On this episode of Doctoring Up Design, we explore the evolution of Rocky Mountain Hardware, a 100% U.S.-made architectural hardware brand based in Idaho. Christian Nickum, CEO and President of Rocky Mountain Hardware shares the company’s origins, family-driven growth, and the design philosophy that blends craftsmanship, versatility, and innovation. From custom projects to a nationwide distributor network, listeners get an inside look at how Rocky Mountain Hardware supports designers, architects, and homeowners alike. Learn how a small mountain-town shop grew into a nationally recognized brand, producing bronze, brass, and aluminum hardware for a variety of architectural styles. We discuss design processes, trade partnerships, and the innovative “Road Show” that brings products and expertise directly to design professionals.This episode is brought to you by Rocky Mountain Hardware, offering fully U.S.-manufactured architectural hardware for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects.Origins of Rocky Mountain Hardware Founding story by Christian’s father in Sun Valley, Idaho. Early focus on custom windows and doors, transition to architectural hardware. First hardware products and the early years of growth. Company Evolution & Leadership Christian joins the business in 1996, taking over production. Scaling operations, investment in manufacturing, and expansion to three Idaho facilities. Transition from regional to national reach through distributor networks. Design Philosophy & Product Development Blending rustic mountain inspiration with contemporary design trends. Focus on bronze, brass, and other alloy hardware, and finishes. Internal design team vs. external collaborations with designers nationwide. Custom Work & Full-Suite Solutions “Never say no” approach to creating unique hardware and home accessories. Ability to outfit complete spaces—residential, hospitality, and commercial. Coordinating with designers for cohesive project-wide solutions. Trade Relationships & Distribution Importance of showrooms, independent reps, and distributor network. Navigating post-pandemic supply chain challenges and pricing volatility. How Rocky Mountain Hardware supports designers and clients in project execution. Innovations & Outreach: The Road Show Concept, history, and impact of the mobile showroom. Benefits for distributors, design teams, and homeowners. Continuous engagement with trade events and design conferences. Takeaways for Designers & Architects Emphasis on 100% U.S.-made, high-quality architectural hardware. Versatility across styles: mountain modern, traditional, rustic, contemporary. Insight into how Rocky Mountain Hardware can support entire projects. 

Mark Font and Andrea Yebra of Viefe share how a family business that began with wooden buttons nearly 100 years ago evolved into one of Europe’s most respected makers of knobs, handles, and home accessories.This conversation explores Viefe’s journey from its roots in Catalonia’s woodturning tradition to becoming a global design brand with a growing U.S. presence. Mark and Andrea discuss their manufacturing approach, the art of merchandising, their U.S. showroom strategy, and how they balance tradition, innovation, and design trends while navigating tariffs and global supply chains.Origins of ViefeFounded nearly 100 years ago by Font’s great-grandfather, originally a baker who shifted into woodturningEarly products: toy accessories, then wooden and later plastic buttonsExpansion into knobs and handles in the late 2000sThe Shift from Buttons to HandlesMarket pressure from low-cost production in Asia made buttons less viableIn 2009, launched the first Viefe handle collectionBy 2017, phased out buttons entirely, focusing on knobs, handles, hooks, and accessoriesCraft, Manufacturing & Design ProcessManufacturing in Spain, Turkey, China, Vietnam, India, and EuropeWood turning origins, now largely CNC milling for precisionDesign philosophy: trend-spotting through travel, trade shows, customer inputInternal design briefs and team collaboration for new collectionsU.S. Expansion StrategyEntered U.S. market ~2019–2020 with warehouse in CanadaFirst KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) in 2020, right before the pandemic shutdownApproach: bypass national distributors, instead build direct relationships with showrooms and repsCurrent rep coverage: California, New York, Florida, Texas, Midwest, New England, and moreNavigating the PandemicLucky timing: completed a new large facility in Spain right before COVIDWarehouse expansion allowed stockpiling and meeting surging demand during home-renovation boomGrew 70% in one year despite shutdownsMerchandising & Showroom StrategyDisplay boards: a challenge in U.S. vs. EuropeStriking a balance between finishes vs. collections on boardsSpecial attention to long handles and accessories (like doorstops, hooks, appliance handles)Showrooms customize boards; Viefe provides guidance and optionsCultural & Market AdaptationAmerican market requires bigger sizes, bolder finishes—“go big or go home”Regional taste differences: California vs. New York vs. MidwestGood design seen as universal, but scale and finish matter by marketExample: Brooklyn Collection works globally; Chassis line tailored for U.S. industrial aestheticGlobal Supply Chain & TariffsViefe manufactures worldwide but keeps wood production local in SpainAdapting to tariffs, supply chain volatility, and pricing confusionChose to delay raising prices rather than constantly shifting costs

