Design Perspectives

In this episode of the Design Perspectives podcast, host Gail M. Davis shares her journey as a designer, reflecting on her recent recognition as Apartment Therapy's design change maker of 2025. She discusses the balance between public praise and unsolicited critique, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's purpose and business. Gail highlights the significance of client experience,...

In this episode of Design Perspectives, host Gail M. Davis dives deep into the science and soul of mental wellness through design. Joined by environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin, workplace design expert Ryan Anderson (MillerKnoll), and textile authority Saana Baker, this episode unpacks how the spaces we live, work, and recharge in can either calm us—or overwhelm us.

This is the final episode for 2024. I will be back next year with a media company producing the episodes. Yay! Today's episode is me being vulnerable with how I feel going into 2025. Thank you for listening & being apart of my Design Perspectives family! You are AMAZING & I am so BLESSED to have you listening. Have a GREAT holiday season! XO

On this episode of Design Perspectives , I’m honored to welcome Juan Ignacio Aranguren, Associate Director of Zaha Hadid Architects, and the visionary behind Habacoa—a one-of-a-kind, ultra-luxury marina and residential development set to open in 2027. Habacoa represents the cutting edge of sustainable design, integrating innovative technologies, environmentally responsible materials, and renewable...

Donna Dotan is an interiors, architectural and hospitality photographer with over 15 years of experience. Her passion for photographing spaces stems from her love of beautiful and functional design and obsession with clean lines and natural light. Donna was name amongst the top 100 Architectural Digest-Approved Interior Photographers in 2024. Her work has been published in all of the major design...

Atelier Davis is a full-service, multi-faceted design studio headed by Jessica Davis with offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. The studio oversees residential and hospitality interiors, furniture, product and landscape design. As head of the firm, Jessica combines her talent for hand-sketching and space planning, enabling her to conjure up personalized plans for her clients. Atelier Davi...

Founded in 2001, Theresa Butler Interiors was born from a vision of cultivating valued relationships with clients through respect, trust, and confidence to deliver beautiful designs under a variety of styles, time frames, and requirements. Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every home has a story to tell. We design custom interiors that are not just visually stunning but deeply fun...

In this conversation, I interview Joanne Hawa, the owner of Natural Instincts Interior Design, about her design philosophy, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of sustainability in interior design. Joanne shares her passion for nature and how it influences her work, the challenges and rewards of growing her firm, and her collaborative approach to design. She also discusses h...

I'm sitting down with Howard A. Lim, a master brand developer and the genius behind HOW Creative. If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, you won't want to miss this conversation. Hoard shares his insights on what makes a brand truly impactful and how strategic brand development can transform your business from the inside out. Whether you're building your brand or reinventi...

In this episode, we're talking about a critical question every business owner faces: to scale or not scale? When to hire a business coach? Should I become a business coach? It's a decision that could shape the future of your business, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur, a seasoned pro, or someone just curious about how to work smarter-not harder-this...

Najjiyya Perry is a top-tier real estate agent serving New Jersey. With a reputation for delivering exceptional client experiences, Najjiyya brings a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for helping families find their dream homes. Her expertise, commitment, and community-focused approach make her a standout in the real estate industry. https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/nj/maplew...

Mandy Cheng is a FORCE of Nature. I was so honored to sit down & discuss how she created her eponymous firm. Mandy launched her solo design career first as a production and graphic designer in the film/television industry. She has designed music videos for chart-topping names such as J.Cole, One Republic, and Dillon Francis & DJ Snake, and worked as a graphic designer on projects ranging f...

As a Chief Financial Officer for over 10 years, Danielle loved accounting but felt like something was missing while just helping investors and board of directors of large companies. That’s when she realized her thrill for helping entrepreneurs, especially women, who were breaking the rules of business in order to create something amazing – something the rest of the world didn’t expect them to do....

Hello beautiful people! I am back and excited to dive into some key topics; customer service, communication, and accountability. Recently, I found myself facing a situation that demanded direct action. As creatives, we're natually sensitive about our craft - it's part of what makes our work so unique. But there's a balance to strike: being open to critical feedback is just as essential...

This is a story about falling in love, taking chances, and of course, Brooklyn.  We met on an app in 2017 and chatted non-stop for two weeks before ever meeting in person. Immediately, we bonded over our shared love of architecture and design, and have been inseparable ever since. Although Jordan is from Las Vegas and Barry is from New Orleans, we’ve called Brooklyn home for 15 years. Our first da...

Ariel Okin is the founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors, a New York-based, full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the country. Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, e...

The roots of our products are in Johanna’s native Sweden. That is where, as a young girl, she sat in her mother’s atelier as she meticulously crafted dresses by hand. Johanna learned to appreciate the quality and versatility that only hand work can achieve. And it is where she was surrounded by the clean elegance of Scandinavian design. As a young woman, Johanna took these influences with her to A...

Alix Lerman is the Chief Marketing Officer of the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, a premier destination for high-end interior design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Alix has transformed the marketing landscape of the center, making it a hub for designers & architects. Her strategic vision & creative prowerss have elevated the center's brand, dr...

Courtney McLeod is the founder and principal of Right Meets Left Interior Design, an award-winning, full-service design studio located in the heart of the Flatiron District in Manhattan. She has been included on the Elle Decor A-List since 2022 and the 1stDibs Top 50 Interior Designers List. She received the Rising Star Award by the DDB in 2022 and was named an Emerging Designer To Watch by Luxe...

David Mann is the founder and Principal behind MR Architecture & Decor ,  a nationally published New York based architecture and interior design firm (also part of  ELLE Decor A-List in 2023  and  AD100 in 2014 ) known for his work on some of the most iconic fashion boutiques (Lanvin, Takashimaya, Dior, J Mendel and Tory Burch) to The Parker Palm Springs and homes for power players like Pierre...

Tram is a full-time chemical engineer who has spent many years working in consumer industries. She has always fallen in love with the feeling of transforming simple elements into everyday products. There have been countless moments when she felt incredibly excited to see the products she has worked on land on grocery shelves. The feeling is pure joy. Her love for these consumer products grows bigg...

Her dad started his own cabinet hardware company in the 80s, so she grew up with an unusual appreciation for the pieces of metal that help you open your doors and drawers. What Priya didn't appreciate was the shopping experience. Buying hardware today is tedious, thanks to the overwhelming number of underwhelming designs, inconsistencies across finishes and materials, and overall lack of curat...

Being in business is not for the faint of heart. It is time consuming & you must LOVE what you do! There are moments when you wonder if you should keep going…but then it is out weighed by the love that I have for this craft.

This episode I discuss the The A-List, renting office space & the act of always being busy. I want us to normalize the ups & downs of running a firm, cash flow & participating in a showhouse.

Artist & vintage curator Carmen Nash Nash's nuanced design perspective comes from her spirituality and rich heritage, rooted in experiences as a Black Southern artist. She has designed an assortment of light for Troy Lighting. https://www.instagram.com/loftandthought/