Design Discord

Design Discord is a podcast that digs into what it really takes to build a creative business today. Hosted by artist and furniture designer Fernando Mastrangelo, the show explores the business side of creative work. Fernando and his accomplished guests bring perspectives that span generations — combining decades of industry experience with a grounded understanding of the challenges facing the next generation of designers. Each episode features candid conversations covering pricing, production, market trends, visibility, PR, and the real obstacles creatives face. Nothing is off the table!

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26 episodes
Updated July 23

Episodes26

Newest first

Championing Women Artists in Craft: Inside Lisa Perry's Onna House
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Lisa Perry—legendary art collector, fashion entrepreneur, and founder of Onna House—to discuss her remarkable journey from collecting '60s pop art to championing women craftspeople. Lisa shares how her childhood surrounded by creatives, her mother's craft gallery, and decades of art collecting shaped her mission to give women artists a platform. From her political activism for women's reproductive rights to launching her iconic '60s-inspired fashion brand, Lisa's life has been defined by advocating for women—and now, through Onna House, she's focusing on how craft is valued in the art world. TOPICS COVERED: Growing up in an artistic household in Chicago The '60s fashion movement and vintage collecting Political activism & supporting Hillary Clinton's Senate campaign Discovering Onna House: from Instagram call-out to renovation Why craft deserves gallery recognition Collaborations with TWP (Trish Wescoat Pound) Future vision: Onna House Curates Lisa's legacy: helping women artists one at a time TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 – Intro 0:26 – Lisa Perry's Background & Family 8:30 – Studying Textile Technology at FIT 12:15 – Collecting Art in the 1980s SoHo Scene 16:30 – Discovering Her Passion for '60s Fashion 21:10 – How Her Fashion Brand Started (2006) 27:00 – Getting Involved in Politics & Hillary Clinton 37:25 – Discovering & Buying the East Hampton House 42:30 – Why She Chose to Focus on Women Artists 51:45 – Featured Artists: Tamiko Kawata, Jane Yang Dahane, Kelly Cline 56:00 – The SoHo Gallery Opening & Commercial Expansion 59:30 – Collaborating with Fashion Brand TWP 63:45 – Onna House Curates: Future Plans 68:00 – Her Legacy & Why This Feels Like Her Best Work 75:00 – How to Visit Onna House & Connect CONNECT WITH LISA PERRY & ONNA HOUSE: Website: https://onnahouse.com Instagram: @onnahouse & @lisaperrystyle (Lisa responds to DMs) Email: info@onnahouse.com East Hampton Location: By appointment only SoHo Gallery: Second floor, open by appointment CONNECT WITH DESIGN DISCORD: design.discord.podcast@gmail.com KEYWORDS: Lisa Perry, Onna House, women artists, craft gallery, art collecting, East Hampton, SoHo gallery, women entrepreneurs, women in art, craft design, pop art, fashion design, Hillary Clinton, women's rights, contemporary art
July 23 · 45 min
From Auction House Rookie to Design Institution: The Rise of Wexler Gallery
In this episode of Design Discord, host Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Lewis Wexler of the acclaimed Wexler Gallery in Philadelphia, for one of the most candid and wide-ranging conversations about the art and design world you’ll hear anywhere. Lewis traces his journey from a $17,000 a year job at the front counter of Christie’s in the 1980s, where he had no connections and no pedigree, through his years training under legendary dealer Tony DiLorenzo, to opening Wexler Gallery with his wife Sherri in Philadelphia in 2000. Over 25 years, Wexler Gallery has grown into one of the most respected and distinctive galleries in the collectible design world, known for mixing eras, mediums, and markets in a way that was genuinely ahead of its time. Lewis and Fernando cover everything from the Japanese collector boom of the 1980s auction world, the rise and fall of the contemporary glass market, the real economics of art fairs, the challenges of representing artists through feast and famine cycles, the blurring lines between fine art and collectible design, and why the secondary market remains the biggest challenge facing the collectible design world today. They also discuss the opening of Wexler Gallery’s extraordinary 11,500 square foot flagship space in Fishtown, Philadelphia, a former pencil factory with 35-foot ceilings that has become a destination for museum-quality exhibitions This is an essential listen for anyone passionate about art, design, collecting, gallery business, or building a life and career around the things you love. Design Discord is hosted by Fernando Mastrangelo. New episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who loves art and design.
July 9 · 1 hr 23 min
Jill Singer on How Sight Unseen Ushered in the Golden Age of American Design
Jill Singer, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Sight Unseen, joins Fernando Mastrangelo to talk about 17 years of defining American design. From establishing OFFSite, the fair of the season, to launching the Design Hot List, Sight Unseen became the platform that shaped an entire era of design. Topics covered: Sight Unseen's origin story at i-D magazine Bootstrapping a design platform with no money How the 2014 Offsite show became a turning point Why design fairs are struggling now The state of design in Milan vs. Copenhagen Why everything in design costs more now What "collectible design" actually means The shift from online magazine to newsletter Jill's new Substack, Counter/Space The future of design media and discovery The designers Sight Unseen discovered and launched Guest: Jill Singer Host: Fernando Mastrangelo Show: Design Discord
