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.