Shows
Design OraclesS5 Ep12 Material FavoritesThe Oracles discuss their favorite materials and wrap up our “material” season!2023-02-0823 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep11 Manmade Slabs by CosentinoA discussion of Silestone and Dekton, including how they were invented, how they are manufactured, and how they are used as finish materials on design projects.2023-02-0127 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep10 An Exploration of Area RugsA discussion of area rugs including how they are made, how they are cleaned, maintained, and how they hold their value in the marketplace. 2023-01-2547 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep9 Lighting: The Beauty and Science of LightA detailed discussion of lighting from how to select it, what uses it has, how LED has changed the market and opened up design possibilities, and help with important questions about color temperature and it uses.2023-01-1833 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep8 Tile as a Finish MaterialA discussion of what materials go into the making of tile types, their uses in the world and how those selections get made from a true tile expert.2023-01-1132 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep7 Brick: The Beauty of it is Connected to its StrengthA history of brick with a discussion of it’s uses and the differences from region to region as well as an understanding of brick trends, how it is manufactured, and sold.2023-01-0434 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep6 Fiber ArtA conversation about the history, techniques, and the impact of fiber at with Lynne Brotman, executive director of the Austin School for Fiber Arts. **THIS EPISODE WAS RECORDED WITH POOR SOUND QUALITY AND IS DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND AT TIMES. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE DIFFICULTY. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!** 2022-12-2838 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep5 Door Hardware and Decorative Cabinet Hardware: What to Consider in your selectionA discussion with a principal and sales expert at Alexander Marchant in Austin, TX about how they help designer and home owners make hardware selection and an overview of their business with how it sees its role in the field of custom home design.2022-12-1434 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep4 Construction Materials and Finish Materials from an Expect PerspectiveA discussion of the ins and outs of materials that make up a home construction project: from foundation to roofing with Brad Whitman, Co-Founder of LBR Custom Homes.2022-12-0747 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep3 Appliance and Plumbing: The mechanical aspects and the style components of eachA discussion of what the options are in the vast world of appliances and plumbing with April Cordova, Showroom Consultant at Ferguson Enterprises in Austin, Texas.2022-11-3038 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep2 Paint: The last touches on a surface and the importance of understanding itA discussion of the surprisingly complicated world of paint with a true expert, Steve Steave Sales Manager from Clements Paint in Austin, TX – chemical makeup to the paint finish selection. 2022-11-2338 minDesign OraclesS5 Ep1 Season Five Premiere - Materiality: Living in a Material WorldA discussion of the importance of considering the actual materials that go into the making of a home from brick to paint to the materials that make up our furniture.2022-11-1640 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep12 Discussion of our Favorite Discipline HISTORYIn the final episode of Season 4, we talk about some of our favorite periods in design history from Art Nouveau to Palladian rules and the role of Romance in design.2022-10-1222 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep11 Never Enough Vintage Furniture with Katie Congusto of The Ronstadt Effect - Austin TXKatie shares her background and her love of vintage furniture with how she has turned that into a business helping designers solve their furniture needs. 2022-10-0540 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep10 The Discipline of Building – Interview with Brad Whitman of LBR Homes in AustinIn our second interview with Brad Whitman we get a chance to discuss what he sees and his role in the approach to solving client’s needs along side the design team and the homeowner.2022-09-2845 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep9 The Discipline of Research in Design - Interview with Dr. Debra HarrisDianne and Amity learn about the more scientific and technical side of design and how research contributes to design in this fascinating interview with an academic in the field. Debra Harris is an Interior Designer, holds a PhD in Architecture, Researcher and Owner of RAD, and Associate Professor at Baylor University2022-09-2144 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep8 Fabric and Wallpaper Supply - Interview with Callie Jenschke from Supply ShowroomIn this interview we learn something about how a very important supplier of beautiful fabric and wallcovering approaches helping supply designers with their much needed goods and how they act as supporters too of the artists that they represent. 2022-09-1434 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep7 Investigation of a Trade - Wall Coverings and Paint interview with Lisa and Peter Moon of Paper Moon - San Antonio and AustinDianne and Amity spend time discussing the ins and outs of the important trades of painting and wallpaper hanging. The importance of what these trades do is uncovered, highlighted and celebrated!2022-09-0735 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep6 The Role of a Gallerist – Interview with Kevin IvesterWe wanted to learn and understand what it is that a gallery owner does in working with designers so we interviewed Kevin Ivester of Ivester Contemporary in Austin, TX about what he sees is his role in bringing artists, designers and home owners together. 