Podcast · Arts & Books

Design Perspectives

by Gail M Davis · English · Arts & Books

We start with design; then move on to discuss the latest hot topics. It's a podcast where we like to share our POV as well as listen to others. This is a platform that is designed to inform & educate.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 24 min
Latest: 27 Jun 2025
Language: English

Latest episode

27 Jun 2025 · 23 min

Designing with Purpose: A Journey of Self-Discovery

In this episode of the Design Perspectives podcast, host Gail M. Davis shares her journey as a designer, reflecting on her recent recognition as Apartment Therapy's design change maker of 2025. She discusses the balance between public praise and unsolicited critique, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one's purpose and business. Gail highlights the significance of client experience, vendor relationships, and the details that make a design truly special. As a Black woman in the design industry, she addresses the challenges faced and the importance of representation. The episode…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S5 · E1 · 16 May 2025 · 39 min
DESIGNING FOR MENTAL WELLNESS
In this episode of Design Perspectives, host Gail M. Davis dives deep into the science and soul of mental wellness through design. Joined by environmental psychologist Dr. Sally Augustin, workplace design expert Ryan Anderson (MillerKnoll), and textile authority Saana Baker, this episode unpacks how the spaces we live, work, and recharge in can either calm us—or overwhelm us.
6 Dec 2024 · 27 min
FINAL EPISODE OF 2024
This is the final episode for 2024. I will be back next year with a media company producing the episodes. Yay! Today's episode is me being vulnerable with how I feel going into 2025. Thank you for listening & being apart of my Design Perspectives family! You are AMAZING & I am so BLESSED to have you listening. Have a GREAT holiday season! XO
30 Nov 2024 · 17 min
EPISODE 200 - JUAN IGNACIO ARANGUREN
On this episode of Design Perspectives , I’m honored to welcome Juan Ignacio Aranguren, Associate Director of Zaha Hadid Architects, and the visionary behind Habacoa—a one-of-a-kind, ultra-luxury marina and residential development set to open in 2027. Habacoa represents the cutting edge of sustainable design, integrating innovative technologies, environmentally responsible materials, and renewable energy sources, all while harmonizing with the stunning natural beauty of the island. Join us as Juan shares his unparalleled insights into this groundbreaking project and the future of design at…
22 Nov 2024 · 22 min
EPISODE 199 - DONNA DOTAN - DD REPS
Donna Dotan is an interiors, architectural and hospitality photographer with over 15 years of experience. Her passion for photographing spaces stems from her love of beautiful and functional design and obsession with clean lines and natural light. Donna was name amongst the top 100 Architectural Digest-Approved Interior Photographers in 2024. Her work has been published in all of the major design publications, including House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, Luxe, Elle Decor, Interiors, Better Homes & Gardens, Dwell, Interior Design, and many more. She currently resides in Montclair, New…
15 Nov 2024 · 18 min
EPISODE 198 - JESSICA DAVIS
Atelier Davis is a full-service, multi-faceted design studio headed by Jessica Davis with offices in Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. The studio oversees residential and hospitality interiors, furniture, product and landscape design. As head of the firm, Jessica combines her talent for hand-sketching and space planning, enabling her to conjure up personalized plans for her clients. Atelier Davis is known for its ability to enhance the original bones of an interior with period specific finishes, while also modernizing spaces with an unexpected mix of furniture and decoration. The firm has…
25 Oct 2024 · 22 min
EPISODE 197 - THERESA BUTLER
Founded in 2001, Theresa Butler Interiors was born from a vision of cultivating valued relationships with clients through respect, trust, and confidence to deliver beautiful designs under a variety of styles, time frames, and requirements. Our design philosophy is rooted in the belief that every home has a story to tell. We design custom interiors that are not just visually stunning but deeply functional, infused with old or cherished pieces that reflect our clients' unique narratives and personalities—creating spaces that spark conversation and inspire a love for home.…
