In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo dive into the evolving landscape of design fairs, with a focus on the growing scene in Mexico. They discuss the distinct visual language of Mexican designers, notable voices shaping the region’s creative culture, and their own experiences engaging with design in Mexico. The conversation expands to the broader challenges of participating in fairs—from financial barriers and market dynamics to questions of exclusivity and access. They also explore the contrast between selling in cities like Los Angeles and New York, the intersection of design and luxury fashion, and the growing influence of private equity in the art and design world. Throughout, they return to a core question: what would a new kind of independent design fair—centered on transparency, sustainability, and American designers—actually look like?

Mentioned Designers:Joyful Objects Yes!https://www.joyjoy.mx/https://www.instagram.com/joyful_objects_yes/Design VAhttps://www.instagram.com/designart_va/https://www.design-va.com/Héctor Esrawehttps://hectoresrawe.com/https://www.instagram.com/hectoresrawe/Brian Thoreenhttps://www.brianthoreen.com/https://www.instagram.com/brian_thoreen/Fernando Lapossehttps://www.fernandolaposse.com/https://www.instagram.com/fernandolaposse/Mark Grattanhttps://markgrattan.com/https://www.instagram.com/markgrattan/Kenny Scharfhttps://kennyscharf.com/https://www.instagram.com/kennyscharf/Arturo Riverahttp://www.arturorivera-pintor.com/https://www.instagram.com/arturorivera_pintor/Marco Legorretahttps://www.legorreta.mx/https://www.instagram.com/legorretalegorreta/Luis Barragánhttps://www.casaluisbarragan.org/https://www.instagram.com/luisbarragan/Jiri Krejcirikhttps://jirikrejcirik.com/https://www.instagram.com/jiri_krejcirik/Jonald Duddhttps://jonalddudd.com/https://www.instagram.com/jonalddudd/Michelle Jiaxin Huanghttps://www.instagram.com/michjxh/Didi NG Winghttps://dd-ng.com/https://www.instagram.com/dd_ng/Soo Joo Studiohttps://www.soojoo-studio.com/https://www.instagram.com/soo_joo_studio/Matthieu Lehanneurhttps://www.lehanneur.com/https://www.instagram.com/matthieulehanneur/Vincenzo De Cotiishttps://www.vincenzodecotiis.com/https://www.instagram.com/vincenzodecotiis/

In this kickoff episode of Design Discord, hosts Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo sit down to talk about their own paths in design and why they feel this podcast and transparent conversation about the industry need to exist.

Fernando and Alyssa reflect on the challenges emerging designers face today—from visibility in the market to the realities of fabrication—and the need for more open, honest dialogue around what it really takes to build a creative practice.

Along the way, they introduce a range of topics the podcast will continue to explore, including the role of design fairs, the ceramics market, what makes a product evergreen, and how designers can navigate a saturated, often copycat-driven industry. They also touch on branding, social media, and the ongoing balancing act between business and creativity. This episode sets the stage for the candid, in-depth conversations to come.

Watch on Youtube to see all images of mentioned designers.

Mentioned Designers:Katie Stouthttps://www.katiestout.com/https://www.instagram.com/ummmsmile/Misha Kahnhttps://www.mishakahn.com/https://www.instagram.com/mishakahn/Eny Lee Parkerhttps://www.enyleeparker.com/https://www.instagram.com/enyleeparker/Slash Objectshttps://slashobjects.com/https://www.instagram.com/slashobjects/Henry Kimhttps://henrykkim.com/https://www.instagram.com/hyunuko/Devin Wildehttps://www.devinwilde.com/https://www.instagram.com/devinwilde/Steffany Tran / Vy Voihttps://www.vyvoi.com/https://www.instagram.com/vyvoistudio/Max Lambhttps://maxlamb.org/https://www.instagram.com/maxlamb/Not Work Relatedhttps://notworkrelated.co/https://www.instagram.com/notworkrelated/Allied Makerhttps://www.alliedmaker.com/https://www.instagram.com/alliedmaker/Lindsey Adelmanhttps://www.lindseyadelman.com/https://www.instagram.com/lindseyadelman/Apparatus Lightinghttps://apparatusstudio.com/https://www.instagram.com/apparatusstudio/Matthew Barneyhttps://www.matthewbarney.com/https://www.instagram.com/matthewbarney/Faye Toogoodhttps://t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com/https://www.instagram.com/fayetoogood/

In this bonus episode of Design Discord, Fernando, Alyssa, and special guest Mika (Fernando’s wife) reflect on what they saw during NYCxDesign. They cover ICFF, Wanted, Shelter, and a few standout independent exhibitions. They talk through the dynamics of booth presentations, the rise of ceramics in contemporary design, and the value of connecting directly with makers. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of COVID, the tension between creative expression and market trends, and the importance of emerging voices in collectible design. Plus, a few practical tips for navigating today’s design fair landscape.

