Designing Spaces with Heart and Soul with Melissa Lee

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.

Architectural visionary William Hefner shares his compelling journey from childhood inspirations to founding his renowned studio amidst economic turbulence. Hefner recounts the influential role of California's scenic landscape and indoor-outdoor culture in shaping his designs. Listen as he navigates the shift from high-rise structures to the intimate world of residential architecture, driven by a profound passion for creating homes that harmonize with their environment.We also explore the meticulous process behind Hefner's architectural books, revealing the joys and challenges of capturing luxurious modern designs through collaborations with photographers. William opens up about the creative tension between traditional and modernist styles, and how physical models play a crucial role in refining architectural visions over digital renderings. Recognition and accolades have expanded his firm's global footprint, leading to culturally diverse projects that enrich his creative palette.As the conversation turns to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hefner reflects on how remote work has rejuvenated his creative energy and reshaped client priorities towards more invested living spaces. The episode concludes with William's introspective insights on his legacy, the joy and complexity of designing his own home, and his passion for photography. Hefner's advice to cherish one’s living space offers a heartfelt reminder to prioritize and find grounding in our environments. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with practical wisdom and creative inspiration from one of architecture's distinguished voices.

Unlock the secrets of creating bespoke luxury interiors and learn how to integrate cutting-edge technology into your design projects with Jay and David, the visionary founders of Britto Charette. From their serendipitous meeting at Neocon in Chicago to establishing a leading interior design firm, this episode offers an in-depth look at their remarkable journey. Discover their philosophy and approach to convincing clients of the value and exclusivity of their high-end services, and how collaboration with top vendors sets them apart.In our conversation, Jay and David dive into the intricacies of client collaboration, emphasizing the importance of trust and clear communication, especially with high-profile clients. They take us through their project management process, from initial mood boards to detailed renderings that ensure client satisfaction. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the latest projects that excite them, and how technology, like VR and social media, play unexpected yet pivotal roles in their workflow.We also touch on the often overlooked business aspects of running an interior design practice. Jay and David share their insights on understanding profit and loss statements, setting fair design fees, and managing client expectations. They discuss the significance of industry recognition, the importance of mentorship, and their aspirations for future collaborations. Join us for a candid and inspiring discussion that highlights the challenges and rewards of pursuing creativity and innovation in the world of interior design.

Join us as we sit down with Joseph Troughton from David Collins Studio, uncovering the captivating journey of this iconic design powerhouse. From the serendipitous meeting between founders David Collins and Ian Watson in 1985 to their groundbreaking projects for culinary greats like Pierre Kaufman, Marco Pierre White, and Gordon Ramsay, Joseph takes us through the studio’s early days and his own path to becoming an associate designer. We also revisit some of the studio's most memorable projects, including the legendary Blue Bar.As we navigate the studio's evolution, Joseph opens up about the profound impact of David Collins' passing and how the team has honored his legacy while forging a new path under the leadership of Simon and Ian. Emotional moments, resilience, and dedication to maintaining core design principles shine through as we discuss the studio's transformation and their unwavering commitment to creating unique and meaningful architectural languages tailored to their clients.We also dive into the studio's global collaborations and design innovations, highlighting their hands-on approach and the integration of local craftsmanship into international projects. Joseph shares insights on rotating design teams to ensure fresh perspectives and the importance of drawing inspiration from diverse fields. Plus, listen in for a sneak peek into some exciting upcoming projects, career advice for aspiring designers, and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of David Collins.

Embark on a captivating journey with the highly talented Thom Filicia as he shares his inspiring evolution from a passionate young architect to a renowned designer. Thom recounts his early days of sketching houses and his academic pursuit of interior design at Syracuse University. He delves into his professional growth through internships and positions at prestigious firms like Parrish Hadley, Robert Metzger, and Jeffrey Bill Huber. Alongside his career milestones, Thom's love for dogs and his humorous college stories add a personal touch to his narrative.Discover the transformative power of television on Thom's career, highlighted by a serendipitous elevator encounter that led him to Queer Eye. Despite initial hesitations, this unexpected opportunity broadened his design perspective and propelled him into the limelight. Thom's tale of rapid success and the birth of a cultural phenomenon offers a behind-the-scenes look at the exhilarating and challenging world of TV design. Explore Thom Filicia’s expansive design empire, from his captivating TV shows to his comprehensive home products collection under the Thom Filicia Home brand. He shares insights into his design firm, Thom Filicia Incorporated, and personal anecdotes from his life in New York and at Skinny Atlas Lake. Thom emphasizes the importance of community, continuous learning, and the excitement of expanding his brand. His reflections on legacy and future aspirations offer a genuine glimpse into the heart of his multifaceted career and enduring passion for design.