June 25 · 1 hr 3 min
Holly Howard on What Actually Moves the Needle for Creative Entrepreneurs
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Holly Howard — founder of Ask Holly How and the new AI-powered platform Pyramid.work — for one of the most inspiring and practical conversations we’ve ever had. Holly’s journey is unreal: from training at the Joffrey Ballet, to becoming a music therapist who worked with Oliver Sacks’ methods, to managing legendary Williamsburg restaurants (Marlowe & Sons and Egg), to building a 14-year consulting practice helping designers and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, values-driven businesses. We go deep on: • Why culture must come before strategy • The psychology of pricing and perceived value • The uncomfortable truth about social media & Instagram ads • How to stop copying other people’s paths • The origin story of Pyramid.work — the AI “strategic engine” that helps entrepreneurs define their purpose, values, and vision, then generates aligned strategy, operations, PR plans, and more! Whether you’re a designer, maker, creative entrepreneur, or just someone trying to build a business that actually feels like you, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom. Learn more about Holly & Pyramid.work: pyramid.work | askhollyhow.com Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro & why Holly is the guru for creative entrepreneurs 01:13 — Holly’s origin story: Joffrey Ballet → music therapy → Oliver Sacks 04:11 — The magic (and lessons) of Marlowe & Sons in post-9/11 Williamsburg 06:29 — Columbia, dropping out of pre-med, and Egg as “business school” 14:17 — Forensic accounting, P&Ls, and learning to read the story in the numbers 16:38 — Culture before strategy — why values must come from your lived experience 21:16 — The most important question most designers never ask 24:52 — Pricing psychology, perceived value & the storytelling gap 34:18 — Should every designer sell direct-to-client? (Some shouldn’t) 36:15 — The brutal truth about social media, ads, and what actually moves the needle 45:20 — Introducing Pyramid.work — the AI strategic engine for entrepreneurship 53:26 — The wild story of building Pyramid (family investment, Hypatia séance & more) 01:01:21 — Putting her own methodology into practice publicly If this episode helped you, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and tag a designer or creative friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of design, business, and creativity. #DesignDiscord #HollyHoward #PyramidWork #CreativeEntrepreneurship #DesignBusiness #PricingStrategy #AIForBusiness #ValuesBasedBusiness
June 11 · 1 hr 16 min
Jean Lin: The Rule Breaker Behind Colony’s Game-Changing Co-op Inspired Model
Fernando Mastrangelo interviews Jean Lin, founder of Colony Gallery in New York, about her incredible journey from Hurricane Sandy relief work to creating a groundbreaking gallery that supports independent designers. Jean reveals the details behind Colony’s co-op inspired model — affordable monthly fees paired with a low 15% commission — and why she’s stayed committed to this approach for over 12 years. The conversation covers the challenges of starting with almost no money, building community in the 2010s NYC design boom, launching an 8-month artist residency/incubator program, expanding into interior design projects, and navigating slow markets and rising costs. They also discuss Jean’s book “What We Keep,” which shifts focus from objects to the personal stories of collectors, makers, and the emotional connection to design. Perfect for designers, makers, gallerists, and creatives who want real talk about building a sustainable career in the design world. **Timestamps:** 00:00 - Introduction 01:45 - Hurricane Sandy Origin Story 05:48 - 2010s NYC Design Scene 09:49 - First Lease & Personal Risks 13:24 - Finding the Space & Early Struggles 16:44 - Colony’s Co-op Inspired Business Model 26:38 - Starting Interiors & Staging 30:00 - Current Gallery Operations (24 Designers) 35:15 - The Residency Program Explained 41:10 - Trends, Cycles & Timeless Design 44:46 - Market Challenges & Moving Spaces 46:39 - “What We Keep” Book & Collecting 55:58 - 5-Year Vision for Colony 59:00 - Closing Thoughts Follow Colony Gallery and Jean Lin for more inspiration in the world of collectible and contemporary design.
May 28 · 1 hr 1 min
David Michon: The Optimistic Critic Changing Design Discourse with his Must-Read SubStack 'For Scale'