Mentioned Designers:Eny Lee Parkerhttps://www.enyleeparker.com/https://www.instagram.com/enyleeparker/Jumana Motiwalahttps://www.instagram.com/jumana_motiwala/Mary Ratcliffe Studiohttps://www.maryratcliffe.studio/https://www.instagram.com/maryratcliffestudio/INDO-https://indo-made.com/https://www.instagram.com/indo.made/Design V/Ahttps://www.design-va.com/https://www.instagram.com/designart_va/Jonald Duddhttps://jonalddudd.com/https://www.instagram.com/jonalddudd/Aeny Studiohttps://www.aenystudio.com/https://www.instagram.com/aenystudio/Aronson Woodworkshttps://www.aronsonwoodworks.com/Ian Love Designhttps://www.ianlovedesign.com/https://www.instagram.com/ianlovedesign/Roll & Hillhttps://rollandhill.com/https://www.instagram.com/rollandhill/Colony Design Galleryhttps://goodcolony.com/https://www.instagram.com/colony.nyc/Fort Standardhttps://www.fortstandard.com/https://www.instagram.com/fort_standard/Matter Madehttps://mattermade.us/https://www.instagram.com/mattermade/Steven Bukowskihttps://www.stevenbukowski.com/https://www.instagram.com/stevenbukowski/Luke Malaneyhttps://www.lukemalaney.com/https://www.instagram.com/lukemalaney/Yuxuan Huanghttps://www.yuxuan-huang.com/https://www.instagram.com/yuxuan_huang__/Slash Objectshttps://slashobjects.com/https://www.instagram.com/slashobjects/Emily Thurman Designhttps://www.emilythurman.studio/https://www.instagram.com/emthurman/

In this episode of Design Discord, co-hosts Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo unpack the complexities of creativity—its rhythms, constraints, and the shifting relationship between passion and recognition. They reflect on how success can both fuel and hinder creative growth, the role of education in shaping their paths, and the tension between personal fulfillment and market demands. The conversation explores fear, grit, and the value of taking breaks, while also asking deeper questions about identity, authorship, and free will in the creative process.

Mentioned Designers:

Vincent Pocsik

Wendell Castle

Casey McCafferty

Nick Missel

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa, Fernando, and special guest Mika Rosique, Fernando’s wife and longtime Sales Director of Fernando Mastrangelo Studio dive into the often-overlooked side of the design world: sales. They unpack Mika’s path into the role, the value of building a strong client management system, and what it takes to maintain real, lasting client relationships. The conversation explores authenticity, communication, and the role pricing plays in shaping perception and success. They also reflect on the dynamic of working together as a couple and the realities of navigating the art and design market from the inside.

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with Oliver Pelle of New York City based lighting and design studio Pelle to talk about the long game of building a creative practice. From navigating the pressure to market yourself, to balancing originality with commercial viability, Oliver shares his perspective on what it really takes to sustain a design career over time. The conversation touches on the influence of social media, the importance of staying humble, and the reality of talent in a crowded field. He reflects on the role of trade shows, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the technical hurdles—like UL certification—that shape how design gets made and seen. With sharp insight and a deep understanding of the business behind the work, Oliver offers grounded advice for emerging designers trying to find their footing.

About Oliver:

Oliver Pelle is the co-founder of Pelle, a multidisciplinary design studio he runs with his partner Jean. Formed in 2011, the studio blends sculptural expression with technical precision—resulting in both iconic and one-of-a-kind works. Based in Brooklyn, New York the studio encompasses a fabrication workshop, research lab, and gallery space, allowing for continual ideation and evolution. Pelle’s work has been shown at MoMA, Design Miami/, and Salone del Mobile, and featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, Wallpaper, and more.

