The Ride Along CEDIA Expo | 662 | Integration, Illumination, and the Future of the Connected Home

Reconnecting with Friends and Colleagues, That is what Makes Trade Events so Special | 663 | LuAnn Niagara and Josh Cooperman on the Evolution of Industry Media and Podcasts

The episode you are going to hear today was over a decade in the making. LuAnn Niagara is the host of A Well Designed Business. The podcast launched in 2016 and set the standard for what a business of design podcast should be. LuAnn’s focus was then and is today focused on helping designers up level their design studios. LuAnn was hosting a session for the KBIS Podcast Studio and we had some time during the show and I can’t remember who brought up the idea, I think it was me who suggested to LuAnn, that this would be a great time for us to record a conversation about our own journey and collaborate on a crossover episode. It could be fun! Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012]. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech [https://www.timbertech.com/] – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Shelter Republic – Request [convobydesign@outlook.com] your membership invitation Oh, it was fun. We talked about so much but what is really special about this… If you continue to listen here, you are going to get, I’m sure, a vastly different presentation. The exact same conversation will air on both feeds, but the context and philosophy is different. I have a tremendous amount of respect for LuAnn. She has done something special. If you are a designer, architect, maker, you know what I mean. She created something from nothing and every one of us here knows how hard that is.  In setting up this interview, I want to provide both context and a bit of storytelling. You are going to hear four very brief clips before we get to my conversation with LuAnn. It’s been a while since I shared this on the show, but in addition to my broadcast experience in music and sports, I was the general manager and program director for Playboy Radio. In that role, I hosted a show on the channel called the Playboy Radio Interview. She show was a one on one with guests that I thought would resonate by telling unique and personal stories about their journey. And what I want you to realize as you listen to these is that we all go through many of the same things, experience the same challenges and nobody in life achieves anything without a little luck and support. That support can come from family and friends, it can come from a trusted advisor and it can come in the form of hearing stories about others told by industry voices, like LuAnn or me. The first clip you are going to hear is US Mens National Hockey legend, Mike Eruzioni. You would up where you are due to a series of circumstances that aren’t always within your control. Guess what, nobody is. It’s what you do next and how you need to keep going because you never know where that big opportunity os going to come from. The next segment you are going to hear is actor, Tom Sizemore. Sizemore has since past but he still has lessons to share. I’m not going to set this clip up too much because I think it speaks for itself. The concept is “challenge” and the friends and supporters who help us along the way. It doesn’t get more real or powerful than that. Next up is George Lopez. He and I were speaking about community. That of the musicians playing the upcoming Playboy Jazz Festival and how creatives like musicians and comics help each other along the way. I share this with the hope that our industry continues to help each other in an ever chaotic and complicated world.  The final clip is legendary. It’s Henry Winkler on going with his instincts. Imagine when Henry Winkler was on set, day one, starting off as Arther Fonzerelli he was looking at TikTok and became influenced by what the trends were instead of being himself, going with his gut and trusting his authentic intuition? Things might be different. These concepts; A strong work ethic matters, We all need help and a little luck, Support is as important as giving back and Trusting your gut and being authentic. Next up, you are going to hear my conversation with LuAnn Niagara recorded live from KBIS, right after this.

The Ride Along CEDIA Expo | 662 | Integration, Illumination, and the Future of the Connected Home

