TALKdesign Podcasts
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Talk Design
January 15, 2025
An East Coast native who traded Connecticut winters for California’s sunny skies in his early twenties, Shawn has cultivated a deep love for Northern California and all that his community provides. Mastering the art of customer success in his previous career, he pivoted from luxury athletic clubs into the real estate realm in 2017 and never looked back.
Serving the same discerning Bay Area clientele, Shawn has honed the keen ability to anticipate clients’ individual needs and identify the right course of action to achieve success. Driven by a strong desire to help others put down roots in the beloved community he calls home, his passion for real estate is palpable. It is evidenced in the way he thoughtfully guides clients through the home buying process, advocating every step of the way. An accomplished martial artist and published author, the motorcycle enthusiast loves riding up the coast, visiting museums, and hiking Bay Area trails on the weekends.
Talk Design
January 10, 2025
Gustavo Bernal received his Bachelor's in Animation and Visual Effects from Academy of Arts University, San Francisco. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gustavo has strong roots in his Hispanic heritage and multicultural background. With several years of experience, he previously worked for prestigious advertising agencies and production companies in Venezuela and New York City, including Havas Health, The Vidal Partnership, Adrenalina, and Warner Brothers Television. He had edited projects with well-known celebrities and personalities such as Spike Lee, Quest Love, Thalia, Aurora, Moby, Gorillaz, KT Tunstall, Lilly Allen, actor Nestor Carbonel, musician Robin Thicke, restaurateur Danny Meyers, and Magic Johnson.
Gustavo brings a unique vision as a filmmaker and creator to all the projects he works on, with his interests in storytelling, film editing, and visual effects. He has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2019 and is the filmmaker behind WiA's Profiles interview video series. Furthermore, he has won numerous awards for his advertising and independent filmmaking work.
His film Tiny Victories 2.0, A Tale of Empathy, has been screened at film festivals in Venice, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, Chicago, Dallas, London, and the Better Cities Film Festival—Detroit, where it won the Emerging Ideas Award. The short documentary was presented in the #Archtober AIA Queens, Architecture Short Films festival in NY, the Western Australian Museum - Boola Bardip in Melbourne.
Gustavo has spoken about storytelling in architecture and film at the AIA Austin Design Excellence, Texas Society of Architecture, and AIA National Conference.
Talk Design
December 29, 2024
Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., Kevin leads the development of zero-carbon emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations worldwide, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. His extensive portfolio includes projects like the 1.5 million square foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. Additionally, he led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further solidifying his impact on architectural innovation.
Kevin’s expertise spans adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with projects featured in the permanent collection of MoMA, New York. He has earned over 40 international design awards and is a sought-after thought leader, contributing to discussions on urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. His work extends beyond architecture; as an expert witness and lecturer at leading institutions like Yale and Columbia, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to his craft.
As a podcast guest, Kevin offers a deep understanding of architecture’s role in societal and environmental shifts. His unique perspectives on the future of cities, sustainability, and the intersection of culture and architecture make him a compelling and insightful speaker.
Talk Design
December 17, 2024
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.
Talk Design
December 10, 2024
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.
Talk Design
December 3, 2024
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.
Talk Design
November 26, 2024
"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.
Talk Design
November 19, 2024
Ashley works to celebrate communities and places with resilient, inclusive design. She believes that powerful connections made through the design of shared architectural spaces can inspire both individual and societal wellness.
Ashley's strengths have been recognized most recently with an AIA Austin Honor Award for Emerging Professional Achievement and as an Austin Under 40 Finalist. Her professional expertise focuses on benefitting communities and ecosystems across diverse scales and typologies, including award-winning development, hospitality, and educational projects. Ashley has leveraged her work experience to advance thought leadership as well; she has been a featured speaker at AIA and ASLA events across the U.S., locally, and on international media. She ardently promotes education and mentorship, especially efforts to amplify female voices, and is a regularly invited school critic and lecturer.
Ashley received her BA from Yale and her M.Arch from Harvard GSD with Ryan and DK. She helped launch LowDO as a decentralized experimental office, contributing to projects in Nigeria and the U.S. before recognizing her desire for broader experience with public-spirited work. She then spent over ten years with Lake|Flato Architects, where she helped open and grow a successful Austin office engaged in projects of varied program and scale, all aiming to prioritize sustainability. In returning to LowDO, Ashley married two powerful worlds: experience delivering complex high-performance projects with LowDO's focus on building societal equity.
Ashley serves on committees for The Trail Conservancy, ULI Austin, and other local groups working to improve the Austin community. She also remains passionate about learning from varied global perspectives; with experience living abroad and in continuing to work internationally, she strives to design environments that bridge divides and forge connections.
Talk Design
November 12, 2024
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.
Talk Design
November 6, 2024
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.