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.