you are about to hear is what inspired the Iconic Architecture program live from WestEdge and what ideas might be explored. This program is jam packed with heavy hitters in design and architecture covering a big concept. What makes architecture iconic and worth saving? The panel will include; Jaime Rummerfield, Christopher Goddard, Anthony Laney, Paul McClean and William Hefner. I am incredibly excited to sit and watch moderator, Alison Martino of Vintage LA navigate these treacherous waters. Everyone has an opinion, right? Where did this idea come from? Back in June of 2022, you heard an episode about 1001 North Roxbury, an extraordinary home in Beverly Hills. A home that was in remarkable condition, exceptionally designed and on a list of homes to be saved in Beverly Hills. It’s gone now. And you are going to hear how it happened. Water under the bridge. But without understanding how this happened, what’s to keep it from happening again? This panel will be touching all points related at this years show and since I know you don’t want to miss it, make sure you come. There is a link in the show notes for tickets to WestEdge 2024. Now you can brush up on the topic a little bit with this journey back to Beverly Hills in 2022. And you’ll hear it all, right after this.

There you go. All the intrigue you could ever ask for! The origin for the Iconic Architecture panel at WestEdge Design Fair, November 14th-16th at the Barker Hangar is Santa Monica. Make sure you join us. Thank you to my incredible partner sponsors; ThermaSol, Design Hardware, Pacific Sales, Monogram and TimberTech. These are all fantastic partners with exceptional products and service to match. I have vetted these companies and I believe in them, and I think you should too. Check the show notes for direct links. Thank you for checking them out and specifying them on your next project. I also want to thank you for listening to the show and sharing Convo By Design with your friends, coworkers and colleagues who you think might enjoy it as well.

Please also keep the guest and show suggestions coming; convo by design at outlook dot com and on Instagram @convoxdesign, with an “x”. Until next week, be well and take today first. -CXD

WestEdge Rewind | 529 | Sustainable and Timeless Recorded Live in 2015

Posted on September 17, 2024 by convo-by-design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design with a conversation from the past but no less relevant today and that is why I love producing the main stage at the WestEdge Design Fair. WestEdge, it’s coming up this November 14th through the 16th in Santa Monica at the Barker Hangar. This show is very special to me. I have been working with principles Megan and Troy, and co-founder Troy for years. This is a special show, my favorite show in California and that is saying something. It’s a labor of love and its with gratitude and appreciation to Megan and Troy that I get to do this every year.

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 wanted to share some past programs with you and it seemed like a good time as we lean in on this years show. One of the things that I have always loved about WestEdge is how it represents a celebration of design and a yearning to help elevate the industry in the future. For me, that desire to elevate has taken the form of freedom to curate panels, interviews and concepts that speak to the ever-changing and evolving nature of the design and architecture space. Troy and Megan have always supported my ideas and encouraged me to pursue the unique, undiscussed conversations in the same way I have always tried to do for you on the show.

For the past 2-3 years now, you have been hearing a lot of conversations about sustainability in design. The importance of sustainable consciousness in the industry. You have also been hearing a great deal about the story behind materiality and product. A true desire for narration in the design and materials that comprise it. It’s important. And I thought I would share our conversation discussing these very issues, recorded live, at WestEdge… In 2018.

Before we get to this, some thoughts on sustainable design and panel programming over time. The panel program you are about to hear was recorded in 2018. While not many were talking about this subject, we were and you are going to notice how far we have come since 2018 with regard to sustainable design practices. In large part due to conversations like this one. This is one of the reasons why the SoCal design community and beyond love this event so much. You are going to hear it here, first. The ideas and concepts that are shaping our industry now and well into the future. This year, we have an extraordinary slate of talks featuring amazing talent scheduled for the show. Find out more at WestEdge Design Fair dot com.

But first, It’s such a joy to look back at these and share them again. Sustainable and Timeless Design featuring; Whitney Tinsley, Bret Englander of Cerno Group and Catherine Richardson of Libeco Linen. This program was moderated by Erika Heet of Interiors Magazine.

