The RugCast

The RugCast

By CostikyanBusiness
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The RugCast episodes

  • Episode 14: The Weight of a Name: Jeffrey Costikyan and the Next 140 Years

    What does it mean to inherit a family name that has been part of an industry since 1886?

    In this personal episode of The RugCast, Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian are joined by Jeffrey Costikyan, a member of the family’s fifth generation. Jeffrey reflects on growing up around the business, learning from the generation before him, and the moment Costikyan began to feel like his company too.

    Together, they discuss the responsibility of carrying a 140-year legacy, the lessons that only make sense once you enter the business yourself, and what a younger generation can contribute to a traditional, craft-driven industry. Jeffrey also shares what he believes should evolve, what must never change, and what Costikyan’s founders might find most surprising about the company today.

    40 min
  • Episode 13: The Rules Worth Breaking with Coco Arnesen on Designing for Real Life

    What makes a room truly work—and which design rules are worth breaking?Hosts Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian sit down with New York City interior designer Coco Arnesen, founder of Coco Arnesen Design, to explore the philosophy behind her sophisticated yet highly personal interiors. Drawing on more than 20 years in practice, Coco discusses designing around how clients actually live, recognizing what is missing from a room, and knowing where an investment will make the greatest impact.Coco also shares her design “Mount Rushmore”—the designers who have most influenced her—and explains why every person on a job site deserves equal respect, from installation experts and craftspeople to cleaners and support staff. She reflects on the collaboration required to bring a project to life and the essential role each person plays in the final result.

    37 min
  • Episode 12: In the Warp & Weft with Our Experts (Part 2)

    This month on The RugCast, we conclude our conversation with Fine Rug Consultant Tigran Edinijklian. With over 20 years of experience in fine rugs and carpets, Tigran shares expert insights, career stories, and practical advice on craftsmanship, care, and what makes fine rugs truly exceptional.


    19 min
  • Episode 11: In the Warp & Weft with Our Experts (Part 1)

    This week on The RugCast, Greg is joined by Fine Rug Consultant Tigran Edinijklian while Phillip is away. With over 20 years of experience in fine rugs and carpets, Tigran shares industry insights, expert advice, and stories from his career. Tune in for a conversation on craftsmanship, care, and the world of fine rugs.

    28 min
  • Episode 10: Shop Talk with NC Carpet & Binding (Part 3)

    This is the conclusion of our conversation with Mal Maher, the owner of NC Carpet & Binding.Mal runs this long-standing, family-owned business that makes carpet binding machines and other tools for the trade. He also hosts his own podcast, NCShop Talk, where he chats about everything from cars to airplanes really, all slices of life.

    38 min
  • Episode 9: Shop Talk with NC Carpet & Binding (Part 2)

    We continue our conversation with Mal Maher, the owner of NC Carpet & Binding.Mal runs this long-standing, family-owned business that makes carpet binding machines and other tools for the trade. He also hosts his own podcast, NC Shop Talk, where he chats about everything from cars to airplanes really,all slices of life.

    25 min
  • Episode 8: Shop Talk with NC Carpet & Binding (Part 1)

    This time, we’ve teamed up with Mal Maher, the ownerof NC Carpet & Binding. Mal runs this long-standing, family-owned business that makes carpet binding machines and other tools for the trade. He also hosts his own podcast, NC Shop Talk, where he chats about everything from cars to airplanes really, all slices of life.

    28 min
  • Episode 7: Where Rugs Meet Retail — ABC Carpet & Home (Part 3)

    Phil and Greg return for the final chapter of our ABC Collaboration—closing out the series with Aaron Ward, General Manager of ABC Carpet & Home, one of New York City’s most iconic luxury design destinations.From museum-worthy rugs to globally sourced artisan décor, ABC has long set the standard for immersive retail—and in this finale, we bring the conversation full circle.With more than 30 years in the rug industry, Aaron’s story began in his family’s rug cleaning business and evolved through leading retailers, showrooms, and wholesale brands across the country. Now, at the helm of ABC Carpet & Home, he channels that lifetime of experience into shaping one of the most inspiring design institutions in the world.


    18 min
  • Episode 6: Where Rugs Meet Retail — ABC Carpet & Home (Part 2)

    Phil and Greg continue their conversation with Aaron Ward, General Manager of ABC Carpet & Home—one of New York City’s most iconic luxury design destinations. From world-class rugs to globally sourced artisan décor, ABC sets the standard for immersive retail.

    With over 30 years in the rug industry, Aaron’s journey began in his family’s rug cleaning business and led him through top retailers, showrooms, and wholesale brands nationwide. Today, he brings that experience to the heart of ABC Carpet & Home.

    26 min
  • Episode 5: Where Rugs Meet Retail - ABC Carpet & Home

    Go behind the scenes with Phil and Greg as they sit down with Aaron Ward, General Manager of ABC Carpet & Home. ABC is a premier luxury home design destination in New York City, renowned for its high-end rugs, globally sourced artisan décor, and inspiring, immersive shopping experience.

    With over 30 years in the rug industry, Aaron began his career in his family’s rug cleaning business before building an extensive career with high-end retailers, showrooms, and leading wholesale brands nationwide. Today, he brings his deep expertise in craftsmanship, design, and industry insight to the iconic ABC Carpet & Home.

    31 min

About The RugCast

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by Phillip Costikyan and Greg Garian, The RugCast explores the craftsmanship, care, design, and business behind fine rugs and interior textiles. From cleaning, restoration, fabrication, and installation to sourcing, collecting, and preservation, each episode pairs generations of Costikyan experience with candid conversations from designers, craftspeople, collectors, and industry experts.