2022-08-3136 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep5 For the Love of Furniture – Interview with Laura Daly of Mockingbird MadeIn this interview we talk with a furniture maker who shares her experience of problem solving for clients through furniture design and construction. The love of creating a heritage piece for a family is something she shares with us all.2022-08-2440 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep4 A Fashionable Approach – Interview with Andree ChalaronIn this show we interview an interior designer who has a background in fashion to discover how fashion and interior design are different, how they are the same, and why that is something interesting to think and talk about.2022-08-1742 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep3 Sociology In DesignDianne and Amity discuss the social effects of design from their personal research and their experiences in the field of home design.2022-08-1026 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep2 Psychology of DesignAmity and Dianne discuss their own findings about how spaces affect their inhabitants and reference research to help us all think and consider how our homes change one’s thinking and feeling.2022-08-0325 minDesign OraclesS4 Ep1 A Disciplined ApproachThis opener show is an introduction to the season where we investigate how people from different disciplines and backgrounds or trades approach problem solving in the field of residential home design. As we all know different ways of thinking and looking at design problems are helpful when they come together for strong design outcomes. 2022-07-2742 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep12 House Keeping as an Art and as a ScienceWe discuss the very interesting and philosophical work of Cheryl Mendelsohn who wrote the definitive book on housekeeping including history, cultural learning and practical knowledge. Designers need to understand how their client approaches housekeeping in order to design properly for them. From the experience of cleaning to the elevated feel of being in a well-kept home, we discuss how it should matter to us all.2022-06-2223 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep11 Wall Treatments from Plaster to Wall paper – if the walls could talk!We discuss what your options are and they are VAST….from paint to upholstery to stained wall paneling and everything in between, the Design Oracles discuss how we treat walls to make them more beautiful and functional. The experience of being in our homes is enhanced by these different wall treatments.2022-06-1530 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep10 Positive Energy in your HomeInterview with Kristof Irwin, Principal of Positive Energy and also a Professional Engineer and Mechanical Engineer, and Host of The Building Science Podcast. We learn from our interview about air exchange in homes, humidity, house energy efficiency, what MEP is, why we should all care about the air quality in our homes and how we make it high quality, and hear stories about best practices in construction science. The mechanical, plumbing, and electrical installations greatly influence the experience of living and being in our homes.2022-06-0852 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep9 Audio, Video, and So Much MoreThe Design Oracles interview Eric Newton from Captive Audio to learn from his experience designing audio and video systems in home design working in new builds and renovations. He also shares his expertise in automation lighting, window treatments and more. All at the touch of a button!2022-06-0144 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep8 Amity’s Personal StoryAmity gives us insight into her experiences in her field from her time at garage sales in South Austin to her days at Christie’s Auction house to owner and principal at her own firm.2022-05-2527 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep7 Dianne’s Personal StoryDianne gives us insight into her story of drawing floor plans at 8 years old through her life experiences in her field of architecture to business owner and principal of her own firm2022-05-1824 minDesign OraclesDianne’s Personal StoryDianne gives us insight into her story of drawing floor plans at 8 years old through her life experiences in her field of architecture to business owner and principal of her own firm2022-05-1824 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep6 The Experience of FurnitureDesign Oracles explain planning for, shopping for or designing furniture for your home. We discuss how to prioritize, where to spend, and how to plan for it.2022-05-1127 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep5 Rugs and Textiles How They Change our Experience in our HomeThe Design Oracles wax poetic about fabric and textiles from the history to them to the weave to the wear. 2022-05-0415 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep4 Human Experience with Home LightingA discussion of the importance of the correct amount of lighting in the right places at the right time in your home from daylight to dimmers!2022-04-2729 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep3 How to Manage ExpectationsThe Design Oracles discuss how to help clients manage expectations in the custom home building or renovation process. All can go smoothly if everyone knows what to expect!2022-04-2025 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep2 Codes: the Good and the Bad (city codes, IRC codes, county codes)The Design Oracles talk about what the various residential “codes” are, how each city and county adopts their own codes and writes their own ordinances. We discuss why you should care, how they help and “hurt” us in design. They cause necessary and unnecessary delays depending on who you ask. 2022-04-1337 minDesign OraclesS3 Ep1 The Value of ExperienceThe Design Oracles discuss how useful experience in from your design team, your builder and your subs as you build a home or do a renovation but equally important is the experience of going through that process for the clients as well. The expertise is valued as much as the experience of all.2022-04-0627 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep12 Amity and Dianne's Top Five Things Relating to Behavior in DesignThe good, the bad, and the ugly...2022-01-1231 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep11 Articulation of FaçadeThe Building Edge creates first Impressions.2022-01-0530 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep10 Our Favorite Patterns from Pattern LanguageAmity and Dianne share their personal “three favorite patterns” from Pattern Language.2021-12-2929 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep9 Rooms Without CeilingsEstablish enclosure, relate to the building, and provide definition.2021-12-2225 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep8 Interview with Custom Cabinet Maker David Betz with Benchmark Kitchens and Baths (The Details Matter)2021-12-1543 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep7 A Room of One's OwnThe Importance of bedroom design to wellness and connection2021-12-0833 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep6 Zen ViewThe design of your home needs to take into consideration the view from the home whether it is one you create or