From the show floor at CEDIA Expo 2025, three distinct voices reveal an industry in the midst of transformation—where technology, design, and business are converging in new and unexpected ways. What emerges is not a story about gadgets, but about integration at every level: systems, teams, and ideas. The future of the home is being shaped as much by collaboration and communication as by innovation itself. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012]. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech [https://www.timbertech.com/] – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Shelter Republic – Request [convobydesign@outlook.com] your membership invitation Jason Knott, Hagan Kappler, and Bob Schuppe each bring a different lens to the evolving world of residential technology, exploring how integrators, designers, and architects must align to meet rising expectations around performance, aesthetics, and long-term value. Jason Knott | D-Tools Integration Over Innovation The industry has shifted from breakthrough moments (CDs, DVDs, early automation) to iterative refinement. https://www.d-tools.com [https://www.d-tools.com/] Lighting as the Entry Point Lighting design is now the gateway for integrators to engage at the earliest stages of a project. https://www.lutron.com [https://www.lutron.com/] https://www.ketra.com [https://www.ketra.com/] Early-Stage Collaboration Integrators must be involved during architectural planning to avoid conflicts with structure, HVAC, and design intent. https://cedia.org [https://cedia.org/] The Designer–Integrator Language Gap Misalignment between aesthetics and performance leads to inefficiencies and compromised outcomes. “Wall Acne” and Invisible Technology The push to hide visible tech (switches, speakers, controls) has created a sub-industry of concealment solutions. https://www.framemytv.com https://www.futureautomation.net [https://www.futureautomation.net/] Business Software as Competitive Advantage End-to-end platforms improve efficiency, project management, and profitability (~13% increase). https://www.d-tools.com/system-integrator [https://www.d-tools.com/system-integrator] https://www.d-tools.com/cloud [https://www.d-tools.com/cloud] AI in Integration (Early Stage) AI is being applied to proposal generation and security analytics, though much of the market is still in hype phase. Resistance to Change Legacy workflows (Word, Excel) persist despite clear operational disadvantages. Designing for Reality Client preferences, budget, and compromise often override ideal technical execution. Hagan Kappler | Daisy National Integration Platform Scaling a fragmented industry through acquisition and brand unification. https://daisyco.com [https://daisyco.com/] Consistency Across Multiple Residences Clients expect identical user experiences across homes in different locations. Recurring Revenue Model Quarterly service visits transform integrators from project-based vendors into long-term partners. Builder/Designer-Centric Business Model Majority of work driven through relationships with architects, builders, and interior designers. Purchasing Power & Market Influence Scale enables stronger relationships with manufacturers and influence over product development. Industry Consolidation Trend Integration is following other trades (HVAC, pest control) toward aggregation and higher valuations. Workforce Development & Labor Shortage Critical shortage of technicians is limiting industry growth. Women in Integration Expanding the talent pool through apprenticeship programs and leadership pathways. https://cedia.org/education [https://cedia.org/education] Education Pipeline Development Outreach to high schools and partnerships with manufacturers to build awareness of integration careers. Client Lifecycle Expansion Shifting from one-time installs to ongoing service, upgrades, and data-driven engagement. Bob Schuppe | Resolute Design Group Lighting as the New Frontier Lighting has become the defining category in modern integration. https://www.lutron.com [https://www.lutron.com/] https://www.ketra.com [https://www.ketra.com/] Decline of Traditional Recessed Lighting Shift from large can lights to small aperture, modular, and precision lighting systems. Integrator as Technology Guide Role evolving into advisor/translator—helping clients discover what’s possible. Authenticity vs. Aesthetic Perfection Designers removing tech elements from photos raises questions about transparency in design. Invisible but Functional Technology Technology should disappear visually while remaining fully accessible and high-performing. Reliability Over Innovation “Bulletproof” systems are more valuable than bleeding-edge solutions that may fail. Engineering-Driven Approach Performance, redundancy, and consistency are core to successful system design. Blurred Lines Between Trades Increasing overlap between electricians, designers, builders, and integrators. Manufacturer–Integrator Feedback Loop Experienced integrators play a key role in shaping product development. Audio Nostalgia & Tangibility Resurgence of vinyl, CDs, and physical media reflects desire for tactile experiences. https://www.sonos.com [https://www.sonos.com/] https://www.mcintoshlabs.com [https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/] Emotional Connection to Technology Technology is not purely functional—it shapes memory, identity, and experience. Integration as a Discipline, Not a Layer Technology must be embedded from the beginning of the design process—not added later. Collaboration as Competitive Advantage The most successful projects are built on shared ownership between designers, architects, and integrators. Aesthetics vs. Performance Tension Balancing clean design with technical requirements remains the central challenge. Standardization vs. Customization Clients want both highly personalized spaces and consistent experiences across properties. The Rise of Service-Based Models Recurring engagement is replacing one-time project delivery. Technology Disappearing Into Architecture The end goal is seamless integration—where tech enhances space without calling attention to itself.

Industry Experts on How Fires, Technology, and Shifting Social Agenda are Redefining the “strength” of Southern California Architecture | 661 | Featuring Anthony Poon, Ben Ballentine & Luis Murillo

