From Luxury Hyde to Design Empire | 680 | Kyle Bunting on Authenticity, the “Favor Bank,” and Navigating Industry Shifts

In this special episode timed for the anniversary of September 11th, I sit down with architect Paul Murdoch to explore the profound responsibility of designing a national place of remembrance. Murdoch's firm was selected from more than 1,100 international entries to create the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania—a 2,200-acre site honoring the 40 passengers and crew members who fought back against highjackers on 9/11.

In this episode, host Josh sits down with Nureed Saeed, the owner and creative director of Nu Interiors. Nureed shares her unique journey from a high-stakes career in the fashion industry to becoming a leader in the "design for wellness" movement. She discusses how her background in retail and corporate fashion informs her approach to interior design, the importance of psychological safety in the home, and why the future of the industry lies in personalized, human-centric spaces.

The conversation delves into the post-pandemic realization that true creative collaboration requires proximity, prompting the studio to downsize and focus on a deeply integrated "many hats" workflow. The team also explores the changing landscape of home design—from navigating massive post-pandemic cost multipliers and evolving spaces like "mission control" kitchens, to pushing back against Texas's "bigger is better" mentality in favor of highly detailed, character-rich spaces. Finally, they cover the critical role of manufacturer partnerships in keeping pace with rapid product innovations, regional environmental codes, and a growing client demand for technological simplicity.

This conversation with Bernd Radaschitz is a masterclass in how heritage craft evolves without losing its soul. Born into a fourth-generation cabinetmaking family in Austria, Radaschitz bridges the rare gap between hands-on craftsmanship and executive leadership. His journey—from apprenticeship to building an international business spanning London and New York—offers a blueprint for scaling authenticity.

As geopolitical shifts and supply chain crises redefine the global economy, bespoke rug makers and interior designers are finding new ways to maintain craftsmanship and client trust. This conversation with Ayub Ansari explores how California Design Living, a four-generation family business, is adapting to unprecedented challenges. From the sudden impact of 50% import tariffs to soaring air freight costs and labor shifts in India, the episode delves into the delicate balance between maintaining centuries-old artisanal traditions and surviving a volatile modern market. Economic Volatility & Tariffs: Recent years have seen dramatic shifts in import policies, including sudden 50% tariffs that have forced companies to move from fixed pricing to more transparent, range-based quotes for clients. The High Cost of Logistics: Supply chain disruptions and fuel surcharges have ballooned shipping costs, with some air freight quotes nearly doubling overnight. Preserving Artisanal Heritage: The industry faces a long-term challenge in attracting younger generations to master intricate techniques like Persian knotting, which can take over a year to learn. Evolution of the Showroom: High-end brands are moving toward “experience centers,” much like luxury car galleries, to focus on the touch-and-feel aspect of bespoke products in an increasingly digital world. Strategic Collaboration: Designers are encouraged to utilize trade programs and consolidated shipping to mitigate rising costs through volume and long-term vendor relationships. Applicable Elements: California Design Living: Explore the bespoke, made-to-order collections discussed in the episode. The Art of Hand-Notting: A deeper look into the intricate processes and heritage of handmade rugs. Global Trade & Tariffs: Contextual information on the trade policies impacting international manufacturing. Sustainable Interior Design: Resources for designers navigating the intersection of luxury and sustainable practices.