We’ll get to it, right after this.

WE1

TT/ PS

WE2

Thank you, Erika, Catherine, Bret, Whitney. Thank you, Megan and Troy from WestEdge. I enjoyed our conversations so much. 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. -Convo By Design

WestEdge Wednesday No. Five | 477 | AI and The Future of Design & Architecture

Posted on January 31, 2024 by convo-by-design

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I’m Josh Cooperman and this is another installment of Convo By Design presents WestEdge Wednesday, a look back at all of the incredible programming from the 2023 edition of the WestEdge Design Fair held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. These conversations were held on the stage designed by Marie Designs and presented by BR Home. This is part five in our series, entitled Rise of the Machines: How AI will Revolutionize the Design Industry. This conversation is moderated by yours truly and features Rachel Joy Victor, a designer, strategist, and worldbuilder, working with emergent technologies and mediums (XR, AI, web3) to create computational narrative, brand, and product experiences where systems & humans meet and Joshua Dawson, film director known for incorporating the built environment as an essential character in his films. In his body of work, termed “Speculative Climate Futures,” he seamlessly melds CGI and live-action to explore water politics, resource extraction, and the impact of climate change on low-income communities of color. Dawson, a Master’s graduate in Advanced Architectural Studies from the University of Southern California. Joshua’s short films have premiered at festivals worldwide and have been showcased on platforms like Canal 180, the National Museum of Australia, and Vice Motherboard. Notably, his work has won the Jury Prize for Best Science Fiction Film at the Oscar-qualifying Cinequest Film Festival and a Core77 Design Award. Recently, Joshua was honored with a comprehensive profile in The New York Times and interviewed by the weather channel. Beyond his directorial role, Dawson extends his expertise as a World Builder and Conceptual Design consultant to Hollywood productions. Thank you to Convo By Design partners and sponsors ThermaSol, Moya Living and Design Hardware for making the podcast possible and thank you for listening and watching these episodes of the show. For links to all our partners, guests on this episode, WestEdge Design Fair, Marbe and BR Home.

For those not familiar … The Banana Republic lifestyle brand portfolio is known for delivering timeless ready-to-wear styles, and BR Home signals the brand’s transformation into a leading destination for the modern explorer. Expanding across living room, bedroom and dining room furniture as well as lighting, bedding, and home décor, BR Home showcases materials and craftsmanship from around the world, showcasing signature design details, warm, textural layers, natural materials and traditional production techniques.

Please check the podcast show notes for links and you can find that at Convo By Design dot com and click the podcast tab. Thanks for watching and listening. Be well and take today first. – CXD

Back to Work! From Home? | 472 | WestEdge Wednesday No. Three

Posted on January 17, 2024 by convo-by-design

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Please check the podcast show notes for links and you can find that at Convo By Design dot com and click the podcast tab. Thanks for watching and listening, Here’s Cheryl Durst.

Convo By Design®

A podcast dedicated to telling the stories of design and architecture luminaries

Tag Archives: WestEdge design fair

WestEdge Wednesday | 563 | Sustainable Design: Does it Have to be All or Nothing?

WestEdge Wednesday | 561 | Authenticity Vs. Dupes: Honor and Respect for Design and Those Who Craft Original Work

WestEdge Wednesday | 559 | Connected Vs. Unconnected: The Future of Home

WestEdge Wednesday | 557 | What’s Next: How the Election and Recent Events will Affect the Design Industry

WestEdge Wednesday | 554 | The Intelligent Kitchen: How Technological Advancements Create A Higher Quality of Life

WestEdge Wednesday | 552 | Small Space Big Style: The ADU Revolution and Popularity Behind Living Small

Iconic Architecture at the 2024 WestEdge Design Fair | 538 | A Preview AND Tickets to the Show

WestEdge Rewind | 529 | Sustainable and Timeless Recorded Live in 2015

WestEdge Wednesday No. Five | 477 | AI and The Future of Design & Architecture

Back to Work! From Home? | 472 | WestEdge Wednesday No. Three