Beyond the Design

Visionary designer Guillaume Coutheillas, the creative force behind French California, transports us through his journey from the architectural streets of Paris to the vibrant world of interior design. Inspired by the striking contrasts between his father’s precision and his mother’s organic flair, Guillaume narrates how these dual influences shaped his unique design philosophy. As we trace his path from a career in consulting to founding his own studio, listeners are invited to discover how Guillaume's passion for blending vintage and contemporary styles breathes life into spaces that tell timeless stories.Sustainability and technology are the cornerstones of modern design, and Guillaume shares his insights on these pivotal trends. With a focus on eco-friendly practices and the seamless integration of smart technology, such as Apple HomePods and Sonos speakers, this episode explores how these elements enhance our lives without overshadowing aesthetic appeal. The conversation unveils how AI is revolutionizing design studios, allowing designers to concentrate on creativity. Guillaume’s approach highlights the magic of balancing client preferences with personal style, creating spaces that resonate with authenticity and elegance.Reflecting on career-defining moments, Guillaume discusses the impact of notable projects like the Steinway Tower penthouse and the recognition they've brought. He emphasizes the importance of originality and fair compensation for creators while sharing his aspirations for French California, including community involvement and education initiatives to inspire future designers. From residential projects in California to commercial ventures in Nashville, the episode reveals the heartfelt connections and emotional rewards inherent in a design career, proving that while design is deeply personal, it is anything but superficial.

Experience the world of interior design through the eyes of Jaqui Seerman, a visionary who has crafted her own path from working with luminaries like Waldo Fernandez and Martin Lawrence Ballard to launching her acclaimed design studio. Jackie's journey is steeped in creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, influenced by her family's artistry and her husband's business acumen. She shares how these influences, along with her mentors' philosophies, have shaped her distinctive approach to integrating interior decor with architecture, ensuring that her creations resonate with their environments. From the importance of cultural adaptation to the universal ethos of design, Jackie offers a wealth of insights gleaned from her diverse global projects.Jackie delves into the heart of her design philosophy, deeply rooted in her upbringing, where her mother's resourcefulness and father's meticulous nature provided a foundation for her innovative style. With a focus on authenticity and heritage, she incorporates vintage elements to create spaces rich in history and story. As she recounts her transition from employee to entrepreneur, Jackie emphasizes the lessons learned along the way, such as the importance of patience and self-forgiveness. Her candid discussion on the challenges and triumphs of running a business offers listeners a unique perspective on growth, creativity, and resilience in the competitive design industry.Explore Jackie's aspirations as she dreams of designing for yachts and castles, embracing the exciting challenges these projects present. Her enthusiasm for new trends, particularly the integration of wellness features in homes and a shift towards artisanal materials, highlights her forward-thinking vision. As she shares her desire to expand into the artisanal product space, Jackie provides encouraging advice for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs. Her passion for creating custom, unique environments as the pinnacle of luxury inspiration concludes a conversation rich with insights and wisdom, inviting listeners to embrace the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship and design.

Luxury design visionary Alexander Dornbracht of Kallista shares his remarkable journey from a family deeply rooted in the kitchen and bath industry to leading a brand under the prestigious Kohler umbrella. Raised in Germany with a passion for interior design, Alexander's unique perspective on luxury goods shapes his leadership at Kallista. During our conversation, he reveals how those formative family dinner conversations influenced his dedication to creating innovative, one-of-a-kind designs that align with Kallista's core values.We explore the vibrant company culture at Kallista, where a bottom-up approach empowers creativity and innovation, particularly in the luxury bathroom and kitchen spaces. Alexander provides insight into the meticulous product development process, emphasizing how a product's "love story" aligns with brand pillars to seamlessly blend design and purpose. As personalization trends sweep the industry, Kallista embraces this shift, offering tailored consumer experiences that reflect a commitment to quality and innovation.Looking ahead, Alexander outlines his ambitious vision for Kallista's global expansion, aiming to establish a strong presence in markets renowned for high design standards. He stresses the importance of maintaining core competencies while embracing artisan partnerships and innovation. Throughout the episode, Alexander's personal anecdotes highlight the significance of mentorship and the unexpected paths that shape leadership, leaving listeners inspired by his journey and Kallista's role in elevating American design on the global stage.

