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by Design Discord
Design Discord is a podcast that digs into what it really takes to build a creative business today. Hosted by artist and furniture designer Fernando Mastrangelo, the show explores the business side of creative work. Fernando and his accomplished guests bring perspectives that span generations — combining decades of industry experience with a grounded understanding of the challenges facing the next generation of designers. Each episode features candid conversations covering pricing, production, market trends, visibility, PR, and the real obstacles creatives face. Nothing is off the table!
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- 1 weeks ago1h 1m
Jean Lin: The Rule Breaker Behind Colony’s Game-Changing Co-op Inspired Model
Fernando Mastrangelo interviews Jean Lin, founder of Colony Gallery in New York, about her incredible journey from Hurricane Sandy relief work to creating a groundbreaking gallery that supports independent designers.Jean reveals the details behind Colony’s co-op inspired model — affordable monthly fees paired with a low 15% commission — and why she’s stayed committed to this approach for over 12 years. The conversation covers the challenges of starting with almost no money, building community in the 2010s NYC design boom, launching an 8-month artist residency/incubator program, expanding into interior design projects, and navigating slow markets and rising costs.They also discuss Jean’s book “What We Keep,” which shifts focus from objects to the personal stories of collectors, makers, and the emotional connection to design.Perfect for designers, makers, gallerists, and creatives who want real talk about building a sustainable career in the design world.**Timestamps:**00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Hurricane Sandy Origin Story05:48 - 2010s NYC Design Scene09:49 - First Lease & Personal Risks13:24 - Finding the Space & Early Struggles16:44 - Colony’s Co-op Inspired Business Model26:38 - Starting Interiors & Staging30:00 - Current Gallery Operations (24 Designers)35:15 - The Residency Program Explained41:10 - Trends, Cycles & Timeless Design44:46 - Market Challenges & Moving Spaces46:39 - “What We Keep” Book & Collecting55:58 - 5-Year Vision for Colony59:00 - Closing ThoughtsFollow Colony Gallery and Jean Lin for more inspiration in the world of collectible and contemporary design.
- 3 weeks ago1h 2m
David Michon: The Optimistic Critic Changing Design Discourse with his Must-Read SubStack 'For Scale'
In this refreshingly honest episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with David Michon, the sharp, eloquent voice behind For Scale, the buzziest Substack in the design world right now.David shares how he went from writing for Monocle and Icon to creating his own independent platform for real design criticism. Together they unpack why so many design magazines feel identical, why celebrity homes dominate the covers, and how the industry has become strangely polite and risk-averse.They explore:Why “decor” might actually be a more honest word than “design”The liberating joy of imperfect, lived-in homes over sterile perfectionHow growing up in Winnipeg shaped David’s refreshing perspective on tasteThe myth of “timeless” design and why dated interiors can be incredibleWhat’s really wrong with events like Basic Space / Design SpaceThe missing critique in interiors and why optimistic criticism mattersDavid’s writing is smart, observational, and deeply human. He believes great interiors are about people, not just perfect objects — and that your home should never feel “finished.” This conversation will make you look at your own space differently and feel a whole lot better about the dents on your dining table.If you’re tired of aspirational interiors that feel fake and unattainable, this episode is for you. A must-listen for designers, design lovers, interior enthusiasts, and anyone who wants sharper, more honest conversations about the spaces we live in.Follow For Scale on Substack for David’s weekly writings that are quickly becoming essential reading in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Introducing David Michon & For Scale09:28 – Winnipeg roots and forming real taste13:00 – Reading rooms as people, not just objects15:00 – Why your home should never feel finished19:20 – Wealth, aspiration, and lived-in reality25:25 – The origin story of For Scale37:25 – Why David chooses “decor” over “design”47:30 – Honest critique of Basic Space52:00 – The future of For Scale: print, events & real-life energy
- Apr 30, 20261h 1m
The Rise of The Future Perfect Empire with Laura Young