18 Oct 2024 · 13 min
EPISODE 196 - JO ANN HOWA - NATURAL INSTINCTS INTERIOR DESIGN
In this conversation, I interview Joanne Hawa, the owner of Natural Instincts Interior Design, about her design philosophy, the impact of COVID-19 on her business, and the importance of sustainability in interior design. Joanne shares her passion for nature and how it influences her work, the challenges and rewards of growing her firm, and her collaborative approach to design. She also discusses her favorite aspects of the design process and the joy she finds in sourcing new materials and trends. Takeaways Joanne's design philosophy is rooted in nature and organic elements. COVID-19 led to…
11 Oct 2024 · 19 min
EPISODE 195 - HOWARD A. LIM
I'm sitting down with Howard A. Lim, a master brand developer and the genius behind HOW Creative. If you're serious about taking your business to the next level, you won't want to miss this conversation. Hoard shares his insights on what makes a brand truly impactful and how strategic brand development can transform your business from the inside out. Whether you're building your brand or reinventing it, tune in to hear from one of the best in the industry. Exclusive Offer: Apply now to secure the special Vistage rate of $500 (regularly $2,500). Use the coupon code ' HOW ' and click ' Apply '…
4 Oct 2024 · 6 min
EPISODE 194 - GAIL M DAVIS
In this episode, we're talking about a critical question every business owner faces: to scale or not scale? When to hire a business coach? Should I become a business coach? It's a decision that could shape the future of your business, but there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur, a seasoned pro, or someone just curious about how to work smarter-not harder-this episode is for YOU! Tune in as we explore how business coaching can help you gain clarity, avoid burnout, and ultimately decide what's best for your journey. You won't want to miss this…
17 Sep 2024 · 30 min
EPISODE 193 - NAJJIYYA PERRY
Najjiyya Perry is a top-tier real estate agent serving New Jersey. With a reputation for delivering exceptional client experiences, Najjiyya brings a deep understanding of the local market and a passion for helping families find their dream homes. Her expertise, commitment, and community-focused approach make her a standout in the real estate industry. https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/nj/maplewood/agent/najjiyya-perry/aid_222044/ https://www.instagram.com/njpremierproperties/
6 Sep 2024 · 21 min
EPISODE 192 - MANDY CHENG
Mandy Cheng is a FORCE of Nature. I was so honored to sit down & discuss how she created her eponymous firm. Mandy launched her solo design career first as a production and graphic designer in the film/television industry. She has designed music videos for chart-topping names such as J.Cole, One Republic, and Dillon Francis & DJ Snake, and worked as a graphic designer on projects ranging from 20th Century Women and Ladybird to Beyonce's Lemonade . Mandy Cheng, named AD 100 for 3 years in a row (2022, 2023, and 2024), has transitioned her set design experience into a career as one of the most…
30 Aug 2024 · 25 min
EPISODE 191 - DANIELLE HAYDEN - KICKSTART ACCOUNTING, INC.
As a Chief Financial Officer for over 10 years, Danielle loved accounting but felt like something was missing while just helping investors and board of directors of large companies. That’s when she realized her thrill for helping entrepreneurs, especially women, who were breaking the rules of business in order to create something amazing – something the rest of the world didn’t expect them to do. Danielle left corporate accounting and formed Kickstart Accounting, Inc; an accounting firm designed to help female entrepreneurs understand their financials in order to grow their businesses and…
23 Aug 2024 · 15 min
EPISODE 190 - GAIL DAVIS
Hello beautiful people! I am back and excited to dive into some key topics; customer service, communication, and accountability. Recently, I found myself facing a situation that demanded direct action. As creatives, we're natually sensitive about our craft - it's part of what makes our work so unique. But there's a balance to strike: being open to critical feedback is just as essential. For me, ensuring my clients' satisfaction isn't just about completing a project; it's about building lasting relationships. Happy clients aren't just a one-time success-they're the cornerstone of repeat…
