Once Upon A Design

Public Regard is the design collaborative of Evan and Diego Gonzalez. They specialize in the fluent dialogue among architecture, interior design, furniture and objects. They launched Public Regard filling a niche in the market for beautifully designed commercial and hospitality spaces, and eventually moving into residential work and finally product and furniture design. Their work is deeply rooted in preservation and classical architecture yet they have a nuance that makes what could be staid and stuffy, incredibly chic and beautiful. This is their story.

Artist and decorative painter Tess Newall is our guest for this episode. Tess began her career studying anthropology and archeology- developing a deep appreciation for the way our ancestors used art as a way to tell stories and bring joy into their living spaces. She then moved into set design before finally settling on an accidental career as a working artist. She has created incredible murals, painted furniture and decorative finishes for design clients around the world, and she recently launched her own line of textiles and wall coverings based on her whimsical and charming artistic style. Today we learn why she is so taken with the natural world, how her own house has become her laboratory, and why art can be a suitable career as long as it never loses its magic . This is her story.

Becca Barnet is the founder and owner of Sisal Creative, an art studio that specializes in the design and fabrication of projects that vary as much in medium as they do in scope. From plaster relief, gilt lettering, painting, sculpture, 3D printing, collage and taxidermy, there is really no medium that Becca and her team are not willing to try. If you can conceive a shred of an idea, Becca and her team can most likely make it happen. Sisal Creative has been described as having the ability to turn what clients can't quite describe into something they can't imagine living without. And this is her story…..

This episode features a remarkable conversation with Joseph Kincannon and Christian Sottile about their shared passion for preserving and creating beauty. We get into the incredible work coming out of the American College of the Building Arts and how bringing back traditional craftmanship will help shape the possibilities for the future of new building developments. Joseph is the chair of the stone carving department at ACBA and a true master of the craft. Joining him is renowned architect and urban planner Christian Sottile, patron of the building arts. Christian recognized the quality of the work coming out of ACBA and commissioned Joseph and his students to design and fabricate many of the stone elements ornamenting one of his newest projects - The Laurel at Courier Square here in Charleston. Today we talk about the how apprenticeships help shape a person, both in confidence and skill, where technology helps the trades and where it falls short, and most importantly, necessity of creating beauty in our built environment. This is their story.

Deepali Kalia and her sister Nanu Khanna, have found success with their textile business through a shared love of the blockprinting process, a commitment to quality by bringing all manufacturing in house, and most of all, by treating everyone who works for them as family. This is their story. https://www.fillingspaces.com/pages/about-us

In this episode we sit down with Ben Little, the founder and owner of Benjamin Paul Studio, high end furniture, millwork and metalworking studio here in Charleston. BPS is known for their problem solving skills, willingness to try just about anything, and their ability to find the perfect balance between practicality and beauty. Today we will get into how Ben honed his craft by old fashioned trial and error, how managing people is the hardest part of his business, and why learning to be good at being bad has been his key to his success. This is his story….

On this episode, we cross over into the realm of architecture with the very talented Atlanta-based architect Stan Dixon. Stan's work has such depth of range that it simply cannot be put in a box. Each of his projects is thoroughly versed in the elements of classicism, while being infused with beautifully unexpected details. He has a beautiful book called Home, and has won countless awards including Southe astern Architect of the Year, The Phillip Trammell Schutz Award, The Addison Minzer Award, the ICAA Acanthus Award, and the Schuler Award among others. In this episode, we get a glimpse into the way his Southern roots influenced his aesthetic, how he goes above and beyond to create a narrative with his clients, and his ability to work with so many collaborators, all while leaving ego at the door . This is his story…

Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen have a wonderful partnership, in which they have built an impressive design portfolio with projects all over the world. On top of that, they have created a beautiful collection of textiles, wall coverings, furniture and rugs, all while publishing their first book- A New English Style. Last month, they made an encore appearance on the House and Garden 101 List, and they have the honor of being one of the selected designers featured in this year's WOW! House currently on display in London. These are busy ladies, but we are delighted they were able to join us on the podcast to tell us about how they manage the elusive work/life balance, what English style means to them, and the surprisingly emotional process of publishing a book. Here is their story

Charleston based interior designer Allison Elebash is our guest today. Over the past two decades, Allison has built an impressive interior design business throughout the Southeast and Caribbean. She has become a fixture on the local design circuit, and her work has graced the pages of countless magazines over the years. Today we will learn how she pivoted from a career as a licensed social worker and mental health counselor, to talented interior designer with a dedication to craftmanship, how going the extra mile means everything, and last but not least, the importance of having a good mentor - even it if happens to be your wonderful mother-in-law. Here is her story….

For this episode, Becky joins me in the studio to chat with our dear friend and acclaimed British interior decorator and textile designer, Susan Deliss. Susan has had a fascinating, albeit circuitous path to her current career, from living in a convent, to traveling all across the Middle East as a corporate finance lawyer, to collecting exquisite vintage textiles, and becoming a sought after decorator. She finally found, what she refers to as her "Secret Self" when she began to design and create her own line of exquisite textiles that were inspired by her journey along the way. This is her story….

Kathryn Maresca Faull started her namesake company Maresca Textiles in 2011 after a stint in the world of fashion. But like many textile designers, she is an artist at heart. Having parents who were immersed in careers of architecture and interior design, she found herself drawn to the art of textile design. . In the years since she launched her brand, she has perfected her craft, creating beautiful screen and digitally printed designs that have stood the test of time. In this episode, we will get into her creative process, the people and places that inspire her, and how it was good old fashioned trial and error that brought her the success she has found along the way. This is her story....

Charlotte-based designer Barrie Benson is an inspiration to anyone in the design world that is looking to expand their business beyond decorating. She not only runs a very successful interior design studio, she has also partnered with some incredible brands to create a beautiful collection of rugs, furniture, hardware and wallpaper. In this episode we learn how Barrie got into the business, what inspires her, and why a little baptism by fire can be the best way to jumpstart a career.

In our inaugural episode Host Sarah-Hamlin Hastings interviews Becky LaRoche, textile director at Fritz Porter. Together t hey dive into how Becky got started in the world of interior design as well as the history, techniques, and personal passions that shape the world of high end fabric and décor. We are so thrilled you're here, stay tuned for more fascinating conversations about the art and craft of our industry, and the talented people who bring it to life. Main Topics Covered: Becky LaRoche's journey from Virginia to the interior design industry The evolution and craftsmanship of hand block and digital printing Building relationships with textile artisans and the importance of storytelling Organizing showrooms to reflect quality over quantity How textiles influence the personality and authenticity of interior spaces Insights into sourcing small-batch, artisanal textile lines The significance of understanding scale, tradition, and cultural context in design Future trends and exciting new collections coming to Fritz Porter