Laura Young of The Future Perfect joins Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for a wide-ranging conversation covering her full career path, the evolution of one of design’s most respected galleries, and what’s actually in or out right now.From RISD and chaotic auction-house days to co-leading The Future Perfect across New York, LA, Miami, and San Francisco, Laura opens up about building a business that balances commerce and culture, their signature showroom/gallery approach, the deep collaboration with artists like Chris Wolston, and the realities of gatekeeping.Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:01:08 – RISD & early career0:05:12 – Auction house years0:13:22 – Meeting David & joining The Future Perfect0:22:15 – The Future Perfect model explained0:23:27 – Residentializing the gallery experience0:31:18 – Chris Wolston deep dive0:42:04 – Gatekeeping in design0:47:15 – Discovering new designers & open call0:53:35 – Future Perfect as cultural institution0:56:12 – In or Out design trends1:01:10 – OutroA must-listen for designers, collectors, and anyone obsessed with the business and culture of contemporary design.#TheFuturePerfect #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #CollectibleFurniture #DesignTrends #ChrisWolston
- Apr 16, 202655 min
Ashlee Harrison: From Mega Gallery Powerhouse to Intimate Salon Curator
Join Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for an in-depth conversation with Ashlee Harrison, powerhouse in collectible design. From helping establish Carpenters Workshop Gallery in the US to launching her own private salon Thirty8East in a historic Upper East Side brownstone, Ashlee brings unparalleled insight into the world of functional sculpture, curation, and cultural storytelling.Topics include the maturing collectible design market, working with legendary designers, the power of intimacy over scale, fair experiences, and practical advice for collectors and creatives.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:01 – State of Collectible Design Today02:43 – Advisors vs. Interior Designers03:36 – Joining Carpenters Workshop Young05:25 – Early Responsibilities & Building the Business06:35 – Market Expansions to LA, SF & Aspen09:21 – Defining Collectible vs. Fine Furniture11:35 – Collaborating with Artists like Campana Brothers & Studio Drift18:33 – Transition to Thirty8East Salon20:20 – The Salon Experience: By Appointment, Storytelling & Coffee29:48 – Value of Design Fairs & Relationships34:29 – Market Cycles, COVID Impact & Slow Growth39:56 – Future of Her Career & Excitement Ahead48:10 – Advice for Young DesignersPerfect for anyone interested in design, art, collecting, or building a meaningful creative career.Follow Design Discord on Spotify for more. Support the show and share with a fellow design lover!#CollectibleDesign #DesignPodcast #Thirty8East #AshleeHarrison
- Apr 2, 20261h 26m
Zesty Meyers: How Two Artists Built R & Company from a Flea Market Hustle into a Design Empire
Zesty Meyers (co-founder of R & Company) joins Fernando Mastrangelo for a raw, inspiring conversation about his incredible 30+ year journey in the design world.From performing with molten glass as part of the legendary B Team, to starting what later became R & Company with just $200 at the Chelsea Flea Market, to shaping the modern collectible design market — this episode is packed with philosophy, hard-earned lessons, and optimism for the future of craft and design. Topics covered:- The dying craft scene of the late ’80s and why they had to create their own path- Turning a hobby into one of the most influential design galleries in the world- Why most creatives only have one great idea, and why that’s worth celebrating- The future of handmade objects in the age of AI and billionaires- Longevity in creative careers, failure, and building real partnerships with artistsNotable Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:10 – Pilchuck Glass School & the Birth of the B Team14:02 – Starting R & Company in 1997: The Flea Market Days28:23 – Most People Only Have One Great Idea32:02 – Bringing in Contemporary Artists (Jeff Zimmerman & Beyond)43:48 – The Haas Brothers & Building Long Careers50:36 – Year 11 Struggles: What No One Tells You About Creative Careers53:06 – Why Handmade Objects Will Define New Wealth in the AI Age61:02 – Brazilian Design Discovery & Building a Secondary Market72:07 – Tribeca Space, Fairs & Refocusing the Gallery Program82:53 – Final Thoughts: Raising Our Voice as a Design CommunityIf you’re a designer, artist, collector, or someone who loves stories of grit and creativity, this one will move you. Subscribe for more deep dives into the design world!Leave a comment: What’s one lesson you’re taking from Zesty?#CollectibleDesign #RAndCompany #designnews #designbusiness #designmotivation #designinspiration #businesspodcast #artpodcast #artmotivation #creativepodcast #CraftAndArt #CreativeJourney #ZestyMeyers #fernandomastrangelo #nydesignscene
- Dec 18, 20251h 40m
Design Discord Awards: Best of 2025!
