Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Convo By Design®

The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Crafting a truly successful custom home goes far beyond aesthetic appeal or environmental responsiveness. Programmatically, residential architecture is often more intricate than large commercial structures because it must simultaneously accommodate diverse human emotions, intimate family dynamics, and deeply personal routines. Homeowners often embark on this expensive, once-in-a-lifetime journey filled with equal parts excitement and anxiety. Navigating these waters requires an architect to act not only as a visionary designer but as a trusted guide through a complex process. Ultimately, the lessons learned during times of disruption remind us that our living spaces must be adaptable, health-conscious, and deeply connected to nature if they are to successfully sustain us through an uncertain future.

Foundational Philosophy: Scott Ginder co-founded Forge Craft in 2013 alongside Rommel Sulit on the premise that building design and building performance must be equal partners. The firm intentionally bridges the gap between custom, high-end residential projects and high-density affordable housing.

Capital 'A' vs. Lowercase 'a' Affordability: Jon Cartwright delineates the difference between subsidized, income-restricted housing (Capital A) which often requires extensive supportive infrastructure, and market-driven housing affordability (lowercase a), which relies on zoning reforms, density bonuses, and policy updates like Austin’s HOME ordinance.

Deep Sustainability & Building Science: Trey Farmer outlines the integration of Passive House standards, certified through his role as a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Forge Craft’s Healthy Home Studio applies advanced building science—such as energy modeling, embodied carbon accounting, and non-toxic material selections—across various construction types ranging from mass timber (CLT) to Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

Policy Advocacy in Practice: As Chair of the Austin Housing Coalition, John Cartwright emphasizes that architectural responsibility extends beyond construction into long-term municipal policy, advocating for changes in code, land availability, and density to unlock long-term housing viability.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence is merely a sharper medium, not a substitute for architectural intellect. The true value of a prestige design firm does not lie in its ability to generate a thousand rapid iterations at the click of a button. It rests entirely on the seasoned, human intuition required to look at a mountain of digital options, draw a definitive line, and choose the singular, beautiful, and permanent truth.

While prison architecture is often associated with "locking people up," modern justice design is pivoting toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and community connection. This episode explores how shifting the physical environment from fortresses to "healing centers" can reduce stress for both inmates and staff, ultimately lowering recidivism rates and serving the best interests of society.

Are you ready to join me in Santa Monica, for the WestEdge Design Fair, This is year 10 for me, producing, and publishing content from the show. You know my commitment to you: we bring together the brightest, most provocative creative minds to talk about the business and practice of design in ways you simply will not hear anywhere else.

Los Angeles has long been a playground for designers, artists, and makers seeking uncharted creative territory. As the city’s design community grows and attention turns outward, is L.A.’s legendary openness under threat—or evolving into something new? Mallery Roberts Morgan, Roman Alonzo of Commune and Architectural Digest’s Mayor Rus weigh in on what makes California a singular hub for creative freedom.

Thank you to my incredible sponsor partners; Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, TimberTech and Shelter Republic.

Hosted by, Mallory Roberts Morgan during the 2014 edition of DIEM: Design Intersects Everything Made, this conversation explores how geography, culture, and market forces shape the freedom to innovate in Los Angeles. Panelists examine the challenges of rising rents, collector dynamics, and global influence, questioning whether L.A. can remain a unique epicenter for creative experimentation.

Another throwback episode featuring a conversation from DIEM, a symposium celebrating creativity across design, art, and fashion in the West Hollywood Design District

Panel theme: California as the last frontier of creative freedom

Roman Alonzo: Co-founder of Commune; background in publishing and art books; brought European attention to L.A. design through innovative projects

Mayer Rus: West Coast editor of Architectural Digest; former design editor at the L.A. Times Magazine; New York transplant and renowned design writer

Roman describes L.A. as the “Wild West” of design, where experimentation and making your own rules are possible

Mayer contrasts L.A. with New York, noting L.A.’s openness allows hybrid, multi-disciplinary practices

Discussion of how media attention has shaped perceptions of L.A. as a creative hub

Geography and Opportunity

Physical openness, including ocean and desert vistas, provides inspiration and creative possibility

Regional lifestyle shapes design sensibilities and project approaches

Commune’s method: designing projects rooted in California context, even when serving clients elsewhere

Market Forces, Cultural Institutions & Civic Identity

Galleries and museums influence how L.A.’s art and design are perceived

Debate over LACMA redesign highlights tensions between international star architects and supporting local talent

Maintaining civic pride and global attention without homogenizing local culture

Regional Style vs. Global Homogenization

Tension between California-specific aesthetics and universal luxury trends

Commune demonstrates that place-inspired design can thrive despite market pressures

Emphasis on fostering local cultural identity in architecture and interiors

Focus on embracing L.A.’s unique advantages, including geography, climate, and openness

Panelists encourage creators to engage deeply with their local environment

Final note: “Just look at your own stuff, your own life, and make something great out of it.”

In this special episode timed for the anniversary of September 11th, I sit down with architect Paul Murdoch to explore the profound responsibility of designing a national place of remembrance. Murdoch's firm was selected from more than 1,100 international entries to create the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania—a 2,200-acre site honoring the 40 passengers and crew members who fought back against highjackers on 9/11.

In this episode, host Josh sits down with Nureed Saeed, the owner and creative director of Nu Interiors. Nureed shares her unique journey from a high-stakes career in the fashion industry to becoming a leader in the "design for wellness" movement. She discusses how her background in retail and corporate fashion informs her approach to interior design, the importance of psychological safety in the home, and why the future of the industry lies in personalized, human-centric spaces.

The conversation delves into the post-pandemic realization that true creative collaboration requires proximity, prompting the studio to downsize and focus on a deeply integrated "many hats" workflow. The team also explores the changing landscape of home design—from navigating massive post-pandemic cost multipliers and evolving spaces like "mission control" kitchens, to pushing back against Texas's "bigger is better" mentality in favor of highly detailed, character-rich spaces. Finally, they cover the critical role of manufacturer partnerships in keeping pace with rapid product innovations, regional environmental codes, and a growing client demand for technological simplicity.

This conversation with Bernd Radaschitz is a masterclass in how heritage craft evolves without losing its soul. Born into a fourth-generation cabinetmaking family in Austria, Radaschitz bridges the rare gap between hands-on craftsmanship and executive leadership. His journey—from apprenticeship to building an international business spanning London and New York—offers a blueprint for scaling authenticity.

As geopolitical shifts and supply chain crises redefine the global economy, bespoke rug makers and interior designers are finding new ways to maintain craftsmanship and client trust.

This conversation with Ayub Ansari explores how California Design Living, a four-generation family business, is adapting to unprecedented challenges. From the sudden impact of 50% import tariffs to soaring air freight costs and labor shifts in India, the episode delves into the delicate balance between maintaining centuries-old artisanal traditions and surviving a volatile modern market.

• Economic Volatility & Tariffs: Recent years have seen dramatic shifts in import policies, including sudden 50% tariffs that have forced companies to move from fixed pricing to more transparent, range-based quotes for clients.
• The High Cost of Logistics: Supply chain disruptions and fuel surcharges have ballooned shipping costs, with some air freight quotes nearly doubling overnight.
• Preserving Artisanal Heritage: The industry faces a long-term challenge in attracting younger generations to master intricate techniques like Persian knotting, which can take over a year to learn.
• Evolution of the Showroom: High-end brands are moving toward “experience centers,” much like luxury car galleries, to focus on the touch-and-feel aspect of bespoke products in an increasingly digital world.
• Strategic Collaboration: Designers are encouraged to utilize trade programs and consolidated shipping to mitigate rising costs through volume and long-term vendor relationships.

Applicable Elements:

• California Design Living: Explore the bespoke, made-to-order collections discussed in the episode.
• The Art of Hand-Notting: A deeper look into the intricate processes and heritage of handmade rugs.
• Global Trade & Tariffs: Contextual information on the trade policies impacting international manufacturing.
• Sustainable Interior Design: Resources for designers navigating the intersection of luxury and sustainable practices.

In an un-siloed world where public spaces face evolving threats, Kirk Rose and Sergio Lechuga detail how intentional design, community trust, and “invisible layers” protect people without building prisons. This is only a part of what makes HMC Architects a people-focused firm and one built for the future. he Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home.

In this follow-up conversation, I attempt to anchor a deep dive into the changing nature of safety and security in architectural design. Kirk Rose (Healthcare Practice Leader at HMC Architects) and Sergio Lechuga (Director of Interior Design at HMC Architects).

The dialogue builds upon a previous conversation to explore how architects, acting as true futurists who design structures to last 75 to 150 years must proactively engineer spaces for unthinkable modern threats. From emergency room protocols to K-12 campus layouts and civic centers, Kirk and Sergio break down how rigid, intrusive security (like airport-style metal detectors) can erode human experience and mental well-being. Instead, they champion an approach of subtle, “porous” architectural layers and operational human protocols. The trio bridges these heavy commercial insights with residential realities, concluding that real safety relies heavily on human awareness, technological adaptation, and the ultimate luxury: a connected community. And this is just partly why the entire HMC Architects firm are inductees for the month of August, 2026 in Convo By Design Icon Registry presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home.

• Architects as Futurists vs. Designers: Josh establishes that while interior designers typically plan for 5-to-25-year cycles (allowing for aesthetic refreshes), architects must project safety, utility, and durability 100+ years into the future.
• The Psychology of Security: Walking through metal detectors or staring through barred windows drastically alters a child’s or a patient’s state of mind. Sergio explains how HMC organizes K-12 buildings to act as a natural perimeter courtyard, eliminating the need for aggressive fencing while maintaining clear sightlines and controlled points of access.
• The Fallibility of the Metal Detector: Kirk highlights a counterintuitive healthcare trend: many public hospitals are actively removing physical metal detectors. Because weapons can be bypassed or thrown over gates, facilities rely instead on roving security, trained staff, and strict internal “back-of-house” zoning accessible only by keycard.
• The “Aleatory Space” & Community Trust: Drawing on an architectural concept of un-owned public property (aleatory space), the guests argue that the true front line of residential security isn’t just an automated floodlight or a ring camera—it is genuine rapport and old-fashioned communication between neighbors.
• High-Tech Human Interventions: Kirk shares sophisticated backend systems used in modern maternal wards, such as infrared infant abduction systems paired with “delayed egress” alarms. These systems demonstrate that effective security is always a blend of automated tech and rapid human operational protocol.
• Security as the New Ultimate Luxury: Pre-pandemic design focused heavily on air, water, and sound quality. Today, Josh and the guests observe a market evolution where invisible, seamless security infrastructure has officially shifted from an afterthought to a core luxury expectation.
• Featured Architecture Firm: Learn more about regional planning, K-12 innovations, and evidence-based environment modeling at HMC Architects.

In a design landscape increasingly defined by shifting economics and digital replication, designer and entrepreneur Kyle Bunting is rewriting the playbook on brand longevity. Sitting down with podcast host Josh Cooperman, Bunting shared how a service-first philosophy and a dramatic expansion of materiality have transformed his company from a niche luxury hide specialist into a diversified design empire.

Julie Hardridge, founder of Architexture Interiors, brings a lifelong passion for history, craftsmanship, and design to every project. She began her academic journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design on scholarship before transferring to New York University, where she studied Architectural History and Decorative Arts with a minor in Urban Planning. Her studies, combined with time spent abroad in Italy and France learning from master artisans, shaped her distinctive design philosophy rooted in tradition, artistry, and innovation.

While the design world often prioritizes the “perfect” visual, this conversation dives into the structural and psychological foundations of creating a home. From the early stages of a career in Savannah and New York to the intricate details of a Miami penthouse, we explore how historical preservation, material intelligence, and even “imposter syndrome” shape the spaces where we live.

The Designer’s Identity Crisis: Even with decades of experience and degrees from institutions like SCAD and NYU, established professionals still grapple with imposter syndrome. The feeling of “not being there yet” is often exacerbated by the inflated realities presented on social media.

Archaeology in Design: Modern design is frequently an exercise in archaeology—digging into the history of a structure and the personal backstories of its inhabitants to create a cohesive narrative.

The Invisible Value Proposition: A significant portion of a project’s success lies in managing what the client doesn’t see: logistical pivots, fixing manufacturer errors (like ruined leather on a custom chair), and mediating between contractors and vision.

The “Jewelry” of the Room: Lighting is framed as the ultimate emotional regulator. The transition from harsh recessed lighting to personalized, AI-driven scenes and art-deco fixtures can fundamentally change how a person experiences their own home.

AI and Hyper-Personalization: The future of custom environments lies in “recognition technology,” where a home’s lighting, sound, and temperature automatically adjust based on which specific family member enters the room.

SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design): A foundational influence on the technical training for historic preservation and architectural drafting.

NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study: Where the “forced reading culture” and study of great books helped bridge the gap between architectural history and philosophical design.

Lutron Lighting Systems: A cornerstone for creating “scenes” that allow homeowners to transition their environment from high-energy productivity to soft, elegant “candlelight” modes.

CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association): The go-to resource for understanding how smart home technology and integrators work alongside designers to build proactive environments.

Pinterest as a Sourcing Tool: Not just for “inspo,” but a legitimate deep-dive tool for finding global artisans, unique hardware, and vendors that aren’t found in traditional design centers.

Sisters Olivia and Jenna Botrie of Dart Studio didn’t set out to build a design firm together, they grew into it. What started in a basement with a baby on the floor evolved into a highly structured, process-driven studio navigating growth, technology, and a post-pandemic design boom. Their story reveals how great design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about systems, relationships, and knowing when to think bigger. From cottage culture and client psychology to AI workflows and generational shifts, the Botrie sisters unpack how Dart Studio scaled during the pandemic, why process is their secret weapon, and how they’re building a brand designed to outlast trends and even themselves.