This episode of Doctoring Up Design features a conversation with Ignacio Rodriguez of Ignacio Rodriguez Architects, a Los Angeles firm with deep roots in the community and an internationally influenced way of thinking about design. I’m Josh Cooperman, host of Convo By Design and in this episode of Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring in Los Angeles, we explore the inner workings of some of the most talented creatives in the world, based in Southern California, Ignacio Rodriguez, CEO of Ignacio Rodriguez Architects in Los Angeles, blends artistry, cultural influences, and forward-thinking design in his residential work. From his upbringing in Long Beach’s diverse creative environment to navigating post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, Rodriguez shares how openness, security, and longevity guide his architectural vision. In this conversation, he unpacks how contemporary demands are reshaping homes—without sacrificing beauty or purpose.Show Topics Outline:Background and Career PathDesign Philosophy and Signature ElementsLong Beach’s InfluenceSecurity and Resilience in DesignPost-Pandemic Functional ShiftsLooking AheadClosing ThoughtsThat’s a wrap on another episode. Ignacio, thank you for the time and willingness to share. Please check the show notes for links to the speakers and other resources associate with this talk. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for hosting these conversations and making them available. That is part of their commitment to the design and architecture community. If you are in Los Angeles and have some time, come visit us in the showroom, 6053 West 3rd Street. In LA just up the street from the Grove.If you enjoy what you hear, subscribe to the show so you receive each new episode automatically to your podcast feed. You can also join in the conversation on Instagram @DesignHardware. Thanks for listening, see you next time.

This panel explored the critical challenges facing designers, manufacturers, and distributors as they navigate supply chain instability, shifting global manufacturing strategies, recycled content sourcing, and client expectations amid tight deadlines—especially in wildfire-impacted areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades and features; Melissa Zellner - Director of Marketing | ASSA ABLOY Group,  Anthony Powsney _ Regional Sales Manager | Zip Water, Emile Zmenak, Managing Partner | Urbania Canada and Jay Williams, Senior Director  | The AZEK CompanyKey Themes and Takeaways:Manufacturing Strategy & Location Flexibility:Supply Chain Pressure & Preemptive Planning:Tariffs & Pricing Instability:Communication Breakdown & Trust:Transparent Relationships & Education:Planning for Large-Scale Rebuilds:Resilience Through Partnership:Supply Chain Uncertainty & Design Resilience — A Blueprint for Moving ForwardDesigners today face a reality that feels less like a puzzle and more like a moving target. Supply chains are in constant flux, tariffs are reshaping pricing strategies overnight, and manufacturing must strike a careful balance between cost, speed, and sustainability. In this recent panel hosted by Doctoring Up Design, industry leaders from manufacturing, distribution, and design gathered to talk candidly about what's changing, what's working, and how designers can better navigate a turbulent environment—particularly when working on wildfire rebuilds or urgent residential timelines.Manufacturing Is No Longer Local or Global—It’s StrategicThe conversation began with a look at where products are made and how that affects availability and pricing. One manufacturer described their hybrid model: U.S.-grown timber processed and partially assembled domestically, with finishing done in locations like Southeast Asia and Cartagena. Why? Because even with wages at $28/hour and benefits, they couldn’t hire enough skilled labor in Central Michigan.“We built a state-of-the-art factory,” one panelist explained. “We had people interested in sawing timber, but no one wanted to stay through the manufacturing process.” That labor challenge forced the company to rethink what “Made in the USA” really means—and how they could still meet that standard while staying economically viable.Recycled Materials & Smart Sourcing Offer New HopeCommunication Isn’t Just Important—It’s Non-NegotiableRebuilding After Disaster Requires a Different PlaybookBudgeting and Flexibility Go Hand in Hand“We're all going to have to compromise somewhere,” one panelist said. “But when you work with people you trust, you know they’ll do everything they can to help.”Final Thoughts: Partnership Is the New Competitive AdvantageUltimately, design is a human business, not just a technical one. Whether it’s a manufacturer innovating with 48-hour veneer drying or a showroom that calls to walk you through every option, success depends on real relationships. If one leg of the stool—manufacturer, showroom, or designer—breaks, the whole system collapses.But when all three collaborate, communicate, and plan together, they can weather any disruption—and even build something better than what came before.

