Talk Design

Elise Elliott’s media career spans more than twenty-five years across television, radio, print and podcasting. Elise’s experience has given her the journalistic edge to write, host and present across all media formats.  Elise is a rev-head. Her daily drive is an old classic ’68 convertible Mustang V8. Fitting then she is one of Australia’s few women motoring journalists. Elise is co-host of t...

Laurie Laizure founded the Interior Design Community (IDC) over 12 years ago, starting on Google Plus and expanding to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. With over 110,000 Instagram followers, IDC is a vibrant space where designers share knowledge, foster friendships, and improve their business practices. Evolution and Impact of Social Media: Laurie emphasizes how IDC fac...

Join Mick Hawes, the dynamic host of "The Tool Shed" podcast and founder of Builders Business Black Belt, as he delves into the intricacies of business coaching for builders. Mick’s journey from electrician to business coach is marked by diverse experiences, including roles as a musician, photocopier technician, and life insurance salesperson. These roles led him to personal development and time m...

Andrew always knew he wanted to be an architect. He was drawing floor plans as far back as the first grade. The obsession never subsided, so he continued his journey at Kansas State University, completing his Master of Architecture degree in 2010. He arrived in Dallas just as the architecture industry was emerging from the lean years of the Great Recession. Time spent at a large international...

Marie Kargiotis an interior stylist and home renovator, whose refined style and unwavering passion have made waves in the lifestyle landscape. Marie is authentic and passionate, and her enthusiasm for visualizing the potential of a project is infectious. Recognised as one of Adelaide’s top 10 interior stylists by The Advertiser, she has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous high-profile...

Phil Darwen, the mastermind behind the Instagram sensation "A Designer's Mind" with 1.4 million followers, delves into his unique journey as a building designer. Specializing in home design and renovation, Phil brings an exceptional flair for interior styling that has made him a significant figure in the design world. Phil's career blossomed under the mentorship of renowned designer Paul Clout, wh...

In this podcast, Brad Sugars, founder of Action Coach, shares valuable insights into business design, marketing, and creating a sustainable, saleable business. He emphasizes the importance of acquiring and retaining customers and staff, regardless of business size or industry. Brad discusses modern marketing strategies, stressing comprehensive online content and tools like Neuron Writer for SEO. H...

Sarah, born in Belgium with a Spanish background, brings a rich multicultural sensibility to her work as an interior designer. Her studio, Sarah Interiors Design Studio, located on the Gold Coast, QLD, is on a mission to transform and diversify the local interior design landscape. With a custom approach, Sarah challenges conventional norms and mainstream trends, striving to achieve timeless and au...

David Bruce Lee and Marina Bourderonnet are the founding partners of FAME Architecture & Design, each boasting 12 years of professional experience in architecture and design. David is a Registered Architect in California, Nevada, Florida, and New York, and holds a Master of Urban Design from City College of New York, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State Unive...

Danielle is a seasoned professional with over two decades of national experience in curating exquisite residential designs. Originally hailing from Melbourne, she recently made the Sunshine Coast her home, where she now leads her boutique Interior Design Studio nestled in the serene setting of Coolum Beach. Throughout her illustrious career, Danielle has lent her expertise to a diverse array of hi...

Beachman: From Dream to Reality On this TALKdesign Episode, Ben Taylor and Steve Payne from Beachman share their inspiring entrepreneurial journey. Founded in 2016, Beachman Life began with Ben's vision for retro-inspired products. In 2019, he joined forces with Steve, a motorcycle mechanic, to create electric mopeds that combine accessibility with modern appeal. The idea was inspired by vintage d...

Purva Design Studio specializes in client-centric architectural and interior design, focusing on the dreams and visions of their clients. This episode dives into the challenges and creativity Purva Jain undergoes when designing large homes with specialized spaces like home theatres and indoor basketball courts. Purva emphasizes a client-centric approach, tailoring designs to include bespoke featur...