Discover the inspiring journey of Caren Rideau from Kitchen Design Group and how she turned her passion for kitchen design into a thriving career. Caren takes us through her early experiences, including a pivotal university moment and her first apprenticeship at a mom-and-pop cabinet company. She shares the significance of learning from others and gaining confidence in her skills while highlighting how her culinary background and her husband's winemaking have uniquely influenced her approach to kitchen design.Caren opens up about the collaborative nature of the design process, emphasizing the importance of understanding each client's vision and needs. She delves into the challenges and rewards of designing both large and small kitchens, with a focus on spatial relationships and functionality. Caren's excitement about the future of kitchen design is contagious as she talks about the rise of induction cooking and the latest innovations she has encountered at trade shows. Beyond her professional achievements, Caren also shares her passion for entertaining, winemaking, and her new pottery line, showcasing how these interests enrich her design philosophy.Running a successful business in the design industry comes with its own set of challenges, and Caren doesn't shy away from discussing these hurdles. She reflects on the high operational costs and the need for adaptability over the years. Personal stories of transforming kitchen design into a lifestyle brand and meeting unique client requests bring a human element to the conversation. Caren wraps up with a powerful message on the value of hiring a professional kitchen designer, stressing that their expertise can save homeowners from costly mistakes and ensure a seamless renovation process. Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights and inspiration from a true industry expert.

I'll never forget the impact that one special house had on my career. It's much like the story Marcus and Autumn Mohon share with us—a tale of how a shared passion for design and a sprinkle of serendipity led to the birth of Mohon Interiors. In this heartfelt chat, the dynamic duo opens up about their unique paths to success, merging creative instincts with economic savvy, and teaching with business management. They recount the resilience and passion necessary to navigate the interior design business, especially through its most trying times, offering a narrative that's as inspiring as it is instructive.Our conversation takes a candid look at the dance between the emotional pull of design aesthetics and the stark reality of business dynamics. The Mohons divulge their secrets to balancing work and life, particularly as a married couple at the helm of a growing firm. Their story is one of complementing strengths and shared values, where personal style intertwines with client relationships, and where emotional intelligence is just as crucial as design expertise. They also share touching anecdotes that exemplify their deep commitment to crafting spaces that resonate with the stories and lives of those they serve.Peering into the future, Marcus and Autumn let us in on their upcoming projects and personal milestones. With the anticipated release of their first book and the excitement of welcoming a new addition to the family, they paint a picture of continuous growth—both within their firm and in their personal lives. They impart a vision of expanding their artistic horizons and embracing projects that promise not just visual delight but meaningful experiences, wrapping up our discussion with reflections on family connections and the joy of design work that's close to the heart.

Step into the visionary world of Victoria Sass, the mastermind behind Prospect Refuge Studio, and delve into a story of unwavering dedication and creative evolution. On Beyond the Design, we uncover how Victoria's high school dreams blossomed into a flourishing business, despite an unforgiving economic climate. Her narrative is one of courageous design choices, seamlessly marrying the legacy of historical homes with the demands of contemporary life. Listen as she reveals how a strong conceptual narrative is the cornerstone of her work, weaving together the distinct tastes of her clients with her artistic vision.Navigating the peculiarities of space and client aspirations, Victoria imparts her philosophy that design is far more than aesthetics—it's a path to transforming one's destiny. Our exchange peels back the layers of her design process, illustrating the rule that no element should repeat, ensuring each space tells its own story. Victoria's collaborative approach invites clients into the heart of creation, building a design that unfolds with each decision, rather than presenting a finished canvas from the outset.This episode also steps out into the broader landscape of Midwestern design, where Victoria's studio is pioneering a style reflective of the region's values: economical, durable, and rich in heritage. As we anticipate the launch of a new lighting collection that promises to embody this ethos, we also explore how objects like lighting enrich our lives through intimate interaction. Join us for an exploration of design that transcends the conventional, where the magic of collaboration and the influence of diverse architectural styles converge, painting a future where personalized spaces become the canvases of our lives.