California’s escalating wildfire crisis is forcing a radical rethink in residential architecture. With fires growing in intensity, frequency, and unpredictability, architects, planners, and policymakers are coming together to define a new blueprint for resilient, sustainable living in the wildland-urban interface. In May, I journeyed to Design Hardware for the Spring Design Thought Leadership Summit, something we do four times a  year at Design Hardware to delve into trending ideas and concepts bubbling up through the design and architecture community. After hosting these events for over 6-years at Design Hardware, I always come away with a fresh perspective on emerging ideas and this time was no exception. The idea this time was to isolate the concepts and ideas that are needed now to address climate change, specifically fire related issues and develop them into actionable strategies for building—and rebuilding—homes in fire-prone areas.The day was broken down into two parts. The first was specifically about fire-related building issues discussed during a panel featuring architect Greg Chasen of Chasen Architects and Ben Stapleton and Becky Feldman of the USGBC-CA. The second panel covered Market and supply chain issues being affected by both a surge in demand due to rebuilding and exacerbated by the on-again-off-again tariffs. That program will be published here as well so check back for publication.This panel covers a lot. Thank you Becky, Ben and Greg for taking part and helping move the ball forward with such a challenging and difficult subject.PANELThank you Becky, Greg and Ben. More conversations like this will ultimately make California’s shelter industry stronger and more resilient. Please check the show notes for links to the speakers and other resources associate with this talk. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for hosting these conversations and making them available. That is part of their commitment to the design and architecture community. If you enjoy what you hear, subscribe to the show so you receive each new episode automatically to your podcast feed. You can also join in the conversation on Instagram @DesignHardwareandFlooring. Thanks for listening, see you next time.

I’m Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo By Design as well as Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring in Los Angeles. This is year 6 of Doctoring Up Design, a show that was created to help design specifiers address some of the pain points professionals in the  architecture, interior design and landscape architecture space face on a daily basis.Today on the show, you are going to hear from Parini Mehta, AIA LEED AP, Tanner Clapham, AIA and Michael Stebbins, AIA from CO Architects. CO Architects, a firm dedicated to perpetual innovation and continual improvement through collaboration. This is a firm dedicated to creating lasting impact through design and the following conversation is evidence of that. This conversation is about the collaborative nature of an architecture firm that allows their architects to work on different types of projects and share their typology specialty while learning new ones in real time. Today, we are discussing; education architecture, healthcare, medical facilities, laboratory architecture, research and exploring the idea of future-proofing structures from affects of both seen and unseen factors. I’m so appreciative for this opportunity to explore these ides with the incredible creatives. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too.Thank you Parini, Michael and Tanner for taking the time to visit. Thank you to all of the professionals at CO Architects for your skill and willingness to share. Thank you for sharing this time together. Thank you for subscribing and downloading Doctoring Up Design. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your commitment to this incredible and durable industry. Thanks again for listening, see you next time.

