A podcast about the design world

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Orchestrating Space with Kari Bennett

Orchestrating Space with Kari Bennett

Kari Bennett’s professional evolution is a compelling story of shifting from purely creative instincts to high-level systemic mastery. In the earlier chapters of her career, she identified strictly as a traditional interior designer, focusing heavily on aesthetics, ma...
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Vern Yip’s Philosophy of Purposeful Spaces

Vern Yip’s Philosophy of Purposeful Spaces

In this episode, Vern Yip shares the exact tactical methods, operational frameworks, and professional philosophies that define his approach to spatial creation. He challenges the standard, clinical view of home remodeling by establishing a definitive design baseline: ex...
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Spaces That Breathe with Lauren Thomsen

Spaces That Breathe with Lauren Thomsen

Lauren Thomsen’s profound connection to architectural environments began with a deeply formative childhood event when she was just seven years old. After her family made the decision to relocate, a young Lauren found herself sitting in the back of her mother's realtor...
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Outlining the Human Space with Laura Tribbett

Outlining the Human Space with Laura Tribbett

Laura Tribbett’s evolutionary path into interior design had a remarkably early and structured beginning in the public school system of suburban Twin Cities, Minnesota. In the mid-1990s, a fourth-grade school assignment requiring graph paper and a scaled cardboard mode...
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The Design Alchemist, the journey of Marcel Wanders

The Design Alchemist, the journey of Marcel Wanders

Marcel Wanders' journey into the world of creation began long before he or the world around him even had a word for "design". Growing up in the Netherlands, where his parents ran a local shop, a young Marcel found his sanctuary in a backroom filled with broken items.
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Certain things capture your eye, but only pursue those that capture the heart

BEYOND THE DESIGN

Hosted by beloved design-insider Cray Bauxmont-Flynn, Beyond the Design aims to educate, inspire and connect with top brands, industry professionals, and design influencers to look behind the glamour of the design industry.

Gunta Sandmeyer

a Tulsa-based interior designer, entrepreneur, and co-host of Beyond The Design, a podcast dedicated to exploring the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the world of design.