Check out Pelle's work: https://pelledesigns.com/

Follow Pelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelle______/

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with designer and organizer Chris Held to talk about his journey—from founding the annual exhibition Jonald Dudd to launching the experimental showroom DUDD HAUS in Philadelphia. Chris shares what it’s taken to build alternative spaces for design, and how collaboration, community, and experimentation have shaped his approach. The conversation dives into the unique business model behind DUDD Haus that fosters generative opportunities for artists, the challenges of maintaining an artist’s spirit in their work with the demands of today’s market, and what it takes to support a new generation of collectors. We also touch on shifts in the design scene over the last few years and the realities emerging designers face when trying to build both their audience and income.

Chris Held (b.1978 Atlanta, GA) is a multidisciplinary designer, curator, and co-founder of JONALDDUDD, an NYC Design Week exhibition (2015-present). He also co-owns and operates the design studio Nice Condo (2019-present), which offers a catalog of residential furniture, brand identity services, as well as commercial fixtures, custom build-outs and creative partnerships. Held relocated to Philadelphia in 2023 and subsequently co-founded the radical design collective, DUDD HAUS (2024-present). Working in furniture design and fabrication for over two decades, Held’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Dwell, Surface, Sight Unseen, Core77, and Nylon. Held currently lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.

Jonald Dudd

https://jonalddudd.com/

https://www.instagram.com/jonald.dudd/

DUDD HAUS

https://www.duddhaus.com/https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/

Nice Condo

https://nicecondo.co/https://www.instagram.com/nicecondo/

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Mentioned Designers:

Nacho Carbonell: https://www.nachocarbonell.com/

Peter Marigold: https://petermarigold.com/

Steven Bukowski: https://www.stevenbukowski.com/

Eny Lee Parker: https://www.enyleeparker.com/

Tara Donovanhttps: www.pacegallery.com/artists/tara-donovan/

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa take a closer look at the disconnect between design education and the realities of creative work. Through personal stories and recent experiences with students, we explore what’s missing from most design programs, and what young designers really need to succeed. The conversation covers the importance of hands-on learning, the limitations of academic training, and how the industry might rethink its approach to mentorship and preparation. It’s a candid look at what it actually takes to be ready for the design world today. Please note, this episode was recored a few months ago, in April 2025.

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa sit down with Jen Kaplan, Alyssa’s co-founder at Erria, to talk about what it really means to build a platform for independent makers. They get into the complexities of designing for both buyers and sellers, the technical challenges behind creating a marketplace from scratch, and what it takes to rethink logistics, onboarding, and product discovery in a way that truly supports creatives. The conversation touches on Jen’s background as a software engineer, the role of trust and transparency in the businesses, and how Erria is reshaping what a maker-first business can look like.

Check out Erria: https://www.erria.xyz/

Follow Erria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erria_xyz/

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LObYYbK3Wzo

In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando reflect on their week in New York City – where they saw it all: Collectible, Duet, The Armory, The Future Perfect, and more. The conversation dives into the evolving language around “collectible design,” the challenges facing emerging designers, and the gap between curatorial intent and market execution. They unpack questions of visibility, pricing, and who these fairs are really serving—while also exploring the role of galleries, the shifting tone of the industry, and whether the word ‘collectible’ still means anything at all.

Links to designers & References:

In the order they are mentioned.

Aguirre

https://www.aguirredesign.co/

https://www.instagram.com/aguirredesign/

Juntos Design studio

https://www.juntosprojects.com/

https://www.instagram.com/juntosprojects/

Uppercut Space

https://uppercut.space/

https://www.instagram.com/uppercut.space/

Yoon Shun

https://yoonshun.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yoon.shun/

Kiki Goti

https://kikigoti.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kikigoti/

Miles Gracey

https://www.miles-gracey.com/

https://www.instagram.com/plays.on.woods/

Thomas Yang

https://thomasyangstudio.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thomasyangstudio/

Sam Klemick

https://www.studiosamklemick.com/

https://www.instagram.com/samklemick/

Joesph Algeri

https://josephalgieri.com/

https://www.instagram.com/megaplex/

Rosie Li

https://www.rosieli.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rosielistudio/

Dudd Haus

https://www.duddhaus.com/

https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/

Llewellynn Chupin

https://llewellynn.com/

https://www.instagram.com/llewll/

Marcela Cure

https://marcelacure.com/

https://www.instagram.com/marcela.cure/

Atelier Ollin

https://www.ollin.us/

https://www.instagram.com/atelier_ollin/

Of the Cloth

https://www.instagram.com/ofthecloth.us/

Kawabi

https://kawabi.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kawabi/

Ian Love

https://www.ianlovedesign.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ianlovedesign/

Masa Gallery

https://mmaassaa.com/

https://www.instagram.com/masagaleria/

Duet WSA Exhibition

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOTyyLuEdSq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZjhvdTdlZGE2b3No

The Future Perfect

https://www.thefutureperfect.com/

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa answer your questions. From whether an MFA is worth it to how to actually get the attention of galleries, interior designers, and press—they dig into the gritty realities of building a creative career today. The conversation covers the role of social media, the financial pressures of working in design, and what visibility really looks like in an oversaturated industry.