16 Aug 2024 · 28 min
EPISODE 189 - THE BROWNSTONE BOYS
This is a story about falling in love, taking chances, and of course, Brooklyn. We met on an app in 2017 and chatted non-stop for two weeks before ever meeting in person. Immediately, we bonded over our shared love of architecture and design, and have been inseparable ever since. Although Jordan is from Las Vegas and Barry is from New Orleans, we’ve called Brooklyn home for 15 years. Our first dates were biking around Bed Stuy, admiring the beautiful brownstones and dreaming about our future home. Six months into dating, we purchased our first home together – a 130 year old historic…
9 Aug 2024 · 37 min
Episode 188 - ARIEL OKIN
Ariel Okin is the founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors, a New York-based, full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects across the country. Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “traditional with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces, with an edited, contemporary and practical approach. A deft use of color, emphasis on clean lines, and mix of bespoke and antique items are hallmarks of her aesthetic, yet no two projects are alike; Ariel believes every home should reflect its owner. Ariel established her…
2 Aug 2024 · 22 min
EPISODE 187 - JOHANNA HOWARD
The roots of our products are in Johanna’s native Sweden. That is where, as a young girl, she sat in her mother’s atelier as she meticulously crafted dresses by hand. Johanna learned to appreciate the quality and versatility that only hand work can achieve. And it is where she was surrounded by the clean elegance of Scandinavian design. As a young woman, Johanna took these influences with her to America to attend fashion school and then to establish herself as a successful clothing designer. Working for such companies as BCBG, Katayone Adeli, Express and Gap - her accessible designs have…
26 Jul 2024 · 49 min
EPISODE 186 - ALIX LERMAN
Alix Lerman is the Chief Marketing Officer of the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, a premier destination for high-end interior design. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Alix has transformed the marketing landscape of the center, making it a hub for designers & architects. Her strategic vision & creative prowerss have elevated the center's brand, driving engagement & growth. Under her leadership, the New York design Center has become synonymous with excellence & sophistication in the design industry.
19 Jul 2024 · 27 min
EPISODE 185 - COURTNEY MCLEOD
Courtney McLeod is the founder and principal of Right Meets Left Interior Design, an award-winning, full-service design studio located in the heart of the Flatiron District in Manhattan.She has been included on the Elle Decor A-List since 2022 and the 1stDibs Top 50 Interior Designers List. She received the Rising Star Award by the DDB in 2022 and was named an Emerging Designer To Watch by Luxe Magazine in 2019. Her work is featured in the books “By Design: The World’s Best Contemporary Interior Designers” published by Phaidon, “Living to the Max“ published by Gestanlten, and “Live…
5 Jul 2024 · 27 min
EPISODE 184 - DAVID MANN MR ARCHITECTURE & DECOR
David Mann is the founder and Principal behind MR Architecture & Decor , a nationally published New York based architecture and interior design firm (also part of ELLE Decor A-List in 2023 and AD100 in 2014 ) known for his work on some of the most iconic fashion boutiques (Lanvin, Takashimaya, Dior, J Mendel and Tory Burch) to The Parker Palm Springs and homes for power players like Pierre Hardy. He is working on projects throughout New York City, upstate and the Hamptons and is completing a few new residential projects. He also has a book and a furniture collection with Maison Gerard.…
28 Jun 2024 · 19 min
EPISODE 183 - THE LIVING GOOD CANDLE COMPANY
Tram is a full-time chemical engineer who has spent many years working in consumer industries. She has always fallen in love with the feeling of transforming simple elements into everyday products. There have been countless moments when she felt incredibly excited to see the products she has worked on land on grocery shelves. The feeling is pure joy. Her love for these consumer products grows bigger every day, which is why I am so passionate about creating a product line that she can proudly call her own. What could be better than making your home feel cozier, healthier, and non-toxic? This…
