Alexandra Chaves, Assoc. AIA, NOMA is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio where her organizational skills, professionalism and eye for detail allow her to excel. Venezuelan born, Alexandra initiated her Architecture studies in Caracas, Venezuela at Universidad Santa Maria.

In 2002, she came to the US to complete her degree. She holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts majoring in Architecture and Masters in Architecture from SCAD. In 2006, She moved to NYC where she worked in different boutique Architectural firms dedicated to custom residential design. Alexandra finally moved to Austin in 2018 to be closer to family, and has found the working culture at Restructure Studio to be the perfect balance between being a working mom and daily work life tasks. She has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2018.

She is the founder and creator and chair of the ‘Profiles’ interview video series subcommittee for Women in Architecture (WiA) Austin which started in 2021. In 2023 she was awarded the AIA Austin President's Award for the promotion of Austin Architecture through outstanding documentary filmmaking and in 2024 was the recipient of the AIA Austin Honors Award | Associate Member of the year. She is the current Women in Architecture Chair-Elect for Austin 2024. Moving forward, she plans to pursue licensure in Texas.

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Rebecca Osborne's journey in property styling and interior design highlights the power of stepping out of your comfort zone. From her early entrepreneurial days running Ocean Spirit at 11 to managing a thriving business today, Rebecca credits her success to embracing challenges, learning from failure, and staying curious.

For Rebecca, property styling is an art of customization—tailoring designs to the architecture and potential buyer demographics, whether for a mid-century modern home, a coastal retreat, or a Queenslander. Collaborating with agents and sellers, she ensures every project reflects the property’s unique vision, avoiding a cookie-cutter approach.

Behind the creativity lies operational mastery. Using tools like Trello, Rebecca and her team manage logistics, inventory, and timelines with precision. Hero areas—living rooms, dining spaces, and master bedrooms—take center stage in her designs, setting the tone for a cohesive look.

Inspired by global trends and supported by partnerships with artists and premium brands, she constantly innovates. Her process blends creativity with logistical expertise, crafting spaces that are both functional and aspirational.

Rebecca's story is one of passion, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, proving that with the right mindset, growth and creativity are boundless.

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From Bethlehem, PA, is a former Division 1 lacrosse player from Hofstra University who transitioned from the field to a Wall Street trader. Chris is the founder and owner of SPX Gym Design, a company that has been transforming spaces since 2017. SPX Gym Design fuses interior design with custom gym equipment, creating bespoke wellness environments for high-end homes of NFL athletes and boardroom executives. 

Chris has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Soho House Gyms, 1Hotel,
Gurney’s Resorts, Proper Hotels, and C4 Energy. His innovative approach to gym
and wellness design has positioned SPX Gym Design as a leader in the industry.
Currently based in Jupiter, Florida.

Chris continues to revolutionize the fitness and wellness landscape with his unique vision and expertise.

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"I started my career as a Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineer but soon realised my passion was designing buildings for people and planet. I effectively facilitate and manage sustainability outcomes within projects. I enjoy inspiring people, sharing knowledge and creating great team relationships."

In this inspiring episode, sustainability consultant Trish shares her passion for creating a built environment that respects and regenerates nature. Trish discusses integrating biophilic and regenerative principles into construction, focusing on reusing, repurposing, and healing the land rather than exploiting it. Her approach challenges the disposable culture of modern building practices, advocating for structures designed to last over a century.

Designing with Nature: Trish emphasizes observing the land—its energy, cycles, and natural patterns—to create buildings that harmonize with their environment. From working with indigenous wisdom to the Living Building Challenge, her work prioritizes sustainability at every step.

Transforming Perspectives: Trish’s projects inspire "aha moments" for everyone involved, from clients to builders, by demonstrating the profound impact of thoughtful, eco-conscious choices.

Biomimicry & Innovation: Learn how nature’s designs, like mussel adhesives or palm tree systems, inform sustainable solutions in modern construction.

This episode is a deep dive into rethinking how we build, with lessons that extend beyond architecture to how we connect with our planet. Tune in to explore how intentional design can leave a lasting legacy. 

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Garrett Neal, principal designer at Neal Lighting, discusses his journey in lighting design, deeply influenced by his father and background in stage production.

Transitioning from music management to join his family’s business, Garrett has grown from project manager to a leader in innovative lighting solutions.

He describes lighting as a blend of art and science, explaining how it shapes mood, productivity, and even health by affecting circadian rhythms. Garrett highlights the transformation of the industry with LED technology, enabling flexible, customizable lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.

He shares insights on residential lighting technologies, including static white lighting, warm dimming, and dynamic colour-changing lights, each tailored to enhance daily routines. Emphasizing layered and intentional lighting, Garrett explains the importance of ambient and accent lights to avoid harsh overhead lighting, creating warmth and visual interest. For Garrett, lighting design is a collaborative process that requires alignment with architects and designers to ensure cohesive aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on interoperability and innovation, he describes how advanced systems and smart controls are transforming spaces, making lighting a powerful, adaptable element of interior design.