In this episode of Design Discord, hosts Fernando Mastrangelo and Alyssa Gerasimoff celebrate the end of the year with the first annual Design Discord Awards. They discuss their selections for various categories, including best fair, booth, interior designers, and galleries, while reflecting on the challenges of making these choices. They also highlight designers to watch in 2026 and discuss their plans for the upcoming season two of the podcast, reflecting on their journey and the insights gained throughout the year.05:26 Best Fair 10:30 Best Booth14:02 Best Interior Designer/Architect18:31 Best Gallery25:55 Best Showroom32:19 Best Breakout Star34:51 Best New Collection38:56 Most Innovative Use of Materials46:34 Best Chair49:45 Best Lighting56:45 Best Side Table59:30 Best Fine Furniture01:03:10 Best Ceramic Furniture01:12:46 Best Collectible Design01:18:35 Best Photography01:24:40 Favorite Design Discord Episode01:28:10 Designers to Watch in 2026
- Dec 4, 20251h 32m
PR for Designers: The Cost, the ROI, and Why Most of You Are Waiting Too Long – Rebecca Goldberg
Should you hire a PR firm… or are you just paying someone to spam editors?Rebecca Goldberg — co-founder of Dada Goldberg, the most dialed-in design PR agency in New York — finally pulls back the curtain.We ask every question designers are dying to ask about PR:- What does real PR actually cost these days?- When is the right moment to pull the trigger?- Does PR actually move the needle on sales and collabs or is it just ego?- Can you get overexposed and ruin your brand?- Big agency vs boutique: which one is best?- Do legacy magazines (AD, Elle Decor, Vogue) still matter or is it all Instagram now?- Why dinners, press releases?Plus: what is the one thing every emerging designer needs before they even think about hiring PR? (hint: it’s not a finished website).If you’ve ever googled “design PR firms” at 2 a.m., this episode will save you six figures and a lot of heartbreak.Hosted by Alyssa Gerasimoff & Fernando MastrangeloGuest: Rebecca Goldberg (Dada Goldberg)https://dadagoldberg.com/https://www.instagram.com/dadagoldberg/Timestamps & full takeaway list in the show notes.01:20 How much does design PR really cost in 2025?06:45 When should you actually hire PR (the exact moment)12:10 Does press = sales? The honest ROI breakdown18:30 Can you get overexposed and kill your brand?23:15 Legacy media vs Instagram: what actually moves the needle29:40 Big agency vs boutique: pros, cons, and horror stories35:20 Why dinners are the new press release41:50 The personal toll no one talks about48:30 How PR unlocks collaborations and bigger opportunities54:10 The future of design PR in a cooked economy1:01:00 Rebecca’s one piece of advice for every emerging designerThis episode is pure fire for anyone trying to figure out how to go from “talented” to “known.”
- Nov 20, 20251h 30m
Collectors Are DONE With Avant-Garde (Here’s What They Actually Want Now)
By popular demand, our favorite overseas correspondent Julia Haney-Montanez is BACK and fresh off the fair floors!She was on the ground at PAD London and Design Miami Paris spilling the tea straight from the dealers’ mouths: collectors are officially over uncomfortable concept pieces and torture chairs. They want livable luxury, pieces you can actually sit on, live with, and love.Comfort is the new currencyDealers are quietly prioritizing the “hits” to survive this soft marketThe real reason galleries are struggling (and what it means for designers)The insider conversation everyone in design is having behind closed doors… but we’re saying it out loud. Hit play and find out what collectors are buying right now and what designers can do to weather this soft sales cycle. Drop a if you’re ready for cozy to make a comeback.#DesignDiscord #PADLondon #DesignMiamiParis #LivableLuxury #InteriorDesign #CollectibleDesign
About Design Discord
Design Discord is a podcast that digs into what it really takes to build a creative business today. Hosted by artist and furniture designer Fernando Mastrangelo, the show explores the business side of creative work. Fernando and his accomplished guests bring perspectives that span generations — combining decades of industry experience with a grounded understanding of the challenges facing the next generation of designers. Each episode features candid conversations covering pricing, production, market trends, visibility, PR, and the real obstacles creatives face. Nothing is off the table!
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