Questions:

00:39 Fernando, if you were to start as a designer today, what would you do to make it work?

08:54 What is the value in receiving a furniture MFA? Who is it right for and who is it wrong for?

21:45 What is the best strategy for getting in contact with galleries or interior designers?

33:02 Any advice on showing work for the first time in a design week or design fair, and how to maximize it?

43:38 Do you believe a career in furniture design is financially feasible in this economy?

In this episode of Design Discord, we sit down with interior designer Cara Woodhouse to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting, fulfilling career in design. With a formal background in interiors, years spent at top design firms, and multiple businesses under her belt before launching her namesake studio, Cara brings deep experience and hard-won perspective to the conversation. From her early fine art influences to the intuitive way she approaches interiors today, she shares the real behind-the-scenes—and how she’s learned to navigate it all.

We also dig into the mechanics of how interior designers source from emerging artists and makers, and uncover what makes a designer say yes—or no. Cara shares why supporting young talent has always been important to her, how she thinks about client relationships, and where she sees the future of design heading—from sensory spaces to the evolving role of social media and branding in the field.

Whether you're a designer, a collector, or just love peeking behind the curtain of creative businesses, this one’s for you.

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About Cara Woodhouse: Cara Woodhouse is a trailblazing interior designer, creative force, and the founder of Cara Woodhouse Interiors, a high-end design studio known for sculptural statement pieces, bold palettes, and unexpected moments that redefine modern luxury. With a signature aesthetic that fuses elegance with edge, Cara’s work has captivated global audiences, drawing in celebrity clients, top developers, and leading brands alike.

Her visionary approach spans residential, commercial, and hospitality design, product collaborations, and real estate development. Cara’s latest project, It’s a Mood, is more than a coffee table book, it’s a manifesto of style, emotion, and function, filled with expert insights and a curated resource guide. She's also the star of an upcoming design TV series and the creative behind shoppable, rentable homes that blend high design with lifestyle branding.

Whether she’s designing a show-stopping project or creating cinematic content for her 900K+ Instagram followers, Cara brings a fresh, fearless perspective to every space and continues to shape the future of design, one mood at a time.

https://www.instagram.com/carawoodhouseinteriors/https://www.carawoodhouse.com/

In this episode of Design Discord, we dive deep with Julia Haney-Montañez, founder of The Design Release, to unpack the tough choices designers face today: where to show their work in a post-COVID world. From her time curating the Architectural Digest Design Show to building her own platform, Julia shares sharp insights on how trade fairs have lost their pre-COVID spark and why designers are turning to social media, digital ads, and personal networks to get seen.

We explore how these shifts have scattered the design community, leaving it out of sync and searching for connection. Julia reveals how her work is fostering a more collaborative, community-driven design culture to bridge the gap. Whether you’re navigating fairs, betting on digital marketing, or wondering how to stand out—this episode is for you.

Follow Julia and the Design Release:

https://thedesignrelease.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thedesignrelease/

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando sits down with Chen Chen and Kai Williams of the Brooklyn-based namesake studio. If you’re not already familiar with their work, get ready. We talk about how their partnership formed, what it’s been like building a practice in New York, and how their experimental approach has evolved into a studio that balances artistic risk with business.

The conversation touches on everything from navigating international production and building meaningful relationships in the gallery world to the trade-offs between accessibility and collectibility. Chen and Kai share insights into working with The Future Perfect, what it really takes to get a product to market, and the value of staying rooted in curiosity and materials exploration — even as the industry changes around them.

This one’s a must-listen for anyone thinking about how to make your weird ideas actually work.

https://cckw.us/

https://www.thefutureperfect.com/exhibitions/

By popular demand, our favorite overseas correspondent Julia Haney-Montanez is BACK and fresh off the fair floors!