In the wake of the devastating January 2025 fires, the architectural community in Southern California is facing a reckoning. The conversation at the recent panel I hosted at Ganahl Lumber [https://www.ganahllumber.com/] in Torrance made one thing clear: the old metrics of “durability” are no longer enough. The industry is moving toward a philosophy of resilience. For Anthony Poon of Poon Design [https://www.poondesign.com/] and Ben Ballentine of Ballaetine Architects [https://www.ballentinearchitects.com/], the challenge lies in balancing this need for hardened structures with the fundamental human desire for beauty and light. As Poon noted, a building could be made entirely fireproof, but if it ends up looking like a “bomb shelter,” the architecture has failed its purpose. The goal is now “kinetic” and “resourceful” design—structures that don’t just survive a disaster but facilitate the recovery of the families within them. The panel also addressed the friction between rapid rebuilding and thoughtful design. With developers racing to fill the housing shortage by “plopping down” identical units, Luis Murillo of LMG Architecture Studio [https://lmdarchitecture.com/]raised concerns about the loss of neighborhood character. Meanwhile, Jay Williams of TimberTech [https://www.timbertech.com/order-samples/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20502830351&utm_content=152530752226+e_&utm_term=timbertech&ad=671867772460&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20502830351&gbraid=0AAAAAD8gMDpFA3n0KOqrtrUHywtCOGapm&gclid=Cj0KCQjw7IjOBhDyARIsAFzrWQyh9CJ3nHsUrRs8hKAF3BhX9C0VGTiYurpIOtGcZ0xQkPA39-PAqv0aAjlHEALw_wcB]highlighted how material science—blending the aesthetics of natural wood with the fire-rated performance of advanced PVC and fiber cement—is bridging the gap between safety and style. Ultimately, the consensus was that technology, from AI-driven detailing to digital twin visualizations, is shrinking the production timeline but cannot replace the human element. The architect’s role is evolving from a pure designer into a “civic leader” and “marriage counselor,” navigating a world where clients are armed with TikTok-sourced ideas and a desperate need for a sense of home in an increasingly volatile environment. Key Concepts * Resilience vs. Strength: The shift from making buildings “unbreakable” to making them “recoverable” and resourceful after a cataclysm. * The “Bomb Shelter” Dilemma: The struggle to meet strict fire and safety codes (like hardening the building envelope) without sacrificing natural light and aesthetic appeal. * Material Science Innovation: The rise of high-performance composites (James Hardie/TimberTech) that offer Class A fire ratings while mimicking the warmth of natural materials. * Architectural Accountability: The increasing need for architects to provide highly specific, litigious-level detailing due to shifting contractor liabilities. * The AI Influence: How AI is revolutionizing visualization and R&D, while simultaneously creating “educated but misinformed” clients. * Rebuilding Ethics: The tension between the speed of rebuilding in burn areas and the opportunity to rethink density and multifamily housing.

The New Kitchen: Personalization, Price Shock, and the Post-Pandemic Evolution | 660 | Kitchen Conversations from Pacific Sales in San Diego

In this roundtable conversation, a diverse group of interior designers and kitchen specialists discuss how kitchen design has transformed in the post-pandemic era. Rising costs, shifting client expectations, and new technologies are forcing designers to rethink how kitchens function and how they are delivered to clients. The conversation explores everything from appliance innovation and zoning strategies to the emotional role of kitchens as gathering spaces. Designers also confront difficult realities such as escalating budgets, supply chain issues, and the need to guide clients through increasingly complex decisions. We gathered at the Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home showroom in San Diego. A beautiful and well appointed space with so much to see and the room to enjoy it. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012]. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech [https://www.timbertech.com/] – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Shelter Republic – Request [convobydesign@outlook.com] your membership invitation At its core, the discussion highlights a broader truth about the design profession today: kitchens are no longer simply rooms for cooking. They are ecosystems that reflect lifestyle, culture, wellness, and the evolving way people live in their homes. Ginger Rabe [https://www.gingerrabedesigns.com/] “During Covid everyone was home all day. Now I design for what happens when people come home after being gone all day.” “The hardest conversation now is telling clients that what cost $50,000 five years ago might be $185,000 today.” “Sometimes the challenge of designing a luxury kitchen for $22,000 is actually fun—it forces creativity.” “I build kitchens around how people really cook, not how kitchens are supposed to work.” “Designers today are often the first people explaining what a project actually costs.” Kendra Araujo [https://www.k2deco.com/iconic?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGntvaTjsWiUBsR2G3OSPI-_MDl-hekINDGY6YvFvjXpYcKhvh_XpDu-iZY0zs_aem_6GSO2iVLLVzfpUyxoZxRwg] “Clients are overwhelmed by information now—our job is guiding them through the process.” “The price conversation is happening much earlier than it used to.” “People want their dream kitchen, but the cost realities have changed dramatically.” “We’re constantly helping clients prioritize what actually matters most.” “There’s so much analysis paralysis today that designers have become translators.” Kaylee Blaylock [https://www.houseofhive.co/aboutus] “Function comes first—our job is to make the kitchen work for the client before it looks beautiful.” “We start with questionnaires because every person in a household uses the kitchen differently.” “Appliances today allow us to personalize kitchens in ways we couldn’t before.” “We’re designing zones now—smoothie stations, coffee stations, prep areas.” “The kitchen has become much more individualized.” Taylor Troia [https://www.houseofhive.co/aboutus] “We usually start with appliances because they dictate the entire layout.” “Once clients understand their appliance choices, the kitchen design almost begins to solve itself.” “There are so many new appliance innovations that we’re constantly learning.” “Travel and design shows open our eyes to things that haven’t even reached the U.S. yet.” “Knowing what’s possible globally helps us serve our clients better locally.” Rachel Moriarty [https://www.rachelminteriors.com/] “Covid activated more users in the kitchen—people learned to cook.” “I think about kitchens as stations—charcuterie stations, prep zones, cooking zones.” “Circulation patterns are the first thing we think about when designing a kitchen.” “Professional kitchen thinking is influencing residential design more than ever.” “The best kitchens are ecosystems where people can work without colliding.” Jules Wilson [https://juleswilsondesign.com/] “We try to let clients talk first because what they say initially is always the most important.” “You learn far more by listening than by running through a checklist.” “Many younger clients have huge wish lists—but they’re often unrealistic.” “Part of our role is helping clients narrow their priorities.” “Kitchen design today is as much about psychology as it is about layout.” Nate Fisher [https://www.natefischerinteriors.com/] “Appliances have become central to how we design kitchens.” “Technology is evolving so quickly it’s hard to keep up with everything available.” “Every cabinet now has a specialized insert or storage function.” “Clients want everything organized and hidden away.” “A clean kitchen visually creates peace in the home.” Concepts The Post-Covid Kitchen Shift Price Shock and the New Budget Reality Kitchen Zoning and Multi-User Design Appliance Innovation and Technology Personalization Through Storage and Organization Aging in Place and Accessibility Outdoor Kitchens as Lifestyle Extensions