’m Josh Cooperman, host and publisher of Convo By Design as well as Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware in Los Angeles. This is year 6 of Doctoring Up Design, a show that was created to help design specifiers address some of the pain points professionals in the  architecture, interior design and landscape architecture space face on a daily basis.Adam Hunter | Adam Hunter Inc. Adam shares his ideas regarding social media, particularly in light of recent events, and emphasized the need for disconnection. He suggested that the design community could define what disconnection means, while acknowledging the importance of connectivity in various aspects of life. Josh also shared his personal experience with parenting and the challenges of balancing social media usage with parenting responsibilities. He concluded by suggesting that when life is full and enjoyable, the need for constant connectivity diminishes.Design Trends and Technology ConcernsSecurity, Technology, and Futuristic DesignAdam shared his thoughts about the potential for technology to become more integrated into everyday life, such as wireless charging trays for phones. He expressed his admiration for Apple's minimalist design approach and the#InteriorDesign #Design #AdamHunter #ConnectedLiving #AIBefore we get to Adam, I want to share some thoughts with you that I believe is on everyones mind right now as a new phase in American politics begins. While you cannot control what happens, you can control how you respond. The LA area has seen some horrific sights recently and with the wildfires came tremendous loss. There is a huge opportunity to built LA stronger, better and smarter than previously built and it comes down to the industry professional who know this business better than anyone. This is also an opportunity engage with the professionals at Design Hardware who can help you specify the right products for all your projects. From exceptional wood flooring to plumbing, hardware and too much to mention here, and the best part is the people at Design Hardware have been doing this at the highest level since 1985. So, it’s been a minute and they know what you need to be the best version of yourself and provide your clients with their custom environment. Check the links in the show notes for links to set up an introductory call and find out how they can best serve you on your next project in Southern California, across the country or around the world. Thank you Adam for taking the time to visit. Thank you for sharing this time together. Thank you for subscribing and downloading Doctoring Up Design. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your commitment to this incredible and durable industry. Thanks again for listening, see you next time.

In an industry that celebrates greatness from within the ranks of design creatives across the country, we don’t always do the best job cultivating new talent. Sometimes it starts by simply showcasing a new creative, even if they don’t happen to be new to business. Designer as second career is one of the most popular ways many arrive, but in many ways the challenge to succeed is greater for younger designers who are new to design as opposed to those who are more mature. Julie Beuerlein of JKB Home Design brings an electric personality and passion to the business, one she started four short years ago at the start of COVID. You might mock the timing, she’s not. It was the perfect time to launch a new design endeavor as the world looked for ways to improve their pandemic prisons.Here are some of the topics we discussed during our chat:Julie’s Decision to Launch a New EndeavorNeed to Make People HappyPutting the Ego in CheckConfronting (and embracing) Ageism - Sounds Odd, Right?Challenges and OpportunitiesThank you.… Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam fro Design Hardware. Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design hardware, where you can find everything you could want fro your next design project along with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

When we think and speak about architecture, the majority of the conversation revolves around the work itself. But much of the finished project is the combined work product of a team behind the scenes. The teams that craft the work of world-class organizations like Landry Design Group are worthy of exploration. architecture can be  single-creative endeavor, but not here. LandryDesign Group is a team focused studio that produces extraordinary residential projects and this design is crafted by teams who must work collaboratively. Individuals working in concert for the betterment of their clients and consistently producing the highest level of quality in residential architecture. Because we don’t spend much time discussing team, Brain was asked to share his thoughts about his experience building successful creative teams over the past 30 years.Here are some of the topics we discussed during our chat:Brian’s Journey from College to Current DateDeveloping a Creative CultureRecognizing Talent and Fostering Strong Communication ChannelsThe Business of ArchitectureGrowing a Creative Firm from Conception Through Legacy PlanSeeking the Right PeopleArchitecture School and Critical ThinkingThank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design hardware, where you can find everything you could want fro your next design project along with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring. The showroom has been here on 3rd Street in Los Angeles since 1985 serving the design community and part of our commitment to this vibrant and talented group