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In this special TalkDesign episode, Peter Twohy flips the script, interviewing Adrian Ramsay to dive into his holistic, land-centered approach to architecture. Adrian shares his “land whispering” and “emotional floor plans,” methodologies that prioritize connecting deeply with both clients and the environment.

Adrian describes how his design process begins by aligning with the natural elements of a site—wind, sunlight, and terrain—creating homes that flow harmoniously with their surroundings. Through alpha brainwave activation, he enters a state of intuitive clarity, allowing him to understand the land's nuances, enhancing design responsiveness. His philosophy is rooted in observing the site’s daily rhythms, crafting spaces that evolve with the land itself.

Adrian also talks about “design magic” as a collaborative journey, emphasizing the synergy of client input, creative professionals, and the land. This process culminates in emotional floor plans, inspired by Sam Gosling and Christopher Travis, which bring clients’ unique emotional needs to life through customized spaces.

Balancing the podcast, Dream Homes Revealed TV show, and architectural tours requires careful scheduling, with early-morning podcast recordings and quarterly design tours. These tours, now offered in partnership with Feast Experiences, provide immersive architectural journeys for small groups, fostering deep connections with the world of design and with each other.

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Celebrated pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, known as the "Sweet Assassin," shares insights into his journey from a rural New South Wales supermarket to international stardom. Famous for his inventive desserts and creative food pairings, Adriano reflects on his early passion for sweets, his hands-on apprenticeship, and his time working with top chefs in Paris.

Adriano also discusses the unexpected rise to fame through MasterChef, where a croquembouche challenge catapulted his career, leading to more television opportunities. Despite his TV success, Adriano’s true passion lies in cooking and creating unique flavor combinations, blending sweet and savory elements in unconventional ways.

Tune in to hear Adriano's exciting plans, including his upcoming food tour in Catalonia, Spain, and the artistry behind his iconic desserts!

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Anthony Laye is a dynamic Keynote Speaker, MC, People Skills Trainer, and Mentalist with over 25 years of experience in effective communication. 

With an impressive track record of delivering over 1000 presentations, captivating more than 5 million people on TV, and featuring on 100+ radio stations, Anthony is a master of his craft.

As a featured performer in the world's biggest touring magic shows 'The Illusionists', Anthony has honed his skills as a mentalist and entertainer, transcending the boundaries of traditional performance to explore the art of communication.

Driven by his insatiable curiosity, Anthony began to unravel the secrets behind his rapid rise in the entertainment industry.

Through careful analysis and experimentation, he uncovered the key elements that enabled him to win trust, hold the attention of thousands, and stand out in a difficult marketplace.

This journey of discovery culminated in the creation of 'The Confident Communicator Formula,' a groundbreaking approach to effective communication and human skills that has helped countless individuals and organisations elevate their message, build more meaningful relationships and connect with their audience.

In addition to his impressive entertainment credentials, Anthony reached the top 3 of the semi-finals of Australia's Got Talent in 2012 and was a resident mind-reader on Channel 10's Studio 10. 

His unique skillset and experience have led him to understand that the skills he has acquired as a mentalist and entertainer are applicable to everyday communication, making him a sought-after people skills trainer and keynote speaker.

In addition to his impressive entertainment credentials, Anthony is also an accomplished author. He wrote his first book 'Get Ready For Impact - Communication Tools To Stand Out, Win Trust And Influence Everyday,' which offers practical advice and tools to help readers communicate more effectively in their personal and professional lives.

Anthony's clients repeatedly book him not only for the practical content he delivers but also for his ability to enthuse, energise and educate. 

With his unparalleled expertise, captivating presence, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Anthony Laye is the perfect choice for any event or organisation looking to elevate their communication and connect with their audience in a meaningful way.

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This ground-up home built just south of downtown Austin was designed for empty nesters looking to accommodate both gatherings for friends and family as well as moments of serene respite.

By designing the house in a compact form and setting it against the rear set-back, we were able to congregate all the available site into a central courtyard. A second open-air structure consisting of a 2-car carport, potting bench, and covered porch sits on the front set-back line and forms the entry of the courtyard.

To address the southern exposure of the house, the 2-story dining porch is defined by a steel louvered screen, which also gives a level of privacy to the second-floor bedrooms.

The material palette of this home is simple and honest. Board formed concrete pairs with steel and stucco on the exterior. On the interior, walnut, steel and plaster mix with earthen hues within a light filled white box. All coming together in loft-like interior spaces along with interactive exterior spaces to create places for entertaining as well as contemplating.

Patrick's philosophy is to act as an extension of his clients, providing balanced solutions that align with their needs and desires. His passion for combining science and creativity started early and led him to architecture at 12. After earning his degree at the University of Texas, he worked at several prominent firms before founding FAB in 1996. As Principal Architect, Patrick oversees design, collaborating with his team to create award-winning projects that truly fulfil his clients' visions.

Pam thrives on the details and material palette that define the soul of a project. After earning a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Texas, she worked in Los Angeles, where her first project was featured on the cover of Architectural Record. Since 1998, she has been Principal Architect at FAB, shaping award-winning projects across Texas. Pam loves traveling with family, blending nature and urban culture for inspiration when she's away from work.

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