Nicole Hirsch Interiors on Signature Style | 658 | Historic Integrity and Modern Interior Design

New England designer Nicole Hirsch explains how the interior design profession evolved from service provider to brand identity, why craftsmanship still matters in a digital-first world, and how historic architecture shapes modern living. Since launching her firm, Nicole Hirsch, principal of Nicole Hirsch Interiors, has witnessed—and helped shape—the transformation of the interior design profession. What was once a service-driven industry has evolved into one defined by recognizable brands, signature aesthetics, and curated storytelling. For Hirsch, success today requires far more than talent; it requires clarity of voice, visual identity, and trust built through consistency. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home [https://www.bestbuy.com/site/electronics/pacific-sales/pcmcat249300050012.c?id=pcmcat249300050012]. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech [https://www.timbertech.com/] – Real wood beauty without the upkeep Shelter Republic – Request [convobydesign@outlook.com] your membership invitation Drawing from her marketing background, Hirsch has developed a design philosophy rooted in timeless, demure, and textural interiors that balance modern functionality with historical reverence. Working throughout Boston and New England, she specializes in full-scale renovations and new construction projects that preserve architectural heritage while adapting homes for contemporary family life. In this conversation, Hirsch breaks down the realities of running a luxury design firm—from managing client expectations and navigating scope creep to understanding the evolving role of social media and editorial publishing. She also offers insight into the technical craftsmanship behind her work, revealing how thoughtful details—from custom millwork to concealed functionality—shape both the user experience and the visual narrative of a home. The Evolution of the Designer-as-Brand * How the industry shifted from service provider to identity-driven brand * Why visual consistency builds trust and attracts aligned clients * The strategic influence of Hirsch’s marketing background Signature Style vs. Personalization * Developing a recognizable aesthetic without creating repetitive projects * The role of neutral palettes, layered textures, and timeless composition * Why clients seek designers for perspective rather than replication The Craftsman Approach to Interior Design * Designing beyond furnishings and décor * Full architectural collaboration including: * Millwork planning * Custom elevations * Stone and material specification * The growing expectation for designers to function as technical project leaders Designing Within Historic New England Architecture * Working within strict preservation parameters in Boston neighborhoods * Balancing modern family living with architectural authenticity * Integrating contemporary amenities into historic shells The Modern Press and Social Media Economy * Why full-scale renovation projects drive editorial opportunities * Social media as both marketing engine and creative liability * Combating unrealistic client expectations and trend saturation Managing Scope, Budget, and Communication * Early and transparent cost discussions * The collaborative triangle between designer, builder, and architect * Educating clients on value versus cost Designing the Invisible * Functional elements that disappear visually but elevate usability: * Appliance garages * Hidden outlets and infrastructure * Custom stone fabrication * Why technical precision supports aesthetic clarity Project References River Glen A refined exploration of white kitchen design featuring advanced stone fabrication and layered material detailing. 🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com [https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com/] Miller Hill Road A family-focused basement renovation highlighting creative ceiling articulation and flexible living spaces for a household with four children. 🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com [https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com/] The Weston Addition A spa-inspired primary suite featuring a dramatic three-sided glass and steel shower enclosure and integrated wellness-driven design. 🔗 https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com [https://www.nicolehirschinteriors.com/] Key Takeaways * The modern interior designer must operate as both creative and brand strategist. * Signature style attracts aligned clients but must remain flexible enough to personalize every project. * High-level design now requires deep technical knowledge and full collaboration with architecture and construction teams. * Historic architecture demands restraint, respect, and thoughtful modernization. * Editorial press increasingly favors comprehensive renovation storytelling over single-room reveals. * Invisible functional details often define exceptional design quality.