In this refreshingly honest episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with David Michon, the sharp, eloquent voice behind For Scale, the buzziest Substack in the design world right now. David shares how he went from writing for Monocle and Icon to creating his own independent platform for real design criticism. Together they unpack why so many design magazines feel identical, why celebrity homes dominate the covers, and how the industry has become strangely polite and risk-averse. They explore: Why “decor” might actually be a more honest word than “design” The liberating joy of imperfect, lived-in homes over sterile perfection How growing up in Winnipeg shaped David’s refreshing perspective on taste The myth of “timeless” design and why dated interiors can be incredible What’s really wrong with events like Basic Space / Design Space The missing critique in interiors and why optimistic criticism matters David’s writing is smart, observational, and deeply human. He believes great interiors are about people, not just perfect objects — and that your home should never feel “finished.” This conversation will make you look at your own space differently and feel a whole lot better about the dents on your dining table. If you’re tired of aspirational interiors that feel fake and unattainable, this episode is for you. A must-listen for designers, design lovers, interior enthusiasts, and anyone who wants sharper, more honest conversations about the spaces we live in. Follow For Scale on Substack for David’s weekly writings that are quickly becoming essential reading in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introducing David Michon & For Scale 09:28 – Winnipeg roots and forming real taste 13:00 – Reading rooms as people, not just objects 15:00 – Why your home should never feel finished 19:20 – Wealth, aspiration, and lived-in reality 25:25 – The origin story of For Scale 37:25 – Why David chooses “decor” over “design” 47:30 – Honest critique of Basic Space 52:00 – The future of For Scale: print, events & real-life energy
May 14 · 1 hr 2 min
The Rise of The Future Perfect Empire with Laura Young
Laura Young of The Future Perfect joins Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for a wide-ranging conversation covering her full career path, the evolution of one of design’s most respected galleries, and what’s actually in or out right now. From RISD and chaotic auction-house days to co-leading The Future Perfect across New York, LA, Miami, and San Francisco, Laura opens up about building a business that balances commerce and culture, their signature showroom/gallery approach, the deep collaboration with artists like Chris Wolston, and the realities of gatekeeping. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 0:01:08 – RISD & early career 0:05:12 – Auction house years 0:13:22 – Meeting David & joining The Future Perfect 0:22:15 – The Future Perfect model explained 0:23:27 – Residentializing the gallery experience 0:31:18 – Chris Wolston deep dive 0:42:04 – Gatekeeping in design 0:47:15 – Discovering new designers & open call 0:53:35 – Future Perfect as cultural institution 0:56:12 – In or Out design trends 1:01:10 – Outro A must-listen for designers, collectors, and anyone obsessed with the business and culture of contemporary design. #TheFuturePerfect #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #CollectibleFurniture #DesignTrends #ChrisWolston
April 30 · 1 hr 1 min
Ashlee Harrison: From Mega Gallery Powerhouse to Intimate Salon Curator
Join Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for an in-depth conversation with Ashlee Harrison, powerhouse in collectible design. From helping establish Carpenters Workshop Gallery in the US to launching her own private salon Thirty8East in a historic Upper East Side brownstone, Ashlee brings unparalleled insight into the world of functional sculpture, curation, and cultural storytelling. Topics include the maturing collectible design market, working with legendary designers, the power of intimacy over scale, fair experiences, and practical advice for collectors and creatives. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:01 – State of Collectible Design Today 02:43 – Advisors vs. Interior Designers 03:36 – Joining Carpenters Workshop Young 05:25 – Early Responsibilities & Building the Business 06:35 – Market Expansions to LA, SF & Aspen 09:21 – Defining Collectible vs. Fine Furniture 11:35 – Collaborating with Artists like Campana Brothers & Studio Drift 18:33 – Transition to Thirty8East Salon 20:20 – The Salon Experience: By Appointment, Storytelling & Coffee 29:48 – Value of Design Fairs & Relationships 34:29 – Market Cycles, COVID Impact & Slow Growth 39:56 – Future of Her Career & Excitement Ahead 48:10 – Advice for Young Designers Perfect for anyone interested in design, art, collecting, or building a meaningful creative career. Follow Design Discord on Spotify for more. Support the show and share with a fellow design lover! #CollectibleDesign #DesignPodcast #Thirty8East #AshleeHarrison
April 16 · 55 min
Zesty Meyers: How Two Artists Built R & Company from a Flea Market Hustle into a Design Empire
Zesty Meyers (co-founder of R & Company) joins Fernando Mastrangelo for a raw, inspiring conversation about his incredible 30+ year journey in the design world. From performing with molten glass as part of the legendary B Team, to starting what later became R & Company with just $200 at the Chelsea Flea Market, to shaping the modern collectible design market — this episode is packed with philosophy, hard-earned lessons, and optimism for the future of craft and design. Topics covered: - The dying craft scene of the late ’80s and why they had to create their own path - Turning a hobby into one of the most influential design galleries in the world - Why most creatives only have one great idea, and why that’s worth celebrating - The future of handmade objects in the age of AI and billionaires - Longevity in creative careers, failure, and building real partnerships with artists Notable Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:10 – Pilchuck Glass School & the Birth of the B Team 14:02 – Starting R & Company in 1997: The Flea Market Days 28:23 – Most People Only Have One Great Idea 32:02 – Bringing in Contemporary Artists (Jeff Zimmerman & Beyond) 43:48 – The Haas Brothers & Building Long Careers 50:36 – Year 11 Struggles: What No One Tells You About Creative Careers 53:06 – Why Handmade Objects Will Define New Wealth in the AI Age 61:02 – Brazilian Design Discovery & Building a Secondary Market 72:07 – Tribeca Space, Fairs & Refocusing the Gallery Program 82:53 – Final Thoughts: Raising Our Voice as a Design Community If you’re a designer, artist, collector, or someone who loves stories of grit and creativity, this one will move you. Subscribe for more deep dives into the design world!Leave a comment: What’s one lesson you’re taking from Zesty? #CollectibleDesign #RAndCompany #designnews #designbusiness #designmotivation #designinspiration #businesspodcast #artpodcast #artmotivation #creativepodcast #CraftAndArt #CreativeJourney #ZestyMeyers #fernandomastrangelo #nydesignscene
