Shows
iDesign 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 miniDesign LabAli Kaufman's Journey from Gifted Program to Innovative Learning Spaces Redefining EducationSend us a textThe episode centers on Ali Kaufman, an innovator in the field of education, who discusses her transformative school, Space of Mind. We explore how personalized learning experiences can nurture creativity, reduce stress, and foster a love of knowledge, ultimately setting students up for life success.• Introduction to Ali Kaufman and Space of Mind • Overview of Ali's educational philosophy and experiences • Discussion on creating a personalized curriculum for diverse learning styles • Examination of the emotional impacts of traditional education • Introduction to the Community Classroom Project and its goals • Vision fo...2025-03-061h 04iDesign LabTransforming Your Space: Balancing Personal Style and Timeless DesignSend us a textThis episode explores the journey of curating a personal aesthetic in home design, emphasizing the importance of self-expression over trends. Listeners learn how to navigate their design journey with purpose, ensuring their spaces evolve with their lives while telling their unique stories.• Curating an aesthetic reflects your unique personality • The role of interior designers in shaping personal spaces • Balancing traditional and modern elements in design • A focus on timelessness versus fleeting trends • Personal stories shape the aesthetic journey • Understanding the importance of evolving design choices • Making conscious dec...2025-03-0410 min