of creatives includes showcasing talent and allowing for peer to peer, long form conversations. These conversations showcase the talents and processes so that others in the community can learn and so clients who are listening can find their perfect designer.We host Day of Design events each season with a new group of creatives to showcase their work. We met at the showroom in July. And in this episode, you are going to hear from two amazing creatives, Shirry Dolgin of ASD Interiors and Leslie Shapiro Joyal of Shapiro Joyal Studio.More clients are embracing remote design work, which is good because that is the direction the industry is going and the best designers who understand this trend are best positioned for success. Many designers fear that artificial intelligence is going to take their jobs. That’s not going to happen for a very long time, if at all. If designers don’t win projects, it will most likely be to design professionals who know how to do the work, and know how to do it most efficiently.A major part of understanding remote design is application of techniques and strategies to both have the work designed and build relationships with those upon whom one will depend to supply product and complete the work.Shirry Dolgin is what I would call a designers-designer. She is so well versed in the business, trained and experienced to complete any style or extent which a client might challenge her. There is far more to it and while we covered a great deal, we can’t cover everything we’ve learned in just 30 minutes with Shirry. But this was a solid start. SDThank you, Shirry. Amazing. I have known Leslie Shapiro Joyal for many years, seen her work and admire her design and the way she approaches the business as well as the craftsmanship. I know you will too.LSJThank you, Leslie and Shirry for making the tie to have this important conversation. . Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information about these amazing creatives, the show and the showroom. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design Hardware, where you can find everything you could want for your next project.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring. The showroom has been here on 3rd Street in Los Angeles since 1985 serving the design community and part of our commitment to this vibrant and talented group of creatives includes showcasing talent and allowing for peer to peer, long form conversations. These conversations showcase the talents and processes so that others in the community can learn and so clients who are listening can find their perfect designer.Architecture is an art form that is also serves a primary function, that of shelter, workspace, centers for learning, social spaces and gathering places. This is a form of art with a language all it’s own. Long debated is which comes first, form or function. But that’s not quite the right question to be asking these days. A better question might be, for whom does it serve and how can the space serve their individual needs both now and into the future. American society has learned to move to a new shelter space in the same way that a hermit crab moves to a new and bigger shell. We’re not hermit crabs and this model has only served to increase costs and decrease availability of housing. How to think differently about architecture achieve different results.At a recent Day of Design at Design Hardware, I had the opportunity to catch up with longtime friend and an incredible architect, Anthony Poon or Poon Design. Do you have a friend who challenges you in areas where you consider yourself to be well versed?  Someone who thinks the way you do about art, architecture, design and music? Anthony is a friend of mine who does that and he happens to be an extraordinary talent, keep listening and you’ll hear why.Here are some of the topics we discussed during our chat:Music and DesignDesign is Everywhere Yet Seldom NoticedExploration and Evaluation of Vintage Modern HomesSeeking the FamiliarElemental Ideas About ArchitectureThoughtful DesignThank you, Anthony . Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information about the show and the showroom. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design Hardware, where you can find everything you could want for your next design project along with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

Welcome to Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring in Los Angeles. I’m Josh Cooperman, I host and produce this show in addition to planning and executing the activities around our quarterly Day of Design events. These have become well known for a few reasons, and if you listen to the show, you know. We invite extraordinary design talent and brands to come into the showroom and share their thoughts and ideas revolving around actionable steps they take to ease the pain points within the design process. These conversations strengthen the design business in Southern California and beyond. This episode of the show features: Letecia Ellis Haywood | Letecia Ellis Haywood Interior DesignMary Patton | Mary Patton Design  Amy Pigliacampo | Amy Pigliacampo InteriorsThank you Letecia, Amy and Mary  . Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam fro Design Hardware. Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design hardware, where you can find everything you could want fro your next design project along with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