April 2 · 1 hr 26 min
Design Discord Awards: Best of 2025!
In this episode of Design Discord, hosts Fernando Mastrangelo and Alyssa Gerasimoff celebrate the end of the year with the first annual Design Discord Awards. They discuss their selections for various categories, including best fair, booth, interior designers, and galleries, while reflecting on the challenges of making these choices. They also highlight designers to watch in 2026 and discuss their plans for the upcoming season two of the podcast, reflecting on their journey and the insights gained throughout the year. 05:26 Best Fair 10:30 Best Booth 14:02 Best Interior Designer/Architect 18:31 Best Gallery 25:55 Best Showroom 32:19 Best Breakout Star 34:51 Best New Collection 38:56 Most Innovative Use of Materials 46:34 Best Chair 49:45 Best Lighting 56:45 Best Side Table 59:30 Best Fine Furniture 01:03:10 Best Ceramic Furniture 01:12:46 Best Collectible Design 01:18:35 Best Photography 01:24:40 Favorite Design Discord Episode 01:28:10 Designers to Watch in 2026
Dec 18, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
PR for Designers: The Cost, the ROI, and Why Most of You Are Waiting Too Long – Rebecca Goldberg
Should you hire a PR firm… or are you just paying someone to spam editors? Rebecca Goldberg — co-founder of Dada Goldberg, the most dialed-in design PR agency in New York — finally pulls back the curtain. We ask every question designers are dying to ask about PR: - What does real PR actually cost these days? - When is the right moment to pull the trigger? - Does PR actually move the needle on sales and collabs or is it just ego? - Can you get overexposed and ruin your brand? - Big agency vs boutique: which one is best? - Do legacy magazines (AD, Elle Decor, Vogue) still matter or is it all Instagram now? - Why dinners, press releases? Plus: what is the one thing every emerging designer needs before they even think about hiring PR? (hint: it’s not a finished website). If you’ve ever googled “design PR firms” at 2 a.m., this episode will save you six figures and a lot of heartbreak. Hosted by Alyssa Gerasimoff & Fernando Mastrangelo Guest: Rebecca Goldberg (Dada Goldberg) https://dadagoldberg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dadagoldberg/ Timestamps & full takeaway list in the show notes. 01:20 How much does design PR really cost in 2025? 06:45 When should you actually hire PR (the exact moment) 12:10 Does press = sales? The honest ROI breakdown 18:30 Can you get overexposed and kill your brand? 23:15 Legacy media vs Instagram: what actually moves the needle 29:40 Big agency vs boutique: pros, cons, and horror stories 35:20 Why dinners are the new press release 41:50 The personal toll no one talks about 48:30 How PR unlocks collaborations and bigger opportunities 54:10 The future of design PR in a cooked economy 1:01:00 Rebecca’s one piece of advice for every emerging designer This episode is pure fire for anyone trying to figure out how to go from “talented” to “known.”
Dec 4, 2025 · 1 hr 32 min
Collectors Are DONE With Avant-Garde (Here’s What They Actually Want Now)
By popular demand, our favorite overseas correspondent Julia Haney-Montanez is BACK and fresh off the fair floors! She was on the ground at PAD London and Design Miami Paris spilling the tea straight from the dealers’ mouths: collectors are officially over uncomfortable concept pieces and torture chairs. They want livable luxury, pieces you can actually sit on, live with, and love. Comfort is the new currency Dealers are quietly prioritizing the “hits” to survive this soft market The real reason galleries are struggling (and what it means for designers) The insider conversation everyone in design is having behind closed doors… but we’re saying it out loud. Hit play and find out what collectors are buying right now and what designers can do to weather this soft sales cycle. Drop a if you’re ready for cozy to make a comeback.#DesignDiscord #PADLondon #DesignMiamiParis #LivableLuxury #InteriorDesign #CollectibleDesign
Nov 20, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
The Business of Weird Design: Chen & Kai in Conversation
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando sits down with Chen Chen and Kai Williams of the Brooklyn-based namesake studio. If you’re not already familiar with their work, get ready. We talk about how their partnership formed, what it’s been like building a practice in New York, and how their experimental approach has evolved into a studio that balances artistic risk with business. The conversation touches on everything from navigating international production and building meaningful relationships in the gallery world to the trade-offs between accessibility and collectibility. Chen and Kai share insights into working with The Future Perfect, what it really takes to get a product to market, and the value of staying rooted in curiosity and materials exploration — even as the industry changes around them. This one’s a must-listen for anyone thinking about how to make your weird ideas actually work. https://cckw.us/ https://www.thefutureperfect.com/exhibitions/