Follow Our Journey

Timeless Design Begins with Timeless Conversations —Some conversations stay with you long after they end—and this was certainly one of them.It was a true privilege to welcome @dekecrogers Founder of @collectedforthehome to Beyond the Design. Deke’s extraordinary talent for discovering rare and unexpected treasures, combined with his deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history, has made him one of the South’s most respected voices in antiques and timeless interiors.Throughout our conversation, Deke shared the philosophy that has guided his remarkable career: the most meaningful homes are not created by following trends, but by thoughtfully collecting pieces that carry history, authenticity, and soul. His ability to uncover the overlooked, recognize exceptional craftsmanship, and curate interiors that feel layered and deeply personal is both inspiring and educational.Our discussion explored everything from preserving the character of antiques to the excitement of finding hidden gems, proving that the greatest treasures are often those with the richest stories to tell. Deke’s passion for honoring the past while creating homes that feel relevant for today is a powerful reminder that timeless design is built through patience, curiosity, and intentional curation.✨ Deke, thank you for joining me on Beyond the Design. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary talent, remarkable eye for discovering the unique and unexpected, and your passion for preserving the beauty and history found in every piece. Your generosity, insight, and thoughtful perspective made for an unforgettable conversation, and it was truly an honor to have you on the show.🎧 Listen now.🔗 To learn more about Deke Rogers and Collected for the Home, visit collectedforthehome.com#BeyondTheDesign #CrayBauxmontFlynn #DekeRogers #CollectedForTheHome #InteriorDesign
Collect with Purpose —The best collections aren’t built overnight—they are shaped by curiosity, patience, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. In this insightful episode of Beyond the Design, host @cray.bflynn welcomes @dekecrogers Founder of @collectedforthehome for an inspiring conversation filled with valuable advice for both new and seasoned collectors.Drawing on decades of experience sourcing exceptional antiques and curating timeless interiors, Deke encourages collectors to look beyond trends and invest in pieces that create an emotional connection. Whether you’re purchasing your very first antique or adding to an established collection, he believes every object should contribute to the story of a home and reflect the personality of the people who live there.Their conversation serves as a reminder that collecting is not about filling a space—it’s about creating a legacy. Thoughtful collecting is an evolving journey of discovery, where patience, authenticity, and an appreciation for enduring craftsmanship lead to homes that become richer and more meaningful over time.🔗 For more information, visit collectedforthehome.com#BeyondTheDesign #CrayBauxmontFlynn #DekeRogers #CollectedForTheHome #antiquecollecting
When Design Becomes a Lifestyle — A Conversation with Deke RogersWhat does it take to build a brand that feels as timeless as the homes it inspires? In this engaging episode of Beyond the Design, host @cray.bflynn sits down with Deke Rogers, founder of @collectedforthehome , for a compelling conversation about entrepreneurship, thoughtful curation, and the evolution of a design-driven lifestyle brand.Together, Cray and Deke explore how passion, authenticity, and an appreciation for craftsmanship have shaped the continued growth of Collected for the Home. From its celebrated retail studio in Birmingham, Alabama, to its exciting new location in New Orleans, Deke shares how each space has been carefully envisioned as more than a showroom—it is an immersive experience where antiques, furnishings, art, and beautifully curated objects come together to tell meaningful stories.The conversation also explores the next chapter of the brand with the introduction of Collected for the Home’s signature candles and home fragrance collection, extending Deke’s design philosophy beyond interiors and into the everyday rituals that make a house feel like home. Every new offering reflects the same commitment to quality, authenticity, and timeless elegance that has defined his work from the beginning.Throughout the episode, Cray and Deke discuss the importance of building a brand with integrity, honoring craftsmanship, embracing thoughtful growth, and creating experiences that resonate long after someone leaves a room. It is an inspiring conversation about design, business, creativity, and the enduring value of surrounding ourselves with pieces that have meaning.🎧 Listen now.🔗 To learn more about Deke Rogers and Collected for the Home, visit collectedforthehome.com#BeyondTheDesign #CrayBauxmontFlynn #DekeRogers #CollectedForTheHome #interiordesign
The Art of Timeless Living with Deke RogersThe most unforgettable interiors are never created overnight—they are thoughtfully collected, carefully curated, and enriched by the stories they carry. In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Design, host @cray.bflynn welcomes Deke Rogers, founder of @collectedforthehome for a captivating conversation about antiques, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of timeless design.With celebrated retail studios in Birmingham, Alabama, and New Orleans, Deke has become one of the South’s most respected voices in interiors, known for his extraordinary ability to blend history with modern living. His remarkable talent lies in creating homes that feel authentic rather than orchestrated—spaces where every piece has purpose, character, and a story to tell.Throughout this engaging discussion, Deke shares why preserving the integrity of antique furnishings is essential to honoring their history. Rather than stripping away decades of character through over-restoration, he believes true luxury is found in embracing the rich patina, craftsmanship, and authenticity that only time can create.Together, Deke and Cray explore the art of layering interiors by thoughtfully combining 18th- and 19th-century antiques with Mid-Century and contemporary design, proving that timeless spaces are never confined to one era or style. Instead, they are shaped by thoughtful curation, balance, and the unique personalities of the people who call them home.Whether you’re a designer, collector, or homeowner, this conversation is a masterclass in creating interiors that transcend trends and celebrate the lasting beauty of craftsmanship, history, and intentional living.✨ Deke, thank you for being a guest on Beyond the Design. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary creative talent, thoughtful philosophy, and inspiring approach to timeless design. It was truly an honor and pleasure to have you on the show.🎧 Listen or Watch now - Link in Bio🔗 For more information, visit collectedforthehome.com#BeyondTheDesign #DekeRogers #CollectedForTheHome #InteriorDesign #Antiques
Design with Intention —Exceptional design is the result of visionary leadership, purposeful collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Kari Bennett, Founder and Principal of @edgeinteriordesign has built her career on proving that the most successful projects don’t happen by chance—they are thoughtfully orchestrated from concept to completion.Kari shares how her team at Edge ID approaches every project with precision, balancing creativity with strategy while managing the countless moving pieces required to bring a client’s vision to life. Her philosophy demonstrates that exceptional design isn’t simply about aesthetics—it’s about building trust, inspiring collaboration, and delivering environments that enrich the lives of the people who experience them.Her remarkable leadership and creative vision continue to elevate the profession, proving that great design is as much about people as it is about place.✨ Kari, thank you for being a guest on Beyond the Design. Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey, extraordinary creative talent, and inspiring perspective on leadership and design. It was truly a privilege and an honor to have you on the show.🔗 To learn more about Kari Bennett and Edge ID, visit edgeid.com#BeyondTheDesign #KariBennett #EdgeID #InteriorDesign #DesignLeadership
Creativity Within Constraints —Some of the most extraordinary design solutions emerge not from unlimited possibilities—but from well-defined challenges. In this insightful episode of Beyond the Design, host Cray Bauxmont-Flynn welcomes Kari Bennett, Founder and Principal of @edgeinteriordesign for a compelling conversation about how great designers transform limitations into opportunities for innovation.For Kari, every project comes with its own unique parameters—budgets, timelines, site conditions, building codes, client goals, and countless moving parts. Rather than viewing these as obstacles, she embraces them as the framework that inspires thoughtful, intentional design. Her extraordinary talent lies in balancing creativity with strategy, delivering spaces that are not only beautiful, but exceptionally functional and purpose-driven.At the heart of Kari’s philosophy is the belief that great design is never about having unlimited freedom—it’s about making the most impactful decisions within the realities of every project. It is this thoughtful approach that has established Edge ID as a leader in creating sophisticated, high-performing environments.🎧 Listen now.🔗 To learn more about Kari Bennett and Edge ID, visit edgeid.com#BeyondTheDesign #KariBennett #EdgeID #DesignInnovation #CreativeLeadership
Leading Through Design — A Conversation with Kari BennettWhat does it take to transform a vision into reality? In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Design, host @cray.bflynn welcomes Kari Bennett, Founder and Principal of @edgeinteriordesign for an engaging conversation about leadership, collaboration, and the discipline behind exceptional design.Recognized for her strategic approach and extraordinary creative talent, Kari shares how successful projects are built on much more than beautiful interiors. They require trust, communication, thoughtful planning, and a team working in harmony toward a shared vision. Her philosophy demonstrates that the designer’s role extends far beyond aesthetics—becoming the conductor who brings together clients, architects, consultants, builders, and artisans to create environments that are both inspiring and enduring.Throughout their thoughtful discussion, Kari and Cray explore the evolving role of design leadership, the importance of building meaningful relationships, and why operational excellence is just as essential as creative vision. Together, they reveal how collaboration, accountability, and innovation become the foundation for delivering extraordinary spaces and exceptional client experiences.🎧 Listen or watch now - link in Bio.🔗 To learn more about Kari and Edge ID, visit edgeid.com#BeyondTheDesign #KariBennett #EdgeID #CrayBauxmontFlynn #InteriorDesign