Amy Astley is a trailblazer and a visionary. 

In her time as Global Editorial Director and Editor in Chief of Architectural Digest, she’s opened the door to a more inclusive industry and paved the way for disruptors and up-and-comers to have a seat at the table. Join us as we sit down with Amy to talk about Jake Arnold’s recent AD cover, why travel is so important for creatives, and what’s driving the global design scene. Listen in as we tap Amy for her lessons on creating a home that’s timeless and personal, her thoughts on the new guard of design, and her reflections on embracing this digital era. 


If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here:   
⁠https://www.theexpert.com/⁠
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)


To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/


To follow along with all things Amy Astley and AD, click here: https://www.instagram.com/amyastley/



How Amy Astley Took Architectural Digest From Sleeping Beauty to Best in Show

At The Expert, we set out to give you one-on-one access to the design industry’s biggest talent. And now, we’re pulling back the curtain. Welcome to The Expert Podcast, hosted by interior designer and co-founder Jake Arnold. 

In each episode, we’ll be spotlighting designers, editors, and founders behind some of the most exciting interiors and brands, and unpacking all things design, from hunting down the best vintage pieces to avoiding costly mistakes and creating a home that feels comfortable and timeless. 

You’re going to want to take notes…

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward aren’t afraid to push boundaries.
The design duo, who have built a stellar reputation designing celebrity homes from Leonardo DiCaprio to Kate Hudson and Dakota Johnson, thrive on taking design risks—and have a lot of fun doing it.
Their layered interiors always feel cozy, quirky, and collected over time—a mix that feels part Hollywood and part rock’n’roll. On top of an impressive roster of A-list clients, Louisa and Emily have written a book, made the AD100 list, opened a storefront in Los Angeles, and launched a homewares line, which you can find on The Expert. 
We’ll dig into their go-to paint trick, their no-fear approach to buying vintage, the controversial color they can’t get enough of, and much more—let’s get into it.
Resources: 
If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here  
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)
https://www.theexpert.com/
To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/
Check out Pierce & Ward’s curated Showroom on The Expert here: 
https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/brands/pierce-and-ward



Pierce & Ward on Collecting Vintage and Designing With Intuition

Brigette Romanek is a celebrity whisperer.
With a client list that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Joe Jonas, and Beyoncé, she has a gift for creating memorable, comforting spaces for personalities who not only have exquisite taste in their own right—but also deeply need their homes to feel like a sanctuary from a very fast-paced public life.
Brigette’s “Gucci-Meets-Gap” philosophy and inherent warmth make her work irresistible. It’s no wonder she’s had a momentous year, culminating in a book with Rizzoli and a feature of her new home in Elle magazine.
Listen in as we chat with Brigette about her idea of “Livable Luxe”, what’s inspiring her right now, and yes—we get the scoop on her A-list clients… Let’s get into it.
Resources: 
If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here  
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)
https://www.theexpert.com/
To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/
Check out Brigette Romanek’s curated Showroom on The Expert here: 
https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/brigetteromanek




Brigette Romanek on the Secret Behind Her Signature ‘Livable Luxe’ Aesthetic

Leanne Ford is a creative in the truest sense.
After earning her stripes as a fashion stylist and creative director, she pivoted to the world of interiors when the opportunity to renovate a 1907 schoolhouse came knocking at her door.
That power move proved fruitful. Since then, Leanne has starred in the hit HGTV show Restored by the Fords, launched a collection with Crate and Barrel, and published her very own magazine, Feel Free.
Her signature, cozy, cream-on-white aesthetic juxtaposed with historic spaces and smart, vintage touches has its own cult following—and yes, we’ll dig into how to get the look and much, much more. Listen in…


Resources: 
If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here:  
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)
https://www.theexpert.com/
To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/
Find Leanne Ford on The Expert here:
https://www.theexpert.com/consultations/find-an-expert/leanneford





Leanne Ford on the Question She Asks Herself Before Starting Each Project

Colin King is a master of his craft. 
In just a few short years, the industry’s go-to interior stylist has amassed an impressive client list that includes leading publications and brands.
He’s styled countless celebrity homes for Architectural Digest, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Drake.
He’s channeled his talents into product collaborations with everyone from West Elm to The Future Perfect, Audo Copenhagen, Cultiver, and Beni Rugs—where he serves as Artistic Director.
No matter the project, Colin’s signature touch always makes any space feel magical.
Listen in as we talk about color as a main character, the surprising ways to make a room look more expensive, and the number one mistake people make when styling. This one is not to be missed. 


Resources: 
If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here  
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)
https://www.theexpert.com/
To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/
Check out Colin King’s curated Showroom on The Expert here:
https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/colinking



Colin King on the Styling Mistake People Always Make and the Best Way to Shop Your Own Shelves

Sophie Ashby’s career is one to watch.
In 2021, she was named House & Garden’s Designer of the Year and ELLE Decoration British Interior Designer of the Year—and that was only the beginning.
Since then, she co-founded the non-profit United in Design, started her brand, Sister by Studio Ashby, opened a gorgeous London Showroom, and is gearing up for the launch of her book published by Rizzoli in early 2024.
That’s on top of having two kids and running her interior design business with high-profile projects all over the world and a staff of 15. Her London home has been featured everywhere from Vogue to Architectural Digest. And she’s done it all before the age of 35.
Listen in as I chat with Sophie about what she’s learned in a decade of design, her respect for architecture and creating a sense of place, and the global aesthetic she garnered from working with both UK and US clients.


Resources: 
If you’re obsessed with design like us, you'll love The Expert - find it here  
Enjoy 10% off your first e-commerce purchase with code PODCAST10 at checkout. (Certain exclusions apply)
https://www.theexpert.com/
To follow along with Jake Arnold, click here:
https://www.instagram.com/jakearnold/
To explore all things Studio Ashby on The Expert,  click here:
https://www.theexpert.com/showroom/studio-ashby




How Amy Astley Took Architectural Digest From Sleeping Beauty to Best in Show

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