Nov 6, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Where to Show: Trade Fairs, Galleries, Ads? – A conversation with Julia Montañez
In this episode of Design Discord, we dive deep with Julia Haney-Montañez, founder of The Design Release, to unpack the tough choices designers face today: where to show their work in a post-COVID world. From her time curating the Architectural Digest Design Show to building her own platform, Julia shares sharp insights on how trade fairs have lost their pre-COVID spark and why designers are turning to social media, digital ads, and personal networks to get seen. We explore how these shifts have scattered the design community, leaving it out of sync and searching for connection. Julia reveals how her work is fostering a more collaborative, community-driven design culture to bridge the gap. Whether you’re navigating fairs, betting on digital marketing, or wondering how to stand out—this episode is for you. Follow Julia and the Design Release: https://thedesignrelease.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thedesignrelease/
Oct 23, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Cara Woodhouse: Real Talk with Interior Design Powerhouse
In this episode of Design Discord, we sit down with interior designer Cara Woodhouse to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting, fulfilling career in design. With a formal background in interiors, years spent at top design firms, and multiple businesses under her belt before launching her namesake studio, Cara brings deep experience and hard-won perspective to the conversation. From her early fine art influences to the intuitive way she approaches interiors today, she shares the real behind-the-scenes—and how she’s learned to navigate it all. We also dig into the mechanics of how interior designers source from emerging artists and makers, and uncover what makes a designer say yes—or no. Cara shares why supporting young talent has always been important to her, how she thinks about client relationships, and where she sees the future of design heading—from sensory spaces to the evolving role of social media and branding in the field. Whether you're a designer, a collector, or just love peeking behind the curtain of creative businesses, this one’s for you. -- About Cara Woodhouse: Cara Woodhouse is a trailblazing interior designer, creative force, and the founder of Cara Woodhouse Interiors, a high-end design studio known for sculptural statement pieces, bold palettes, and unexpected moments that redefine modern luxury. With a signature aesthetic that fuses elegance with edge, Cara’s work has captivated global audiences, drawing in celebrity clients, top developers, and leading brands alike. Her visionary approach spans residential, commercial, and hospitality design, product collaborations, and real estate development. Cara’s latest project, It’s a Mood, is more than a coffee table book, it’s a manifesto of style, emotion, and function, filled with expert insights and a curated resource guide. She's also the star of an upcoming design TV series and the creative behind shoppable, rentable homes that blend high design with lifestyle branding. Whether she’s designing a show-stopping project or creating cinematic content for her 900K+ Instagram followers, Cara brings a fresh, fearless perspective to every space and continues to shape the future of design, one mood at a time. https://www.instagram.com/carawoodhouseinteriors/https://www.carawoodhouse.com/
Oct 9, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
The Ultimate Designer Q&A: Must-Do’s and Major Don’ts
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa answer your questions. From whether an MFA is worth it to how to actually get the attention of galleries, interior designers, and press—they dig into the gritty realities of building a creative career today. The conversation covers the role of social media, the financial pressures of working in design, and what visibility really looks like in an oversaturated industry. Questions: 00:39 Fernando, if you were to start as a designer today, what would you do to make it work? 08:54 What is the value in receiving a furniture MFA? Who is it right for and who is it wrong for? 21:45 What is the best strategy for getting in contact with galleries or interior designers? 33:02 Any advice on showing work for the first time in a design week or design fair, and how to maximize it? 43:38 Do you believe a career in furniture design is financially feasible in this economy?
Sep 25, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Did the collectible design bubble burst? What’s next?