Origins: A Basement, a Baby, and a Business

Olivia launches Dart Studio solo over a decade ago. Jenna joins organically during maternity leave. The now-famous “cottage pitch” that formalized the partnership. Sister dynamics: honesty, friction, and built-in trust as a business advantage

The Cottage Effect: Canadian Culture Meets Creativity

The uniquely Canadian concept of the “cottage” as creative reset Minimalism, disconnection, and family proximity as design influences How environment shapes both lifestyle and design thinking

Process Over Everything

Jenna’s role: operations, onboarding, hiring, and systems. Why structure—not style—is the firm’s foundation. Building scalable workflows for a growing team. The importance of documentation and repeatable processes

Pandemic Pivot: From Uncertainty to Opportunity

Initial fear: shutdowns, no site visits, stalled work. Sudden surge: waitlists, inbound demand, and client urgency. Strategic decision: say yes, scale fast, hire quickly. Long-term impact: bigger thinking, larger projects, expanded vision

The Post-Pandemic Client Shift

Movement away from resale-driven design toward personalization. Clients designing for themselves, not the market. More nuanced conversations around lifestyle, not trends. The home as a “backdrop for life”

Anti-Trend Thinking

Rejection of trend-driven design culture. Critique of “top 10 lists” and media-driven aesthetics. Designing from human cues: behavior, personality, daily rituals

Technology, Materials & the Reality Filter

Navigating rapid innovation in lighting, kitchens, and home tech. Balancing “cool” vs. “lasting”. Role of reps, trade shows, and industry relationships. The importance of practical function over novelty.

AI in Practice: Tool, Not Replacement

Current stack: ChatGPT, Midjourney, SketchUp, Enscape. AI for speed and iteration—not core design thinking. Client misuse of AI and the limits of prompting. Why human interpretation remains essential

The Experience Economy of Design

Design as a two-year relationship, not a transaction. Emotional experience vs. final result. Communication, trust, and job site culture as differentiators

Reactive to Proactive: Building a Brand

First 10 years: purely reactive growth. Year 11 shift: rebrand, visibility, social media presence. Expanding identity beyond Olivia to a team-driven creative model. Long-term vision: a legacy firm with multiple design voices

Generational Dynamics in Design

Different communication styles across clients and teams. Matching personalities: clients, designers, and contractors. “Boomer whisperers” vs. Gen Z workflows. Lifestyle-driven design considerations by age and stage

Designing for Climate & Context

Canadian winters and their impact on interiors. Storage, materiality, and seasonal living. Lighting as a wellness tool (circadian rhythm design). Creating emotional environments: cozy vs. open

The Through Line: Adaptability

Design as evolution, not static outcome. Balancing tradition and modernity within a single project. Embracing change as the only constant in both life and design

In the world of interior design, there is a pervasive myth that one must choose between the left-brain rigor of business and the right-brain flow of creativity. Eileen Applebaum, the founder of Threads Soft Goods, spent 35 years proving that the most sustainable success actually exists in the "dynamic tension" between the two.

The Studio Schickedanz founder is inducted into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, showcasing three decades of sustainable innovation, material intelligence, and integrated architectural practice.

This episode celebrates the installation of Mary Ann Schickedanz, founder of Carmel-based Studio Schickedanz, into the Convo By Design Icon Registry. Bringing a foundational Austrian perspective where buildings are crafted to endure for generations, Schickedanz has spent over thirty years pioneering sustainable architecture across the American West. The conversation highlights her holistic approach to environmental integration—combining high-performance building science with deep material intelligence to combat regional ecological pressures like drought and wildfire risks. The episode also revisits a poignant 2019 archival interview from the La Cienega Design Quarter (LCDQ) Legends event, where she discusses her creative process, storytelling, and the influence of Austrian modernist pioneer Josef Hoffmann on her multidisciplinary practice.

• The Icon Registry Induction: Recognized for achieving the highest tier of performance and intentionality in the design industry, proudly presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home.
• Material Intelligence & Eco-Integration: Schickedanz’s work prioritizes site-specific architecture, featuring native rooftop flora, local granite, and earth-toned integral plaster that allow structures to坐 sit seamlessly within their ecologies, achieving LEED certification and net-zero status.
• Modular Construction & Innovation: Her multi-family compound at the Santa Lucia Preserve demonstrates how high-end factory fabrication can deliver sustainable, all-electric, manufactured housing assembled on-site in just seven hours to minimize environmental disruption.
• The Integrated Studio Model: A key differentiator where architects, interior designers, and horticulturalists collaborate from project inception to ensure a fluid connection between the structural shell and the natural landscape.
• Honoring Heritage at LCDQ: The episode reflects on her 2019 window vignette at Mansur Carpets during the La Cienega Design Quarter Legends event, channeling the comprehensive maker-designer philosophy of Josef Hoffmann alongside collaborations with Shirley Robinson Wallpaper and furniture from Design Within Reach.

Designing for Generations: The Material Intelligence of Mary Ann Schickedanz

The contemporary architecture landscape frequently wrestles with the concept of “intentionality,” yet Mary Ann Schickedanz has quietly spent the last thirty years operationalizing it. Inducted into the Convo By Design Icon Registry, the Austrian-native and founder of Studio Schickedanz has permanently altered how the American West approaches luxury residential design by rejecting “disposable architecture” in favor of ancestral longevity.

Schickedanz’s design philosophy bridges a European reverence for multi-generational structural permanence with the acute ecological demands of California’s topography. Rather than treating sustainability as a surface-level checklist, her methodology relies on deep material intelligence and total environmental integration. From pioneering the first LEED-certified projects in Big Sur and Carmel-by-the-Sea to engineering net-zero contemporary estates, her structures are designed to function as living, breathing extensions of their native ecosystems.

This is achieved primarily through her firm’s integrated studio model. By seating architects, interior specialists, and regional horticulturalists at the same table from day one, she eliminates the traditional fragmentation of design. Structural concrete, local granite, and native exposed-root rooftop flora are specified in tandem, maximizing thermal efficiency and wildfire resiliency while anchoring buildings seamlessly into rolling topography.

Her forward-thinking mindset extends equally to modern building science and historic preservation. Whether rewriting the narrative around modular housing by assembling a luxury, all-electric compound at the Santa Lucia Preserve in a single day, or meticulously updating the performance of a 1948 Henry Hill midcentury landmark, Schickedanz proves that high design and strict environmental metrics are not mutually exclusive. Ultimately, her work champions a vital shift in the industry: shifting away from an architectural “etch-a-sketch” mentality and moving toward purposeful, permanent spaces built right the first time.

Today is one of the most incredible episodes of the show I have ever produced. I don’t say this lightly. Today, you are going to hear about a new project called Shelter Republic, officially launching although if you are an avid listener, you have probably heard me talking about it as we prepared for launch. Well, it’s here, and it’s official. And You are going to hear from my co-founder…I’m sitting down with computer engineer and Shelter Republic co-founder Jack Cooperman to discuss the platform’s structural architecture, functionality, purpose, and the necessity for safe places to explore ideas amongst peers.

• The Genesis of Shelter Republic: Jack and I reflect on the evolution of the platform, tracking its roots back to when Jack and his sister first visited Josh on stage at the WestEdge Design Fair. The community was built to bridge regional gaps and provide a collaborative, peer-to-peer ecosystem for architects and designers.
• Designing UX for Geographic Context: Jack outlines the structure of the platform, which is divided into five nationwide micro-communities (including the Mountain Atlantic and Southwest regions). This allows for highly localized discussions on styles, culture, and business norms while keeping a unified national hub.
• Cultivating a “Safe Place to Fail”: The co-founders debate the nature of failure in school versus a creative career. Josh emphasizes that Shelter Republic is deliberately engineered as a vetted, invite-only environment to protect accomplished creatives from public “dogpiling” or algorithmic scrutiny when exploring new, untested concepts.
• Platform Features & Onboarding: Built to avoid user-data exploitation and ad clutter, the platform operates via direct invitation and QR codes. Features include text-based feeds, real-time messaging, direct networking via professional member bios, live video-conferencing rooms, and educational modules—including Josh’s masterclass, Podcasting for Creatives.
• Addressing Industry Disruptions (AI & Legislation): The conversation dives into how early-career junior designers are transitioning into technology facilitators due to AI studio integration. They also discuss how the platform serves as a “modern town crier” for critical industry news, citing a recent user post by a Southern California designer regarding the engineered quartz ban in California due to silicosis risks.
• Cooperation Over Competition: Drawing a contrast with the competitive nature of the design world, Josh shares a lesson from his time covering the Playboy Jazz Festival, where legendary jazz musicians prioritized mentoring the next generation to keep the collective genre alive. Shelter Republic aims to foster that exact cross-regional mentorship.

Thank you Jack. I know I have already said it, but I have enjoyed every moment putting this together and we are thrilled to share it. Note on Access: Shelter Republic is entirely free, and does not collect user data except when stated like the use of polls and prompts for professional input. To maintain community standards and security, entry is restricted to verified industry professionals via peer invitation or direct QR code scanning at upcoming events.

The Future of Innovation and Adaptive Reuse The episode wrapped up with a look at future innovations, including the potential for prefabricated and modular homes to address housing needs. The idea of "adaptive reuse," moving and repurposing existing functional structures instead of demolishing them, was also discussed as a potentially more sustainable way forward for the industry, reflecting a broader trend toward more conscious and resourceful building practices.

A former media executive trades corporate strategy for interior design, only to discover the same rules still apply. In a rapidly evolving industry shaped by AI, rising client expectations, and economic pressure, design has become as much about systems as it is about style. This conversation reveals how one designer is navigating that shift by treating every project like a campaign with outcomes that extend far beyond aesthetics. A conversation about reinvention, material intelligence, and why the most effective designers today think in terms of ROI, storytelling, and client experience.

Integrating Sustainability in Heritage Design. Despite rigid preservation laws, the industry is gradually seeing a shift towards allowing sustainable upgrades, such as double glazing and improved insulation, provided they are sympathetic to the original design. Nick noted that older structures, with their thick stone walls and natural thermal performance, often offer inherent sustainability advantages over modern, thinner-walled builds. Modern Kitchen Functionality in Historic Spaces The pandemic has redefined the kitchen as a central social and functional hub, requiring more sophisticated appliance suites and technology. Adapting these modern requirements to historic layouts often involves creative solutions like building internal partitions to accommodate new plumbing and infrastructure without damaging the original building fabric. Applicable Elements

In January, you heard from Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius, principals at Parkin Architects, …Parkin is a Canadian, employee-owned, award-winning architectural practice with roots dating back to the 1940s. Founded and established in Toronto, expanded to Ottawa, and Vancouver, the firm specializes in designing purposeful, beautiful, and functional buildings. Our commitment to collaboration has earned us a reputation for excellence, bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, impactful design. With a focus on social impact, we take pride in creating spaces that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Not my words, theirs.

In this conversation with the principals of Tim Barber Architects, the discussion explores how architecture has evolved since 2020. The pandemic fundamentally changed how people live in their homes, forcing architects to rethink everything from spatial organization and material choices to health, resilience, and long-term adaptability.

The architects describe a profession balancing client desires, environmental realities, and community responsibility. Topics include aging in place, the shift away from open floor plans, rebuilding after wildfire loss, and the growing role of resilience and sustainability in residential design.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The conversation also examines larger systemic issues—from the housing crisis and the loss of architectural criticism to concerns about deregulating the architectural profession and the future pipeline of architects. Ultimately, the discussion reveals architecture as both a creative discipline and a civic responsibility.

Tim Barber, Kelly Becker, David Stone, Ari Engleman, Katie Peterson-Hesketh

Post-Pandemic Spatial Design

Homes are now workplaces, classrooms, and wellness environments. Architects are designing more flexible, compartmentalized spaces rather than large open rooms.

The Reassessment of the Open Floor Plan

Open layouts are losing popularity as homeowners seek acoustic separation, privacy, and spatial hierarchy.

Healthy Homes

Clients increasingly ask about air quality, non-toxic materials, EMF concerns, and overall wellness in the built environment.

Aging in Place & Multigenerational Living

Homes are being designed for lifelong occupancy, with elevators, adaptable bathrooms, and secondary primary suites.

Housing Crisis Misconceptions

The problem is not a lack of housing overall but a shortage of affordable, well-located housing.

Sustainability Through Longevity

The most sustainable building is the one that already exists. Adaptive reuse and generational homes are key strategies.

Fire Resilience and Climate Adaptation

Wildfire rebuild projects are forcing architects to rethink materials, structural resilience, and building codes.

“Performance Spending”

Homeowners must choose between visible luxury and invisible resilience investments.

Architects as Client Advocates

Architects frequently guide clients away from poor decisions through education and alternatives rather than simply saying “no.”

Material Uncertainty and Construction Cost Volatility

Rapid cost changes and new materials create challenges for planning and specification.

Professional Deregulation Concerns

Removing architectural licensing protections could threaten safety, quality, and professional standards.

Education and Knowledge Sharing

The firm runs an internal “university” model to continuously train staff and share knowledge.

Loss of Architectural Criticism

The disappearance of critics and serious architectural journalism has created a cultural vacuum in evaluating design.

Adaptive Reuse and Density

Office conversions and moderate urban density may become major architectural trends.

Future of Residential Design

Homes may become smaller but more sophisticated—prioritizing performance, durability, and resilience.