Welcome to Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring in Los Angeles. I’m Josh Cooperman, I host and produce this show in addition to planning and executing the activities around our quarterly Day of Design events. These have become well known for a few reasons, and if you listen to the show, you know. We invite extraordinary design talent and brands to come into the showroom and share their thoughts and ideas revolving around actionable steps they take to ease the pain points within the design process. These conversations strengthen the design business in Southern California and beyond. This episode of the show features; Alina Wolhardt | Wolf in Sheep Design Elaine Morrison | Elaine Morrison InteriorsLauren Meichtry | Elsie HomeI hope you enjoy the following conversations.Alina, Elaine, LaurenThank you Alina, Elaine, and Lauren. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam fro Design Hardware. Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, you will find a link in the show notes along with links to all of our guests and their work in addition to Design hardware, where you can find everything you could want fro your next design project along with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring. Today really is a treat. I am going to share some of the conversations for our Spring 24 Day of Design at Design Hardware. This day of design also provided for an incredible opportunity to sit and chat with some of the designers working on this years Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts. We discuss the project house this year, but also chat about design houses in general as well as the challenges that go along with participation in a project like this.project. I was joined by:Margaret Lalik | Margaret Lalik Design and Decor @Margaret_Lalik_Design_and_DecRachel Scheff | Rachel Scheff Design Studio @Rachel_Scheff_Design_StudioRebecca Hansen | Rebecca J Hansen @RebeccaJHansenAshleigh Miranda | AYM Interiors @AYMInteriorsShari Tipich | Shari Tipich Decorative Design & Artistry @ShariTipichSteven Cordrey | Cordrey Collection @CordreyCollectionYou are going to hear inside stories from this years showcase. And it is spectacular. Make sure to check the show notes for information about the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.What an amazing group! Loved this, hopefully you did as well. Thank you to all of the amazing creatives who shared of themselves and their work. Check the show notes to see their work and this remarkable house. Thank you to everyone at the Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts for being so wonderful to work with! Doctoring Up Design is the official podcast of Design Hardware and was created to address the pain points affecting the design and architecture community. Diagnosing these issues and providing practical insights to address them, that is our mission. #DoctoringUpDesign is available everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring, you home for the finest in design forward building materials and finishes.On the show today, Why is it so hard to build in California? Joan Barton, founder of Dirty Girl Construction and SheSpoke, a platform that explores the stories and successes woman-owned, operated and worked side of the construction and design industry.This gathering took place at Design Hardware in February 2024 and features Catie Cassazza of CRL Construction, Lauren Howley of Howley Design Build, Shannon Sheehan of Citizen Properties and of course, Joan Barton for a feature length conversation about the trials, tribulations and challenges behind building in California. It also showcases why you need a strong contractor, like these. Thank you Joan, Catie, Shannon, and Lauren. Thank you ichele Solomons and Avi Balsam fro Design Hardware. Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

This idea is a simple on really. Gather some very talented designers, place them around a table, drop the topic, hit the little red button and see what happens. This is the idea I came up with in 2017 after years of attending industry events and leaving with a sense of disappointment that the formal conversations didn’t yield the same amazing dialogue that the informal ones did. When creatives come off the stage, the audience leaves and they are just chatting amongst themselves, it was pure gold. I wanted to capture that. We hold these events regularly at Design Hardware. We record them and publish them to Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware. We gathered on February 29th, in partnership with ASID-LA, we gathered some amazing creatives to discuss the rapidly changing nature of the design industry and how the rapid changes and evolving tastes are changing the game. You are going to hear an open and honest conversation, the likes of which you rarely hear. Which is exactly why we do this. The ASID - Los Angeles ChapterThe following conversation features;Cheryl Vines | Mesa Design GroupJaqueline Steinberg | Eve Mode Design @JackieSteinbergLenora Mahle | Mahle Design @LenoraMahleMark Cutler | Cutler Schulze @CutlerSchulzeJuliette Schatan-van der Meijden | Curated by Juliette @CuratedbyJulietteNicole Schulze | Cutler Schulze @CutlerSchulzePhilip Nielsen | Nielsen Dye @NielsenDyeWe are talking about important issues that include;How has the business of design changed in a post-pandemic environmentThe rise of virtual and remote designDesign transitions and changing tastesThe design shows and events. Is the industry keeping up with advanced specifiers needsColor, materiality and performance. How have manufacturers responded to the needs of the tradeSustainability and wellness. Do clients like to just talk about it or do they really careCatalogues and samples. Addressing waste in the industryModern uses for traditional materialsClient relationships are of greater importance nowManufacturer, supplier, showroom and vendor relationships are more important now. There is a shortage of great partnersSketch and vision. Adding value to design services by showcasing the possibilities. AI is a major new skill setDoctoring Up Design is the official podcast of Design Hardware and was created to address the pain points affecting the design and architecture community. Diagnosing these issues and providing practical insights to address them, that is our mission. Now, the audio was recorded live and if you would like to know ore about each of the participants, check the show notes for links and check @DesignHardwareandFlorring on Instagram where you can lear more about each of our participants.