Lisa Adams, trailblazer of luxury closet design, joins us to share her fascinating journey from the world of chemistry to the pinnacle of bespoke closet artistry. With her scientific precision and flair for aesthetics, Lisa has redefined closets as personalized sanctuaries that blend style and functionality seamlessly. She provides an insider's look into her design process, revealing how she transforms a simple storage area into a space that reflects individual personality and taste. Her work, informed by her background and love for organization, is revolutionizing the concept of what closets can be.Together, we explore Lisa's innovative approach to crafting boutique-like environments, drawing inspiration from the elegance of high-end hotels and boutiques. She highlights key elements such as lighting, organization, and technology, which are pivotal in elevating closet spaces. Passionate about sustainability, Lisa shares her insights on retrofitting existing closets, ensuring that luxury and eco-consciousness go hand in hand. Her designs are characterized by clean lines and a sense of balance, serving a diverse clientele, from the Middle East to Hawaii, who seek her expertise in creating versatile and efficient spaces.The episode also touches on Lisa's expansion plans and her vision for the future of closet design. She discusses her aspirations to expand her brand globally and the exciting potential that technology like AI holds for the industry. Throughout our conversation, Lisa underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration, whether working with designers or directly with clients, to bring her visionary ideas to life. Her dedication to innovation and excellence is apparent, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone intrigued by the transformative power of design.

Broadway star turned interior design luminary, Adam Hunter, joins us to illuminate his captivating journey from the stage to the world of luxury interior design. Adam's story unfolds with rich details of his early influences, from his mother’s sophisticated taste to the iconic designer Holly Hunt. He candidly shares how an unexpected opportunity during a Hollywood writer's strike launched his career, highlighting a transformative project with Kate Somerville. Through Adam’s narrative, we explore the unique challenges he faces balancing these dual careers, and how his theatrical background lends a unique emotional depth to his client interactions, crafting his signature style of "restrained drama."Our exploration continues with another accomplished designer, who sheds light on the intricate process of understanding clients' lifestyles to create spaces that truly resonate with them. This segment brings to life memorable projects, including a grand Tennessee estate, revealing how collaboration with architects and incorporating clients’ personal interests, like rock collecting and futuristic themes, fuel creativity. The conversation also covers the impact of industry accolades on career trajectory and a glimpse into the designer's successful product lines and collaborations, setting the stage for exciting branding expansions in a competitive market.We wrap up with an engaging discussion on the evolution of interior design trends and the emerging role of technology and AI in the luxury sector. The dialogue moves from innovations that make high-end design accessible to reflections on maintaining originality amidst a rapidly changing market. Exciting future projects, including revamping a childhood home in Chicago and new ventures across diverse locations, highlight the dynamic nature of the interior design landscape. We also tackle the significance of ethical practices and the ongoing challenge of educating clients on the true value of quality design. Join us for this insightful journey through the intersections of art, fashion, and the transformative power of great design.

Unlock the secrets to transforming your home with insights from Greg and Alexa of Dwellify, the pioneers revolutionizing the home remodeling industry. Our latest episode promises to unveil how you can simplify the often daunting remodeling process, making it a seamless and enjoyable journey from start to finish. Discover the unique approach Dwellify takes, offering a one-stop digital shop that combines world-class design and top-quality products to bring your dream home to life.Explore the innovative methods Dwellify employs to enhance decision-making, such as their use of design boxes filled with physical samples. These tools empower homeowners to visualize materials in their own space, saving time and reducing stress. Hear the inspiring tale of a kitchen transformation in Austin, Texas, where the removal of a load-bearing wall turned a cramped space into an entertainer’s paradise, fulfilling the homeowners' long-standing vision with style and efficiency.Excitement builds as Greg and Alexa shed light on Dwellify's future endeavors, including an AI initiative that will revolutionize how homeowners plan and visualize their remodels. From navigating complex design preferences without boxing clients into specific styles to offering a one-year warranty on labor and materials, Dwellify exemplifies a commitment to accountability and transparency. Tune in to learn practical advice for embarking on your own remodeling adventures and experience how Dwellify is setting a new standard in the industry.

