In this episode of Design Discord, we dive deep with Julia Haney-Montañez, founder of The Design Release, to unpack the tough choices designers face today: where to show their work in a post-COVID world. From her time curating the Architectural Digest Design Show to building her own platform, Julia shares sharp insights on how trade fairs have lost their pre-COVID spark and why designers are turning to social media, digital ads, and personal networks to get seen.
We explore how these shifts have scattered the design community, leaving it out of sync and searching for connection. Julia reveals how her work is fostering a more collaborative, community-driven design culture to bridge the gap. Whether you’re navigating fairs, betting on digital marketing, or wondering how to stand out—this episode is for you.
Follow Julia and the Design Release:
https://thedesignrelease.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thedesignrelease/
In this episode of Design Discord, we sit down with interior designer Cara Woodhouse to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting, fulfilling career in design. With a formal background in interiors, years spent at top design firms, and multiple businesses under her belt before launching her namesake studio, Cara brings deep experience and hard-won perspective to the conversation. From her early fine art influences to the intuitive way she approaches interiors today, she shares the real behind-the-scenes—and how she’s learned to navigate it all.
We also dig into the mechanics of how interior designers source from emerging artists and makers, and uncover what makes a designer say yes—or no. Cara shares why supporting young talent has always been important to her, how she thinks about client relationships, and where she sees the future of design heading—from sensory spaces to the evolving role of social media and branding in the field.
Whether you're a designer, a collector, or just love peeking behind the curtain of creative businesses, this one’s for you.
--
About Cara Woodhouse: Cara Woodhouse is a trailblazing interior designer, creative force, and the founder of Cara Woodhouse Interiors, a high-end design studio known for sculptural statement pieces, bold palettes, and unexpected moments that redefine modern luxury. With a signature aesthetic that fuses elegance with edge, Cara’s work has captivated global audiences, drawing in celebrity clients, top developers, and leading brands alike.
Her visionary approach spans residential, commercial, and hospitality design, product collaborations, and real estate development. Cara’s latest project, It’s a Mood, is more than a coffee table book, it’s a manifesto of style, emotion, and function, filled with expert insights and a curated resource guide. She's also the star of an upcoming design TV series and the creative behind shoppable, rentable homes that blend high design with lifestyle branding.
Whether she’s designing a show-stopping project or creating cinematic content for her 900K+ Instagram followers, Cara brings a fresh, fearless perspective to every space and continues to shape the future of design, one mood at a time.
https://www.instagram.com/carawoodhouseinteriors/https://www.carawoodhouse.com/
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa answer your questions. From whether an MFA is worth it to how to actually get the attention of galleries, interior designers, and press—they dig into the gritty realities of building a creative career today. The conversation covers the role of social media, the financial pressures of working in design, and what visibility really looks like in an oversaturated industry.
Questions:
00:39 Fernando, if you were to start as a designer today, what would you do to make it work?
08:54 What is the value in receiving a furniture MFA? Who is it right for and who is it wrong for?
21:45 What is the best strategy for getting in contact with galleries or interior designers?
33:02 Any advice on showing work for the first time in a design week or design fair, and how to maximize it?
43:38 Do you believe a career in furniture design is financially feasible in this economy?
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando reflect on their week in New York City – where they saw it all: Collectible, Duet, The Armory, The Future Perfect, and more. The conversation dives into the evolving language around “collectible design,” the challenges facing emerging designers, and the gap between curatorial intent and market execution. They unpack questions of visibility, pricing, and who these fairs are really serving—while also exploring the role of galleries, the shifting tone of the industry, and whether the word ‘collectible’ still means anything at all.
Links to designers & References:
In the order they are mentioned.
Aguirre
https://www.aguirredesign.co/
https://www.instagram.com/aguirredesign/
Juntos Design studio
https://www.juntosprojects.com/
https://www.instagram.com/juntosprojects/
Uppercut Space
https://uppercut.space/
https://www.instagram.com/uppercut.space/
Yoon Shun
https://yoonshun.com/
https://www.instagram.com/yoon.shun/
Kiki Goti
https://kikigoti.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kikigoti/
Miles Gracey
https://www.miles-gracey.com/
https://www.instagram.com/plays.on.woods/
Thomas Yang
https://thomasyangstudio.com/
https://www.instagram.com/thomasyangstudio/
Sam Klemick
https://www.studiosamklemick.com/
https://www.instagram.com/samklemick/
Joesph Algeri
https://josephalgieri.com/
https://www.instagram.com/megaplex/
Rosie Li
https://www.rosieli.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rosielistudio/
Dudd Haus
https://www.duddhaus.com/
https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/
Llewellynn Chupin
https://llewellynn.com/
https://www.instagram.com/llewll/
Marcela Cure
https://marcelacure.com/
https://www.instagram.com/marcela.cure/
Atelier Ollin
https://www.ollin.us/
https://www.instagram.com/atelier_ollin/
Of the Cloth
https://www.instagram.com/ofthecloth.us/
Kawabi
https://kawabi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kawabi/
Ian Love
https://www.ianlovedesign.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ianlovedesign/
Masa Gallery
https://mmaassaa.com/
https://www.instagram.com/masagaleria/
Duet WSA Exhibition
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOTyyLuEdSq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZjhvdTdlZGE2b3No
The Future Perfect
https://www.thefutureperfect.com/
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa sit down with Jen Kaplan, Alyssa’s co-founder at Erria, to talk about what it really means to build a platform for independent makers. They get into the complexities of designing for both buyers and sellers, the technical challenges behind creating a marketplace from scratch, and what it takes to rethink logistics, onboarding, and product discovery in a way that truly supports creatives. The conversation touches on Jen’s background as a software engineer, the role of trust and transparency in the businesses, and how Erria is reshaping what a maker-first business can look like.