Architect Ben Kasdan  and I explore the ethos of design, the importance of “innovation through experience,” and why architecture should be viewed as a living organism rather than a machine.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Innovation vs. Practicality: The discussion begins with the idea of innovative design, citing Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. While the building faced initial criticism for a “glare” issue from its steel facade, its true innovation lies in the acoustic experience and its purpose as a “living room for the city”.

Architecture as an Organism: Challenging Le Corbusier’s famous “machine for living” concept, Ben suggests that buildings are more like living organisms that must be nurtured, maintained, and allowed to evolve.

The “Ideas” Lab: Ben’s firm, KTGY, operates a dedicated R&D studio that explores “outside the lane” concepts—like 3D-printed modular housing and solutions for homelessness—without the immediate constraints of budgets or specific client demands.

Designing for the Inhabitants: A significant portion of the work focuses on student and senior housing. Ben emphasizes that while these spaces are often transient, they must be designed to support the mental, physical, and intellectual well-being of the people living there.

Architectural “Grafting”: Instead of the common practice of demolition, the conversation touches on the value of “grafting” or repurposing older structures, preserving their emotional and historical significance while adapting them for new use.

KTGY Architecture + Planning: The firm where Ben Kasdan is a principal, known for its diverse housing typologies. KTGY Website

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Referenced as a prime example of experience-driven innovation in Los Angeles. LA Phil – Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Broad: Mentioned in the context of downtown LA’s architectural landscape and public perception. The Broad Museum

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower: Discussed as a structure that, while visually extraordinary, struggled with functional longevity. Price Tower Arts Center

Marin County Civic Center: Cited as an early inspiration for Ben, showcasing how a building’s unique form can evoke a powerful emotional response. Marin County Civic Center

Every now and then, I like to hop into the wayback machine and share a fresh listen to conversations that influenced our current times. The one you are going to register to today was recorded live in 2014 from DIEM, Design Intersects Everything Made symposium presented by the West Hollywood Design District featuring Frances Anderton, then with KCRW ad Jeff Denby, co-founder and then with Pact. A clothing brand you will be hearing more about. 

The following conversation was focused on values based capitalism, an economic model with which places value on profit generation that also generates positive social impact.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

As you listen to this chat between Frances and Jeff, you might notice the “feel-good” vibes and high ideals that come from a focus on values based consumerism patterns. Buy well-made products that come from sustainably based materials and made by people who are valued to those producing the products and then by those who buy the product. At the time of this recording, this idea was catching on and even now, companies that have a value-system connected directly to products speak openly about the social capital being generated. I would argue we hear far less now because sustainability has been linked politically to DEI, and there is a group of people who see that has more of a social ill, than a societal benefit. I’m not here to change any minds, only share different perspectives. And this is one worth sharing with the hope that it will make a return, not just in fashion or consumer packaged goods, but in the home decor and architectural materials sectors.

Consumer Awareness Evolution

How Whole Foods and the food industry educated consumers about product origins.

Extension of that curiosity to body care and apparel: understanding what goes on the skin and into daily wear.

The role of design in making sustainable products attractive and desirable.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Early collaborations with nonprofits through limited-edition collections and direct aid.

Shift toward improving the lives of workers within the supply chain.

Emphasis on economic, environmental, and social impact as part of the business model.

Challenges of Domestic Manufacturing

Difficulties of reviving large-scale apparel production domestically, including labor costs, fractured supply chains, and compliance issues.

Comparison with global supply chains and the decision to work where systems already exist.

Insights from attempts at localized production and the challenges of sustainable sourcing.

Product Expansion and Market Strategy

Focus on apparel basics for the emerging generation of socially conscious consumers.

Building a generational brand by appealing to evolving values.

Commitment to price accessibility while maintaining sustainability and ethical production.

Supply Chain Ethics and Certification

Working exclusively with certified factories and farms to ensure fair labor practices.

Ensuring worker protections and representation, including female supervisors.

Direct engagement with farmers and supply chain partners to secure market access and stability.

Sustainability and Waste Management

Recycling factory scraps and leftover materials into new products.

Finding secondary uses for garment remnants, including mattress filling.

Factories incentivized to reduce waste as part of both economic and environmental sustainability.

Consumer Education and Transparency

Educating customers about the human and environmental story behind clothing.

Leveraging social media, coalition branding, and events to communicate supply chain practices.

Positioning Pact as a non-toxic apparel brand with safe-for-skin products.

Research and Industry Collaboration

Participation in textile and sustainability coalitions with like-minded brands.

Supporting the growth of organic cotton farming and sustainable supply chains.

Promoting transparency in manufacturing practices and educating the public on chemical exposure in conventional apparel.

Ethical apparel requires intentional design, transparent supply chains, and collaboration across the industry.

Consumers increasingly demand products that are safe, well-designed, and socially responsible.

Philanthropy is most effective when integrated into the core business, benefiting both workers and communities.

Scaling sustainability in mass-market apparel is challenging but possible with careful planning, partnerships, and public education.

Conscious Basics: How Textiles Can Be Ethical, Sustainable, and Stylish

In an era when consumers increasingly demand transparency and ethical responsibility, Pact is reshaping the apparel industry by marrying sustainability, social impact, and thoughtful design. Co-founder Jeff Denby spoke with Frances Anderton in 2014 about the philosophy behind the brand, tracing a journey from organic cotton farms in India to certified factories in Turkey, all with the goal of delivering high-quality, accessible clothing that respects both people and the planet.

Denby notes that consumer awareness has evolved in stages. Shoppers first became curious about food origins, learning that groceries come from farms, not just shelves. This consciousness extended to body care products, as people began asking what they were putting on their skin. Apparel is the next frontier. “People want to know what they’re wearing every day,” Denby explains. “They want products that are beautifully designed, sustainable, and safe, without having to reinvent what underwear or socks should look like.”

Early in Pact’s history, the company experimented with philanthropic partnerships, designing collections that supported nonprofit causes. These initiatives provided aid to communities abroad, from distributing lanterns in Haiti to rebuilding community centers in Japan. However, Denby realized the brand could make a deeper impact by focusing inward—supporting the lives of the workers who create the products. By investing in stable, ethical supply chains, Pact achieves a triple bottom line: economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Reviving large-scale apparel manufacturing in the United States proved impractical for Pact. Labor costs, fractured supply chains, and limited domestic processing infrastructure made it impossible to produce affordable basics at scale. Instead, the brand partnered with existing factories abroad, ensuring they meet strict certifications such as the Global Organic Textile Standard. Denby emphasizes that these certifications guarantee fair labor practices, gender equity, and safe working conditions—factors often overlooked in conventional apparel production.

Beyond ethical sourcing, Pact prioritizes product safety and environmental responsibility. Cotton cultivation and traditional textile processing can involve significant pesticide use and harmful chemicals. Pact works with organic cotton farmers and certified dye houses, eliminating heavy metals and carcinogens from their products. Waste management is also integral; leftover yarn and fabrics are recycled into new garments or repurposed for other industries, demonstrating that sustainability extends from field to factory to finished product.

Denby envisions Pact as the “basics brand for the change generation,” appealing to consumers who value ethics, transparency, and design. The brand is part of a coalition with other sustainable apparel companies, collaborating to secure fair market access for farmers, grow organic cotton production, and educate the public on the human stories behind clothing. Social media and events provide direct channels to communicate these values, allowing consumers to engage with the brand and understand the people and processes behind the garments they wear.

For Pact, the mission goes beyond selling clothing. It is about proving that everyday apparel can be ethical, well-designed, and accessible, while creating meaningful social impact. By integrating philanthropy, sustainability, and consumer education into the business model, Pact is showing that the basics—underwear, socks, and t-shirts—can carry a powerful message: that fashion can be responsible, thoughtful, and inclusive.

Industry experts discuss the shift from “The Triangle” to “The Zone,” the explosion of ADUs in Southern California, and why your Pinterest board might be lying to you.

Southern California builders, designers, and innovators to dissect the radical shifts in residential design since 2022. The conversation moves beyond simple aesthetics to explore how the “post-pandemic” home has become a multi-functional hub. From the technical complexities of “electrically heavy” kitchens to the rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as multi-generational lifelines, this episode serves as a masterclass in the collaborative effort required to build a “forever home” in today’s market.

The Participants

Daniel Franco: DuMonde Builders

Denise Fernandez & Tanisha Johnson Monroe: Johnson & Fernandez Interior Design

J.R. Joseph Rodriguez: Joseph Interiors

Verzine Hovasapyan: Director of Innovation for Pacific Sales

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Great Post-Pandemic Kitchen Reset

Leading builders and designers discuss the demise of the “work triangle,” the rise of multigenerational spaces, and why clients must stop scrolling Pinterest and start budgeting before remodeling.

Summary of Key Concepts

• The Death of the “Work Triangle”: The traditional 1940s “work triangle” has been replaced by specialized “micro-zones” (e.g., breakfast stations, baking zones, “Mission Control” homework hubs) to accommodate multi-user and multi-generational households.
• The Intergenerational Anchor: As adult children and elderly parents move back, kitchens are expanding into living areas, becoming the specialized, central ecosystem that anchors the home.
• Specialization Over Cabinetry: Clients now prioritize hyper-specific, electrically heavy stations (like advanced smoothie stations with plumbing or complex water filtration for a coffee obsession) over a simple maximum quantity of cabinet boxes.
• Aging in Place & Wellness: Technology like steam ovens, induction cooktops (safer for both younger cooks and seniors), and automated, sensory lighting is being integrated to support lifelong wellness in “forever homes.”
• The Crucial Co-Lab: Designer + GC + Vendor: The most successful projects integrate the interior designer and the contractor from the discovery call, ensuring the client is educated on true procurement timelines and material realities before walls go up.
• The Death of the “Kitchen Triangle”: Designers are moving away from traditional layouts toward “zone-based” design. Modern kitchens now feature dedicated baking stations, “mission control” desks for homework, and professional-grade coffee bars.
• The Multi-Generational Shift: High interest rates and cost-of-living increases are bringing adult children and elderly parents back under one roof. This has turned ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) from optional luxuries into essential square footage for privacy and accessibility.
• Wellness & Innovation: A surge in “healthy home” awareness is driving the popularity of induction cooktops (reducing gas emissions) and steam ovens over traditional ranges.
• The “Team-First” Approach: Why engaging a contractor and designer before plan-check saves thousands. The panel explains how early collaboration prevents “alarmist” project meetings and ensures technical feasibility for heavy appliance loads.
• The Pinterest/AI Pitfall: Experts warn against the “social media expectation gap.” They discuss how to translate a “feeling” from an AI-generated image into a functional, buildable reality that fits a Southern California budget.
• Quality Disparity: A crucial lesson on “Trade vs. Retail” products—explaining why the same brand name can have vastly different internal components (plastic vs. brass) depending on where it’s purchased.

Resource Links & Applicable Elements

• Dumont Builders: Official Website – Specialty commercial and high-end residential construction.
• Johnson & Fernandez Interior Design: Portfolio & Services – Full-service design specializing in color and new construction.
• Pacific Sales: Kitchen & Home Innovations – A one-stop shop for premium appliances and plumbing fixtures.
• California ADU Laws: HCD Official Portal – Information on the updated regulations making garage conversions and ADUs easier in Southern California.
• Induction vs. Gas: Energy Star Guide – Research on the wellness and efficiency benefits of the induction technology discussed by the panel.

Building Beyond Aesthetics in the Twin Cities

Residential architecture in the Twin Cities requires a unique blend of grit and intentionality. From the “Scandinavian tradition” of high-level craftsmanship to the technical demands of a 115-degree annual temperature swing, designing in this environment is an exercise in functional resilience. This conversation explores how extreme climates and a “Midwest mindset” shape the way we live and the ways homes must evolve to meet the needs of multi-generational families. The following conversation I had with PKA Architecture’s Kristine Anderson, Andrew Edwins and Ryan Fish was wide ranging and dove deep into;

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Architecture of Endurance

In the heart of the Twin Cities, architecture is less about making a statement and more about surviving a cycle. To design a home in Minnesota is to engage in a high-stakes negotiation with physics. When the mercury drops to -15°F and climbs to 100°F within the same calendar year, materials don’t just sit there—they breathe, swell, and contract at a cellular level. As the team from PKA Architecture notes, this environment serves as a rigorous training ground. If a design can thrive in the Twin Cities, it possesses the technical “confidence” to perform anywhere in the world.

This technical necessity has birthed a culture of craftsmanship that distinguishes the region. Rooted in Scandinavian cabinet-making traditions, local builders and architects push one another toward a level of precision where “half-assing” is not an option—the weather simply won’t allow it. It is a pragmatic form of beauty where the “Midwest mindset” rejects the flashy labels of coastal luxury in favor of quiet, intentional excellence.

Moreover, the modern home is being asked to do more than provide shelter; it is becoming a flexible vessel for the human lifecycle. The conversation highlights a significant shift toward long-term master planning. Homeowners are increasingly looking ten years down the road, asking how a space can adapt to adult children returning home or elderly parents moving in. By moving away from the “phantom buyer” of resale-focused design, architects are helping clients create homes that are deeply personal and functionally resilient. Whether it is through the seamless integration of invisible technology or the preservation of “ritual spaces” for calm, the goal remains the same: making life easier for those who inhabit the space, one season at a time.