#DoctoringUpDesign is available everywhere you find your favorite podcasts. Thanks for listening.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official Design Hardware podcast. I’m Josh Cooperman and today we are continuing our conversation about safety and security in residential design. This topic is not being discussed to scare you or to make anyone uncomfortable. To the contrary, there are a few ideas here that are extremely important and incredibly timely.  Here’s the idea…we live in a civilized society, but not necessarily a safe one. Weather patterns have changed and it would be crazy not to address those changes by preparing for the worst  potential outcomes, right? Technological advances have made the modern American home stronger, more efficient, more comfortable and highly performative. And, it continues to get better. Our society has become more dangerous. It’s just the way it is. So, if you are a homeowner listening to this, and safety is important to you, keep listening. If you are a designer, architect or builder, you have a remarkable opportunity to increase your firm’s profile, create a new value proposition, a brand extension that will set you apart by offering something that is not widely offered by the design trade at large. And, you will generate more revenue in the process. If this is of interest to you. This is what you heard in the last episode of the show.You heard from Garett Winn, and Matt Terry from Safe room. This is part two of that conversation. In part one, we discussed the very basics of beginning to plan out your safe room design and the very basic ideas around that design itself. In February of 2024, Garrett, Matt and I met again, this time in person at Design Hardware to discuss these very ideas with far more depth and texture. We covered a lot of ground and if you are considering a safe room for your home or as I designer, you want to offer this as part of your services, you are going to want to hear this. It’s great information that not only provides a much needed service, but it also creates new revenue streams for designers, architects and builders. Those in real estate should also give a listen. This could be the reason why buyers would select one property over another. We are going to get to that, right after this.Thank you Garett and Matt with Saferoom for your time and expertise. This was part two of a series that we was held live from the Design Hardware showroom in Los Angeles. Check out the Instagram feed, @DesignHardwareandflooring for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

This is Doctoring Up Design, the official Design Hardware podcast. I’m Josh Cooperman and today we are continuing our conversation about safety and security in residential design. This topic is not being discussed to scare you or to make anyone uncomfortable. To the contrary, there are a few ideas here that are extremely important and incredibly timely.  Here’s the idea…we live in a civilized society, but not necessarily a safe one. Weather patterns have changed and it would be crazy not to address those changes by preparing for the worst  potential outcomes, right? Technological advances have made the modern American home stronger, more efficient, more comfortable and highly performative. And, it continues to get better. Our society has become more dangerous. It’s just the way it is. So, if you are a homeowner listening to this, and safety is important to you, keep listening. If you are a designer, architect or builder, you have a remarkable opportunity to increase your firm’s profile, create a new value proposition, a brand extension that will set you apart by offering something that is not widely offered by the design trade at large. And, you will generate more revenue in the process. If this is of interest to you…keep listening.On the show today, you are going to hear from Garett Winn, and Matt Terry from Saferoom. We are discussing the inner working s for creating an inner sanctum. Seriously, you don’t have to be a super hero, super-villain, actor or tycoon to have one. Having a dedicated safe room is not a cheap proposition, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility either. What is your safety, peace of mind and overall security worth? The answer is different for everyone. It’s personal. And it starts with an education. And you are going to get that, right after this from Accurate Lock and Hardware #Saferoom #Design #ArchitectureThank you Garett and Matt with Saferoom for your time and expertise. This was part one of a series that we will be continuing live from the Design Hardware showroom in Los Angeles. Check out the Instagram feed, @Design Hardware for more information as it’s released. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, convobydesign@outlook.com with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well. 

