Shows
iDesign LabFrom Belts to Brand: Hadley Pollet's Journey of Ethical DesignSend us a textHow does a moment of personal tragedy transform into a thriving 20-year fashion legacy? For Hadley Pollet, it began with a simple belt made from vintage trims wrapped around a buckle—a design that caught the eye of five strangers at a Boston brewery who all asked the same question: "Where did you get that belt?"That serendipitous moment sparked the beginning of an accessories brand built on the radical notion that fashion should be personal, not disposable. With no formal fashion education but armed with innate creative talent and business sa...
2025-08-1458 miniDesign LabDimmers, Kelvins, and Mood: Why Your Home Lighting MattersSend us a textDiscover the transformative power of proper lighting as we illuminate one of interior design's most overlooked yet impactful elements. Have you ever wondered why some spaces feel instantly inviting while others leave you feeling on edge? The secret might be hanging right above your head.We dive deep into the science of light temperature, revealing why professionals focus on Kelvins rather than watts. That harsh, headache-inducing light in your office? It's likely around 5,000 Kelvins – a clinical brightness that belongs in hospitals, not homes. For your living spaces, we recommend the warm, fl...
2025-08-0709 miniDesign LabWhy 3D Rendering Is Essential Before You Spend a Dime on RenovationSend us a textRenovating a home without falling into trend traps requires deliberate choices and a clear vision. Scott and I just purchased a mid-century modern house as an investment property, planning to renovate and sell it within six weeks. This process has sparked fascinating conversations about maintaining design integrity while creating broad appeal for unknown future owners.Walking through established neighborhoods reveals volumes about renovation history—you can immediately spot which houses were updated in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s because they bear the unmistakable marks of those era-specific trends. Our current project ho...
2025-07-3109 miniDesign LabNavigating Home Remodeling with Monika ZasadaSend us a textEvery renovation has the potential to be a beautiful journey or a costly nightmare, and the difference often comes down to how the project is managed from day one. In this eye-opening episode, we welcome Monika Zasada, founder of D-Mazing and a true renovation curator whose mission is transforming chaotic remodeling projects into organized, transparent, and even joyful experiences.Monika's fascinating journey from communist Poland (where she studied American literature) to the Hamptons construction scene provides the foundation for her unique perspective. Growing up in a country where housing was scarce...
2025-07-2455 miniDesign LabFurniture's Secret Weapon: How Trade Showrooms Empower Designers with Maria MendozaSend us a textWhat does it take to build a thriving business that empowers interior designers at every stage of their projects? Maria Mendoza reveals the answer, drawing from her nearly four-decade journey through the design world.Starting with a foundation in architecture and interior design when drafting was still done by hand, Maria shares her fascinating evolution from custom furniture sales to running large-scale design projects in Venezuela. When political circumstances forced her family to relocate to Florida, her deep understanding of designers' needs led to a transformative business model at DRC Showrooms.
2025-07-1759 miniDesign LabAuction House Secrets: Inside the World of Fine Art and AntiquesSend us a textStep into the fascinating world of high-end auctions with Jacob Codner, a fourth-generation art dealer and third-generation auctioneer who's transforming how we experience the buying and selling of precious objects. Jacob shares the remarkable journey that began in his childhood, holding antiques at his father's auction house and evolving into his current role as managing partner of Market Auctions Inc.What makes an auction house thrive in today's digital marketplace? Jacob reveals the delicate balance between tradition and innovation that drives his business. From the strategic valuing of fine art based...
2025-06-261h 06iDesign LabCostume World: The Wick Family's Journey Through Theatrical DesignSend us a textLearn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/ https://scottwoolley.com
2025-06-121h 09iDesign LabThe Main Man: How Anthony Caliendo Built an Empire Through Sheer DeterminationSend us a textMeet Anthony Caliendo—the unstoppable force behind Florida's #1 business brokerage and the living embodiment of pure determination. In this riveting conversation, Anthony reveals how he transformed from a poor Chicago kid with no father figure into a serial entrepreneur whose relentless drive has conquered multiple industries.Anthony's story isn't just inspiring—it's a masterclass in resilience. From washing dishes at 13 to managing prestigious health clubs at 18, he shares how harsh mentorship and public criticism became the forge that tempered his unbreakable spirit. "If you're not challenged by people above you, how are...
2025-06-051h 17iDesign LabThe Symphony of Design: Peter Boyer's Musical JourneySend us a textWhen you think of design, your mind might jump to interiors, architecture, or fashion – but what about the intricate design of a symphony? In this captivating episode, we're joined by Peter Boyer, whose orchestral compositions have received over 800 performances worldwide and graced venues from Ellis Island to the coronation of King Charles III.Boyer reveals the fascinating journey from his teenage years as a Billy Joel enthusiast to becoming one of America's most performed composers. The turning point? A 17-year-old Boyer, inspired by Mozart and grieving his grandmother's passing, composed a Re...
