In The Workroom With Manny

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny sits down with Mike Tartamella, AIA, Managing Principal at Patrick Ahearn Architect, to talk about creating timeless, classic American architecture and the craft behind great residential design. Mike shares how an architect uncle first sparked his interest in residential architecture and how that early inspiration led to a career designing the kind of homes he once admired. They also get into family, community, and golf, and what it really means to show up for clients and colleagues.  

Manny sits down with Stephanie Sabbe, Founder & Principal of Sabbe Interior Design, joining us from Nashville, to talk storytelling through design, building a personal point of view, and balancing family with business. Drawing from her journey and book, Stephanie shares how resilience, perspective, and early influences have shaped her path, along with the realities of running a design business and managing projects day-to-day.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny catches up with Ben Arcari Cook of Landry & Arcari, a third-generation leader at one of New England's most trusted family-run rug and carpet companies. They dig into the nuances of design, the importance of true customer service, and what it means to grow up in a family business — along with the lessons that come with carrying that legacy forward.  

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny sits down with Chandon Georgian, Principal & Founder of 111works, and Charlie Gadbois, Owner & President of Wellen Construction, for an honest conversation about culture, collaboration, and what it really takes to run a successful design and construction company. Together, they dig into what working well together actually looks like, how strong team culture shapes better projects, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building and leading a business in today's world.

Manny is joined in the workroom by New England Home Magazine's dynamic duo, Publisher Kathy Bush-Dutton and Editor-in-Chief Jenna Talbott, for a conversation about what it's like to lead a beloved regional publication and how the magazine continues to evolve alongside the design community it serves. This episode dives into connection, collaboration, and the stories that inspire us. Kathy and Jenna share the behind-the-scenes of what makes New England Home tick, the power of staying authentic in a changing media landscape, and the importance of relationships that have shaped their careers and the region's design scene.  

We're kicking off Season 2 with award-winning designer Jocelyn Chiappone, Owner & Head Designer of Digs Design Company. In this episode, Manny and Jocelyn talk about building a studio with intention, the power of great partnerships, and lessons learned along the way. Known for her timeless style and calm, confident presence, Jocelyn shares how staying grounded fuels her unique creativity and why the best designs start with genuine connection.

In the final episode of Season 1 of In the Workroom with Manny, John Speridakos, CEO of Cosmos Painting, shares the journey of growing his company from a small residential repaint business into a leader in both commercial and residential painting. He discusses the power of networking and sponsorships through PRO New England, the shift from seasonal work to long-term collaborations with builders and designers, and the importance of prep work for quality results. John also opens up about his Greek heritage, passion for percussion, and the culture driving his team.  

Get ready for plenty of laughs on this episode of In the Workroom with Manny as Manny sits down with the warm and witty Meg McSherry, Owner and Principal Designer of Meg McSherry Interiors. Fresh off her cozy lake cottage project, Meg shares her journey from Parsons to creating livable, meaningful interiors across New England. Together, she and Manny swap stories of collaboration, laughter, and lessons learned along the way—pausing to reflect on how they each define success, celebrate small wins, and lean on trusted relationships to make design more rewarding.

In this episode, Manny is joined by Dane Austin, principal of the award-winning Boston-based firm Dane Austin Design, known for crafting vibrant, sophisticated, and highly personalized interiors. Together, they dive into the philosophy behind designing spaces that not only reflect beauty and style—but also support well-being, joy, and a deeply personal way of living. From lifestyle questionnaires and grand reveals to building a remote team and staying grounded through wellness, Dane shares the thoughtful process behind his inspired interiors for living well.

In this episode, Manny welcomed longtime friend and former neighbor Corinne Acampora, Founder and Principal Designer of Acampora Interiors, to the podcast. They talk about Corinne's winding path into design, the evolution of her business, and what it takes to build a brand rooted in trust, collaboration, and authenticity—with a little fun along the way.

Tim Kaelin, President of Makkas Workroom, walks down the hall to join Manny for a conversation about growth and what it took to evolve the business into what it is today. From working together in Maria and Phil's basement, to a 7,000 sq. ft. workroom in Framingham, and now to the current 16,000 sq. ft. space in Sudbury, Tim's drive, dedication, and sense of humor have helped navigate the team through COVID, build a positive culture, and shape the workroom's ongoing success and continued growth.

Before closing out 2024, Manny sat down with celebrated interior designer Rachel Reider, founder of the award-winning firm Reider + Co. With over 40 projects together — from boutique hotels on Martha's Vineyard to coastal homes and city retreats — Manny and Rachel reflect on their many years of collaboration and creativity. They talk candidly about what makes a lasting designer-workroom relationship, the behind-the-scenes hustle of hotel installs, and how trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence have shaped their work together.

In this episode, Manny sits down with builder extraordinaire Kevin Cradock, owner of Kevin Cradock Builders, to explore his journey into the industry and the philosophy that sets his award-winning team apart. As Kevin puts it, "Perfection is not possible, but excellence is," a mindset that has shaped his approach to craftsmanship, team leadership, and building lasting relationships. From custom homes to client trust, Kevin shares what it means to build with intention and care.

Today, Manny talks to New England designer, retail shop owner, and 2023 New England Home 5 Under 40 winner Laura Keeler Pierce. They discuss how she balances family life and work between her Boston studio and her retail shop, Rusticator, on Mount Desert Island, Maine. They dive into her creative process, the inspiration behind her signature approach to layering patterns, some memorable project collaborations in Maine, and the essential role customer service plays in their partnership.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, acclaimed interior designer Leslie Fine shares her inspiring journey from a career in law to building her award-winning design firm. Leslie reflects on how her legal background shaped her professional approach, the collaborative projects with Manny that defined their partnership, and her enduring passion for design. Tune in for insights into her career, personal milestones, and the relationships that have fueled her success in the design world.    

Manny sits down with Erin Gates— acclaimed interior designer, blogger, and New York Times bestselling author, to talk about how she does it all. Erin talks about using her reach, voice, and recognition as a platform for heated issues in an effort to positively change the conversation. Manny and Erin also talk about the need for more accountability, trust, and integrity in today's society and in business,  balancing hard-core workouts with a baked goods addiction, and the release of her third book coming out in September 2025.   

In this episode, Manny sits down with his parents, Maria and Phil Makkas, the founders of Makkas Workroom, for an inspiring and heartfelt dialogue about their immigration journey, the family they left behind, and their early days in America fueled by determination and ambition. Grab your tissues; this conversation will surely tug at your heartstrings as Manny reflects on the experience of working with his parents, proclaiming, "I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

Kicking off the podcast with longtime partner and Makkas Workroom "OG," Katie Rosenfeld, Principal & Creative Director of Katie Rosenfeld and Company. Manny and Katie reminisce about the early days of being "basement rats," how her business has grown, and the exciting launch of her new build-to-order brand, Vanity & Co. Join us for an honest and open dialogue about the power of their trusted partnership, timeless design trends, retirement, go-to food favorites, and when to take your shoes off during an install. 

The In the Workroom with Manny podcast is your unique look behind the scenes of the interior design world. Each month, Manny, owner of Makkas Workroom, gets up close and personal as he chats with industry leaders, partners, and peers in candid, insightful conversations about the joys and challenges of collaboration. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a seasoned professional, you'll get an inside look at how the workroom powers today's award-winning designs while navigating the ever-evolving design landscape.