She was on the ground at PAD London and Design Miami Paris spilling the tea straight from the dealers’ mouths: collectors are officially over uncomfortable concept pieces and torture chairs. They want livable luxury, pieces you can actually sit on, live with, and love.

• Comfort is the new currency
• Dealers are quietly prioritizing the “hits” to survive this soft market
• The real reason galleries are struggling (and what it means for designers)

The insider conversation everyone in design is having behind closed doors… but we’re saying it out loud. Hit play and find out what collectors are buying right now and what designers can do to weather this soft sales cycle.

Drop a if you’re ready for cozy to make a comeback.#DesignDiscord #PADLondon #DesignMiamiParis #LivableLuxury #InteriorDesign #CollectibleDesign

Should you hire a PR firm… or are you just paying someone to spam editors?

Rebecca Goldberg — co-founder of Dada Goldberg, the most dialed-in design PR agency in New York — finally pulls back the curtain.

We ask every question designers are dying to ask about PR:

- What does real PR actually cost these days?

- When is the right moment to pull the trigger?

- Does PR actually move the needle on sales and collabs or is it just ego?

- Can you get overexposed and ruin your brand?

- Big agency vs boutique: which one is best?

- Do legacy magazines (AD, Elle Decor, Vogue) still matter or is it all Instagram now?

- Why dinners, press releases?

Plus: what is the one thing every emerging designer needs before they even think about hiring PR? (hint: it’s not a finished website).

If you’ve ever googled “design PR firms” at 2 a.m., this episode will save you six figures and a lot of heartbreak.

Hosted by Alyssa Gerasimoff & Fernando Mastrangelo

Guest: Rebecca Goldberg (Dada Goldberg)

https://dadagoldberg.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dadagoldberg/

Timestamps & full takeaway list in the show notes.

01:20 How much does design PR really cost in 2025?

06:45 When should you actually hire PR (the exact moment)

12:10 Does press = sales? The honest ROI breakdown

18:30 Can you get overexposed and kill your brand?

23:15 Legacy media vs Instagram: what actually moves the needle

29:40 Big agency vs boutique: pros, cons, and horror stories

35:20 Why dinners are the new press release

41:50 The personal toll no one talks about

48:30 How PR unlocks collaborations and bigger opportunities

54:10 The future of design PR in a cooked economy

1:01:00 Rebecca’s one piece of advice for every emerging designer

This episode is pure fire for anyone trying to figure out how to go from “talented” to “known.”

In this episode of Design Discord, hosts Fernando Mastrangelo and Alyssa Gerasimoff celebrate the end of the year with the first annual Design Discord Awards. They discuss their selections for various categories, including best fair, booth, interior designers, and galleries, while reflecting on the challenges of making these choices. They also highlight designers to watch in 2026 and discuss their plans for the upcoming season two of the podcast, reflecting on their journey and the insights gained throughout the year.

05:26 Best Fair

10:30 Best Booth

14:02 Best Interior Designer/Architect

18:31 Best Gallery

25:55 Best Showroom

32:19 Best Breakout Star

34:51 Best New Collection

38:56 Most Innovative Use of Materials

46:34 Best Chair

49:45 Best Lighting

56:45 Best Side Table

59:30 Best Fine Furniture

01:03:10 Best Ceramic Furniture

01:12:46 Best Collectible Design

01:18:35 Best Photography

01:24:40 Favorite Design Discord Episode

01:28:10 Designers to Watch in 2026

Laura Young of The Future Perfect joins Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for a wide-ranging conversation covering her full career path, the evolution of one of design’s most respected galleries, and what’s actually in or out right now.

From RISD and chaotic auction-house days to co-leading The Future Perfect across New York, LA, Miami, and San Francisco, Laura opens up about building a business that balances commerce and culture, their signature showroom/gallery approach, the deep collaboration with artists like Chris Wolston, and the realities of gatekeeping.

Timestamps

0:00 – Intro

0:01:08 – RISD & early career

0:05:12 – Auction house years

0:13:22 – Meeting David & joining The Future Perfect

0:22:15 – The Future Perfect model explained

0:23:27 – Residentializing the gallery experience

0:31:18 – Chris Wolston deep dive

0:42:04 – Gatekeeping in design

0:47:15 – Discovering new designers & open call

0:53:35 – Future Perfect as cultural institution

0:56:12 – In or Out design trends

1:01:10 – Outro

A must-listen for designers, collectors, and anyone obsessed with the business and culture of contemporary design.