one that is existing. Along with that view is the connection of the house and that view in creating peaceful outdoor spaces.2021-12-0126 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep5 Intimacy GradientIntimacy Gradient Explained! How areas of your home are public and private, and how the intimacy of each space matters.2021-11-2435 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep4 Interviewing Brad Whitman with LBR HomesAn in-depth interview with one of our favorite Custom Home Builders, learning his insight and skills he brings to building a custom home.2021-11-1749 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep3 Kitchens: Open vs ClosedThe great Kitchen debate continues- closed vs open kitchens; discussing the pluses and minuses of each kitchen design, while also discussing some basic kitchen layout, cabinets, open shelves, pantries, sculleries and more!2021-11-1036 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep2 Entry and the Car Connection to HouseWaymaking - the importance of how one enters a home.2021-11-0329 minDesign OraclesS2 Ep1 Curb to DoorThe importance of the curb to door connections in home design. The view from outside matters!2021-10-2728 minDesign OraclesBizarro WorldFor our twentieth episode (woo-hoo!), we flip our show upside down and inside out and discuss the best ways to gain fat, lose strength and minimize your health. Why would we do such a thing? Because it was kinda fun! And because sometimes we have to look at absurd and extreme behaviors on the opposite end of the spectrum to make sure we’re not wasting any of our time or energy there… Plus Seinfeld and Superman already did it, so we figured we were next!2021-09-031h 08Design OraclesS1 Ep13 Plumbing Fixtures and FittingsThe Design Oracles discuss the ins and outs of selecting plumbing fixtures and fittings for renovation and new build projects including the need to focus on finishes, function, design and price2021-08-0431 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep12 Bathroom Tricks of the TradeThe Design Oracles wax poetic about bathroom design, the trends, the things to keep in mind and some of their own personal likes and dislikes. Bathrooms are as important as kitchens when it comes to thoughtful design and finishes! 2021-07-2832 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep11 Window TreatmentsThe Design Oracles would be doing a disservice to not bring up a discussion of window treatments for the home. The mystery of what a window treatment is, what it can do for you, what the importance of it is in the home and why you should care! We interview a specialist in the field because as we expect our clients to do, we “trust the professional”.2021-07-2145 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep10 All about Windowshe Design Oracles discuss the types of windows to consider in your new build, renovation or addition project for your residence. There are so many things to know about function, type, efficiency, and cost. We are here to help you make a good choice and understand the importance of those choices.2021-07-1434 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep9 Color Selection Ain't for the Faint of HeartThe Design Oracles take on one of the most popular subjects for design clients and that is color....how to choose it, the emotional effect, the practical steps for getting it right and some secrets of the trade for choosing it. Hint...color is not just about paint!2021-07-0729 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep8 Suitability in DesignThe Design Oracles wax poetic about the basic philosophy of good design which all stems from the suitability of the design for the space, the lot, the client, the investment and the desired outcome! Suitability is the guide.2021-06-3022 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep7 Cost Plus and Lump Sum ContractsThe Design Oracles take us through the different types of contracts that builders/general contractors work with, what the pros and cons of each are and what our personal preferences lean toward.2021-06-2324 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep6 How Far Does the Client or Designer Lead?Two Design Oracles discuss the “dance” of working with a professional interior designer or architect in which each takes a turn to lead when it is appropriate (explaining how you live) and when to follow (when the design professional is sharing knowledge they have from years in the field). There are certain times when it is in the clients best interest to trust the professional to take them successfully though the process of design, renovation etc.2021-06-1625 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep5 A History Lesson - Modern and Contemporary StyleTwo Design Oracles impart knowledge regarding what the difference is between Modern Design (also known as Mid Century Modern) and Contemporary Design. They explain the importance of understanding the correct language and difference between the two as a way to help clients understand what they want out of their design team and how to correctly express it. 2021-06-0935 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep4 Historic Houses with Modern TrendsTwo Design Oracles discuss how they have in the past and continue to make older homes from past decades into contemporary spaces for the way families and people live today without losing the history, character or special period charm of the home. It is all about balance and expertise in construction knowledge and systems and knowing what to change and what to hold onto.2021-06-0228 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep3 Design Process - Once HiredTwo Design Oracles walk you through the process of working with a design team from the architect to the interior designer, what they do for you, how they do it and what to expect out of a professional team.2021-05-2633 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep2 Emotional Connection to Your HomeTwo Design Oracles discuss the emotional connections people have to their homes and what all goes into the decisions about how to renovate them from neighborhood to memories to personal connection to spaces as it is not always about the financial investment. Design/renovations/addition and new builds for residence can be an emotional experience with highs and lows. 2021-05-1936 minDesign OraclesS1 Ep1 Finding the right design teamTwo Design Oracles discuss how to find the right design professionals for your project, how to ensure that you have a collaborative group including the builder/general contractor and what to expect from that team of professionals when doing a remodel, addition or new build.2021-05-1632 min