In this lively episode of Bad Bird Good Design, Robyn Branch welcomes a vibrant panel of developers, designers, and builders — including Larry Johnson, Gordon Kessler, Dawn and John Hillman — to unpack the complex, often hilarious relationship between designers and developers. From tales of early creative sparks and glamorous childhood forts to the real-world struggles of working across disciplines, Robyn and her guests explore the tensions, teamwork, and trends that shape great spaces. Plus, the group shares insider stories from Crane Island, the launch of Cabana Lane, and how being deeply connected to design changes everything — even how you demo a house.

Key Takeaways:

Vision Matters: Developers with a long-term vision make collaboration with designers far more rewarding (and fun).

Trends are Out: Timeless design wins over fleeting trends — houses should feel enduring, not dated.

Design Instincts Start Young: Most creatives started "building" from their childhood, whether through forts, dioramas, or carpeted Barbie garages!

Good Communication = Great Projects: The best outcomes happen when developers, designers, and builders truly collaborate, respecting each other’s strengths.

Own Your Role: Sometimes, to protect the integrity of your work (and your health!), you have to step up and fully own the building process.

Fresh Air, Fresh Spaces: Great homes should engage all the senses — open windows, hear the birds, feel the breeze.

Community Takes Time: Moving into a new place? Fitting in isn’t instant — it’s built through shared spaces, shared stories, and a little bit of serendipity

If you love creativity, collaboration, and a few hard-won lessons in construction dust and Clorox, this episode is for you.

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