Design Between the Lines

George Hall is the creator of eclectic fashion brand Gezzani. He joins John to explore its unique styling which utilizes upcycled furniture upholstery. Their conversation shares powerful insight as they discuss how George got to where he is; as well as the significance of art as a way of life.

In today's episode, we dive into the world of those who bring their own designs to life. Longtime maker/designer Jeremy Kamiya joins John along with newcomer Caleb Collins to explain their approach to design as well as discuss the blossoming maker movement.

Dr. Bryle Henderson Hatch and Raven Jeffereson join the show to share their passion for helping others attain success. Together, they explore ways to expose students and underserved communities to the design industry; as well as provide them the educational opportunities needed to explore the myriad of career opportunities available.

Up and comer DuVäl Reynolds meets with John to share his perspectives on the design industry; as well as what it takes to operate a business in a creative field. They touch on all things from his processes with clients to his work promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

On this special edition of Design Between the Lines, John welcomes a few student winners of Innovation + Design 2021 as well as industry veterans and key players in High Point, NC. The interviews took place at the “Meet the Designers” reception held one evening during the week-long exhibition for Innovation + Design 2021. This competition and exhibition was held as an opportunity for designers, makers, artisans and students to express broader creativity, thoughtfulness, and inventiveness with executable designs in functional home furnishings.

Trend forecasting expert Jaye Anna Mize appears on the show to discuss the factors driving consumer decisions today as well as the micro and macro trends we could be seeing in home furnishings. Beyond that, she shares her thoughts on diversity and inclusion within the industry and delivers insight for students entering the workforce. 

In this episode of Design Between the Lines, Gail Doby dives into her career of bridging the gap between the creative and entrepreneurial work of the designers who consult with her. She explains the significance of good leadership and provides deep insight into the world of coaching and consulting in design. 

President and CEO of Century Furniture, Alex Shuford III, sits with John to deliver insight into his career journey as well as his family business which operates 8 factories and employs over 1500 in the United States. Their discussion ranges from the significance of thoughtful design to the uncertainties of a COVID impacted landscape and the tenets of good leadership. 

As home furnishing trends show "the inside moving out", Uli Tombuelt takes a deep dive with John into the world of outdoor fabrics and specifically what it means to epitomize the word "performance". Their discussion spans Uli's illustrious career and delivers unique insight into what makes a good leader.

Diving deep into the world of fabric design is Wesley Mancini - an experienced artist whose impact has extended far beyond fabrics and into the Charlotte, North Carolina LGBTQ+ community. He and John look at integral industry topics such as the significance of fabrics in home furnishings and the continued need for diversity in design.  

Industry veteran and prolific designer; Shaun Melvin sits with John to discuss his creative background as well as the significance of environment and history in design. Follow along as they dive through the industry's past, present, and future. 

In this installment of Design Between the Lines, John chats with American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame CEO - Karen McNeill. Their discussion spans the breadth of her distinguished marketing career, leadership roles; while also delivering an insightful glimpse into the highly anticipated Hall of Fame building in High Point, NC 

As John continues his conversation with Dawn and Christi, they dive into what makes High Point such a special and integral part of the industry, women as leaders, and inspiration for those young professionals and students looking to make an impact in design.

In the first of two illuminating discussions with Dawn Brinson and Christi Barbour, John takes a deep dive into marketing, the harmony between creativity and business, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the design industry. 

A Design between the Lines Special Episode "Old Schoo vs. New School" recorded live on April 7th 2019 in what is now Congdon Yards Plant Seven Loft. Featuring an award-winning panel of professional designers: Christopher Sandomenico, Catina Roscoe, Liz Shaver and Aimee Kurzner. Host/Moderator John Conrad and the panel explore the Home furnishings design process from pencil and paper to mouse and screen, technology in manufacturing and designing to appeal to today's millennials, today's consumers and beyond as well as responding to questions from their audience.

Scott Stevens calls John from British Columbia to discuss his award winning black walnut piece "Little Leafy" - as well as his experience as a woodworking instructor. 

In the seventh installment of our summer series, award winning designer Kristina McLoud calls John to chat about her process, design, as well as the role her family plays in her career. 

University of Memphis student Razan Hadidi calls John to chat about her award winning Treasure Tea Box as well her as future plans in the sixth episode of our summer series. 

In the fifth installment of our summer series, John calls the winner of the dining category, Dave Ringheim; to chat about woodworking and his award winning Equilibrium Dining Table. 

In the fourth short episode of our summer series, John calls with ISFD award winner Chris Merchant to discuss his Danish inspired design.

In the third installment of our summer series, John gets a call from Dean Babin to discuss his award winning design. 

In the second in a series of short chats with industry veterans, John sits down with Bruce Bradford to discuss his foray into design as well what the future may hold. 