Brian's architectural journey began with childhood inspirations from Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and experiences like the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse, igniting his passion for architecture's connection with nature. After studying at the University of Michigan and Arizona State University, Brian co-founded Aline Architecture, navigating challenges like the recession. Moving forward, Aline...

Daniel's academic experience at Berkeley further broadened his perspective, exposing him to diverse climates and architectural styles that influenced his approach. Mentors like Renee Chow played pivotal roles in shaping his understanding and appreciation of architecture. Reflecting on the impact of digital tools, Daniel highlights the transition from hand-drawn to digital designs and the challenge...

Kristina LoMonaco, an interior designer based in both New York and London, returned to the podcast to discuss her life's recent changes, including making a new friend through the host and adjusting to a slower pace in London due to health challenges. "One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the idea that productivity is subjective and personal. We discussed how individuals have the auto...

Through her decades-strong interior design practice, Laura Martin Bovard has been privileged to hold space for her clients at times of transformation. Laura has witnessed the magic that happens in realizing that having a beautiful home is more than creating something visually pleasing; it’s about building a home for your people; creating a vision for and manifesting a unique space that nourishes y...

From Corporate to Creative: Jeanne's journey uncovers the transformative power of embracing creativity after a career shift, urging listeners to pursue their passions fearlessly. Through challenges and growth, she illustrates the profound impact of personal resilience and self-discovery on career trajectories. Navigating the pandemic's uncertainties, Jeanne's entrepreneurial spirit shines as she a...

From childhood inspirations like Chicago's skyline to discussions on urban development and architectural philosophy, Max shares captivating stories that delve into the heart of design. Explore the transformative power of iconic structures like the Sydney Opera House and Frank Lloyd Wright's Broadacre City, discovering how they integrate with their surroundings to inspire greatness. Uncover the pro...

Join Lonnie Armstrong, an experienced builder from Austin, Texas, as he shares insights into his journey from childhood curiosity to a career in construction science. Transitioning from initial aspirations in design and mechanics, Lonnie's path led him to discover his passion for hands-on work in construction, illustrating the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. In the shifting l...

Meet Steve Griggs, the visionary New York landscape designer featured in our podcast. Join us as Steve shares his journey from childhood aversions to traditional jobs to becoming a celebrated landscape architect. Learn about his passion for design, the secrets behind his adored client relationships, and the challenges he's faced in entrepreneurship. In this episode, Steve delves into the complexit...

Transitioning from Principal to Founder, Heather McKinney reflects on her journey at McKinney York Architecture. Embracing the role of founder celebrates freedom and fulfilment, focusing on passion-driven architecture. Heather highlights the transformative impact of architectural work on communities and the responsibility architects hold in shaping landscapes. Architects like Donald Mays and Hank...

Explore Marlon Blackwell's architectural journey, from childhood explorations near the Everglades to a career of merging art and design. His interdisciplinary approach, shaped by nature and storytelling, enriches innovative designs resonating on multiple levels. Marlon's wife Meryati Johari Blackwell and cameo appearance of Michael Malone all discuss the insights into urban versus natural settings...

Mark Wellen, FAIA is co-founder and principal of Rhotenberry Wellen Architects in Midland, Texas. Drawing inspiration from the vast, inimitable landscape and the traditions of Texas’ modernist regionalist architects of previous generations, he has become a champion of the highest standards of the built environment, through both design and leadership. His work is both intuitive and instinctive, dra...

Join us as we continue on our Design conversation with DC Hillier. D.C. Hillier, renowned mid-century modern design expert, author, and Instagram influencer with 230,000 followers. DC began studying this period of design and upon graduating from art school with a degree in film studies he was also now educated in the world of Mid Century Modern and International Modernist design. As well as workin...

D.C. Hillier, renowned mid-century modern design expert, author, and Instagram influencer with 230,000 followers, discusses the enduring appeal of mid-century design, challenges in trends and women's roles, and signature styles in architecture. DC began studying this period of design and upon graduating from art school with a degree in film studies he was also now educated in the world of Mid Cent...