All-In Design

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Leah Newton with Live Design Group. Live Design takes a different approach to the initial conversations and design process, with a 2-day in person design session with their clients. We also discuss technology and where the industry may go as AI becomes a bigger and bigger part of our lives and, of course, we get sidetracked and talk about movies and TV shows. It's a fun discussion and we hope you check it out! 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Sarah Jelks with Nequette Architecture & Design. Listen in as we hear about Sarah's start in New Orleans, studying interior design at Auburn University, and how she found her way to her current position as design lead at Nequette. You will also learn about her propensity to wear facial hair for Halloween costumes and her skills at the Nequette pot luck. It's a fun episode and we hope you check it out! 

It's a two-fer on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Amelia Hicks with Davis Architects and her twin sister Margaret Hicks with Hatcher Schuster Interiors. It was a joy to sit down with both sisters and hear their journey from Tampa to Samford to both working at A/D firms in Birmingham. It's a fun dynamic interviewing two people who know each other so well and we hope you find the discussion as enjoyable as we did. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Adam Whitley of Interface. We had a great conversation with Adam learning about his background in the flooring industry, extensive schooling at Auburn, and what part of the Unicorn he makes up with his partner in the market. It was nice to turn the tables and ask "All-In Design wants to know..." 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Tracy Engel with ASD|SKY.  Tracy comes to the podcast with a lot of experience and shares her path through the industry and longevity with her current firm. We speak on the importance of developing relationships and Tracy shares some tips on how to impress when you are young designer. For people that know Tracy, she is direct and has a great sense of humor. It's a fun episode, so we hope you check it out.

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Jennifer Mitchell with Tarkett. We follow Jennifer's journey from interior designer in Texas and Louisiana to her current position as a sales rep for Tarkett. We also explore Jennifer's role with IIDA and upcoming events with our local chapter. 

Join us on this episode of "All-In Design" where we speak with Jim Griffo, president of the Alabama Interior Design Coalition and adjunct professor at Samford University. Jim has had a long career in the industry, formally as a Managing Principle and Director of the Architecture and Interior Design Studio for Gresham Smith in Alabama, president of the local IIDA chapter, and having received Emeritus member status by IIDA. Jim also may be related to one of the hosts (they at least share a last name). This is a wide ranging discussion with someone with a deep well of experience in this industry and we hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design as we speak with Alexa Turner with CCR Architecture & Interiors. We had a wide ranging discussion starting with Alexa's start at Lowes (a job, by the way, that Mark couldn't get), working at Tarkett's plant in Florence, and then her first commercial job at GMC. Alexa helps us to understand storytelling within interior design and how that can keep an interior space stay timeless. We delve a bit into exotic pets, combinatory play, and how both mushrooms and Alexa can help you pass on from this world. It's a fun discussion and we hope you take a listen. 

Join us on this incorrectly numbered episode of "All-In Design", as we talk with our friend Mary-Claire Brown with Turnerbatson. On this episode, we talk about Mary-Claire's journey from nursing to interior design and her tapping into her creative side within the interior design profession. We also discuss her previous role as IIDA Alabama chapter President and her uncanny ability to rescue pets and pawn them off on others. It's a fun discussion with a good friend as we kick-off 2026.

Join us on this last episode of the year where we speak with Jennifer Curry of Design Innovations. Jenn is a current board member of IIDA and walks us through her journey into interior design - from space planning at a young age with bits of paper, getting her degree in interior design at Auburn University, and landing an internship and ultimately a job at her current employer. Thank you for listening and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design in which we speak with Bridgette Pilkington of Mannington Commercial. Bridgette is both a IIDA board member and friend, who brought gifts for our two hosts (which is always appreciated, even if the beer was terrible). We discuss Bridgette's journey into the industry, how she stalked her now husband, and her connection to the funeral home industry. It's a wide ranging conversation that may result in you needing to adjust your speaker volume. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we talk with Tim O'Brien, sales director at Innerspaice Architectural Interiors.  As a friend and fellow "Showrunner", it was a fun discussion going back through Tim's past as the DesignTex rep, Herman Miller rep, and Milliken rep. Not many people in the industry has as much knowledge as Tim, sales knowledge that you can find in his recently published book "Road Growth". The episode culminates with a song written and performed by Tim for the 2005 IDIE Awards. Hope you enjoy! 

If this podcast episode illustrates anything, it is that acoustics matter. Recording in a corner of a large room where others are also having lunch is something we will likely not do again. Mark and Chad interview those attending the 2025 IIDA Alabama Professional Development Symposium in Birmingham. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, where we interview Jessica White of Hendon + Huckestein Architects. Jessica shares with us her love of herringbone , some of her favorite projects, and the great working environment of her firm. She also outlines how she got into interior design, the keys to success in the industry, and how (despite her parent's worries about the profession) she's never been unemployed.  

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Lauren Taylor with Shaw Contract. Lauren talks through her journey from Ohio to Alabama and from wallcoverings to carpet. She also dives into her breast cancer diagnosis and the support she has received from friends, family, reps, and "Common Thread for the Cure". We also spend a decent amount of time roasting our fellow "Showrunners" (those that organize "The Show").For more information on "Common Thread for the Cure", you can find them at https://www.commonthreadforthecure.org/.