• Resiliency as a Design Requirement: Extreme temperature swings expose construction flaws quickly, leading to a local culture that prioritizes performance and durability over surface-level trends.
• The Intentionality of “Midwest Modern”: A pragmatic approach to design that rejects “excess” but holds craftsmanship—rooted in the region’s Scandinavian heritage—to an incredibly high standard.
• Life Beyond the “Phantom Buyer”: A shift toward designing for the current inhabitant’s actual life rather than future resale, including planning for multi-generational living and aging in place.
• Integrating Technology Naturally: Embracing technology as a design layer—such as half-inch recessed lighting—that enhances daily life without overwhelming the home’s aesthetic.
• Materiality and the Seasons: The “one-year seasonal change” is a standard expectation in local construction, allowing wood and metal to settle through the intense humidity shifts of the Midwest.

Designing for Life: Architecture, Emotion, and the Long View

Architect Cathy Purple Cherry challenges the idea that buildings are static objects, arguing instead that great architecture evolves with human behavior, emotion, and time.

From biophilic design and post-pandemic living patterns to aging-in-place and purposeful restraint, Purple Cherry shares how architecture can improve quality of life across generations—without chasing trends or perfection.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

In this episode of Convo By Design, I share my first conversation with architect Cathy Purple Cherry for a wide-ranging conversation on architecture as a deeply human, emotionally driven discipline. Purple Cherry discusses how architects must design for decades—not design cycles—and how shifts in technology, work culture, and climate have fundamentally altered the way homes and workplaces should function.

Everything that embodies a design icon… right here. The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. An incredible partner in design.

The conversation explores the lasting impact of biophilic design, the realities of working from home at different life stages, and why many contemporary office environments fail to support collaboration or productivity. Purple Cherry also reflects on aging, accessibility, and the importance of designing homes that support real relationships, not social-media perfection.

I sat down with Ron Radziner and Leo Marmol to dig into why building in Southern California feels like an uphill battle and how we can actually fix it.

After their talk at WestEdge, I caught up with Ron and Leo to process everything discussed. We’re at a major inflection point in Southern California, and I wanted to know how their perspective has shifted since they started back in ’89. We dove into the “fucking NIMBYs,” the skyrocketing costs of construction, and why our current zoning laws are essentially a slow-motion economic disaster. From the lessons of the Palisades fires to the potential of prefab, we explored what it actually takes to build a sustainable community when the deck is stacked against you.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

The Cost of Inequality: Ron shared his deep worry about the growing gap between the middle class and the ultra-wealthy, and how rising construction costs are making it nearly impossible to provide housing for anyone in between.

Zoning is the Real Bottleneck: We agreed that the talent and desire to build are there, but we lack the political will to let architects do their jobs. Our current planning and zoning laws are the primary hurdles to building quickly and affordably.

The Density Myth: Leo pushed back hard on the idea that density is the problem. He pointed out that 72% of our residential land is locked into single-family homes, which simply can’t support the housing volume we need.

Stopping the Sprawl: We talked about the need to stop sprawling into high-risk wildfire zones like Riverside County and instead focus on density and infill within the urban core.

Limits on Community Vetoes: While community input matters, Leo argued there has to be a point where the litigation stops. We can’t let individual voices stall essential progress like bike lanes and sustainable housing forever.

The Prefab Opportunity: With so many similar lots needing to be rebuilt in the Palisades and Altadena, Ron sees a massive opening for high-quality prefab construction to get people back into homes faster.

Lessons from Lortondale: I brought up my move to Tulsa and the Lortondale community—a whole neighborhood of mid-century modern tract homes that are still intact, in demand, and haven’t been commodified out of reach. It’s proof that mass-produced architecture can have a soul and stay accessible.

Applicable Elements and Links

Marmol Radziner: https://www.marmol-radziner.com/

WestEdge Design Fair: https://www.westedgedesign.com/

Lortondale, Tulsa: https://www.lortondale.com/

California Coastal Commission: https://www.coastal.ca.gov/

California ADU Handbook: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-and-programming/accessory-dwelling-units

CEQA Overview: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/CEQA

The episode you are going to hear today was over a decade in the making. LuAnn Niagara is the host of A Well Designed Business. The podcast launched in 2016 and set the standard for what a business of design podcast should be. LuAnn’s focus was then and is today focused on helping designers up level their design studios. LuAnn was hosting a session for the KBIS Podcast Studio and we had some time during the show and I can’t remember who brought up the idea, I think it was me who suggested to LuAnn, that this would be a great time for us to record a conversation about our own journey and collaborate on a crossover episode. It could be fun!

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Oh, it was fun. We talked about so much but what is really special about this… If you continue to listen here, you are going to get, I’m sure, a vastly different presentation. The exact same conversation will air on both feeds, but the context and philosophy is different. I have a tremendous amount of respect for LuAnn. She has done something special. If you are a designer, architect, maker, you know what I mean. She created something from nothing and every one of us here knows how hard that is. 

In setting up this interview, I want to provide both context and a bit of storytelling. You are going to hear four very brief clips before we get to my conversation with LuAnn. It’s been a while since I shared this on the show, but in addition to my broadcast experience in music and sports, I was the general manager and program director for Playboy Radio. In that role, I hosted a show on the channel called the Playboy Radio Interview. She show was a one on one with guests that I thought would resonate by telling unique and personal stories about their journey. And what I want you to realize as you listen to these is that we all go through many of the same things, experience the same challenges and nobody in life achieves anything without a little luck and support. That support can come from family and friends, it can come from a trusted advisor and it can come in the form of hearing stories about others told by industry voices, like LuAnn or me. The first clip you are going to hear is US Mens National Hockey legend, Mike Eruzioni. You would up where you are due to a series of circumstances that aren’t always within your control. Guess what, nobody is. It’s what you do next and how you need to keep going because you never know where that big opportunity os going to come from.

The next segment you are going to hear is actor, Tom Sizemore. Sizemore has since past but he still has lessons to share. I’m not going to set this clip up too much because I think it speaks for itself. The concept is “challenge” and the friends and supporters who help us along the way.

It doesn’t get more real or powerful than that. Next up is George Lopez. He and I were speaking about community. That of the musicians playing the upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival and how creatives like musicians and comics help each other along the way. I share this with the hope that our industry continues to help each other in an ever chaotic and complicated world. 

The final clip is legendary. It’s Henry Winkler on going with his instincts. Imagine when Henry Winkler was on set, day one, starting off as Arther Fonzerelli he was looking at TikTok and became influenced by what the trends were instead of being himself, going with his gut and trusting his authentic intuition? Things might be different.

These concepts; A strong work ethic matters, We all need help and a little luck, Support is as important as giving back and Trusting your gut and being authentic. Next up, you are going to hear my conversation with LuAnn Niagara recorded live from KBIS, right after this.

From the show floor at CEDIA Expo 2025, three distinct voices reveal an industry in the midst of transformation—where technology, design, and business are converging in new and unexpected ways. What emerges is not a story about gadgets, but about integration at every level: systems, teams, and ideas. The future of the home is being shaped as much by collaboration and communication as by innovation itself.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Jason Knott, Hagan Kappler, and Bob Schuppe each bring a different lens to the evolving world of residential technology, exploring how integrators, designers, and architects must align to meet rising expectations around performance, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Jason Knott | D-Tools

Integration Over Innovation
The industry has shifted from breakthrough moments (CDs, DVDs, early automation) to iterative refinement.
https://www.d-tools.com

Lighting as the Entry Point
Lighting design is now the gateway for integrators to engage at the earliest stages of a project.
https://www.lutron.com
https://www.ketra.com

Early-Stage Collaboration
Integrators must be involved during architectural planning to avoid conflicts with structure, HVAC, and design intent.
https://cedia.org

The Designer–Integrator Language Gap
Misalignment between aesthetics and performance leads to inefficiencies and compromised outcomes.

“Wall Acne” and Invisible Technology
The push to hide visible tech (switches, speakers, controls) has created a sub-industry of concealment solutions.
https://www.framemytv.com
https://www.futureautomation.net

Business Software as Competitive Advantage
End-to-end platforms improve efficiency, project management, and profitability (~13% increase).
https://www.d-tools.com/system-integrator
https://www.d-tools.com/cloud

AI in Integration (Early Stage)
AI is being applied to proposal generation and security analytics, though much of the market is still in hype phase.

Resistance to Change
Legacy workflows (Word, Excel) persist despite clear operational disadvantages.

Designing for Reality
Client preferences, budget, and compromise often override ideal technical execution.

Hagan Kappler | Daisy

National Integration Platform
Scaling a fragmented industry through acquisition and brand unification.
https://daisyco.com

Consistency Across Multiple Residences
Clients expect identical user experiences across homes in different locations.

Recurring Revenue Model
Quarterly service visits transform integrators from project-based vendors into long-term partners.

Builder/Designer-Centric Business Model
Majority of work driven through relationships with architects, builders, and interior designers.

Purchasing Power & Market Influence
Scale enables stronger relationships with manufacturers and influence over product development.

Industry Consolidation Trend
Integration is following other trades (HVAC, pest control) toward aggregation and higher valuations.

Workforce Development & Labor Shortage
Critical shortage of technicians is limiting industry growth.

Women in Integration
Expanding the talent pool through apprenticeship programs and leadership pathways.
https://cedia.org/education

Education Pipeline Development
Outreach to high schools and partnerships with manufacturers to build awareness of integration careers.

Client Lifecycle Expansion
Shifting from one-time installs to ongoing service, upgrades, and data-driven engagement.

Bob Schuppe | Resolute Design Group

Lighting as the New Frontier
Lighting has become the defining category in modern integration.
https://www.lutron.com
https://www.ketra.com

Decline of Traditional Recessed Lighting
Shift from large can lights to small aperture, modular, and precision lighting systems.

Integrator as Technology Guide
Role evolving into advisor/translator—helping clients discover what’s possible.

Authenticity vs. Aesthetic Perfection
Designers removing tech elements from photos raises questions about transparency in design.

Invisible but Functional Technology
Technology should disappear visually while remaining fully accessible and high-performing.

Reliability Over Innovation
“Bulletproof” systems are more valuable than bleeding-edge solutions that may fail.

Engineering-Driven Approach
Performance, redundancy, and consistency are core to successful system design.

Blurred Lines Between Trades
Increasing overlap between electricians, designers, builders, and integrators.

Manufacturer–Integrator Feedback Loop
Experienced integrators play a key role in shaping product development.

Audio Nostalgia & Tangibility
Resurgence of vinyl, CDs, and physical media reflects desire for tactile experiences.
https://www.sonos.com
https://www.mcintoshlabs.com

Emotional Connection to Technology
Technology is not purely functional—it shapes memory, identity, and experience.

Integration as a Discipline, Not a Layer
Technology must be embedded from the beginning of the design process—not added later.

Collaboration as Competitive Advantage
The most successful projects are built on shared ownership between designers, architects, and integrators.

Aesthetics vs. Performance Tension
Balancing clean design with technical requirements remains the central challenge.

Standardization vs. Customization
Clients want both highly personalized spaces and consistent experiences across properties.

The Rise of Service-Based Models
Recurring engagement is replacing one-time project delivery.

Technology Disappearing Into Architecture
The end goal is seamless integration—where tech enhances space without calling attention to itself.

In the wake of the devastating January 2025 fires, the architectural community in Southern California is facing a reckoning. The conversation at the recent panel I hosted at Ganahl Lumber in Torrance made one thing clear: the old metrics of “durability” are no longer enough. The industry is moving toward a philosophy of resilience.

For Anthony Poon of Poon Design and Ben Ballentine of Ballaetine Architects, the challenge lies in balancing this need for hardened structures with the fundamental human desire for beauty and light. As Poon noted, a building could be made entirely fireproof, but if it ends up looking like a “bomb shelter,” the architecture has failed its purpose. The goal is now “kinetic” and “resourceful” design—structures that don’t just survive a disaster but facilitate the recovery of the families within them.

The panel also addressed the friction between rapid rebuilding and thoughtful design. With developers racing to fill the housing shortage by “plopping down” identical units, Luis Murillo of LMG Architecture Studio raised concerns about the loss of neighborhood character. Meanwhile, Jay Williams of TimberTech highlighted how material science—blending the aesthetics of natural wood with the fire-rated performance of advanced PVC and fiber cement—is bridging the gap between safety and style.

Ultimately, the consensus was that technology, from AI-driven detailing to digital twin visualizations, is shrinking the production timeline but cannot replace the human element. The architect’s role is evolving from a pure designer into a “civic leader” and “marriage counselor,” navigating a world where clients are armed with TikTok-sourced ideas and a desperate need for a sense of home in an increasingly volatile environment.

Key Concepts

• Resilience vs. Strength: The shift from making buildings “unbreakable” to making them “recoverable” and resourceful after a cataclysm.
• The “Bomb Shelter” Dilemma: The struggle to meet strict fire and safety codes (like hardening the building envelope) without sacrificing natural light and aesthetic appeal.
• Material Science Innovation: The rise of high-performance composites (James Hardie/TimberTech) that offer Class A fire ratings while mimicking the warmth of natural materials.
• Architectural Accountability: The increasing need for architects to provide highly specific, litigious-level detailing due to shifting contractor liabilities.
• The AI Influence: How AI is revolutionizing visualization and R&D, while simultaneously creating “educated but misinformed” clients.
• Rebuilding Ethics: The tension between the speed of rebuilding in burn areas and the opportunity to rethink density and multifamily housing.

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.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

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.

Ginger Rabe

“During Covid everyone was home all day. Now I design for what happens when people come home after being gone all day.”

“The hardest conversation now is telling clients that what cost $50,000 five years ago might be $185,000 today.”

“Sometimes the challenge of designing a luxury kitchen for $22,000 is actually fun—it forces creativity.”

“I build kitchens around how people really cook, not how kitchens are supposed to work.”