Check out Erria: https://www.erria.xyz/
Follow Erria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erria_xyz/
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa take a closer look at the disconnect between design education and the realities of creative work. Through personal stories and recent experiences with students, we explore what’s missing from most design programs, and what young designers really need to succeed. The conversation covers the importance of hands-on learning, the limitations of academic training, and how the industry might rethink its approach to mentorship and preparation. It’s a candid look at what it actually takes to be ready for the design world today. Please note, this episode was recored a few months ago, in April 2025.
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with designer and organizer Chris Held to talk about his journey—from founding the annual exhibition Jonald Dudd to launching the experimental showroom DUDD HAUS in Philadelphia. Chris shares what it’s taken to build alternative spaces for design, and how collaboration, community, and experimentation have shaped his approach. The conversation dives into the unique business model behind DUDD Haus that fosters generative opportunities for artists, the challenges of maintaining an artist’s spirit in their work with the demands of today’s market, and what it takes to support a new generation of collectors. We also touch on shifts in the design scene over the last few years and the realities emerging designers face when trying to build both their audience and income.
Chris Held (b.1978 Atlanta, GA) is a multidisciplinary designer, curator, and co-founder of JONALDDUDD, an NYC Design Week exhibition (2015-present). He also co-owns and operates the design studio Nice Condo (2019-present), which offers a catalog of residential furniture, brand identity services, as well as commercial fixtures, custom build-outs and creative partnerships. Held relocated to Philadelphia in 2023 and subsequently co-founded the radical design collective, DUDD HAUS (2024-present). Working in furniture design and fabrication for over two decades, Held’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Dwell, Surface, Sight Unseen, Core77, and Nylon. Held currently lives and works in Philadelphia, PA.
Jonald Dudd
https://jonalddudd.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonald.dudd/
DUDD HAUS
https://www.duddhaus.com/https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/
Nice Condo
https://nicecondo.co/https://www.instagram.com/nicecondo/
--
Mentioned Designers:
Nacho Carbonell: https://www.nachocarbonell.com/
Peter Marigold: https://petermarigold.com/
Steven Bukowski: https://www.stevenbukowski.com/
Eny Lee Parker: https://www.enyleeparker.com/
Tara Donovanhttps: www.pacegallery.com/artists/tara-donovan/
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa, Fernando, and special guest Mika Rosique, Fernando’s wife and longtime Sales Director of Fernando Mastrangelo Studio dive into the often-overlooked side of the design world: sales. They unpack Mika’s path into the role, the value of building a strong client management system, and what it takes to maintain real, lasting client relationships. The conversation explores authenticity, communication, and the role pricing plays in shaping perception and success. They also reflect on the dynamic of working together as a couple and the realities of navigating the art and design market from the inside.
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with Oliver Pelle of New York City based lighting and design studio Pelle to talk about the long game of building a creative practice. From navigating the pressure to market yourself, to balancing originality with commercial viability, Oliver shares his perspective on what it really takes to sustain a design career over time. The conversation touches on the influence of social media, the importance of staying humble, and the reality of talent in a crowded field. He reflects on the role of trade shows, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the technical hurdles—like UL certification—that shape how design gets made and seen. With sharp insight and a deep understanding of the business behind the work, Oliver offers grounded advice for emerging designers trying to find their footing.
About Oliver:
Oliver Pelle is the co-founder of Pelle, a multidisciplinary design studio he runs with his partner Jean. Formed in 2011, the studio blends sculptural expression with technical precision—resulting in both iconic and one-of-a-kind works. Based in Brooklyn, New York the studio encompasses a fabrication workshop, research lab, and gallery space, allowing for continual ideation and evolution. Pelle’s work has been shown at MoMA, Design Miami/, and Salone del Mobile, and featured in Architectural Digest, Vogue, Wallpaper, and more.
Check out Pelle's work: https://pelledesigns.com/
Follow Pelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pelle______/
In this episode of Design Discord, co-hosts Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo unpack the complexities of creativity—its rhythms, constraints, and the shifting relationship between passion and recognition. They reflect on how success can both fuel and hinder creative growth, the role of education in shaping their paths, and the tension between personal fulfillment and market demands. The conversation explores fear, grit, and the value of taking breaks, while also asking deeper questions about identity, authorship, and free will in the creative process.