In the first in a series of short chats with industry veterans, John consults Erin Tutcher via zoom for a quick take on her award winning design.

Industry consultant and educator Steve Wilcox joins John via video conference for a wide ranging conversation about his retail background, design process, as well as current trends in residential, contract, and hospitality product design. 

Known for their holistic and thorough design process, Jeremy Bauer and Jason Clifton join John during High Point Market to discuss their business, lives, and inspiration as co-owners of a design firm in Juneau, Alaska.

Known for a unique flair that blends the traditional with the unexpected - Interior designer David Santiago sits down with John to discuss his passions, influences, and thoughts on the design world.

A pioneer of narrative design - Gary Inman joins John at High Point Fall Market to discuss his roles as designer, brand ambassador, and professor - as well as what it means to tell a story through design. Recorded live at The Point.

Acclaimed designer and founder of AICO, Michael Amini, joins John in his showroom at High Point Market to discuss his illustrious career, travels, and how he got to where he is today.

Revered marketing guru Caroline Hipple of Norwalk Furniture joins John in the studio to share insight into the business of furniture design and the significance of strong leadership.

Pinnacle award winning design veteran Dudley Moore Jr. joins John to discuss his expansive career as well as share the successes and challenges that brought him to where he is today.

Consumer oriented designer Aimee Kurzner joins John at the High Point Theatre to discuss her role at Currey & Company and share valuable insight for aspiring designers.

Globally-renowned designer Ashley Hicks joins John during High Point Market to share stories of growing up in a world of architecture and interior design.  

Furniture branding guru Brent Smith joins John at High Point Market to discuss his illustrious career in marketing as well as his journey into the home furnishings industry.

Furniture design veteran Steve Hodges (Steve Hodges Associates, Inc.) joins John to discuss his career, navigating the field as a freelancer, and the significance of technology in the home furnishings industry.

John discusses the future of Design Between The Lines.

Furniture Executive Bob Maricich (International Market Centers) joins John to chat about his career, the future of IMC, the importance of design to the furniture industry, and his advice for furniture designers.

Maker-Designer Sarah Marriage (A Workshop of Our Own) chats with John about her passion for woodworking, her design process, and the winding road that led her to found A Workshop of Our Own for the women and gender non-conforming craftspeople of Baltimore.

Interior and Furniture Designer Libby Langdon (Libby Langdon Interiors) sits down with John to discuss her unique journey to becoming a designer, how crafting a lifestyle brand can be a powerful asset, and her advice to students just starting out in the home furnishings industry.

Furniture Designer John Black (J. Black Design, Baker Furniture - Milling Road) joins John to recount his many years of experience in the home furnishings industry, what it takes to create a successful product line, and what he sees on the home furnishings horizon.

Furniture Industry Executive Lorri Kelley (BDI) sits down with John to discuss the things she is most passionate about; the furniture industry, the power of mentoring, the importance of women in business, and creating innovative products with her team at BDI.

Designer Corey Damen Jenkins (Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, LLC) talks with John about the struggles of starting his own design firm and being discovered by HGTV, the mindset required for designing a licensed collection for today's consumer, and remaining humble in the midst of success. 

Interior designer and home furnishings icon Barclay Butera (Barclay Butera Interiors) joins John to discuss his journey to becoming one of today's iconic lifestyle brands, the importance of a collaborative workplace culture, and his advice for anyone looking to begin a career in the interior or furniture design industry.   

Designer Jason Phillips (Phillips Collection, Jason Phillips Design) sits down with John to discuss growing up surrounded by industry tastemakers, transitioning from a designer to executive, and the growing role of technology in furniture design.

Designer Catina Suarez Roscoe (Catina Unlimited Design, Inc) talks with John to discuss the importance of designers in the home furnishings industry and her philosophy on designs that have a story to tell.

Tom Conley, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority (the organizer of the largest home furnishings trade show in the world), sits down with John to give his take on designers and their craft from the perspective of trade shows and exhibitions.

Designer Bobby Berk (Bobby Berk Home) sits down with John to discuss his pathway to success, overcoming obstacles early in his career, and opening his own store, leading him to become a large influence on the home industry around the globe.

This episode was recorded on location at High Point Market. Legendary designer Alexander Julian meets with John at High Point Market (Spring 2016) to discuss how he got to design uniforms for the UNC Tar Heels and the Charlotte Hornets, and learn a little bit about his design process.

Furniture icon Jena Hall (Jena Hall Designs, Thomasville, WithIt) talks with John about getting into furniture design, founding WithIt (Women In The Home Industry Today), and the indelible mark she has left on the home furnishings industry.

Industry legend Leonard Eisen (Pulaski Furniture) talks with John about his inspiration for Keepsakes, Accentrics, and other stories from his long career.