2025-05-291h 08iDesign LabBeyond White Walls: Exploring the Rich World of CoveringsSend us a textHave you ever stopped to consider the canvas upon which your interior design story unfolds? While furniture and décor often steal the spotlight, it's the backgrounds—the walls, floors, and surfaces—that truly set the stage for your home's character.In this illuminating tidbit, Tiffany and Scott Woolley dive into the often-overlooked world of "coverings" against the backdrop of the prestigious Coverings show in Orlando. We reveal a startling statistic: 90% of American homes feature simple painted walls, predominantly white, despite the existence of countless innovative alternatives. From revolutionary terrazzo applications that...
2025-05-2707 miniDesign LabKim Alexis's Beauty to Wellness JourneySend us a textWhen a supermodel who graced over 500 magazine covers tells you she initially wanted to be a pharmacist, you know you're in for a fascinating story of life's unexpected turns. Kim Alexis joins us to share her remarkable journey from competitive swimmer to international modeling sensation to wellness advocate, revealing how each chapter of her life seamlessly connected to create a purpose-driven career that continues to evolve.Discovered at just 17 in her small hometown near Buffalo, Kim's meteoric rise in modeling happened almost overnight – landing her first magazine cover within four days an...
2025-05-2256 miniDesign LabThe Architect of Sound: How Brent Look Designs Musical ExperiencesSend us a textEver wondered what life looks like for musicians behind the headliner spotlight? Meet Brent Look, a seasoned guitarist with 35+ years in the music industry who takes us on a journey through his remarkable career with surprising candor and enthusiasm.The conversation begins with Brent sharing how he transformed his early musical passion into a full-time career almost immediately – a rarity in the industry. While most young musicians juggle day jobs, Brent was already opening for rock icons like Aerosmith and Journey by his late teens. His stories of life on the ro...
2025-05-151h 02iDesign LabThe Art of Remembering: How Family Archives Shape Who We AreSend us a textRemember when your grandmother could identify every face in those faded photographs from decades past? Those stories, those connections to your ancestry, are vanishing with each passing generation. That's where Hale Shoa comes in - founder of Picturely, a photo organization studio transforming chaotic collections into searchable digital archives that tell your family's unique story.Hale's journey began as a passion project while working in advertising, evolving into a sophisticated preservation service that rescues memories from dining room tables buried three feet deep in photographs. With expertise in handling collections spanning...
2025-05-081h 00iDesign LabLenny Felberbaum: The Art of Home Design in Real Estate SalesSend us a textWhat makes a home sell quickly in today's luxury market? According to veteran realtor Lenny Felberbaum, it's not just location or square footage—it's thoughtful, cohesive interior design.As a fourth-generation realtor and Elite Private Office Advisor with Engel & Volkers, Lenny brings decades of experience to this fascinating conversation about the critical intersection of design and real estate value. Through compelling stories and market insights, he reveals how design choices can dramatically affect a property's selling potential, including the remarkable tale of a 1979 home where the owners' significant design investment paid di...
2025-05-0139 miniDesign LabMichael Manasseri: Designing Reality for Film and TVSend us a textWhen an actor, producer, and director walks into a design studio, fascinating conversations emerge about how our on-screen and real-world environments come to life. Michael Manasseri, best known for his role as Wyatt Donnelly in "Weird Science" and now an award-winning filmmaker, joins us to reveal the surprising connections between film production design and interior design."It's all design," Michael explains, describing how production designers ask many of the same questions interior designers pose to homeowners. From creating mood boards and lookbooks to selecting the perfect accessories that reflect character personality...
2025-04-2441 miniDesign LabForm, Function, and Feelings: Redefining Beauty in DesignSend us a textHave you ever wondered why some of the world's most successful brands and products are considered visually unappealing? The paradox of "ugly design" takes center stage as we unpack the surprising success stories hiding behind aesthetically challenged exteriors.Crocs stands as perhaps the most emblematic case study – a widely mocked rubber clog that transformed into a billion-dollar global brand. We explore how function trumps form in this remarkable business success story, and why comfort and practicality ultimately outweighed visual appeal for millions of customers worldwide. The phenomenon extends beyond footwear into se...
2025-04-2211 miniDesign LabMatthew Van Eyk is Transforming Outdoor Spaces: Every Backyard Tells a StorySend us a textMatthew Van Eyk's journey from a teenage worker fixing driveways to founding Oakscapes reveals how passion and technical knowledge can transform an industry. Starting at just 15, Matthew learned the craft by seeing what went wrong in poorly installed hardscapes – knowledge that would later become the foundation of his business philosophy.After college and experience with large construction companies, Matthew launched Oakscapes with a simple yet powerful mission: to create outdoor spaces that homeowners fall in love with, built on uncompromising quality standards. His approach combines technical precision with aesthetic vision, addressing th...