Mentioned Designers:
In this bonus episode of Design Discord, Fernando, Alyssa, and special guest Mika (Fernando’s wife) reflect on what they saw during NYCxDesign. They cover ICFF, Wanted, Shelter, and a few standout independent exhibitions. They talk through the dynamics of booth presentations, the rise of ceramics in contemporary design, and the value of connecting directly with makers. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of COVID, the tension between creative expression and market trends, and the importance of emerging voices in collectible design. Plus, a few practical tips for navigating today’s design fair landscape.
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo dive into the evolving landscape of design fairs, with a focus on the growing scene in Mexico. They discuss the distinct visual language of Mexican designers, notable voices shaping the region’s creative culture, and their own experiences engaging with design in Mexico. The conversation expands to the broader challenges of participating in fairs—from financial barriers and market dynamics to questions of exclusivity and access. They also explore the contrast between selling in cities like Los Angeles and New York, the intersection of design and luxury fashion, and the growing influence of private equity in the art and design world. Throughout, they return to a core question: what would a new kind of independent design fair—centered on transparency, sustainability, and American designers—actually look like?
Mentioned Designers:Joyful Objects Yes!https://www.joyjoy.mx/https://www.instagram.com/joyful_objects_yes/Design VAhttps://www.instagram.com/designart_va/https://www.design-va.com/Héctor Esrawehttps://hectoresrawe.com/https://www.instagram.com/hectoresrawe/Brian Thoreenhttps://www.brianthoreen.com/https://www.instagram.com/brian_thoreen/Fernando Lapossehttps://www.fernandolaposse.com/https://www.instagram.com/fernandolaposse/Mark Grattanhttps://markgrattan.com/https://www.instagram.com/markgrattan/Kenny Scharfhttps://kennyscharf.com/https://www.instagram.com/kennyscharf/Arturo Riverahttp://www.arturorivera-pintor.com/https://www.instagram.com/arturorivera_pintor/Marco Legorretahttps://www.legorreta.mx/https://www.instagram.com/legorretalegorreta/Luis Barragánhttps://www.casaluisbarragan.org/https://www.instagram.com/luisbarragan/Jiri Krejcirikhttps://jirikrejcirik.com/https://www.instagram.com/jiri_krejcirik/Jonald Duddhttps://jonalddudd.com/https://www.instagram.com/jonalddudd/Michelle Jiaxin Huanghttps://www.instagram.com/michjxh/Didi NG Winghttps://dd-ng.com/https://www.instagram.com/dd_ng/Soo Joo Studiohttps://www.soojoo-studio.com/https://www.instagram.com/soo_joo_studio/Matthieu Lehanneurhttps://www.lehanneur.com/https://www.instagram.com/matthieulehanneur/Vincenzo De Cotiishttps://www.vincenzodecotiis.com/https://www.instagram.com/vincenzodecotiis/
In this kickoff episode of Design Discord, hosts Alyssa Gerasimoff and Fernando Mastrangelo sit down to talk about their own paths in design and why they feel this podcast and transparent conversation about the industry need to exist.
Fernando and Alyssa reflect on the challenges emerging designers face today—from visibility in the market to the realities of fabrication—and the need for more open, honest dialogue around what it really takes to build a creative practice.
Along the way, they introduce a range of topics the podcast will continue to explore, including the role of design fairs, the ceramics market, what makes a product evergreen, and how designers can navigate a saturated, often copycat-driven industry. They also touch on branding, social media, and the ongoing balancing act between business and creativity. This episode sets the stage for the candid, in-depth conversations to come.
Watch on Youtube to see all images of mentioned designers.
Mentioned Designers:Katie Stouthttps://www.katiestout.com/https://www.instagram.com/ummmsmile/Misha Kahnhttps://www.mishakahn.com/https://www.instagram.com/mishakahn/Eny Lee Parkerhttps://www.enyleeparker.com/https://www.instagram.com/enyleeparker/Slash Objectshttps://slashobjects.com/https://www.instagram.com/slashobjects/Henry Kimhttps://henrykkim.com/https://www.instagram.com/hyunuko/Devin Wildehttps://www.devinwilde.com/https://www.instagram.com/devinwilde/Steffany Tran / Vy Voihttps://www.vyvoi.com/https://www.instagram.com/vyvoistudio/Max Lambhttps://maxlamb.org/https://www.instagram.com/maxlamb/Not Work Relatedhttps://notworkrelated.co/https://www.instagram.com/notworkrelated/Allied Makerhttps://www.alliedmaker.com/https://www.instagram.com/alliedmaker/Lindsey Adelmanhttps://www.lindseyadelman.com/https://www.instagram.com/lindseyadelman/Apparatus Lightinghttps://apparatusstudio.com/https://www.instagram.com/apparatusstudio/Matthew Barneyhttps://www.matthewbarney.com/https://www.instagram.com/matthewbarney/Faye Toogoodhttps://t-o-o-g-o-o-d.com/https://www.instagram.com/fayetoogood/