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LObYYbK3Wzo In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando reflect on their week in New York City – where they saw it all: Collectible, Duet, The Armory, The Future Perfect, and more. The conversation dives into the evolving language around “collectible design,” the challenges facing emerging designers, and the gap between curatorial intent and market execution. They unpack questions of visibility, pricing, and who these fairs are really serving—while also exploring the role of galleries, the shifting tone of the industry, and whether the word ‘collectible’ still means anything at all. Links to designers & References: In the order they are mentioned. Aguirre https://www.aguirredesign.co/ https://www.instagram.com/aguirredesign/ Juntos Design studio https://www.juntosprojects.com/ https://www.instagram.com/juntosprojects/ Uppercut Space https://uppercut.space/ https://www.instagram.com/uppercut.space/ Yoon Shun https://yoonshun.com/ https://www.instagram.com/yoon.shun/ Kiki Goti https://kikigoti.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kikigoti/ Miles Gracey https://www.miles-gracey.com/ https://www.instagram.com/plays.on.woods/ Thomas Yang https://thomasyangstudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/thomasyangstudio/ Sam Klemick https://www.studiosamklemick.com/ https://www.instagram.com/samklemick/ Joesph Algeri https://josephalgieri.com/ https://www.instagram.com/megaplex/ Rosie Li https://www.rosieli.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rosielistudio/ Dudd Haus https://www.duddhaus.com/ https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/ Llewellynn Chupin https://llewellynn.com/ https://www.instagram.com/llewll/ Marcela Cure https://marcelacure.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marcela.cure/ Atelier Ollin https://www.ollin.us/ https://www.instagram.com/atelier_ollin/ Of the Cloth https://www.instagram.com/ofthecloth.us/ Kawabi https://kawabi.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kawabi/ Ian Love https://www.ianlovedesign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ianlovedesign/ Masa Gallery https://mmaassaa.com/ https://www.instagram.com/masagaleria/ Duet WSA Exhibition https://www.instagram.com/p/DOTyyLuEdSq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=ZjhvdTdlZGE2b3No The Future Perfect https://www.thefutureperfect.com/
Sep 11, 2025 · 1 hr 25 min
All about Erria with Alyssa and Jen Kaplan
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa sit down with Jen Kaplan, Alyssa’s co-founder at Erria, to talk about what it really means to build a platform for independent makers. They get into the complexities of designing for both buyers and sellers, the technical challenges behind creating a marketplace from scratch, and what it takes to rethink logistics, onboarding, and product discovery in a way that truly supports creatives. The conversation touches on Jen’s background as a software engineer, the role of trust and transparency in the businesses, and how Erria is reshaping what a maker-first business can look like. Check out Erria: https://www.erria.xyz/ Follow Erria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erria_xyz/
Aug 21, 2025 · 1 hr 22 min
How Arts Schools are Failing their Students
In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando and Alyssa take a closer look at the disconnect between design education and the realities of creative work. Through personal stories and recent experiences with students, we explore what’s missing from most design programs, and what young designers really need to succeed. The conversation covers the importance of hands-on learning, the limitations of academic training, and how the industry might rethink its approach to mentorship and preparation. It’s a candid look at what it actually takes to be ready for the design world today. Please note, this episode was recored a few months ago, in April 2025.
Aug 8, 2025 · 56 min
Chris Held on reimagining design shows, galleries (and the whole dang system)
In this episode of Design Discord, Alyssa and Fernando sit down with designer and organizer Chris Held to talk about his journey—from founding the annual exhibition Jonald Dudd to launching the experimental showroom DUDD HAUS in Philadelphia. Chris shares what it’s taken to build alternative spaces for design, and how collaboration, community, and experimentation have shaped his approach. The conversation dives into the unique business model behind DUDD Haus that fosters generative opportunities for artists, the challenges of maintaining an artist’s spirit in their work with the demands of today’s market, and what it takes to support a new generation of collectors. We also touch on shifts in the design scene over the last few years and the realities emerging designers face when trying to build both their audience and income. Chris Held (b.1978 Atlanta, GA) is a multidisciplinary designer, curator, and co-founder of JONALDDUDD, an NYC Design Week exhibition (2015-present). He also co-owns and operates the design studio Nice Condo (2019-present), which offers a catalog of residential furniture, brand identity services, as well as commercial fixtures, custom build-outs and creative partnerships. Held relocated to Philadelphia in 2023 and subsequently co-founded the radical design collective, DUDD HAUS (2024-present). Working in furniture design and fabrication for over two decades, Held’s work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Dwell, Surface, Sight Unseen, Core77, and Nylon. Held currently lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. Jonald Dudd https://jonalddudd.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jonald.dudd/ DUDD HAUS https://www.duddhaus.com/https://www.instagram.com/duddhaus/ Nice Condo https://nicecondo.co/https://www.instagram.com/nicecondo/ -- Mentioned Designers: Nacho Carbonell: https://www.nachocarbonell.com/ Peter Marigold: https://petermarigold.com/ Steven Bukowski: https://www.stevenbukowski.com/ Eny Lee Parker: https://www.enyleeparker.com/ Tara Donovanhttps: www.pacegallery.com/artists/tara-donovan/
Jul 24, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min