“Designers today are often the first people explaining what a project actually costs.”

Kendra Araujo

“Clients are overwhelmed by information now—our job is guiding them through the process.”

“The price conversation is happening much earlier than it used to.”

“People want their dream kitchen, but the cost realities have changed dramatically.”

“We’re constantly helping clients prioritize what actually matters most.”

“There’s so much analysis paralysis today that designers have become translators.”

Kaylee Blaylock

“Function comes first—our job is to make the kitchen work for the client before it looks beautiful.”

“We start with questionnaires because every person in a household uses the kitchen differently.”

“Appliances today allow us to personalize kitchens in ways we couldn’t before.”

“We’re designing zones now—smoothie stations, coffee stations, prep areas.”

“The kitchen has become much more individualized.”

Taylor Troia

“We usually start with appliances because they dictate the entire layout.”

“Once clients understand their appliance choices, the kitchen design almost begins to solve itself.”

“There are so many new appliance innovations that we’re constantly learning.”

“Travel and design shows open our eyes to things that haven’t even reached the U.S. yet.”

“Knowing what’s possible globally helps us serve our clients better locally.”

Rachel Moriarty

“Covid activated more users in the kitchen—people learned to cook.”

“I think about kitchens as stations—charcuterie stations, prep zones, cooking zones.”

“Circulation patterns are the first thing we think about when designing a kitchen.”

“Professional kitchen thinking is influencing residential design more than ever.”

“The best kitchens are ecosystems where people can work without colliding.”

Jules Wilson

“We try to let clients talk first because what they say initially is always the most important.”

“You learn far more by listening than by running through a checklist.”

“Many younger clients have huge wish lists—but they’re often unrealistic.”

“Part of our role is helping clients narrow their priorities.”

“Kitchen design today is as much about psychology as it is about layout.”

Nate Fisher

“Appliances have become central to how we design kitchens.”

“Technology is evolving so quickly it’s hard to keep up with everything available.”

“Every cabinet now has a specialized insert or storage function.”

“Clients want everything organized and hidden away.”

“A clean kitchen visually creates peace in the home.”

Concepts

The Post-Covid Kitchen Shift

Price Shock and the New Budget Reality

Kitchen Zoning and Multi-User Design

Appliance Innovation and Technology

Personalization Through Storage and Organization

Aging in Place and Accessibility

Outdoor Kitchens as Lifestyle Extensions

New England designer Nicole Hirsch explains how the interior design profession evolved from service provider to brand identity, why craftsmanship still matters in a digital-first world, and how historic architecture shapes modern living.

Since launching her firm, Nicole Hirsch, principal of Nicole Hirsch Interiors, has witnessed—and helped shape—the transformation of the interior design profession. What was once a service-driven industry has evolved into one defined by recognizable brands, signature aesthetics, and curated storytelling. For Hirsch, success today requires far more than talent; it requires clarity of voice, visual identity, and trust built through consistency.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Shelter Republic – Request your membership invitation

Drawing from her marketing background, Hirsch has developed a design philosophy rooted in timeless, demure, and textural interiors that balance modern functionality with historical reverence. Working throughout Boston and New England, she specializes in full-scale renovations and new construction projects that preserve architectural heritage while adapting homes for contemporary family life.

In this conversation, Hirsch breaks down the realities of running a luxury design firm—from managing client expectations and navigating scope creep to understanding the evolving role of social media and editorial publishing. She also offers insight into the technical craftsmanship behind her work, revealing how thoughtful details—from custom millwork to concealed functionality—shape both the user experience and the visual narrative of a home.

The Evolution of the Designer-as-Brand

• How the industry shifted from service provider to identity-driven brand
• Why visual consistency builds trust and attracts aligned clients
• The strategic influence of Hirsch’s marketing background

Signature Style vs. Personalization

• Developing a recognizable aesthetic without creating repetitive projects
• The role of neutral palettes, layered textures, and timeless composition
• Why clients seek designers for perspective rather than replication

The Craftsman Approach to Interior Design

• Designing beyond furnishings and décor
• Full architectural collaboration including:
  • Millwork planning
  • Custom elevations
  • Stone and material specification
• The growing expectation for designers to function as technical project leaders

Designing Within Historic New England Architecture

• Working within strict preservation parameters in Boston neighborhoods
• Balancing modern family living with architectural authenticity
• Integrating contemporary amenities into historic shells

The Modern Press and Social Media Economy

• Why full-scale renovation projects drive editorial opportunities
• Social media as both marketing engine and creative liability
• Combating unrealistic client expectations and trend saturation

Managing Scope, Budget, and Communication

• Early and transparent cost discussions
• The collaborative triangle between designer, builder, and architect
• Educating clients on value versus cost

Designing the Invisible

• Functional elements that disappear visually but elevate usability:
  • Appliance garages
  • Hidden outlets and infrastructure
  • Custom stone fabrication
• Why technical precision supports aesthetic clarity

Project References

River Glen

A refined exploration of white kitchen design featuring advanced stone fabrication and layered material detailing.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

Miller Hill Road

A family-focused basement renovation highlighting creative ceiling articulation and flexible living spaces for a household with four children.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

The Weston Addition

A spa-inspired primary suite featuring a dramatic three-sided glass and steel shower enclosure and integrated wellness-driven design.
🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com

Key Takeaways

• The modern interior designer must operate as both creative and brand strategist.
• Signature style attracts aligned clients but must remain flexible enough to personalize every project.
• High-level design now requires deep technical knowledge and full collaboration with architecture and construction teams.
• Historic architecture demands restraint, respect, and thoughtful modernization.
• Editorial press increasingly favors comprehensive renovation storytelling over single-room reveals.
• Invisible functional details often define exceptional design quality.

A candid conversation with interior designers Arianne Bellizaire and Sara Malek Barney on navigating burnout, emotional labor, client management, and creative growth in today’s unpredictable design industry.

From boundary-setting to decision fatigue, social media pressures, and sustaining ambition, this episode explores the strategies and mindsets designers use to remain successful, resilient, and inspired amid market volatility and personal demands.

Identity & Evolution in Design

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

Burnout vs Ambition

1. • 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

1. • 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

1. • 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.

Decision Fatigue & Process Control

1. • Guiding clients with structured processes reduces decision fatigue and builds trust.
   • Transparent communication about costs, changes, and expectations protects both designer and client satisfaction.

Sustaining Creativity

1. • Exposure to new experiences, products, peers, and travel is vital for creative rejuvenation.
   • Nature, walks, and offline activities clear mental clutter and inspire problem-solving.
   • Intentional “point-to-point” efforts—committing to new experiences—promote growth despite discomfort.

Financial & Business Literacy

1. • Designers must balance artistry with business realities.
   • Collecting payments, understanding scope, and setting clear expectations are critical professional skills.
   • Empowering team members while maintaining accountability ensures operational efficiency.

Resources:

AJ Madison

KBIS

Arianne Bellizaire  – Arianne Bellizaire Interiors

Sara Malek Barney – BANDD/DESIGN

In today’s unpredictable design industry, thriving requires more than talent—it demands resilience, strategy, and self-awareness. On this episode, interior designers Arianne Bellizaire and Sara Malek Barney dive into the complex landscape of professional design, sharing candid insights on burnout, emotional labor, client management, and sustaining creativity in chaotic times.

Designers often redefine their professional identity to adapt to evolving personal and industry priorities. As Bellizaire notes, “We are always changing, and how we describe ourselves now reflects our growth, our aspirations, and the life we’re building.” Similarly, Sara emphasizes the importance of aligning professional actions with personal values to maintain relevance, profitability, and balance.

Burnout, long treated as a badge of honor in design, is reframed here as a clear warning signal. Emotional labor—managing client expectations, facilitating collaboration, and resolving conflicts—often goes uncredited yet drives the success of every project. Both guests stress the importance of boundaries, scope management, and distinguishing between what one can do versus what one should do, emphasizing that ambition thrives when energy is strategically invested in core strengths.

Social media and comparison culture add another layer of complexity. Designers frequently face unrealistic expectations from clients influenced by curated online content, which can pressure them into overextending themselves. Establishing clear processes, communicating cost implications, and structuring client decisions effectively are key strategies for reducing stress while maintaining creative integrity. Decision fatigue, a common challenge in high-stakes residential projects, can be mitigated by guiding clients through structured choices while fostering trust.

Sustaining creativity amid chaos is a recurring theme. Arianne and Sara highlight exposure to new experiences, peers, travel, and even nature walks as essential methods to refresh the mind and spark innovative thinking. “A simple daily walk,” Arianne reflects, “can clear clutter, inspire problem-solving, and restore energy in ways that sitting at a desk never will.” Committing to uncomfortable but growth-oriented experiences, a “point-to-point principle,” is a subtle but critical habit for creative professionals.

Finally, the conversation underscores the business side of design. Designers must balance artistry with operational responsibility, from collecting payments to managing scope creep and training staff. Financial literacy and professional boundaries ensure that creative freedom does not come at the cost of personal wellbeing or firm profitability.

This episode offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to thrive in a chaotic, competitive industry. With honesty, humor, and hard-earned wisdom, Ariana and Sara provide strategies for navigating emotional, creative, and financial pressures while staying grounded, inspired, and relevant. For any designer striving to balance ambition with wellbeing, this conversation is both a blueprint and a call to action.

About Convo By Design: Convo By Design is the longest running podcast of its kind. The show is hosted, produced and published by Josh Cooperman. The podcast has been running since January, 2013. The show has published over seven hundred episodes, featured more than fifteen hundred designers and architects and has garnered over three million streams, downloads making it one of the most listened to design and architecture podcasts as well as being the first design podcast of its kind. For guest suggestions and show inquiries, please message us on Instagram @convoxdesign.

Launching a design firm is hard. Launching one days before a global shutdown is something else entirely. In this episode of Convo By Design, I speak with interior designer Justine about building a solo practice during COVID, transitioning from sales to structure, and navigating the modern realities of design—from virtual collaboration and technical complexity to burnout, authenticity, and creative control. It’s an honest conversation about what it really takes to grow a design business today without losing yourself in the process. Designing Through Disruption | Convo By Design Podcast is hosted and published by Josh Cooperman.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Interior designer Justine shares how launching a solo firm during COVID reshaped her business, creativity, and approach to authenticity in modern design.

Interior Design Podcast, Solo Design Practice, Post-Pandemic Design, Interior Designer Business, Design Authenticity, Lighting Design, Residential Renovation, Convo By Design

Episode Highlights Launching a design firm at the onset of COVID—and adapting without a roadmap

• Transitioning from sales and jewelry to residential design and construction
• The rise of the “one-woman studio” and the cost of wearing every hat
• How virtual meetings expanded access while eroding design community
• Why lighting plans are foundational—not optional
• Designing with intention under real budget constraints
• Choosing authenticity over polish in social media marketing
• Burnout prevention, creative resets, and the cautious use of AI tools

1. “I didn’t just start a business during COVID—I learned how to design without a safety net.”
2. “Virtual meetings made design more accessible, but they took away the intimacy that built real community.”
3. “Lighting is the difference between a room that looks good and one that actually works.”
4. “Being a one-woman studio means freedom—but it also means you feel every decision.”
5. “Not every project needs to be Instagram-perfect to be successful.”
6. “Clients don’t need more trends—they need clarity.”
7. “Scaling sounds great until you realize what you might lose creatively.”
8. “Burnout doesn’t happen all at once. It happens quietly.”
9. “Authenticity isn’t a brand strategy—it’s a survival tool.”
10. “AI can help with process, but instinct still drives good design.”

At KBIS 2026, Hearth & Home Technologies reveals how fireplaces are evolving from overlooked amenities into high-value, design-forward features that enhance both homes and builder offerings. We explore the emotional, aesthetic, and technological dimensions of modern fireplaces, from indoor-outdoor integration to bespoke U-shaped configurations. Designers, architects, and builders alike share insights on leveraging fireplaces for resale value, client engagement, and standout home experiences.

Mike Swanson – Director, Segment Marketing | Hearth & Home Technologies

Fireplaces are no longer just a cozy addition—they are strategic assets in home design, builder differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling.

Consumer Demand & Builder Value

1. • Fireplaces rank high on buyer wish lists; 77% of homebuyers desire a fireplace.
   • Adding a fireplace can increase home value by 10%, comparable to adding a garage.
   • Fireplaces differentiate homes and engage buyers beyond square footage, integrating lifestyle and personality into living spaces.

Design & Technology Integration

1. • Indoor and outdoor placement flexibility, including direct vent and electric fireplaces.
   • Heat management technology enabling safe TV placement above fireplaces.
   • Smart home integration, LED flame effects, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
   • Design-forward considerations: feature walls, proportion, architectural integration, and bespoke finishes.

Custom & Premium Solutions

1. • U-shaped, L-shaped, and multi-sided fireplaces offer signature focal points.
   • Customization options include firebox décor, decorative panels, and the Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels.
   • Aligning fireplace sizing with flat-panel TVs and overall home layout for maximum impact.

Builder & Designer Partnerships

1. • Education and engagement through Pro Advantage series, continuing education (AIA, IDEC), and builder programs.
   • National distribution network ensures on-time delivery and installation support.
   • Strategies for integrating fireplaces into model homes, luxury projects, and production homes across price points.
   • Collaboration between architects, designers, and builders to maximize aesthetic, functional, and financial value.

Innovation & Future Outlook

1. • New electric and digital flame technologies (e.g., SimpliFire Allusion Edge, SimpliFire Allusion Heritage).
   • Product refreshes every three years to maintain style-forward, timeless appeal.
   • Continuing to expand placement possibilities and premium customization for design-forward homes.