23 Jun 2024 · 30 min
EPISODE 182 - PRIYA VIJ - HAPNY HOME
Her dad started his own cabinet hardware company in the 80s, so she grew up with an unusual appreciation for the pieces of metal that help you open your doors and drawers. What Priya didn't appreciate was the shopping experience. Buying hardware today is tedious, thanks to the overwhelming number of underwhelming designs, inconsistencies across finishes and materials, and overall lack of curation and guidance. She created Hapny to change that. Priya designed a more thoughtful end-to-end experience with an intentional product collection that lives at the sweet spot of durability,…
E181 · 18 Jun 2024 · 18 min
Episode 181 - Keeping it 100
Being in business is not for the faint of heart. It is time consuming & you must LOVE what you do! There are moments when you wonder if you should keep going…but then it is out weighed by the love that I have for this craft.
7 Jun 2024 · 10 min
EPISODE 180 - GAIL DAVIS
This episode I discuss the The A-List, renting office space & the act of always being busy. I want us to normalize the ups & downs of running a firm, cash flow & participating in a showhouse.
31 May 2024 · 24 min
EPISODE 179 - CARMEN NASH
Artist & vintage curator Carmen Nash Nash's nuanced design perspective comes from her spirituality and rich heritage, rooted in experiences as a Black Southern artist. She has designed an assortment of light for Troy Lighting. https://www.instagram.com/loftandthought/
24 May 2024 · 29 min
EPISODE 178 - PHIL CONSALVO
Established in 1998 by Philip J. Consalvo, PJCArchitecture is an award winning boutique firm dedicated to transforming lives through innovative, tailored design solutions. United by a shared passion for beautiful, functional, and impactful architecture, the firm’s culturally diverse team possesses years of combined experience in architecture, interior architecture, planning, and construction management services in both the United States and abroad. PJCA’s collaborative approach is client-focused from conceptualization to construction. Taking into consideration budget, design challenges, and…
18 May 2024 · 24 min
EPISODE 177 - KATIE BORCHARDT
Katie Borchardt is a trained architectural designer and the Director of Jean Stoffer's cabinetry company, Stoffer Home Cabinetry. With over 19 years of experience in interior residential design, Katie received training in Classical and Traditional architectural design and a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from The University of Notre Dame, graduating cum laude. She has worked with many high-profile architectural firms and cabinetry-makers over her career, most notably Jean Stoffer Design, Christopher Peacock, O'Brien Harris, Hammond Beeby Rupert Ainge Architects, and Liederbach & Graham…
12 May 2024 · 24 min
EPISODE 176 - THE ILLUSION OF ALLYSHIP
Today's episode I address the disappointment of the strides we took in 2020 & 2021. I wish that people took a look at the BIGGER picture and not just the performance that they needed to appear to be in community.
S2 · E175 · 26 Apr 2024 · 9 min
Episode 175 - Gail M Davis
Today I am sharing how we must all slow down & CELEBRATE our wins! Too often we arrive at a goal & want to move to the next BIG thing! We need to stop & take in our accomplishments.
12 Apr 2024 · 26 min
EPISODE 174 - JAY JEFFERS
Jay Jeffers is the founder of JayJeffers Inc., coowner and designer of The Madrona, a boutique hotel and restaurant in Healdsburg, CA, and a celebrated interior designer known for creating luxurious, livable spaces with soul. At his renowned design firm, JayJeffers Inc. – which has offices in San Francisco and New York City – Jay offers a full range of concept-to-installation services including interior architecture, custom furniture design, art and antiques acquisitions and decoration, expertly curating homes all over California, New York, Texas, Florida and beyond. Jay has authored two…

About Design Perspectives

Design Perspectives is a English arts & books podcast from Gail M Davis. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Gail M Davis
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 24 min
Latest episode: 27 Jun 2025
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1472867010
Rights: Gail M Davis

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