2025-04-1754 miniDesign LabMatt Williams Story: Resilience in a Snack BarSend us a textResilience and reinvention take center stage as we welcome Matt Williams, founder of FroPro Snack Bar and recovery coach, to share his remarkable journey from rock bottom to thriving entrepreneur. Matt's story begins with a wake-up call in 2010 that led him to sobriety and a fresh start at age 28. What started as homemade peanut butter snack bars carried in his backpack while cycling around town (having lost his driver's license) transformed into a business through simple word-of-mouth at local juice bars. Today, FroPro's organic, plant-based bars are sold in Whole Foods a...
2025-04-101h 12iDesign LabUgly Design: When Form Doesn't Equal BeautySend us a textWhat makes a billion-dollar brand like Crocs succeed despite its decidedly unattractive appearance? Welcome to our exploration of "ugly design" – those products, logos, and styles that confound traditional aesthetics yet achieve remarkable commercial success.The paradox of ugly design reveals fascinating insights about how we interact with the world around us. Form doesn't always equal beauty, but sometimes that's exactly the point. Consider the ergonomic benefits of Crocs for chefs who stand all day, or how IKEA's notoriously difficult picture-only instructions have become a cultural touchpoint despite frustrating millions. These design ch...
2025-04-0811 miniDesign LabBrian Forti's Creative Journey from Television to Live TheaterSend us a textWhen Brian Forti visualized himself sitting in a theater surrounded by performers while meditating on a mountain in Sedona, he had no idea the universe was preparing him for the next chapter of his remarkable career. Two weeks later, a phone call led him to the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, where he's spent the last decade designing immersive theatrical experiences that blend luxury, artistry, and innovation.This journey from television producer to theatrical visionary didn't happen overnight. Brian's story begins with founding 40 Lane Entertainment in 1986, riding the wave of MTV's...
2025-04-0355 miniDesign LabThe Hidden Design of Everyday ObjectsSend us a textEver wondered why smartphone corners are rounded or why keyboard letters aren't arranged alphabetically? The world around you has been meticulously designed with purpose, function, and ingenuity—you just might not have noticed it until now.From the humble pen cap with its life-saving air hole to the strategic placement of the "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles, everyday objects contain hidden design elements that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. We dive into these overlooked innovations, revealing how thoughtful engineering shapes our daily experiences without our conscious awareness. Did you kn...
2025-04-0114 miniDesign LabGuy Holbrook talks Craftsmanship, Commerce, and Century FurnitureSend us a textCraftsmanship lies at the heart of luxury furniture, and few companies embody this principle more completely than Century Furniture. During our conversation with Guy Holbrook, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, we discover what makes this iconic American manufacturer special after nearly eight decades in business."We're makers, we make furniture," Guy explains, distinguishing Century from companies that merely design and source their products elsewhere. With four producing factories in North Carolina, Century offers customization capabilities that imported furniture simply can't match – not just fabric selections, but changes to arms, de...
2025-03-2754 miniDesign LabWhy Interior Design Will Thrive in the AI RevolutionSend us a textWe explore why the interior design industry will be enhanced by AI rather than replaced by it, highlighting the creative and relationship-driven aspects that technology cannot replicate. The discussion emphasizes how design professionals deliver value through their unique vision, hands-on approach, and ability to translate client needs into beautiful, functional spaces.• Interior design is one industry that won't be hit negatively by AI but will only be enhanced by it• Design requires intellectual property that is both creative and hands-on, which AI cannot replicate• AI can't read existing designs, unders...
2025-03-2506 miniDesign LabKeith Eichenblatt's Path in the Lighting and Decor Industry Illuminating JourneysSend us a textThe podcast episode features Keith Eichenblatt, a renowned lighting designer with nearly five decades of experience, who shares insights into his vibrant career and the evolution of design. He discusses the impact of the internet on the industry, the importance of personal branding for reps, and the value of building relationships with designers and manufacturers. • Keith's upbringing in a family lighting business • Transition from retail to representation • Influence of the internet on product distribution • Importance of trade shows in the design industry • Challenges smaller brands face in a competitive m...
2025-03-201h 01iDesign LabDesigning Everyday Moments: Finding Artistry and Intention in LifeSend us a textLife is a series of design decisions, shaping everything from our outfits to our daily schedules. The podcast explores how every aspect of life is a conscious choice, urging listeners to engage in intentional living and recognize the designer in themselves. • The concept of design in everyday choices • Transformation from a focused design podcast to broader life design discussions • The importance of morning routines in shaping daily experiences • How food presentation reflects design principles • The connection between design, philosophy, and faith • Design parallels in politics and leadership • Upcoming dive...
2025-03-1307 min