The Titans of Trade

In this episode of Titans of Trade, host Constance Studd interviews renowned architect Grant C. Kirkpatrick, whose work embodies California sophistication. They discuss the importance of craftsmanship in architecture, the innovative use of materials, and the evolution of contemporary design. Kirkpatrick shares insights on the global influence of the California lifestyle, the storytelling process i...

On this episode of Titans of Trade, architect Paul McCLean of McClean Design takes us inside his world of bold modernist design, wellness-inspired architecture, and the high-stakes world of LA luxury homes. From his early days in Ireland to reshaping the skyline of Southern California, McCLean reveals the mindset, methods, and milestones that made him a legend in residential design.   💡 Learn abo...

On this episode of Titans of Trade, host Constance Dunn sits down with acclaimed interior designer Annette English, whose 30-year career has shaped some of the most remarkable residences in Los Angeles and beyond. English shares her journey from arriving in LA as an unknown talent to becoming one of the city's most sought-after designers, offering candid insights into building her prestigious firm...

In this episode of Titans of Trade, we welcome Brian Pinkett, Principal of Landry Design Group, to share his insights on steering one of the world’s most renowned architectural firms for over 30 years. From managing global projects to merging classical and modern design principles, Brian reveals how curiosity and collaboration fuel his creative journey. Discover the firm’s unique approach to "Hybr...

The homegrown West Coast Modernist discusses his firm’s approach, their notable residential projects and how growing up on the Sunset Strip shaped him. QUOTES “As architects we’re on a constant learning process. We learn from everything—we learn from every step we make, and every project we’re a part of, and every client and every problem that we’re solving on every project,” he says. “That’s the...

In this episode, meet award-winning architect, Kevin Holland, Principal in charge at HMC Architects, AIA national board member, mentor and industry shaper. Kevin joins us to discuss his work creating public and civic spaces, as well as being part of positively impacting the industry from the inside, and helping to usher in new architects joining its ranks. Architecture was an early decision for Ho...

In this episode, meet notable contemporary architect Duan Tran who joins the show to discuss highlights of over two decades in award-winning residential architecture, from the firm’s distinctive design approach to their award-winning longevity in the industry. How they’re increasingly transplanting their California contemporary aesthetic to other parts of the world. And the ways that AI and tech a...

In this episode, meet Steve Lazar! A dozen years ago a luxury beach home popped up in Hermosa Beach, California resembling a lifeguard tower. Designed and built by Steve Lazar—a local surfer who was first an actor, then a construction laborer before working his way up to full-fledged builder—it was the first in a portfolio of his striking Modernist homes along the coast of Los Angeles. Each visual...

Join us in this episode as we chat with Shelley Starr, an A-list designer who has made a name for herself in the world of high-tone glamour. Shelley's unassuming outlook and purposeful approach to keeping her business lean and efficient have allowed her to work with Hollywood heavyweights like Gwyneth Paltrow, George Clooney, and Madonna. In this conversation, Shelley Starr of Shelley Starr Interi...

“One of my morning jobs was to take a glass of hot milk across the patio, and over into the office where my dad had been working since 4 o’clock in the morning on drawings or writing,” recounts Dr. Raymond Neutra. “And going into the office, and there my dad would be sitting on a tall metal stool with his t-square and triangle.” The youngest son of the pioneering architect, Dr. Raymond Neutra curr...

Known for grand Spanish Colonial Revival estates in Southern California, Kevin A. Clark has a knack for tapping into the roots of classic architectural styles—creating homes faithful to their design premises, but also light-filled and utterly comfortable for today’s 21st century residents. “I had no intentions of working in architecture because I was throwing pottery for a living, and also playing...

Painter. Textile Designer. Entrepreneur. Serena Dugan’s creative chapters connect from her early days doing site-specific freehand painting, and as a textile artist who did block printing and printed her own fabrics. She then teamed up with boutique owner Lily Kanter and created the uber-successful home brand Serena & Lily before returning to her roots as a painter and an aesthetically free-flowin...

Hannah Collins was still in art school when she approached San Francisco chef/restauranteur Adriano Paganini, then planning a new Mission District steakhouse, and asked to help out. She ended up designing Lolinda, a sleekly powerful space and launching a career around shaping some of the most striking eateries, lodging, and retail spaces in the Bay Area and increasingly, beyond. More recently Hann...

Architect Stephen Francis Jones kicked off his career in a big way when Wolfgang Puck hired him to re-imagine the A-list eatery Spago. Jones then moved on to re-visioning other landmark restaurants before adding other public spaces, like food courts and work spaces, to the mix. Today he continues to create unforgettable social spaces that facilitate the utmost levels of comfort, stimulation and fu...

Designer Meridith Baer loved making personal spaces more beautiful in childhood, years before a Hollywood career led her to hand-forging the art and business of home staging. Today the lifelong creative leads a high-profile design business, staging A-list homes, designing luxe interior spaces and supporting other artists—while always remembering her roots. Meridith Baer joins the podcast to talk a...