Design Discord

Championing Women Artists in Craft: Inside Lisa Perry's Onna House

From Auction House Rookie to Design Institution: The Rise of Wexler Gallery

Jill Singer on How Sight Unseen Ushered in the Golden Age of American Design

Holly Howard on What Actually Moves the Needle for Creative Entrepreneurs

Jean Lin: The Rule Breaker Behind Colony’s Game-Changing Co-op Inspired Model

David Michon: The Optimistic Critic Changing Design Discourse with his Must-Read SubStack 'For Scale'

The Rise of The Future Perfect Empire with Laura Young

Ashlee Harrison: From Mega Gallery Powerhouse to Intimate Salon Curator

Zesty Meyers: How Two Artists Built R & Company from a Flea Market Hustle into a Design Empire

Design Discord Awards: Best of 2025!

PR for Designers: The Cost, the ROI, and Why Most of You Are Waiting Too Long – Rebecca Goldberg

Collectors Are DONE With Avant-Garde (Here’s What They Actually Want Now)

The Business of Weird Design: Chen & Kai in Conversation

Where to Show: Trade Fairs, Galleries, Ads? – A conversation with Julia Montañez

Cara Woodhouse: Real Talk with Interior Design Powerhouse

The Ultimate Designer Q&A: Must-Do’s and Major Don’ts

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