Design Perspectives

Welcome to part 2 of a 3 part series on Racism in America. Normally, I discuss design but in light of what has transpired in the last few weeks, you are going to hear what life is like in America for people of color.

I want to thank you for joining me on this journey. I also want to tell you to keep an open mind and heart, as that is how we will HEAL! This is about moving forward. This is about having an open honest dialogue and forcing America to look at the under belly of racism and all of its ugliness.

Together we can conquer hate and those who this way.

When you know better, you do better! 

Today's podcast guest is ME! I am discussing what we are ALL experiencing after witnessing  the privilege of Amy Cooper and the murder of George Floyd. For the next three episodes, I want to talk about the Design Perspective of Racism in America.

Buckle up!

Texas native, Peter Sandel is principal & founder of Peter Sandel Design, LLC a boutique design firm based in Downtown Manhattan.

Peter’s portfolio is not tied to any one signature style but highlights a range of approaches unified in thoughtful floor plans, unique furnishings and dedication to exceptional craftsmanship.

Although interior design has been a natural and lifelong passion, it wasn't the obvious career choice. After a decade working as a Washington lobbyist; it was a timely transition to New York, coupled with the tragic loss of his Mother to breast cancer that compelled him to seek change.

Sandel subsequently started his career in design working for world-renowned architect Peter Marino. He later worked alongside Dallas' most sought after interior designers while simultaneously starting his own firm. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Baylor University and later attended the New York School of Interior Design.

www.petersandel.com

instagram.com/petersandeldesign.com

Sarah Von Dreele has been the creative director of Onethread Design, Inc., a New York-based design consultancy, which she founded in 2003. Launching her eponymous brand of wallcoverings in 2019, Sarah’s hand-painted aesthetic quickly gained traction in the interior design field, garnering attention from designers and publications internationally. What began as a simple creative exercise at the end of the day quickly evolved into a collection of surface designs, painted exclusively in gouache. Her latest works explore the integration of imperfection and repetition to create rich patterns. The abstracted floral and geometric forms are ethereal and calm, lending themselves to a variety of applications for the curated home.

www.sarahvondreele.com

https://www.instagram.com/sarahvondreele/

Kammi Reiss is the founder and president of Kammi Reiss Design, L.L.C., an interior design firm specializing in residential and commercial commissions, as well as custom products and furnishings. Kammi’s approach to interiors is client focused. She develops each project based on the specific needs, interests, and style of the client, making the finished product their ideal environment.

Kammi’s career in design began when she was a member of the founding editorial staff of the US edition of Elle Décor. Kammi served as the Photo Editor where, in addition to coordinating all of the photography for the magazine, she also supervised and styled many of the photos featured on the cover and inside the magazine. In 1999, Kammi pivoted her design career to launch an eponymous handbag line with The Pegasus Apparel Group. After 10 years building Kammi Reiss Handbags to a successful brand of custom bags, Kammi was drawn back into the world of interiors by a hotel commission. She felt she had returned to her passion and moved back to designing interiors exclusively. Kammi loves excellent craftsmanship, welcoming environments, and designs that endure.

www.kammireissdesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/kammireissdesign/

Virginia founded Toledo Geller in 2006 after recognizing a need in the luxury residential market for a firm with specialized knowledge in both the design and construction process. Formally trained in interior design, she also gained invaluable experience working along side her father, a general contractor, on construction sites. A native of Brooklyn, Virginia is a mother who loves historical fiction and entertaining in her 1920’s Craftsman style New Jersey home, which she is constantly updating.

The experience of renovating a children’s hospital playroom sparked Jessica’s decision to switch careers from social work to interior design. Her intuitive design sensibility is both innate and learned from experience in the field, and she gravitates towards the perfectly imperfect—such as introducing a color that seems “off” but magically completes the design. A mother of three, Jessica moved to Essex Fells within a year of renovating her 1850s Hoboken townhouse to embark on transforming a 1920s center hall colonial into the perfect cozy home for spending time with her family.

www.toledogeller.com

instagram.com/toledogeller/

Taylor & Taylor is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm based in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, Florida. Phyllis runs her architecture and design firm with her architect husband William. They have been in business over 30 years.

www.taylorntaylor.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/taylorntaylorinc/

Laura runs a boutique design firm located in the Baltimore / Washington DC area, Laura Hodges Studio focuses on creating the ultimate in beautiful, tailored spaces while fully expressing every client’s individual style and taste. 

Laura is a LEED AP and a GREEN AP which means she has completed rigorous sustainability training and demonstrated extensive knowledge of and dedication to sustainable design practices. This includes everything from sourcing fair trade and renewable resources and donating unwanted furnishings to optimizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality, and recycling cabinetry and building materials. We make design decisions and selections that encourage the sustainability of our planet's resources so responsible and high quality vendors, manufacturers, products and services are always given priority. These practices lead us to designing a home or public space that is both enjoyable and healthy for you while being considerate of our environment.

www.laurahodgesstudio.com 

https://www.instagram.com/laurahodgesstudio/

Anelle comes from a strong background in both art and design. She is an alumna of DwellStudio, a New York-based home furnishings company, where she served as Head of Design before leaving to start her own design firm and contemporary Art Gallery in 2007.

Anelle studied Interior Design at the New York School of Interior Design and holds a Certificate in American Art and antiques from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Parsons School of Design.

Originally from South Africa, Anelle currently lives in Westchester with her husband and two boys.

@alistinteriors

www.alistinteriors.com 

Today's guest, Tina Ramchandani is a super talented interior designer that has graced so many shelter magazines. She started her eponymous firm in 2014 and has successfully built it with quality team members and vendors. It is more than passion for her, it is a way of life. 

www.tinaramchandani.com

@tinaramchandani