In an un-siloed world where public spaces face evolving threats, Kirk Rose and Sergio Lechuga detail how intentional design, community trust, and “invisible layers” protect people without building prisons. This is only a part of what makes HMC Architects a people-focused firm and one built for the future. he Convo By Design Icon Registry is presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. In this follow-up conversation, I attempt to anchor a deep dive into the changing nature of safety and security in architectural design. Kirk Rose (Healthcare Practice Leader at HMC Architects) and Sergio Lechuga (Director of Interior Design at HMC Architects). The dialogue builds upon a previous conversation to explore how architects, acting as true futurists who design structures to last 75 to 150 years must proactively engineer spaces for unthinkable modern threats. From emergency room protocols to K-12 campus layouts and civic centers, Kirk and Sergio break down how rigid, intrusive security (like airport-style metal detectors) can erode human experience and mental well-being. Instead, they champion an approach of subtle, “porous” architectural layers and operational human protocols. The trio bridges these heavy commercial insights with residential realities, concluding that real safety relies heavily on human awareness, technological adaptation, and the ultimate luxury: a connected community. And this is just partly why the entire HMC Architects firm are inductees for the month of August, 2026 in Convo By Design Icon Registry presented by Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home. Architects as Futurists vs. Designers: Josh establishes that while interior designers typically plan for 5-to-25-year cycles (allowing for aesthetic refreshes), architects must project safety, utility, and durability 100+ years into the future. The Psychology of Security: Walking through metal detectors or staring through barred windows drastically alters a child’s or a patient’s state of mind. Sergio explains how HMC organizes K-12 buildings to act as a natural perimeter courtyard, eliminating the need for aggressive fencing while maintaining clear sightlines and controlled points of access. The Fallibility of the Metal Detector: Kirk highlights a counterintuitive healthcare trend: many public hospitals are actively removing physical metal detectors. Because weapons can be bypassed or thrown over gates, facilities rely instead on roving security, trained staff, and strict internal “back-of-house” zoning accessible only by keycard. The “Aleatory Space” & Community Trust: Drawing on an architectural concept of un-owned public property (aleatory space), the guests argue that the true front line of residential security isn’t just an automated floodlight or a ring camera—it is genuine rapport and old-fashioned communication between neighbors. High-Tech Human Interventions: Kirk shares sophisticated backend systems used in modern maternal wards, such as infrared infant abduction systems paired with “delayed egress” alarms. These systems demonstrate that effective security is always a blend of automated tech and rapid human operational protocol. Security as the New Ultimate Luxury: Pre-pandemic design focused heavily on air, water, and sound quality. Today, Josh and the guests observe a market evolution where invisible, seamless security infrastructure has officially shifted from an afterthought to a core luxury expectation. Featured Architecture Firm: Learn more about regional planning, K-12 innovations, and evidence-based environment modeling at HMC Architects.

In a design landscape increasingly defined by shifting economics and digital replication, designer and entrepreneur Kyle Bunting is rewriting the playbook on brand longevity. Sitting down with podcast host Josh Cooperman, Bunting shared how a service-first philosophy and a dramatic expansion of materiality have transformed his company from a niche luxury hide specialist into a diversified design empire.

Julie Hardridge, founder of Architexture Interiors, brings a lifelong passion for history, craftsmanship, and design to every project. She began her academic journey at the Savannah College of Art and Design on scholarship before transferring to New York University, where she studied Architectural History and Decorative Arts with a minor in Urban Planning. Her studies, combined with time spent abroad in Italy and France learning from master artisans, shaped her distinctive design philosophy rooted in tradition, artistry, and innovation. While the design world often prioritizes the “perfect” visual, this conversation dives into the structural and psychological foundations of creating a home. From the early stages of a career in Savannah and New York to the intricate details of a Miami penthouse, we explore how historical preservation, material intelligence, and even “imposter syndrome” shape the spaces where we live. The Designer’s Identity Crisis: Even with decades of experience and degrees from institutions like SCAD and NYU, established professionals still grapple with imposter syndrome. The feeling of “not being there yet” is often exacerbated by the inflated realities presented on social media. Archaeology in Design: Modern design is frequently an exercise in archaeology—digging into the history of a structure and the personal backstories of its inhabitants to create a cohesive narrative. The Invisible Value Proposition: A significant portion of a project’s success lies in managing what the client doesn’t see: logistical pivots, fixing manufacturer errors (like ruined leather on a custom chair), and mediating between contractors and vision. The “Jewelry” of the Room: Lighting is framed as the ultimate emotional regulator. The transition from harsh recessed lighting to personalized, AI-driven scenes and art-deco fixtures can fundamentally change how a person experiences their own home. AI and Hyper-Personalization: The future of custom environments lies in “recognition technology,” where a home’s lighting, sound, and temperature automatically adjust based on which specific family member enters the room. SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design): A foundational influence on the technical training for historic preservation and architectural drafting. NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study: Where the “forced reading culture” and study of great books helped bridge the gap between architectural history and philosophical design. Lutron Lighting Systems: A cornerstone for creating “scenes” that allow homeowners to transition their environment from high-energy productivity to soft, elegant “candlelight” modes. CEDIA (Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association): The go-to resource for understanding how smart home technology and integrators work alongside designers to build proactive environments. Pinterest as a Sourcing Tool: Not just for “inspo,” but a legitimate deep-dive tool for finding global artisans, unique hardware, and vendors that aren’t found in traditional design centers.