#TheFuturePerfect #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #CollectibleFurniture #DesignTrends #ChrisWolston

Join Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for an in-depth conversation with Ashlee Harrison, powerhouse in collectible design. From helping establish Carpenters Workshop Gallery in the US to launching her own private salon Thirty8East in a historic Upper East Side brownstone, Ashlee brings unparalleled insight into the world of functional sculpture, curation, and cultural storytelling.

Topics include the maturing collectible design market, working with legendary designers, the power of intimacy over scale, fair experiences, and practical advice for collectors and creatives.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:01 – State of Collectible Design Today

02:43 – Advisors vs. Interior Designers

03:36 – Joining Carpenters Workshop Young

05:25 – Early Responsibilities & Building the Business

06:35 – Market Expansions to LA, SF & Aspen

09:21 – Defining Collectible vs. Fine Furniture

11:35 – Collaborating with Artists like Campana Brothers & Studio Drift

18:33 – Transition to Thirty8East Salon

20:20 – The Salon Experience: By Appointment, Storytelling & Coffee

29:48 – Value of Design Fairs & Relationships

34:29 – Market Cycles, COVID Impact & Slow Growth

39:56 – Future of Her Career & Excitement Ahead

48:10 – Advice for Young Designers

Perfect for anyone interested in design, art, collecting, or building a meaningful creative career.

Follow Design Discord on Spotify for more. Support the show and share with a fellow design lover!

#CollectibleDesign #DesignPodcast #Thirty8East #AshleeHarrison

Zesty Meyers (co-founder of R & Company) joins Fernando Mastrangelo for a raw, inspiring conversation about his incredible 30+ year journey in the design world.

From performing with molten glass as part of the legendary B Team, to starting what later became R & Company with just $200 at the Chelsea Flea Market, to shaping the modern collectible design market — this episode is packed with philosophy, hard-earned lessons, and optimism for the future of craft and design.

Topics covered:

- The dying craft scene of the late ’80s and why they had to create their own path

- Turning a hobby into one of the most influential design galleries in the world

- Why most creatives only have one great idea, and why that’s worth celebrating

- The future of handmade objects in the age of AI and billionaires

- Longevity in creative careers, failure, and building real partnerships with artists

Notable Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

01:10 – Pilchuck Glass School & the Birth of the B Team

14:02 – Starting R & Company in 1997: The Flea Market Days

28:23 – Most People Only Have One Great Idea

32:02 – Bringing in Contemporary Artists (Jeff Zimmerman & Beyond)

43:48 – The Haas Brothers & Building Long Careers

50:36 – Year 11 Struggles: What No One Tells You About Creative Careers

53:06 – Why Handmade Objects Will Define New Wealth in the AI Age

61:02 – Brazilian Design Discovery & Building a Secondary Market

72:07 – Tribeca Space, Fairs & Refocusing the Gallery Program

82:53 – Final Thoughts: Raising Our Voice as a Design Community

If you’re a designer, artist, collector, or someone who loves stories of grit and creativity, this one will move you.

Subscribe for more deep dives into the design world!Leave a comment: What’s one lesson you’re taking from Zesty?

#CollectibleDesign #RAndCompany #designnews #designbusiness #designmotivation #designinspiration #businesspodcast #artpodcast #artmotivation #creativepodcast #CraftAndArt #CreativeJourney #ZestyMeyers #fernandomastrangelo #nydesignscene

Fernando Mastrangelo interviews Jean Lin, founder of Colony Gallery in New York, about her incredible journey from Hurricane Sandy relief work to creating a groundbreaking gallery that supports independent designers.
Jean reveals the details behind Colony’s co-op inspired model — affordable monthly fees paired with a low 15% commission — and why she’s stayed committed to this approach for over 12 years.

The conversation covers the challenges of starting with almost no money, building community in the 2010s NYC design boom, launching an 8-month artist residency/incubator program, expanding into interior design projects, and navigating slow markets and rising costs.
They also discuss Jean’s book “What We Keep,” which shifts focus from objects to the personal stories of collectors, makers, and the emotional connection to design.
Perfect for designers, makers, gallerists, and creatives who want real talk about building a sustainable career in the design world.
**Timestamps:**
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Hurricane Sandy Origin Story
05:48 - 2010s NYC Design Scene
09:49 - First Lease & Personal Risks
13:24 - Finding the Space & Early Struggles
16:44 - Colony’s Co-op Inspired Business Model
26:38 - Starting Interiors & Staging
30:00 - Current Gallery Operations (24 Designers)
35:15 - The Residency Program Explained
41:10 - Trends, Cycles & Timeless Design
44:46 - Market Challenges & Moving Spaces
46:39 - “What We Keep” Book & Collecting
55:58 - 5-Year Vision for Colony
59:00 - Closing Thoughts
Follow Colony Gallery and Jean Lin for more inspiration in the world of collectible and contemporary design.

