Convo By Design®

Convo By Design ICON Registry | 628 | The 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductees

For the past 2 years, you have been hiring about the Convo By Design Icon Registry. My version of a hall of fame. I started this reluctantly. Reluctantly? Yes, for one reason. I have shared my disdain for the click-bait lists that many of the trade pubs and outlets offer. I think it’s disingenuous to put designers and architects on a list because there is really no way of valuing one creative over another, especially when these lists often have absolutely no methodology for why someone is chosen. The blank-blank 100, the blank Top 50, 30 Under 30, 40 Under 40, The blank of Design, The blank of the Year… You get me, right? And the last thing I wanted to do was offer up the same thing but on the other hand, this show is entering its 13th year. 2-years ago in the shadow of an incredible year 10, I wanted to celebrate and showcase some of the amazing talent featured on the show, celebrate them and enshrine them for their work, their selfless pursuit of sublime design, giving back to the industry and for the intangibles that make them so special. That really is the criteria for why these incredible creatives are celebrated here. That is the criteria for enshrinement. The Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by a remarkable partner. A partner who imbues these very criteria into the work they do and why I am so appreciative to Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, a Best Buy company, for being the presenting partner of the Convo By Design Icon Registry.  Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep We post a new Icon Registry episode on the third or fourth Thursday of every month with a whole new slate of inductees scheduled for 2026. And today, we are going to take a look back at each of the inductees from 2025 and allow you to hear from them again in this year end review. Right after this. January – Adam Hunter February – Leo Marmol March – Cliff Fong April – EYRC Architects May – Joan Behnke June – RAMSA July – Jeff Andrews August – Frances Anderton September – Martyn Lawrence Bullard October – The Novogratz November – Sue Firestone December – Woodson & Rummerfield  Thank you and congratulations to all of the 2025 Convo By Design Icon Registry Inductees. This is such an immense joy and privilege to share these scions of design and architecture with you. Thanks again to Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home for presenting this and making it possible. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

Convo By Design Icon Registry December 2025: Woodson & Rummerfield | 628 | Hollywood Glam Meets Modern Elegance and Opulent Interiors

Creating Timeless Elegance: How Woodson & Rummerfield Bring Hollywood Regency into the 21st Century. From celebrity estates to curated collectibles, Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson share their philosophy on bold, elevated design, preservation of iconic architecture, and the art of collaboration in Los Angeles. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep To celebrate this episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry, Christine Anderson sits down with Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield House of Design. The duo discuss their signature approach to interiors—melding the opulence of old Hollywood with sleek modern sensibilities for a discerning clientele. They share stories from celebrity projects, the thrill of collecting one-of-a-kind pieces, and the lessons learned from running a showroom on La Cienega. Jamie and Ron also discuss their nonprofit foundation, CA Projects, dedicated to preserving Southern California’s iconic architecture, emphasizing the importance of heritage in contemporary design. Show Topics & Segment Outline: Introduction & Guest Backgrounds Christine introduces Jamie Rummerfield and Ron Woodson. Overview of their design style: Hollywood opulence meets modern refinement. Design Philosophy & Influences Hollywood Regency roots and modern adaptations. Influence of Los Angeles history, old Hollywood cinema, and personal family heritage. Fashion-forward client expectations and balancing boldness with timelessness. Collaboration & Partnership How Jamie and Ron complement each other creatively. Problem-solving, brainstorming, and the synergy of their partnership. Career Highlights & Notable Projects Celebrity estates and high-profile commissions (without naming clients). Influence of their La Cienega showroom as a “three-dimensional calling card.” Philosophy on sourcing rare furniture, art, and collectibles. Preservation & Advocacy Founding of CA Projects to save iconic Southern California architecture. Importance of protecting historically significant homes and estates. Public involvement and future plans for the foundation. Personal Passions & Lifestyle Weekend hobbies, travel, research, and inspiration. How personal passions inform design work. Future Plans & Product Development Upcoming secret projects and product lines. Speaking engagements and experiential presentations for design communities. Closing Remarks How to connect with Jamie and Ron: WanderDesign.com, Instagram @WanderDesign. Preview of CA Projects website: SIAPROJECTS.com. Invitation for designers and architects to share projects with Convo By Design. This wraps up another episode of the Convo By Design Icon Registry. A celebration and recognition of a true master in the art of design and the mastery of all that encompasses in the pursuit of making better the lives of those they serve. And, giving back along the way. Thank you Jaime and Ron for your many years of friendship, partnership and collaboration. This was the first time we met and the episode was hosted by Christine Anderson, I miss her. Thanks for listening to Convo By Design. Thank you to my partner sponsors, Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home for presenting the Convo By Design Icon Registry and Convo By Design partner sponsors, TimberTech and Design Hardware. And thank you for taking the time to listen. I couldn’t do this without you, wouldn’t want to. I hope this show helps you stay motivated, inspired and focused so you can rise above the chaos. – CXD

Designing the Future of Healthcare | 626 | Architecture, AI, and Human-Centered Spaces; Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Bassilius of Parkin Architects