Join us on this episode of All-In Design for a quick update on AIDC (Alabama Interior Design Coalition). Andrew Aho, with KPS Group, comes on the podcast to discuss the new initiative with AIDC and the importance of becoming a member and getting involved. For more information about AIDC, you can check out their website at www.al-aidc.org .  

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, where we talk with Ambler McKinley with Handcrafted Interiors (and Trademark Booth Co). This episode is a continuation in our series of speaking to interior designers from the Rocket City. On this episode, we speak with Amber about starting your own design firm, taking every job you can when starting out (hello, Cullman garage!), and the difference between commercial and residential projects. It's a fun conversation with this entrepreneurial, young designer. Give it a listen. 

In our continued discussion with Huntsville interior designers, in this episode we interview Grace Hoffman with KPS Group.  Grace takes us through her journey of becoming an interior designer and how she landed at KPS Group (those IIDA events can be key!). We also discuss navigating the design of government projects and also sugar shacks, which this host had never heard of until speaking with Grace. 

In this episode of All-In Design, we interview Ansley Potter and Molly Moore from McMillan Pazdan Smith. This is our first episode with two guests and the first time recording from Huntsville, AL. Those that know Ansley and Molly will not be surprised at how wide ranging this discussion gets, with the guests asking as many questions (if not more) than the hosts. It's a fun and lively episode, so check it out!

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, as we speak with Morgan Nelson with Davis Architects. As evidenced by the length of this episode, Morgan is not one to have difficulty speaking about any topic and we discussed a wide range. We touch on how buildings are built, A/V closets, dislike for certain colors and trends, designing for various sports facilities, and having a tough skin when it comes to criticism. If you host a podcast focused on sports, you should consider having Morgan on, as she likely knows more than you do. 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, where we speak with Bethany Johnson of David Baker Architects. Learn about Bethany's journey from Auburn to Atlanta and then to Birmingham, following her desire to help people and make a difference in their lives through interior design and multi-family housing. We also learn about her "Hot Takes", as it relates to interior design, and also about Mark's brief stint as a writer. 

Join us for this NeoCon themed edition of All-In Design, where we speak with Jonathan Johnson. Inside a privacy pod surrounded by the craziness going on at the Merchandise Mart on a Monday afternoon, we have a great conversation with Jonathan, who has one of the more diverse backgrounds in the industry. This conversations follows his career from Birmingham to California to New York in varied roles that lead to starting his own furniture company. It's an inspiring episode and discussion with someone who has made the leap, believed in themselves, and has always made the bold decisions. 

In this episode of All-In Design, we speak with our future boss Dia Baldwin of Birchfield Penuel Architects. We cover so many important issues of the day for young interior designers, such as the importance of networking, finding the edges of the project, and finding the firm that is right for you. We also have a lengthy conversation about eyebrow care, what Dia heats up for breakfast some mornings at work, and how to protect yourself from a knife attack (video not included). 

In this episode of All-In Design, we speak with Bella Rizzo with Christopher Architecture & Interiors. We discuss Bella's navigation of internships, moving from commercial design to residential design, which immediately exposes the hosts as not knowing a whole lot about the residential side of interior design. It was an eye opening episode for us and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 

In this episode of All-In Design, we speak with Melissa Sones of Turnerbatson and continue our series of talking with junior interior designers. We discuss graduating during peak Covid, the scale of projects and the team involved to bring them to fruition, and - of course - fantasy football. Join us for a fun discussion on a wide range of topics! 

Join us on this episode of "All-In Design", where we interview Emily Raley of Davis Architects. We discuss Emily's interest in athletic design and also her love of the grandma's house aesthetic. We explore how she got into the industry, her passion for it, and her passion for body building. Yes, body building.  

In this episode of All-In Design, we speak with Audrey Roy of Nequette Architecture & Design. Even though this is a podcast about interior design, we do a deep dive into a discussion on sourdough. Turns out our hosts know very little on that topic. We do talk about design and Audrey's experiences as a young designer, but we also talk about sourdough. Lots of talk about sourdough. Audrey was a lively and fun guest and we hope you enjoy the listen! 

Join us on this episode of All-In Design, where we have a lively discussion with our local thespian, music man, bartender, and director of design at Lathan Associates - Bradley Logan. It's a fun discussion covering Bradley's meandering path to interior design, the advantages and disadvantages with the latest rendering technologies, and his love of theater. 

In this episode (our longest episode to date), we talk with Andrew Aho with KPS Group, Inc. Andrew came into the studio bearing gifts, the never before heard of "Long Drink" and a photo of Chad from the past. With that as our beginning, we launch into a far reaching discussion on healthcare design, egos in the workplace, why the number 27 is the best number ever, and bees. 

In this episode, we interview Erin Griffo with Gresham Smith. Not to give away any spoilers, but she may or may not be married to one of the podcast hosts (not Chad). We had a great conversation covering healthcare design, empathetic design, and evidence based design. We do a dive into a recent project based in Birmingham and we may even touch on the topic of groundhogs. 

