Sometimes a designer latches onto a particular period or style and builds their career around it. It may appeal to their sense of aesthetics or taste. Or it may speak them in more profound ways. They look for clients who also respond to that style and adapt when possible to meet that client’s needs.

In this episode, Gail talks with Christopher Kennedy, principal, Christopher Kennedy in Palm Springs, California. Christopher has a B.A. in architecture and an MBA in finance. He has been labeled an architectural designer but considers himself an interior designer, not an architect. He designs interiors, not buildings. He is the author of California Modern and Making Mid-Century Modern.

Christopher related his journey of how he eventually found his way to becoming an interior designer. He said that from a young age he was interested in creating positive environments for people. Although he is perhaps best known for his revival of mid-century modern design, he stressed that above all he thinks about how his clients will be impacted by the spaces he designs.

As designers, he said, “we’re not like selling a chair or a pillow. We’re really creating the home where someone is going to live out their human drama.”

Gail asked Christopher about his own books and what books he’s been reading lately. He mentioned a few titles and added that he basically reads three types of books, those on healing, spirituality and business.

In addition to his interiors work, Christopher has also developed a furniture line and currently has a number of licensing agreements with various manufacturers. In the future, he said, he would like to try his hand at designing fabrics, lighting and perhaps some smaller accessories, such as mirrors.

Christopher is a strong believer in giving back. Some years ago he created the Christopher Kennedy Compound showhouse in Palm Springs and helped to establish a Modernism week celebrating local design. Showhouses are not for everyone, he acknowledged, but there are many other ways designers can contribute to their communities. “We all have ways that we can give,” he said.

To learn more about Christopher and his work, listen to the entire podcast.

If you're listening on your favorite podcast platform, view the full shownotes here: https://thepearlcollective.com/s12e1-shownotes

Mentioned in This Podcast

To learn more about Christopher and to read his blog, go the firm’s website at www.christopherkennedy.com.

Christopher’s book, Making Mid-Century Modern, is available from online booksellers. His other book, California Modern, is currently out of print but available from used booksellers.

Gail asked what Christoper was currently reading, He said,

Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well by Gabrielle Lyon

He also said he was reading various writings by Abraham Hicks, who writes about manifesting and related topics.

Gail mentioned the book, Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential by Brian Johnson. She called it inspiring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac-6UZBkbQo&pp=ygUYcGVhcmwgY29sbGVjdGl2ZSBwb2RjYXN0

Episode Transcript

Note: Transcript is created automatically and may contain errors.

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So Christopher, welcome. So glad to have you on the podcast. Thank you, Gail. I've been a fan of yours for a long time, as you know, and I'm thrilled to be here. it's just a delight for us. I want to start off and talk a little bit. We're going to dive into your background and all of that, but I want to go to your About page on your website. love that About page. So please share that with us.

sure. You mean the one that talks about like I believe in humanity? Is that the copy? Yeah, that's the one. I happen to have it here. okay,