In this refreshingly honest episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with David Michon, the sharp, eloquent voice behind For Scale, the buzziest Substack in the design world right now.

David shares how he went from writing for Monocle and Icon to creating his own independent platform for real design criticism. Together they unpack why so many design magazines feel identical, why celebrity homes dominate the covers, and how the industry has become strangely polite and risk-averse.

They explore:

• Why “decor” might actually be a more honest word than “design”
• The liberating joy of imperfect, lived-in homes over sterile perfection
• How growing up in Winnipeg shaped David’s refreshing perspective on taste
• The myth of “timeless” design and why dated interiors can be incredible
• What’s really wrong with events like Basic Space / Design Space
• The missing critique in interiors and why optimistic criticism matters

David’s writing is smart, observational, and deeply human. He believes great interiors are about people, not just perfect objects — and that your home should never feel “finished.” This conversation will make you look at your own space differently and feel a whole lot better about the dents on your dining table.

If you’re tired of aspirational interiors that feel fake and unattainable, this episode is for you. A must-listen for designers, design lovers, interior enthusiasts, and anyone who wants sharper, more honest conversations about the spaces we live in.

Follow For Scale on Substack for David’s weekly writings that are quickly becoming essential reading in the industry.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introducing David Michon & For Scale

09:28 – Winnipeg roots and forming real taste

13:00 – Reading rooms as people, not just objects

15:00 – Why your home should never feel finished

19:20 – Wealth, aspiration, and lived-in reality

25:25 – The origin story of For Scale

37:25 – Why David chooses “decor” over “design”

47:30 – Honest critique of Basic Space

52:00 – The future of For Scale: print, events & real-life energy

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Holly Howard — founder of Ask Holly How and the new AI-powered platform Pyramid.work — for one of the most inspiring and practical conversations we’ve ever had.

Holly’s journey is unreal: from training at the Joffrey Ballet, to becoming a music therapist who worked with Oliver Sacks’ methods, to managing legendary Williamsburg restaurants (Marlowe & Sons and Egg), to building a 14-year consulting practice helping designers and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, values-driven businesses.

We go deep on:
• Why culture must come before strategy
• The psychology of pricing and perceived value
• The uncomfortable truth about social media & Instagram ads
• How to stop copying other people’s paths
• The origin story of Pyramid.work — the AI “strategic engine” that helps entrepreneurs define their purpose, values, and vision, then generates aligned strategy, operations, PR plans, and more!

Whether you’re a designer, maker, creative entrepreneur, or just someone trying to build a business that actually feels like you, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom.
 Learn more about Holly & Pyramid.work: pyramid.work | askhollyhow.com

Timestamps:
00:00 — Intro & why Holly is the guru for creative entrepreneurs
01:13 — Holly’s origin story: Joffrey Ballet → music therapy → Oliver Sacks
04:11 — The magic (and lessons) of Marlowe & Sons in post-9/11 Williamsburg
06:29 — Columbia, dropping out of pre-med, and Egg as “business school”
14:17 — Forensic accounting, P&Ls, and learning to read the story in the numbers
16:38 — Culture before strategy — why values must come from your lived experience
21:16 — The most important question most designers never ask
24:52 — Pricing psychology, perceived value & the storytelling gap
34:18 — Should every designer sell direct-to-client? (Some shouldn’t)
36:15 — The brutal truth about social media, ads, and what actually moves the needle
45:20 — Introducing Pyramid.work — the AI strategic engine for entrepreneurship
53:26 — The wild story of building Pyramid (family investment, Hypatia séance & more)
01:01:21 — Putting her own methodology into practice publicly

If this episode helped you, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and tag a designer or creative friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of design, business, and creativity.

#DesignDiscord #HollyHoward #PyramidWork #CreativeEntrepreneurship #DesignBusiness #PricingStrategy #AIForBusiness #ValuesBasedBusiness