At KBIS 2026 in Orlando, Hearth & Home Technologies showcased how the modern fireplace is evolving from a standard home feature into a high-value, design-forward element that serves builders, designers, and homeowners alike. The conversation revealed that fireplaces are not just a source of warmth—they are strategic tools for engagement, differentiation, and lifestyle storytelling in residential design.

Research consistently shows that fireplaces are among the most desired features in new homes, with 77% of buyers listing them as a priority. Beyond emotional appeal, fireplaces offer tangible value: they can add up to 10% to a home’s resale value—equivalent to a garage—while remaining relatively accessible, starting at approximately $2,000. For builders, fireplaces help differentiate offerings in competitive markets, enhance staging appeal, and align with buyer desires for personalization and interaction.

Modern fireplaces extend well beyond traditional living rooms. Hearth & Home Technologies’ portfolio includes indoor, outdoor, and indoor-outdoor configurations, allowing architects and designers to integrate fireplaces into kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, and shared spaces. Electric fireplaces offer unprecedented placement flexibility, while gas units with direct vent technology allow designers to position flames virtually anywhere without compromising air quality. Heat management innovations also enable TVs to be safely mounted above fireplaces, merging functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Customization and premium finishes remain a hallmark of Hearth & Home’s strategy. Their U-shaped and L-shaped designs, multi-sided fireplaces, and the Stellar by Heat & Glo Enlight Collection’s fireproof image panels demonstrate the growing appetite for bespoke elements that reflect homeowners’ individuality. Proportion, scale, and feature integration—such as firebox décor, stone slabs, or quartz surrounds—allow designers to create compelling focal points that harmonize with the broader home environment.

Equally important is the company’s commitment to builder and designer partnerships. Their Pro Advantage program, continuing education courses through AIA and IDEC, and extensive distribution network ensure that both builders and designers have the knowledge, tools, and on-site support to incorporate fireplaces seamlessly. Builders benefit from reliable supply chains and flexible pricing options, while designers gain access to innovative solutions that align with client expectations.

Technology continues to play a central role in Hearth & Home’s product evolution. Wi-Fi-enabled fireplaces, LED rotisserie flames, and digital flame technologies like the SimpliFire Allusion Edge, SimpliFire Allusion Heritage allow homeowners to control ambiance remotely and safely. Wood-burning fireplaces adhere to EPA standards, ensuring environmentally conscious solutions for diverse markets. The company also emphasizes timeless design, prioritizing chic, intentional, and adaptable products over fleeting trends.

As KBIS 2026 demonstrates, fireplaces are more than decorative features—they are emotional anchors, value drivers, and design catalysts. By combining technology, customization, and education, Hearth & Home Technologies positions the fireplace as an essential component of modern residential architecture, offering builders, designers, and homeowners a tool to elevate both experience and value.

Learn More:

• Hearth & Home Technologies: https://www.hearthnhome.com
• Stellar by Heat & Glo: https://stellar.heatnglo.com/
• AIA Continuing Education: https://www.aia.org/education
• AJ Madison

Transforming the Kitchen Experience: How Kitchen365 Streamlines Design, Specification, and Delivery

At KBIS 2026, Bhavin Patel and Hiren Modi of Kitchen365 discuss how their end-to-end technology platform is reshaping the kitchen cabinet industry—making design faster, orders more accurate, and showrooms more agile.

• Digitizing Kitchen Design: Kitchen365’s design service accelerates the process from field measurement to final kitchen plan, completing in hours instead of a week.
• B2B Order Management System (OMS): Streamlines dealer and distributor interactions, supports tiered pricing, multi-warehouse fulfillment, and integrates with existing design software like ProKitchen.
• Consumer-Facing Digital Tools: Price estimators and visualizers allow homeowners to explore and configure kitchens online, reducing showroom dependency.
• Reducing Scope Creep & Specification Drift: Digital twins and high-fidelity visualizations ensure designs align with customer expectations, lowering errors and change orders.
• Process Integration & Efficiency: CSV-driven workflows reduce manual data entry, freeing staff for higher-value work and increasing accuracy.
• Hybrid Showroom Model: Physical showrooms serve as inspiration hubs, while digital platforms handle design, ordering, and lead generation.
• Democratizing Information: Transparency across pricing, inventory, and specifications strengthens trust between showrooms, designers, distributors, and clients.
• Competitive Advantage Through Workflow: Beyond products and aesthetics, efficiency and integration of design, data, and delivery create the next edge in the kitchen industry.

At KBIS 2026, Kitchen365 is showcasing a transformative approach to the kitchen cabinet industry. Founded to address the fragmented workflows between designers, retailers, and manufacturers, Kitchen365 is more than a software company—it is a full-scale ecosystem that digitizes, automates, and scales the kitchen design process.

Bhavin Patel, President, and Hiren Modi, Co-Founder and CEO, shared their journey of identifying inefficiencies in the industry. From lengthy design cycles that could take a week to fulfill to manual order entry prone to costly errors, the opportunity for modernization was clear. Kitchen365 first tackled this by offering a kitchen design service that allows designers to focus on client interactions while the platform handles technical drawings, reducing turnaround times to mere hours.

The platform’s B2B Order Management System (OMS) revolutionizes distributor and dealer workflows. Tiered pricing, multi-warehouse inventory tracking, and CSV integrations with design software reduce manual errors and improve fulfillment speed. Retailers now have the ability to quickly provide quotes, place orders, and communicate with clients without extensive back-office staffing.

For homeowners, Kitchen365 offers interactive digital tools like price estimators and 3D visualizers, enabling them to explore kitchen options remotely. High-fidelity visualizations and digital twins reduce “specification drift,” ensuring that what is imagined in the design phase aligns with the final installation. This not only minimizes costly post-order changes but also enhances the overall customer experience.

Kitchen365 also empowers showrooms to evolve. Dealers gain enterprise-level digital portals with catalog management, lead generation, and design visualization, all accessible for a modest subscription. This hybrid model integrates physical and digital experiences, giving clients the tactile inspiration of a showroom and the efficiency of an online platform.

Underlying all these innovations is a commitment to transparency. By democratizing information across pricing, inventory, and specifications, Kitchen365 strengthens relationships between distributors, dealers, designers, and end clients. The result is a seamless, efficient, and more confident workflow—from first consultation to final installation.

Bhavin and Hiren emphasize that technology does not replace the human element but amplifies it. Designers become “complexity curators,” focusing on aesthetics and client experience while Kitchen365 handles data management, order accuracy, and process efficiency. The platform exemplifies how technology, when paired with industry expertise, can elevate every participant in the kitchen cabinet ecosystem.

In a market long defined by artisanal craftsmanship and manual processes, Kitchen365 demonstrates that the next competitive advantage isn’t just in style or materials—it’s in integrated, intelligent workflows that make the industry faster, more transparent, and more client-focused.

Guest: Brandon Drum, Owner | Prime Cabinetry

Learn more about Kitchen365:

• Kitchen365 Website

From high-end residential “wealth” to AI-responsive environments, top designers discuss why lighting is the most under-recognized—yet essential—element of the built environment.

Lighting is often the ghost in the machine of interior design: when it’s perfect, you don’t notice it; when it’s wrong, it’s all you can see. In a wide-ranging discussion featuring architectural lighting experts and residential designers, the conversation shifts from the utility of “turning on the lights” to the high-stakes world of experiential design.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

For firms like Focus Lighting and their partners like GRADE, the challenge lies in the nuance of the environment. Whether it’s the high-octane spectacle of the Times Square ball or the restrained elegance of a Chelsea penthouse, the philosophy remains the same: lighting should highlight architectural moments and art without revealing the source. This “invisible” approach is what separates a standard renovation from a truly bespoke residence.

The dialogue also touches on the psychological divide between “rich” and “wealthy” clients. While some desire flashy, obvious fixtures, the most sophisticated projects utilize layers of light—integrated into millwork, hidden in suede-pedal ceiling features, or tucked behind undulating panels—to create a sensory experience that feels natural and inevitable.

Looking forward, the industry is on the cusp of a technological revolution. We are moving toward responsive homes where AI recognizes individual inhabitants, adjusting the lighting plan to their specific preferences and moods in real-time. As designers push into new frontiers like luxury yachting and “Zoom-ready” home offices, the goal remains human-centric: using innovation not just because we can, but to make life better through the deliberate application of light.

Today, you are going to hear from Focus Lighting’s, Mike Cummings and partners of theirs in GRADE NY’s Edward Yedid and Thomas Hickey. Were talking about lighting and how the skilled application in design makes a difference in not just beauty, performance but quality of experience.

Core Concepts:

• The Power of Layers: Effective lighting isn’t about one bright source; it’s about a “team” of layers (decorative, accent, and task) working in tandem.
• The “Wealthy” Aesthetic: High-end design is shifting away from flashy fixtures toward “restrained” lighting where the source is hidden, but the effect is transformative.
• Collaboration is Mandatory: The most innovative solutions—like lighting art with tiny bronze heads or illuminating glass tables with “water droplet” fixtures—come from the friction between a designer’s vision and a lighting engineer’s technical skill.
• The Future is AI-Responsive: We are moving toward a “switch-less” world where homes utilize motion sensors and machine learning to anticipate a resident’s path and preference.
• Residential vs. Hospitality: In hospitality, the light source is often a celebrated feature; in residential, the goal is for the lighting to disappear into the architecture.

Resources & Applicable Elements

• Focus Lighting: An architectural lighting design firm known for projects ranging from Times Square to private luxury residences.
• GRADE NY: Since GRADE’s founding in 2004, it has been our belief that integrating architecture and interior design from the outset creates the most beautiful, balanced and cohesive solutions.
• Lutron Systems: A leader in lighting control and automated shading solutions mentioned as a “hook” for homeowners entering the world of smart design.
• Carpenters Workshop Gallery: Mentioned for their innovative, reactive light fixtures that respond to sound and motion.
• KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show): The premier event for kitchen and bath design professionals.

The Highlight Reel

• “If someone hasn’t used a lighting designer before, they ask us why we need one. If someone has used one before, they can’t wait to use them again.” — Eddie
• “Lighting design is a double-edged sword. The better job I’m doing, the less you appreciate it.” — Michael
• “Rich people are flashier—they want to see the light fixture. Our clients are wealthy… to them, this is just their world.” — Thomas
• “I can come to your house… and like a doctor, diagnose why you don’t like [the lighting] and then use those words to create a new design.” — Michael
• “You never hear anybody say ‘no’ in New York, because somebody else will say ‘yes’ right behind you.” — Eddie
• “We’re not lighting designers. We’re definitely not structural engineers… when we push the boundaries of our design, we want to have teammates who can say, ‘Oh, I’ve never done that before. Let’s figure out a solution together’ instead of ‘No.'” — Thomas

The emotional impact of our surroundings, the challenges of a multi-year global project, and why the perfect kitchen starts with the “mother archetype.”

Elana Tenenbaum Cline, architecturally trained-interior designer with a fascinating background rooted in both structured discipline and creative layering came into the virtual studio to share her journey from attending Syracuse University’s intensive architecture program to working on massive global projects like the Abu Dhabi Airport.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

The conversation explores the “practical creative” mindset, the importance of constraints in design, and the profound shift from large-scale architecture to the intimate human scale of interior design. Elana explains her philosophy that our surroundings completely impact how we perform and think, detailing how she uses personal narratives to craft spaces that truly resonate with her clients.

• The Architectural Foundation: Elana discusses growing up with a structured father and a creative mother, and how her five-year architecture degree informs her complex interior renovations today.
• The Emotional Connection: Why Elana pivoted to interior design to achieve a more intimate understanding of how people actually live—from how they serve coffee to their favorite childhood colors.
• We talk about running and The “Suck” of the Marathon: A unique analogy comparing the phases of a design project to running a marathon, specifically the “mile 20” moment where clients might lose the vision just before the finish line.
• Redefining Luxury: Why “luxury” in interior design might be as simple as a perfectly organized silverware drawer rather than just expensive materials.
• The Performance of Space: Insights into commercial projects like the West River Surgery Center, where the design’s primary goal is to evoke a sense of ease and calm for patients.

Elements & Links

• E: Explore Elana’s portfolio and the “all senses” approach to residential and commercial design.
• Syracuse Architecture: Information on the intensive five-year program that shaped Elana’s professional background.
• Convo By Design Archive: Catch up on previous episodes featuring architects and designers.
• The Soul of a House: A recommended read on the emotional impact of interior spaces.

“I call myself a practical creative. I love being creative, but I love having constraints.”

“What is so beautiful about architecture and interior design is… how do you actually live in the space? How do you think?”

“I believe that our surroundings completely impact how we feel, how we perform, and how we think.”

“Architecture, depending on the scale… can go on for a long time. There is a pace with interiors that keeps me going.”

“Luxury in architecture is a material choice… luxury in interior design might be a silverware organizer in a drawer.”

“In an interior project, mile 20 is when you’ve done all the work… you’re almost there, and the client doesn’t see the vision yet because they can’t sit on it or touch it.”

“I try to use plain speak with clients… even the wealthiest clients all have budgets and want to manage them extremely carefully.”

“You finish a renovation… and they put a pink Dove soap pump from Walgreens on the counter. It’s like a knife to the heart.”

“People want to be outside as much as possible; they want to connect to nature as much as possible while still having access to power and shade.”

In a category often defined by tradition, Green Forest Cabinetry is applying data science, manufacturing discipline, and cross-industry thinking to challenge long-held assumptions about cabinetry. Their approach reveals how operational precision—not marketing—creates real value for designers, builders, and homeowners.