In this episode of All-In Design, we speak with Ivy Schuster of Hatcher Schuster Interiors. We explore Ivy's interest in art and how that lead her into the interior design world, we talk about the transition from working in a design firm to owning one, and we discuss the challenges in juggling all of the details that go into a project.  

On this very special episode of "All-In Design, we speak with Ainsley Dreher of Design Innovations. It's a fun conversation learning about Ainsley's roots in Louisiana, the challenges of owning your own design firm, and her passion for healthcare design, her family, and faith. 

In this episode, we have a lively conversation with Robbie Deason with turnerboone. Robbie took a fairly straightforward approach to becoming an interior designer via the US Air Force, selling Yellow Pages adverts, and majoring in Fashion Marketing. You know, the standard route most interior designers take. We cover his love of the technical side of interior design, his favorite horror movie, and Pantone colors.  

In this episode, we speak with Nicole Kimbrell with AI Corporate Interiors. Nicole started as an interior designer in her dealership but is now a partner and VP of Sales (although she still wears the interior designer hat often). We discuss some of AI's big wins and challenging projects, we discuss dogs, and we talk about the importance of being adaptable in a field where things often change quickly. 

In this episode, we speak with My Luu, an interior designer at Innerspaice Architectural Interiors. My gives us insight into the world of GSA and State Contract bids and the trends she sees in that market. Also, if you leave your office door unlocked, she may come in and rearrange all of your furniture. 

In this episode, we speak with Madison Milldrum with Interior Elements. We discuss her joining the dealership straight out of college, the rise of CET, and designing spaces for the Instagram world. 

On this episode, we talk with Emily Pinneo, an interior designer at Business Interiors. We explore this other career within the field of interior design and its place within the industry. Emily touches on how her furniture dealership works with A/D firms and clients to help create functional and beautiful spaces... and, we also explore whether or not people actually use their height adjustable desks.  

In this very special episode of All-In Design... 

This episode was recorded at the IIDA Professional Development Symposium. We came up with several, hard-hitting questions about the interior design profession and asked various attendees of the symposium to stop by the recording booth to have a quick chat. In this episode, we interviewed 10 interiors designers and 4 interior design students and learned such things as which Olympic sport is most like interior design, who might become a future rep for a tile manufacturer, and why full laminate bathroom partitions are so wonderful... 

In this episode, we talk with Mickey Davis of Carpet Specialties. Join us as we discuss the power of networking, the importance of getting involved in your industry and the trade organizations that surround it, and find out what Mickey wakes up to in the morning.

In this very serious episode, we have a lively discussion with Liz Hunsicker with Haworth. We cover how she made the transition from interior designer to manufacturer sales, the initial challenges she faced, and the rewards of the job. She also shares what she would like for her birthday (for those who need to know)... 

In this episode, we continue our conversations with manufacturer representatives with an engaging discussion with Jimmy Harrison of Harrison Workplace Furnishings. Listen in to learn about Jimmy's transition from office supply sales to owning his own rep firm. We cover the distinctions between being an independent rep and a direct rep for manufacturers and the trials of owning a small business.  

In this episode, we talk with Tonia Trotter Price with Sesco Lighting. Although we appreciate every guest we have on, we especially like those that bring margaritas. Join us as we discuss Tonia's background and journey to rep sales, her impeccable taste, pen color of the day, and her love of driving. 

In this episode of All-In Design, we talk with Vince Morgan with Momentum. Vince shares with us how he got into the industry, how a boy from New York ends up in Alabama (spoiler - "go to Alabama or you're fired"), and what it takes to be a successful rep in this industry. 

In this episode, the first of our "Talking with Reps" series, we have a discussion with Lori Bailey of Interface. We explore her first job as an interior designer and her then transition into sales. We hear about her chaotic "day in the life" of a sales rep and how best to use points when traveling. 

In this episode, which is clearly our finest work to date, we are joined by Jessica Babler with KPS Group, as we discuss all things NeoCon (and Design Days).  Daltile was nice enough to host our somewhat meandering recording session on Day 2 of the show. Have a listen and see how well the hosts do without a script, while getting insight on IIDA's CLC event, judging the best showrooms at NeoCon, and how Jessica plans to get to the airport. 

Join us for a discussion with Katy Lucas of Goodwyn Mills Cawood. In this episode, we discuss the rewards of creating space for people to inhabit, especially as it relates to educational spaces. We explore the importance of communication and documentation and how that can influence budgetary constraints on a project. We also discuss nicknames and memorable faxes that have been received.

In this episode of All-In Design, we have a conversation with Nancy Jernigan, our first sole practitioner on the podcast. We discuss all of her many skillz, especially in how to approach timeless design.  We are also treated to Mark discussing his home renovations. 

Join us for a discussion with John Beason of Williams Blackstock Architects. In this episode, we talk about the importance of having a strong design concept from the start and the beauty of simplicity. We also discuss what makes a great anniversary gift. 

In this episode, we had a conversation with Faith Baumann of Poole & Co., who specializes in healthcare design and has the most healthy take on the future of technology (and when not to use it).  Come for what inspires her in the field of healthcare design and stay for the dinosaurs...