Sisters Olivia and Jenna Botrie of Dart Studio didn’t set out to build a design firm together, they grew into it. What started in a basement with a baby on the floor evolved into a highly structured, process-driven studio navigating growth, technology, and a post-pandemic design boom. Their story reveals how great design isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about systems, relationships, and knowing when to think bigger. From cottage culture and client psychology to AI workflows and generational shifts, the Botrie sisters unpack how Dart Studio scaled during the pandemic, why process is their secret weapon, and how they’re building a brand designed to outlast trends and even themselves. Origins: A Basement, a Baby, and a Business Olivia launches Dart Studio solo over a decade ago. Jenna joins organically during maternity leave. The now-famous “cottage pitch” that formalized the partnership. Sister dynamics: honesty, friction, and built-in trust as a business advantage The Cottage Effect: Canadian Culture Meets Creativity The uniquely Canadian concept of the “cottage” as creative reset Minimalism, disconnection, and family proximity as design influences How environment shapes both lifestyle and design thinking Process Over Everything Jenna’s role: operations, onboarding, hiring, and systems. Why structure—not style—is the firm’s foundation. Building scalable workflows for a growing team. The importance of documentation and repeatable processes Pandemic Pivot: From Uncertainty to Opportunity Initial fear: shutdowns, no site visits, stalled work. Sudden surge: waitlists, inbound demand, and client urgency. Strategic decision: say yes, scale fast, hire quickly. Long-term impact: bigger thinking, larger projects, expanded vision The Post-Pandemic Client Shift Movement away from resale-driven design toward personalization. Clients designing for themselves, not the market. More nuanced conversations around lifestyle, not trends. The home as a “backdrop for life” Anti-Trend Thinking Rejection of trend-driven design culture. Critique of “top 10 lists” and media-driven aesthetics. Designing from human cues: behavior, personality, daily rituals Technology, Materials & the Reality Filter Navigating rapid innovation in lighting, kitchens, and home tech. Balancing “cool” vs. “lasting”. Role of reps, trade shows, and industry relationships. The importance of practical function over novelty. AI in Practice: Tool, Not Replacement Current stack: ChatGPT, Midjourney, SketchUp, Enscape. AI for speed and iteration—not core design thinking. Client misuse of AI and the limits of prompting. Why human interpretation remains essential The Experience Economy of Design Design as a two-year relationship, not a transaction. Emotional experience vs. final result. Communication, trust, and job site culture as differentiators Reactive to Proactive: Building a Brand First 10 years: purely reactive growth. Year 11 shift: rebrand, visibility, social media presence. Expanding identity beyond Olivia to a team-driven creative model. Long-term vision: a legacy firm with multiple design voices Generational Dynamics in Design Different communication styles across clients and teams. Matching personalities: clients, designers, and contractors. “Boomer whisperers” vs. Gen Z workflows. Lifestyle-driven design considerations by age and stage Designing for Climate & Context Canadian winters and their impact on interiors. Storage, materiality, and seasonal living. Lighting as a wellness tool (circadian rhythm design). Creating emotional environments: cozy vs. open The Through Line: Adaptability Design as evolution, not static outcome. Balancing tradition and modernity within a single project. Embracing change as the only constant in both life and design

In the world of interior design, there is a pervasive myth that one must choose between the left-brain rigor of business and the right-brain flow of creativity. Eileen Applebaum, the founder of Threads Soft Goods, spent 35 years proving that the most sustainable success actually exists in the "dynamic tension" between the two.