Green Forest Cabinetry’s leadership team including, CEO, John Morgan, COO, Nathan Boone and CIO, Michael Boone share how treating cabinetry as an information-driven business, not just a manufacturing process, has enabled dramatic gains in quality, efficiency, and affordability. From machine learning and performance-based compensation to packaging innovation and cultural transformation, their story illustrates how operational clarity creates competitive advantage.

Cabinetry has long been viewed as a static category—functional, necessary, but rarely innovative. Yet beneath the surface, a new generation of manufacturers is redefining what cabinetry can be by focusing not on materials alone, but on systems, data, and human performance.

In this conversation, Green Forest Cabinetry’s leadership explains how they built a manufacturing culture centered on measurable output, accountability, and continuous improvement. Their approach borrows heavily from industries like automotive manufacturing, Formula One racing, and technology, where precision, repeatability, and efficiency are essential.

By applying machine learning to packaging optimization, implementing transparent performance metrics across their workforce, and prioritizing supply chain flexibility, the company has achieved a damage and defect rate of just 0.69%—far below the industry average of 2.5–3.5%. These gains not only reduce operational costs but dramatically improve reliability for designers, builders, and homeowners.

Ultimately, this conversation reveals a powerful truth: cabinetry is no longer just a product. It is a system. And the manufacturers who treat it as such are redefining the future of the industry.

Cabinetry as an Information Business, Not Just a Manufacturing Business

Green Forest views cabinetry as a data and logistics challenge as much as a fabrication process.

• Accurate information flow is more valuable than machinery alone.
• Data governs production timing, quality control, fulfillment, and service.
• Reliability—not just product quality—defines customer satisfaction.

Why It Matters:
Designers and builders don’t just need beautiful cabinetry—they need dependable delivery and complete orders.

Relevant Links:

• Green Forest Cabinetry
• https://www.greenforestcabinetry.com
• https://nkba.org

Bold Vision, Grounded Leadership, and the Relentless Pursuit of Purpose. In this deeply personal and strategic conversation, Corey Damen Jenkins shares the discipline, resilience, and intentional leadership behind his rise—from knocking on 779 doors to building a global design brand rooted in humility, creativity, and purpose.

Corey Damen Jenkins is widely recognized for his exuberant interiors—fearless color, rich materiality, and a joyful sense of aspiration. But behind the visual confidence is a disciplined leader, strategic thinker, and resilient entrepreneur who built his career through persistence, focus, and unwavering belief in his purpose.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

In this conversation, Jenkins reveals the principles that guide both his creative and business decisions. His “toy box philosophy” of time management emphasizes prioritization and clarity, while his belief in editing—removing distractions in both design and business—ensures that his work remains intentional and impactful.

Jenkins also shares the realities behind his success, including rejection, intellectual property challenges, and the pressures of leading a growing global brand. From licensing partnerships and product design to publishing and team building, every decision reflects his long-term commitment to protecting creative integrity and building something meaningful.

More than a story of success, this is a conversation about purpose. Jenkins explains how staying grounded, hiring with intention, and embracing humility have allowed him to build not just a celebrated design firm, but a life aligned with creativity, impact, and service.

Key Themes and Insights

Purpose-Driven Career Transformation

• Transitioned from automotive corporate buyer to interior designer after a layoff.
• Launched his firm during the 2008 recession—one of the most challenging economic periods.
• Persistence defined his early career, including knocking on 779 doors to secure his first major client.

The Toy Box Philosophy: Strategic Time and Energy Management

• Prioritize the most important commitments first.
• Apply discipline to protect creative energy and focus.
• Editing is essential in both design execution and business leadership.

Editing as a Creative and Business Discipline

• Great design is as much about restraint as expression.
• Strategic clarity requires removing distractions and excess.
• Focus strengthens creative voice and brand identity.

Leadership Through Humility and Intentional Hiring

• Values humility, integrity, and character over pure talent.
• Builds teams based on trust, collaboration, and shared values.
• Leadership grounded in humility creates resilience and longevity.

Protecting Creative Vision Through Licensing and IP Strategy

• Strategic licensing partnerships expand reach while protecting creative authorship.
• Collaboration with global brands strengthens business stability.
• Intellectual property protection is essential in today’s copy-driven market.

Designers as Emotional and Strategic Partners

• Designers serve as advisors, therapists, and trusted confidants.
• Design has emotional, psychological, and lifestyle impact.
• Interiors shape not only how spaces look—but how people live and feel.

Corey Damen Jenkins:

• “Success requires focus. You have to put the big priorities in first.”
• “Rejection isn’t failure—it’s part of the journey.”
• “Humility keeps you grounded and makes you a better leader.”
• “Design isn’t just about beauty. It’s about transformation.”
• “I didn’t just want a career. I wanted a purpose.”

Purpose Before Prestige: Corey Damen Jenkins on Building a Life—and Career—by Design

Corey Damen Jenkins has built a career defined by bold interiors, fearless creativity, and unmistakable confidence. But the true foundation of his success isn’t aesthetic—it’s discipline, humility, and purpose.

Long before his work appeared in books, product collections, and design publications, Jenkins faced the uncertainty of reinvention. After losing his corporate job, he committed fully to interior design, launching his firm during one of the most volatile economic periods in recent history. The early days tested his resolve. He knocked on 779 doors before securing his first major client—a defining experience that shaped his perspective on perseverance and belief.

Today, that same discipline informs every aspect of his work. Jenkins approaches both design and leadership with intentional focus. His “toy box philosophy”—prioritizing the most important commitments first—guides how he manages his time, his studio, and his creative energy. Editing, he believes, is essential not only to great interiors but to building a meaningful business.

As his influence has grown, Jenkins has expanded into licensing, publishing, and product design, carefully selecting partnerships that align with his values and protect his creative voice. Yet despite his success, he remains grounded in humility—a principle he considers essential to leadership, growth, and longevity.

For Jenkins, interior design is more than aesthetics. It is emotional, personal, and transformative. Designers shape how people experience their homes and their lives.

His journey serves as a reminder that meaningful success isn’t defined by visibility or recognition. It’s defined by purpose, resilience, and the courage to pursue a creative life with intention.

Beyond Technology: The New Design Frontier of Integration and Experience. Recorded live at CEDIA Expo 2025, Dan Ferrisi of EmeraldX and Caitlin Stewart of Leon Speakers explore how integration is evolving from technical infrastructure into a design-driven discipline—where storytelling, collaboration, and intentional product design define the future of connected environments.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Integration X Design: Why the Future of Connected Living Depends on Collaboration

At CEDIA Expo 2025, two parallel conversations revealed a shared reality: the future of technology in the built environment will be defined not by innovation alone, but by integration—and integration, increasingly, is a design discipline.

Dan Ferrisi, Group Editor for EmeraldX, has a front-row seat to the evolution of the integration industry. Through his editorial leadership and involvement in industry events, he sees a clear shift underway. Integrators are no longer viewed simply as technical specialists installing equipment at the end of a project. Instead, they are becoming essential collaborators—professionals who shape how people experience their environments through sound, light, security, and automation.

This evolution mirrors what Caitlin Stewart sees from her position at Leon Speakers. The Ann Arbor-based manufacturer has built its identity around a simple but powerful premise: technology must serve design. Rather than forcing architecture to accommodate equipment, Leon develops audio and concealment solutions that complement materials, finishes, and spatial intent.

For Stewart, the challenge isn’t technical—it’s cultural. Designers have historically minimized or hidden technology in order to preserve aesthetic integrity. The opportunity now is to create products that belong within the design language of the space itself.

Trade shows like CEDIA play a vital role in accelerating this transformation. They provide a platform where manufacturers, integrators, media, and designers can align around shared goals. They foster dialogue, education, and partnership—critical ingredients in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

The message from both conversations is clear: integration is no longer about devices. It is about experience. And the professionals who understand how to merge technology with design intention will define the future of connected living.

Luxury appliances are no longer defined by visibility—they’re defined by intentional invisibility, precision performance, and seamless integration. At KBIS 2026, SKS reveals how thoughtful innovation, AI integration, and designer collaboration are reshaping the kitchen into a quieter, smarter, more intuitive environment. This is the emergence of a new user: the Technicurean.

John Russo explains how Signature Kitchen Suite is redefining luxury through purposeful technology, invisible induction, behavioral AI, and collaborative product development. The future kitchen doesn’t demand attention—it anticipates needs, enhances experiences, and disappears into the architecture.

At the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, innovation isn’t simply introduced—it’s tested, challenged, and refined in real time. For Signature Kitchen Suite, KBIS functions as a live laboratory where designers, builders, and specifiers provide critical feedback that directly shapes future product development.

John Russo shares how SKS approaches innovation deliberately, prioritizing purposeful performance over novelty. From invisible induction cooktops integrated beneath countertops to AI-powered refrigeration that anticipates user behavior, the goal is not to showcase technology—but to integrate it so seamlessly that it enhances daily life without disrupting it.

This conversation explores the rise of the Technicurean—a new luxury consumer who values precision, connectivity, and design harmony equally. Through quiet luxury, behavioral intelligence, and deep collaboration with the design community, SKS is building an ecosystem where appliances become architectural infrastructure rather than standalone objects.

KBIS as a Live Product Development Environment

• KBIS functions as a real-world testing ground for future innovation.
• Designers provide immediate feedback that shapes product refinement.
• Concept products are introduced early to validate design direction.
• Direct interaction between engineers and specifiers accelerates innovation.

Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium

Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence.

Core principles:

• Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture.
• Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity.
• Performance becomes more important than appearance.
• Acoustic comfort is essential—refrigeration operating around 38–39 dB.
• Luxury is defined by how appliances make life easier, not how they look.

Invisible Induction and Architectural Integration

SKS is exploring cooktop technology that disappears completely into the countertop.

Implications:

• Cooking surfaces no longer interrupt architectural surfaces.
• Light-guided induction zones provide precision without visual clutter.
• Appliances transition from objects into embedded infrastructure.
• Product development includes multi-year concept validation cycles.

The Rise of the “Technicurean” Consumer

The Technicurean represents a growing demographic combining technological fluency with culinary passion.

Characteristics:

• Values precision cooking and performance.
• Expects seamless integration with digital ecosystems.
• Prioritizes experiential quality over feature quantity.
• Younger luxury consumers are accelerating this shift.

Purposeful AI: Technology That Anticipates Behavior

AI is being applied to solve practical problems rather than simply introduce novelty.

Examples:

• AI-powered refrigeration anticipates usage patterns and adjusts cooling.
• Oven cameras identify food and automatically adjust cooking parameters.
• Remote monitoring allows users to supervise cooking from anywhere.
• Automation reduces cognitive load and improves consistency.

Applicable Link:

• LG ThinQ

Precision and Performance as the Foundation of Luxury

SKS emphasizes engineering performance alongside design integration.

Examples:

• Induction ranges with 7,000-watt burners capable of boiling water in under a minute.
• Column refrigeration producing clear craft ice.
• Precision temperature management improves food preservation.
• Technology enhances outcomes, not just convenience.

Collaborative Design as a Product Development Strategy

Designers directly influence final product form and function.

Process includes:

• Design collective consultations.
• Specifier surveys and feedback loops.
• Prototype testing and iteration cycles.
• Cabinet alignment, integration, and architectural consistency driven by designer input.

Full Home Automation and the Appliance Ecosystem

Appliances are becoming integrated nodes within larger home ecosystems.

Capabilities include:

• Voice-controlled appliances.
• Integrated lighting, HVAC, and appliance automation.
• Recipe-driven automated cooking processes.
• Unified control across multiple home systems.

The Invisible Kitchen: How Quiet Luxury and Behavioral Technology Are Redefining Appliance Design

For decades, luxury appliances were designed to be seen. Professional-grade stainless steel, oversized handles, and bold visual presence signaled performance and status. But today, the most important innovation in the luxury kitchen may be its disappearance.

Signature Kitchen Suite is helping lead a shift toward what it calls quiet luxury—a design philosophy where performance is paramount, but visibility is optional. The goal is no longer to showcase the appliance itself, but to integrate it so seamlessly into the architectural environment that it becomes invisible.

This shift reflects a deeper evolution in how luxury is defined. True luxury is no longer about visual dominance. It’s about effortlessness.

Concepts like invisible induction cooktops illustrate this transformation. By placing induction elements beneath the countertop surface, cooking becomes fully integrated into the architecture. When inactive, the kitchen appears uninterrupted. When active, subtle lighting indicates where heat is applied. The appliance becomes infrastructure.

This philosophy extends beyond aesthetics into performance and intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is now being used to anticipate user behavior and improve outcomes. Refrigeration systems can monitor usage patterns and adjust cooling cycles to maintain temperature stability. Oven cameras can identify food and automatically adjust cooking settings. These technologies operate quietly, improving consistency without requiring intervention.

Importantly, this innovation is not happening in isolation.

Events like KBIS provide critical real-world validation. Designers, builders, and specifiers offer immediate feedback, allowing manufacturers to refine products before full release. This collaborative approach ensures that innovation aligns with how kitchens are actually designed and used.

It also reflects the emergence of a new consumer profile: the Technicurean.

This user values precision, connectivity, and design equally. They are comfortable with technology but expect it to serve a clear purpose. They prioritize performance and integration over novelty. For them, the kitchen is not simply a functional workspace—it is part of a larger lifestyle ecosystem.

This shift is also generational. Younger homeowners have grown up with connected technology and expect seamless integration across devices. Appliances must function as part of a unified system rather than standalone tools.

The ultimate goal is not to add complexity, but to remove friction.