Join us on Beyond the Design as we explore the remarkable journey of Meridith Baer, who transitioned from a disillusioned screenwriter to the founder of Meridith Baer Home, the premier home staging company in the nation. Meridith shares how a passion for gardening and home aesthetics led her to discover her true calling, turning serendipitous events into a thriving business. From the initial struggles of scaling her company to the importance of assembling a talented and dynamic team, Meridith provides an inspiring look behind the scenes of her success story.We discuss the evolution of home staging trends with Meridith, highlighting the shift towards eclectic styles and the integration of antique pieces. The conversation moves away from strictly modern designs, focusing on how her team adapts strategies to different real estate markets across the country—from the light blues and pale palettes of Florida to the space-conscious furniture choices necessary in Manhattan. Meridith emphasizes the importance of blending client preferences with timeless, inviting aesthetics to create compelling narratives for potential buyers.In addition to design trends, Meridith delves into her philanthropic efforts and the joy she finds in transforming spaces for those in need. She shares heartwarming stories of repurposing furniture for charitable organizations and the rewarding experience of making a difference in people's lives. A particularly memorable project was the transformation of a grand parlor at the Archer School for Girls. Meridith reflects on her motivations, future goals, and the incredible teamwork that has fueled the growth and success of Meridith Baer Home. Celebrate with us the journey and achievements of a visionary entrepreneur and her dedicated team.

Join us on this captivating episode of Beyond the Design as we sit down with the legendary Martyn Lawrence Bullard. From his humble beginnings at the Greenwich Antique Market to designing opulent spaces for icons like Cher and Kylie Jenner, Martin shares his extraordinary story. Hear how he captures the essence of his star-studded clientele through fluid and creative design, while celebrating his 30-year career with highlights from his newest monograph, "Star Style."We discuss Martin's eclectic sources of inspiration, ranging from his dynamic home environment to his passion for creating fantasy spaces in commercial projects. Learn about his transformative experiences restoring a 12th-century castle in Umbria, as well as exciting upcoming ventures like the Tiffany building and a leopard-clad private jet. Martin's work for high-profile clients, including Sylvester Stallone and RuPaul, showcases his unique ability to design spaces that reflect individual personalities.Lastly, we touch on the unexpected turns and heartfelt moments that have shaped Martin's illustrious career. From changing a policewoman’s family dynamics to his light-hearted surprise at being hired, Martin's journey is filled with humor and heartfelt stories. With upcoming projects like a modern throne room in Buckingham Palace and a unique wallpaper tour in England, Martin's dedication to thoughtful and personalized design continues to inspire. Don’t miss this masterclass in creativity and design prowess!

Paul Grothouse joins us on "Beyond the Design" to share his inspiring journey from childhood woodworking experiences to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Starting with his father's restoration of a 1710 house, Paul’s passion for woodworking was ignited early on. He recounts his teenage years using a portable sawmill, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Paul also explores how his engineering background has deeply influenced his craftsmanship and business strategies at Grothouse.We dive into the transition from corporate America to running his own business, highlighting the importance of passion and creativity in building Grothouse's distinct identity. Paul shares Grothouse's groundbreaking products like the resonata finish and the fire and ice table, showcasing their innovative approaches to design. We discuss how they overcame technical challenges, such as integrating metal accents with wood, and the constant evolution of customer preferences and trends in woodworking design.The episode wraps up with an exploration of the significant advancements in woodworking technology and the critical need for skilled tradespeople. Paul emphasizes the importance of responsible forestry practices and sustainability within the industry. He also offers invaluable advice for young entrepreneurs and craftsmen, stressing the importance of passion, learning from mistakes, and ensuring financial viability. Join us for an enriching conversation that blends the art of woodworking with the precision of engineering, and discover the future of custom woodcraft through Paul’s insightful experiences and expert guidance.

Melissa Lee from Bespoke Only joins us on Beyond the Design to share her extraordinary journey as a first-generation American and her innovative approach to creating empathetic and personalized spaces. Growing up in the milieu of construction sites and her family's real estate ventures, Melissa honed a natural affinity for design that embodies belonging and acceptance. We delve into how Brooklyn's vibrant cultural tapestry shapes her firm's aesthetic, characterized by its nuanced and layered qualities. Melissa's insightful discussion reveals the significance of understanding the human psyche in designing spaces that resonate on a deeply emotional level, highlighted by a standout project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.We then navigate the intersection of architecture, design, and personal expression, unpacking Melissa's inspiration for founding her own studio. This chapter underscores the importance of a culturally diverse and collaborative team, and explores the adaptability needed for designing across various geographical contexts. Melissa contrasts residential and commercial projects, emphasizing the creative freedom of hospitality design. Wrapping up, we look ahead at Bespoke Only's upcoming ventures, including a new headquarters and a quaint East Hampton cottage, and Melissa's aspirations for future projects, potentially including a boutique hotel. Join us for a rich conversation on crafting spaces that reflect the unique stories and lifestyles of their inhabitants.