Architecture is evolving faster than ever, especially in healthcare, where design intersects with technology, patient experience, and operational efficiency. In this episode, principals Rebecca MacDonald and Kyle Basilius of Parkin Architects discuss the changing landscape of hospital design, from universal versus private healthcare systems to the integration of AI and robotics. Discover how architecture shapes outcomes for patients, families, and staff, while anticipating the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Join us for a deep dive into the world of healthcare architecture with Parkin Architects. Rebecca McDonald and Kyle Basilius share insights from decades of experience designing hospitals across Canada, the U.S., and Europe. From flexible master planning and lifespan considerations to advanced lighting, patient control systems, and automated logistics, they reveal how design can directly impact health, wellness, and operational efficiency. We explore how emerging technologies like AI, remote diagnostics, and robotics are beginning to influence design decisions and operational planning, creating safer, more adaptive, and human-focused healthcare environments. Whether you’re interested in the philosophy of design, future-proofing healthcare infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and empathy, this conversation highlights the practical and visionary approaches shaping hospitals today. Talking Points: Introduction & Context Host sets the stage: the evolution of architecture in healthcare, AI, and technology in shelter and commercial spaces. Brief MIT course on AI and machine learning as inspiration for the discussion. Guest Introductions Rebecca McDonald: 12 years at Parkin Architects, focus on healthcare planning, personal motivation from family experiences in healthcare. Kyle Basilius: Design and planning across the U.S., Denmark, and Canada; current principal overseeing cancer hospital design, philosophy of integrating empathy into architecture. Healthcare Systems & Design Philosophy Comparison: Single-payer/universal healthcare vs. two-payer U.S. system. Operational implications: access, staff wellness, patient and family experience. Budgeting and stewardship of public funds in large-scale projects. Hospital Lifespan & Flexibility Typical hospital lifecycle: 50 years; planning for technological and programmatic changes. Importance of flexible core and shell design to accommodate renovations, evolving patient care, and technology integration. Master planning: phased renewals, mixed-use inpatient and outpatient strategies. Technology & AI in Healthcare Design AI as a tool for operational efficiency and patient care improvement. Automation: AGVs and AMRs for logistics and staff support. Potential for remote surgeries, telemedicine, and hub-and-spoke care models. Emergency Department Design Throughput and triage-focused planning: neighborhood-style zones for low, high, and trauma acuity patients. Mental health challenges and patient volume impacts on design. Opportunities for tech integration to improve patient flow and staff experience. Lighting & Environmental Control LED and circadian lighting systems for patient comfort, sleep, and recovery. Flexibility and control for staff and patients. Integration with intuitive interfaces to improve operational workflow and care delivery. Staff Wellbeing & Operational Efficiency Reducing injury through thoughtful design and automation. Leveraging AI and technology to improve staff retention and productivity. Supporting patient-centered care while optimizing building operations. The Future of Healthcare Architecture Planning for technological advances, flexible programming, and patient-focused design. Anticipating evolving care delivery models, population growth, and community needs. Emphasis on human-centered design as the core of architectural innovation. Closing Thoughts Key takeaways: design is as much about the people using the space as it is about the physical structures. The evolving role of technology and AI as supportive tools rather than replacements. Thank you Rebecca, thank you Kyle and everyone at Parkin Architects for craft special places with purpose. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

Designing for Place, Purpose, and Partnership in the Maritimes | 625 | Natalie Owens & Victoria Armour of Stil James

From Halifax to the four Maritime provinces, Stil James founders share how timeless design, regional sensibilities, and entrepreneurial grit shape their work and new cabinetry brand, Loran. There’s a kind of quiet confidence in the design work coming out of Canada’s Maritime provinces—projects that don’t chase trends but instead reflect the rhythm of life shaped by weather, culture, and community. In this episode of Convo By Design, I’m talking with the founders of Stil James, a Halifax-based design studio that embodies this spirit of regional purpose. Their approach blends design restraint with deep practicality, and their new cabinetry brand, Loran, takes that philosophy even further. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep In this episode, we explore how two designers are navigating generational shifts in lifestyle, climate challenges, and a conservative market while building a business rooted in curiosity, learning, and partnership. From kitchens and mudrooms to cabinetry and color palettes, they reveal what it means to design for both function and future in Atlantic Canada. We talked about how the pandemic reshaped design thinking in the Maritimes—how open spaces replaced formal dining rooms, and how designers are reimagining older homes to suit how families actually live. The team at Stil James described the region’s unique relationship with design: working “ten to fifteen years behind the trends” not as a limitation, but as an advantage that allows for timelessness and reflection. They draw more inspiration from Europe than North America, taking cues from craftsmanship, heritage, and texture rather than fleeting style cycles. Our conversation moved into climate resiliency—a constant design driver in Atlantic Canada, where homes must withstand everything from coastal winds to heavy snowfall. Mudrooms become essential transitional spaces, designed for the reality of shifting weather and active family life. Clients are increasingly focused on systems, materials, and sustainable practices that ensure their homes can adapt with the climate. We also discussed how lifelong learning has become central to the Stil James ethos. They encourage their team to attend design shows, seek global perspectives through digital tools, and value soft skills—resilience, empathy, and curiosity—just as highly as formal training. Then came Loran, their new cabinetry venture, born out of a clear market need for design-forward millwork in Halifax. Partnering with an Ontario-based manufacturer allows them to maintain quality and scale while keeping exclusivity within the Maritimes. Loren’s mission extends beyond their own design projects, serving other designers and homeowners seeking elevated cabinetry built with longevity in mind. Show Topics Shifts in design philosophy post-2020 Retrofitting Maritime homes for modern living Working “behind the trends” as an advantage Designing for climate resiliency and functional living Building a culture of curiosity and continuous learning Launching Loren: a cabinetry company for the Maritimes Rejecting color trend cycles for timeless design Entrepreneurship, partnership, and the business of expansion The dynamics of collaboration and shared creative leadership We closed with a conversation about color and timelessness—how they resist seasonal trend reports and instead design for relevance over the next decade or more. They balance enduring finishes with accents that allow for evolution and personal expression. Entrepreneurship runs deep in their story, both having grown up in business-minded families. Their partnership was forged during the pandemic, when shared values and complementary strengths—operations and development—created a foundation of trust that continues to shape their design practice and the growing Loren brand. This conversation is about more than design. It’s about purpose, perseverance, and how regional context can inspire innovation rather than restrict it. And that is coming up, right after this. Thank you, Natalie and Victoria for taking the time to speak with me and sharing for sharing your insight. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and over 3,000,000 streams, downloads and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD

Global Design with Local Sensibility | 624 | A Conversation with Juliette Byrne, LTD

In this episode of Convo By Design, I connect with London-based designer Juliette Byrne to explore how refined design adapts to different cultures and markets. From navigating international trade to redefining timeless interiors, Juliette shares how adaptability, craftsmanship, and collaboration drive her studio’s continued success across continents. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware – A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home! TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep One of the unexpected gifts of the pandemic was the opportunity to connect with remarkable designers around the world from my Los Angeles studio. My conversation with Juliette, principal of her namesake firm in London, highlights just how universal good design can be. We talked about the contrasts between Los Angeles and London—two cities with vastly different scales, materials, and architectural rhythms—and how exceptional design principles translate beautifully in any setting. Juliette described how American brands like Holly Hunt find their place in European homes, and how that exchange of ideas enriches both markets. Our discussion naturally turned to the realities of global design, especially the political and logistical hurdles that come with tariffs and shipping. Juliette shared the challenges of importing products from across Europe and the U.S., explaining how her firm helps clients decide when an imported piece is worth the cost or when local craftsmanship is the smarter choice. Her story about a Dresden project—where customs required a fiber-by-fiber analysis of drapery fabrics—perfectly illustrated the level of complexity designers now face. We explored how design has evolved from an architectural accessory into an independent philosophy rooted in creativity and collaboration. Juliette’s optimism stood out to me. She attributes her perspective to a “glass-half-full” mindset and the strong, talented team that supports her. Juliette walked me through her design process, emphasizing her studio’s focus on sourcing from a broad network of suppliers rather than producing in-house. She compared interior design to fashion—forever changing, always inspired by color, material, and innovation. Her team’s regular visits to Milan and Paris for exhibitions, and Ria’s recent trip to New York to meet suppliers, reflect the studio’s commitment to staying curious and connected. We also talked about her remarkable project in Dresden, where she transformed an 18th-century merchant’s house into an elegant, richly detailed home. Juliette preserved historical carvings and plasterwork while integrating modern amenities like carefully designed lighting and personalized baths. The project earned a major European design award and is now nominated for another in Capri—a testament to her thoughtful approach and respect for craftsmanship. Juliette shared her perspective on kitchen and bath design, where timelessness is key. She favors natural materials—stone, wood, marble—and thoughtful lighting that elevates the everyday. She also noted how generational preferences shape aesthetics: younger clients in areas like Notting Hill often lean into playful colors and bold gestures, while others seek quiet, enduring elegance. Finally, Juliette described a major residential project completed during the pandemic, which demanded creative adaptation to remote collaboration and shifting schedules. Her ability to balance practicality with beauty during that time underscored a central theme of our conversation—design as both necessity and art. This conversation reminded me that design, in its truest form, is a global language. It’s about adaptation, discovery, and finding richness in every creative challenge. And you’re going to hear it all, right after this. Show Topics Design adaptability between Los Angeles and London Navigating tariffs, customs, and global logistics The evolution of design as a standalone philosophy Maintaining creativity and team balance in challenging times Trade show networking and supplier collaboration across Europe and the U.S. Timeless principles in kitchen and bath design The Dresden Merchant House restoration project Managing international projects amid pandemic restrictions Thank you, Juliette for taking the time to speak with me and sharing your insight. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.  Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware for supporting the publication of over 650 episodes and making Convo By Design the longest running podcast of its kind. These companies support the shelter industry so give them an opportunity on your next project. Thanks again for listening. Until next time, be well, stay focused and rise about the chaos. -CXD