Automation, behavioral learning, and architectural integration all contribute to this objective. Appliances anticipate needs, simplify processes, and reduce cognitive load. They enhance experience without demanding attention.

In this future, the most advanced appliances will not announce themselves.

They will disappear.

And in doing so, they will redefine luxury—not as something you see, but as something you feel.

Innovation Under Pressure: Prefab, Modular, and the Future of Resilient Design Under Pressure. Architecture is evolving faster than ever, driven by natural disasters, technology, and client expectations—but how do designers balance innovation with risk, regulation, and lifestyle priorities? Josh Cooperman hosts an unfiltered conversation with Drew Davis, Brian Pinkett, Aaron Neubert, and Joseph Dangaran about prefabrication, modular construction, client programming, and the challenges of rebuilding communities in fire- and flood-prone regions. From the Palisades to Paris, they explore how architecture must adapt—or risk falling behind.

1. Introduction and Context

• Host introduction: Josh Cooperman, Convo By Design.
• Acknowledgements: Kim Gordon Designs (venue), Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home (sponsor and industry supporter).
• Why the discussion matters: natural disasters as a case study in architecture’s evolving role.
• Personal anecdote: Josh’s wildfire experience in 1983 highlighting the urgency of resilient design.

2. Guest Introductions

• Drew Davis, Partner, Kligerman Architecture & Design, NYC – Residential expertise nationwide.
• Brian Pinkett, Principal, Landry Design Group – High-end, global custom homes, with focus on innovation and sustainability.
• Aaron Neubert, Principal, Annex – Residential and hospitality projects in LA & Las Vegas.
• Joseph Dangaran, Founding Partner, Woods & Dangaran– West Coast single-family homes, high-end interiors.

3. Critical Thinking vs. Design Education

• Discussion of Brian Pinkett’s insight: architecture school teaches critical thinking, not design itself.
• How critical thinking shapes the conversation about innovation and client expectations.
• The influence of NIMBYism and cultural resistance on design risk-taking.

4. Client Literacy and Innovation

• How clients’ exposure to Instagram, travel, and boutique experiences shapes design expectations.
• Balancing aspirational ideas with practical constraints: budget, schedule, site conditions.
• Scenario-based design and programming as a tool to understand lifestyle priorities.

5. Prefabrication and Modular Construction

• Defining terms: prefabrication vs. modular, and their misconceptions in high-end architecture.
• Historical examples: Eiffel Tower (prefabricated in 1889), Wallace Neff bubble homes.
• Case studies: past Malibu prefab project, Arts District hotel project.
• Discussion of benefits (speed, quality, cost) and challenges (flexibility, client acceptance, perception).

6. Lifestyle vs. Shelter in Rebuilds

• How trauma and loss after disasters impact client priorities.
• The tension between rebuilding for necessity vs. recreating lifestyle and memory.
• Temporary housing solutions and lessons from disaster response (Shigeru Ban, Fresno pre-approved plans).

7. The Role of Regulation in Innovation

• Flood, fire, and safety regulations: both barriers and catalysts for creativity.
• Discussion of over-regulation and its impact on rebuilding efficiency, particularly in high-demand areas like Pacific Palisades.

8. The Future of Architectural Innovation

• Emerging materials, prefabrication, and modular design for high-end custom homes.
• How technology enables flexibility and quality at scale.
• The challenge of evolving architectural vernacular to reflect contemporary technology.
• The importance of balancing client desires, regulatory frameworks, and architectural creativity.

9. Closing Thoughts

• Necessity drives invention, but adaptation and education are key.
• Designers’ role in guiding clients through uncertainty and risk.
• Encouragement to rethink traditional paradigms: innovation in practice, materials, and process.

10. Callouts / Quotes for Social Media

• “Innovation isn’t about change for change’s sake—it’s about solving the problem you didn’t know existed.” – Brian Pinkett
• “Prefabrication isn’t a compromise. It’s a new way to design for speed, quality, and scale.” – Aaron Neubert
• “The goal isn’t just shelter. The goal is lifestyle.” – Joseph Dangaran

11. Links & References

• Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home: pacificsales.com
• Convo By Design: www.comvobydesign.com
• Kim Gordon Designs: kimgordondesigns.com
• Klingerman Architecture & Design: klingerman.com
• Landry Design Group: landrydesigngroup.com
• Anx: https://a-n-x.com/
• Woods & Dangaran: woodsanddangaran.com

Calgary-based designer Stephanie Martin shares the story of launching her firm during the 2008 financial crisis, the gap between design education and reality, and why hand-crafted authenticity remains vital in the age of AI. She also takes us inside the Rideau Residence, a project blending modern aesthetics with sentimental family history.

Designer Resources

Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise.

TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep

Calgary Roots & Business Resilience

• Launching in a Recession: Stephanie discusses starting her firm in 2008 during the financial crisis, which heavily impacted Calgary’s oil and gas-driven economy. She attributes her early success to “door-to-door” marketing and building a reputation through exceptional service rather than just aesthetics.
• The “Cowboy Town” Reality: A look at Calgary’s diverse culture, strong job market, and affordable housing, countering its reputation as just a “cowboy town.”
• Service Over Style: Stephanie emphasizes that the core of her business is caring about the clients’ lives, a lesson she learned early on that differentiates her firm today.

The Evolution of Design Practice

• Education vs. Reality: A candid discussion on how design schools often focus on exaggerated creativity while overlooking practical skills like budgeting, timelines, and coordination.
• Post-Pandemic Expectations: Clients now prioritize emotional connections and functional spaces over mere aesthetics, seeking designs that actively enhance their well-being.
• Sustainability: The conversation touches on the necessity of sustainable building practices, including Stephanie’s experience with passive homes.

Technology & Authenticity

• The AI Debate: Stephanie and Josh discuss the rise of AI in design. While Stephanie is optimistic about AI for efficiency, she argues for maintaining “hand-crafted” creativity to ensure designs remain meaningful.
• Authentic Marketing: In an era of AI-generated content, Stephanie commits to keeping her social media presence true to her values by showcasing only authentic, human-created work.

Project Spotlight: The Rideau Residence

• Modern-Traditional Mix: A deep dive into the kitchen design which juxtaposes modern elements with sentimental details, specifically a brick backsplash sourced from the owner’s grandmother’s house.
• Space Transformation: How a formal dining room was reimagined into a dark, masculine office space that contrasts sharply with the rest of the light-filled home.

Links & Resources

• Stephanie Martin Interior Design
• Convo By Design

How Behavior-Driven Design Is Defining the Future of the Home

KBIS Series 2026, findings and experiences from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, recorded live from the KBIS Podcast Studio presented by AJ Madison. This was the second year of this program and we built on last year’s show with even more experts in the industry sharing experience, findings and industry-leading insights.

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

What happens when home innovation prioritizes real-world habits over flashy, unnecessary features? This conversation explores how a deep understanding of how people use their appliances every day leads to intentional solutions that fit every lifestyle. 

Join Justin Reinke, Head of Product Marketing at Midea, and Ryan Shaffer, Sr. Technical Product Planning Engineer at Midea, to discuss how hundreds of hours of in-home observation drive breakthroughs in everything from acoustic comfort to specialized hygiene. By analyzing universal pain points—like the rise of sustainable drinkware and open-concept living—we examine the R&D required to make daily chores easier through practical, performance-driven design that works harder for the household.

For decades, appliance innovation followed a predictable formula: more features, more technology, more complexity. Digital displays replaced analog controls. Connectivity introduced remote operation. Artificial intelligence promised optimization. But somewhere along the way, innovation lost sight of its most important objective—serving the human being.

Today, that philosophy is changing.

At KBIS 2026, one of the most important conversations wasn’t about technology itself, but about behavior. Appliance manufacturers are increasingly recognizing that true innovation does not begin in engineering labs. It begins in homes—watching how people live.

This shift represents a fundamental evolution in product development. Instead of asking what technology can do, manufacturers are asking what people actually need.

Consider the refrigerator. It is opened dozens of times each day, often absentmindedly, during moments of distraction, urgency, or fatigue. Every movement—the height of a shelf, the accessibility of a drawer, the ease of filling a glass—shapes the user’s experience. These micro-interactions define whether an appliance feels intuitive or frustrating.

Similarly, dishwashers must now accommodate modern behavioral realities. Reusable bottles, travel tumblers, and complex accessories require flexibility that traditional rack designs never anticipated. Washing machines must operate quietly enough to coexist within open-plan homes, where appliance noise becomes part of the lived environment.

These are not technological problems. They are human problems.

The most forward-thinking manufacturers have embraced observation as their primary design tool. By studying real households, engineers and designers can identify friction points invisible in traditional research. The goal is not to add features, but to remove obstacles.

This approach also challenges the industry’s historical obsession with specifications. Feature lists do not guarantee usability. Connectivity does not guarantee convenience. Technology that requires explanation has already failed its most important test.

The future appliance must be intuitive.

It must integrate seamlessly into daily routines, supporting behavior rather than disrupting it. It must operate quietly, reliably, and predictably. It must reduce mental load, not increase it.

Perhaps most importantly, it must respect the reality that appliances are not aspirational objects. They are functional infrastructure. They exist to support life, not define it.

This shift toward behavior-driven design reflects a broader maturation of the appliance industry. Innovation is no longer measured by novelty, but by invisibility. The best appliances do their job so well that users never think about them at all.

In the end, the future of appliances will not be defined by how advanced they are.

It will be defined by how effortlessly they serve the people who depend on them every day.

Behavior as the Foundation of Innovation

• Product development begins with observing real-world habits.
• Behavioral insights reveal needs consumers rarely articulate.
• Design solutions prioritize intuitive use over technical novelty.

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.

Noise Reduction and Environmental Integration

• Open floor plans make acoustic performance essential.
• Quiet operation improves perceived quality and livability.
• Engineering focus has expanded beyond performance to experiential comfort.

Replacement Market Realities and Design Flexibility

• Most appliance purchases are replacements, not full remodels.
• Products must integrate visually and functionally with mixed-brand kitchens.
• Flexible, accessible design supports long-term usability.

Sustainability Through Longevity and Efficiency

• Sustainability now includes durability, waste reduction, and performance efficiency.
• Better storage and preservation reduce food waste.
• Long product lifecycles contribute to environmental responsibility.

When interiors meet intention: a dynamic panel on how color theory, holistic living, sustainable materials, and design thinking come together to redefine residential spaces for 2025 and beyond.

Sherwin Williams set out to cover Earth with beautiful colors over 150 years ago. 1866, Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams founded the company in Cleveland, Ohio, on a mission really. And the result is a company dedicated to delivery of the  best in paints, coatings and related products to discerning clients all over the world. That dedication was evident from the start with the hiring of Percy Neyman, the very first chemist employed by an American paint manufacturer. Sherwin Williams continues to set the bar high and provide the design community with the essential tools to create superior projects. Sherwin Williams is commitment to supporting the design community, which is why they sponsor programs, like this one. They are also dedicated to a betterment philosophical approach which is why they selected ‘wellness” as the topic for this talk.Thank you Sherwin Williams for your tireless support.

In this timely conversation, experts from across interior design and sustainable living explore what it means to design for wellness in 2025. Moderated by Sue Wadden and Ashlynn Bourque of Sherwin-Williams, the panel features voices from:

• Jeanne Chung (Cozy, Stylish, Chic) — known for crafting spaces that blend comfort, style, and emotional balance.
• Julee Ireland (Julee Ireland Design Studio) — bringing a refined, intentional aesthetic rooted in longevity and livable elegance.
• Greg Roth (CarbonShack) — spotlighting eco-conscious material sourcing, sustainable practices, and climate-aligned living environments.

Together they examine how interior design can be a catalyst for holistic living — from color palettes that promote calm and emotional balance, to spatial planning that supports aging in place, to circadian lighting and neurodiversity-friendly layouts. The discussion underscores a rising trend: residential interiors inspired by hospitality, wellness, and sustainability principles.

Listeners will come away with fresh ideas on turning their homes into future-proof sanctuaries — design-forward, earth-conscious, and emotionally attuned.

• Health span-focused design: Designing spaces that help residents live longer, healthier lives at home.
• Aging in place: Home layouts that accommodate long-term functionality and wellness.
• Home gyms, saunas, cold plunges: Integrating spa-level wellness amenities in private residences.
• Dual kitchens: Inspired by Italian family homes for multigenerational living.
• Collaboration with architects: Designers as integral contributors to maximize natural light and spatial flow.
• VR visualization: Helping clients experience proportion, scale, and sightlines before construction.
• Problem-solving as designers: Addressing unforeseen construction issues creatively while maintaining aesthetics.
• Circadian lighting: Lighting systems (e.g., Lutron Ketra) that mimic natural light patterns to support sleep and productivity.
• Plant-based fabrics (hemp, bamboo, kelp): Sustainable, high-performance materials.
• Evidence-based color design: Physiological effects of color on multigenerational inhabitants.
• Neurodiverse design considerations: Minimizing overstimulation in homes for ADHD, dementia, or sensory sensitivity.
• Hospitality influence on residential design: Bringing experiences from wellness hotels into private homes.
• Storytelling & provenance: Educating clients about material sourcing and sustainable practices.
• Sustainability education: Visiting factories, quarries, and trade shows to understand materials and processes.

Relevant Web Links

• Lutron Ketra Lighting: https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/WholeHome/ketra/overview.aspx
• Round Top Market (antiques & sustainability): https://roundtoptexasantiques.com
• Hemp & sustainable fabrics: https://www.hemp-trade.com

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

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

Burnout vs Ambition

1. • 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

1. • 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

1. • 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.”