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware with a continuation of the last episode. Resetting the scene for you. In the last episode of the podcast, we were speaking with HMC Architects, Kirk Rose and James Krueger about the thought and elements behind designing for safety and security. The world can be a dangerous place and there is an ongoing conversation about safety in design. The one thing that you can count on is the need to put a priority on designing for the unthinkable.The conversation you are about to hear is a continuation of these ideas and it includes, Kirk Rose, Healthcare Practice Leader at HMC as well as Sergio Lechuga, Director of Interior Design at HMC. We met in person at Design Hardware and to check out some of the video clips of our conversation, please go to @DesignHardwareandflooring on Instagram. We are going to get to the conversation, right after this.Thank you Kirk and Sergio for your time and expertise, thank you Bruce Boul with HMC for making this incredible conversation happen. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the podcast. I love hearing from you, love learning about new products and guests you think should be featured on the podcast, so email me, convobydesign@outlook.com with ideas and suggestions. Until the next episode, be well.

This is a very special edition of Doctoring Up Design. For years, this podcast has been a work in progress. A labor of love that continually drives us to bring you solutions for your design and architecture pain points. Design, architecture, development of all sorts is a living, breathing study of how humans live, cohabitate, recreate and establish domiciles and work spaces. For years, pre-pandemic, there was a time when all you saw in the trade publications were what was pretty, stunning, new. Then glimpses into how celebrities were living. Aspirational for sure, but not super relatable for the rest of us. Then the pandemic hit and all everyone wanted to know was how do I make my dysfunctional house into a performative home? How do I fix this, quick. Post-pandemic, much of that was implemented and we all moved away from these ideas as travel and experience took the priority. All of these things are important. But now, a new movement is currently taking place. A movement that puts the highest priority on  safety and security. When politicians and their families are attacked in their own homes. When school and hospital shootings become a regular occurrence. When massive groups of people descend on retail establishments and steal so much that it registers on many of America’s biggest retailers bottom lines as “shrink”. We are currently in a crisis of security that affects every one of us. We wanted to conduct a conversation with professionals who have been dealing with thee very issues at the highest level for long enough to understand the basics and translate these ideas into actionable steps that designers, architects and homeowners can implement in their residential spaces, now.The following conversation is part one of a two-part series that I am quite certain will grow into something bigger. This conversation features James Krueger, Director of Design and Kirk Rose, Healthcare Practice Leader, both from HMC Architects. A firm that was founded to make major contributions in the healthcare, education and civic spaces.  I mentioned two-parts. This episode is being aired in November of 2023. Part two will be a live continuation of this conversation featuring both Kirk, James and Sergio Lechuga, Director of Interior Design for HMC. If you are listening to this episode and would like to attend in person, please email me, convobydesign@outlook.com and I will send you an invitation for the live session on November 16th at Design Hardware in Los Angeles. This is part one of our conversation.ConversationThank you Kirk and James for your time and expertise, thank you Bruce Boul with HMC for making this incredible conversation happen. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for your continued and unwavering support of the design and architecture community. And thank you for listening to the show. As previously mentioned, If you are listening to this episode and would like to attend in person, please email me, convobydesign@outlook.com and I will send you an invitation for the live session on November 16th at Design Hardware in Los Angeles. Be well.