Talk Design

As a young girl, Stefani watched, intrigued by her Dad’s architectural penmanship and drafting skills, as he designed and built their personal family home. From there, she was constantly sketching designs for “the perfect floorplan” and soaking up any design magazines she could get her hands on.After high school graduation she spent her first two years of college studying Architecture at BYU Idaho. Widening her educational breadth, she changed her major to Interior Design and transferred to the FIDER-accredited Interior Design program at Utah State University. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from USU with her BS degree in 1996 and became NCIDQ certified in 2007. Throughout her 20+ years of design and construction experience, Stefani has worked as a staff designer for a boutique retailer, in furniture sales, as an independent design consultant, and as the lead architectural designer for a custom and production home builder. Her 10+ years designing homes for the custom and production builders gave Stefani an insider’s edge into quality and value- engineered home design and construction.In 2015, Stefani opened her own residential design firm, Domani Home Design. Her typical clients are homeowners looking to “level up” their home environment. The home designs Stefani produces for them utilizes her unique SMART Cycle of Design© to create quality plans that tell the homeowners’ stories and fits their own personal lifestyle through the finished floor plans.Stefani’s home designs have won multiple awards including several People’s Choice Award for the Cache Valley HBA’s Parade of Homes. Most recently, Stefani was privileged to implement her SMART Cycle of Design© for The House That She Built that was featured in the 2021 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. She is continuing her participation and volunteer work with the mission of THTSB to educate and provide opportunities for other women to join the residential construction industry.Her design training courses teaching the SMART Cycle of Design© will be launched in the spring of 2022. She can be found on most social media platforms under the DomaniHomeDesign handle.

Patricia Culley's architectural journey began in childhood, sparked by her love for art, math, and woodworking. A middle school career assessment revealed that architecture perfectly combined her interests. Working with muralist Doug Cooper at Carnegie Mellon deepened her appreciation for architectural drawing and storytelling through art, shaping her design approach.At BCJ, Patricia learned to navigate complex projects, particularly in higher education, by revisiting core missions and adapting to evolving technical needs. Her passion for K-12 educational projects drives her to create environments that promote student growth and wellness.Patricia emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers and skilled tradespeople, as well as engaging with nature and hands-on experience. She values "building biology," which considers how materials affect occupant health, advocating for sustainable, non-toxic materials. Recognizing the impact of modern factors like electromagnetic fields (EMFs), she stresses designing healthy, emotionally resonant spaces that connect with nature while maintaining craftsmanship and historical integrity.

Nick Deaver's journey into architecture began in West Texas, inspired by his father's work as an electrical contractor and his mother’s love for sewing. These early influences shaped Nick's vision, blending construction with creativity. His formal education at Texas Tech provided a strong technical foundation, but it was in practice that Nick developed his deep appreciation for human-centred design.When Jess Deaver joined their firm, she broadened their scope, shifting the focus from individual homes to larger community impact. Together, they emphasize thoughtful design that resonates emotionally with people and respects the environment. Their philosophy centres around inclusivity, collaboration, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging, wellness, and connection to the land.

Andrew has worked in the design industry for over 25 years and established his award-winning business MR. MITCHELL in November of 2000. With a particular focus on building meaningful relationships within the industry, he has established a strong network of professionals with whom he collaborates on a regular basis. Andrew Mitchell shares his extensive experience in the design industry and his transition to coaching. With a focus on helping designers navigate business challenges, Andrew highlights the importance of managing client expectations regarding budget, design, and timeframe. He emphasizes the need for client-centric decision-making and understanding the value equation over mere cost. Andrew also delves into the significance of collaboration, continuous learning, financial management, and having a positive mindset. He stresses transparency and flexibility in pricing to build trust with clients and maintain the perceived value of design services.As an avid proponent of Australian design, Andrew loves collaborating with local artisans and craftsmen to produce interiors uniquely curated to suit the personalities of his clients. Skilled in the art of listening and blessed with an innate ability to connect the dots behind a brief, he leads his team to successfully exceed client expectations, time after time.With projects spanning the residential, hospitality and commercial fields, his designs are customised to suit the individual aspirations and requirements of his clients. With a belief in the use of quality materials that are not only beautiful but durable and timeless, the interiors he creates far outlast transient interior trends.As the founder of The Design Coach Australia, Andrew contributes to the ongoing professional development of architects, designers and stylists and is creating a platform for connecting and advancing the design community. Established in 2018, The Design Coach offers a range of classes, coaching services and retreats that aim to empower designers with knowledge and equip them with the confidence to successfully achieve their dreams.From the early days of his business, Andrew has strived to contribute to both the design community and the community at large. Over the years he has participated in mentoring programs for design students and has instigated community events, raising money for multiple charitable organisations including Breast Cancer Australia, The Lighthouse Foundation and The National Trust of Australia.

Discover the journey and philosophy of one of Australia’s leading architects, Peter Stutchbury. Influenced by his father, an engineer and his uncle, a builder, Peter's unique architectural approach blends formal education with extensive outdoor experiences. Initially studying commerce, Peter stumbled upon his true passion for architecture, guided by nature's lessons.Peter's designs prioritize place, culture, and nature, creating meaningful structures. His current projects—a cultural building for the Maru people in the Gibson desert and a remote room in Jay’s Park—exemplify his commitment to community, cultural respect, and environmental engagement.Listen to Peter discuss the timeless, ethereal installation proposal and explore his advocacy for sustainable, adaptable architecture that values the landscape and fosters deep connections.

Laurie Laizure founded the Interior Design Community (IDC) over 12 years ago, starting on Google Plus and expanding to platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. With over 110,000 Instagram followers, IDC is a vibrant space where designers share knowledge, foster friendships, and improve their business practices.Evolution and Impact of Social Media: Laurie emphasizes how IDC facilitates deeper conversations among designers, addressing business challenges and enhancing collaboration. The community has become a crucial resource for professional growth and client service quality.Future Goals and Nonprofit Structure: Operating as a nonprofit, IDC aims to be governed by its members. Laurie envisions a future board of interior designers advocating for the profession, negotiating with brands, and providing essential resources, creating a sustainable, member-driven community.Increased Demand for Quality and Local Design: Consumers' frustration with fast furniture is driving a demand for higher-quality, durable pieces and local sourcing, partly due to COVID-19 supply chain issues. This trend offers significant business opportunities for designers to monetize their expertise through shoppable showrooms and online consultations.

Join Mick Hawes, the dynamic host of "The Tool Shed" podcast and founder of Builders Business Black Belt, as he delves into the intricacies of business coaching for builders. Mick’s journey from electrician to business coach is marked by diverse experiences, including roles as a musician, photocopier technician, and life insurance salesperson. These roles led him to personal development and time management, ultimately steering him toward business coaching.Mick's coaching philosophy emphasizes the distinction between technical skills and successful business management. He helps builders enhance communication, relationship-building, and business acumen using the six working geniuses' model by Patrick Lencioni. This model highlights the importance of leveraging all six types of genius: wonder, invention, discernment, galvanizing, enablement, and tenacity, to ensure project success.Mick shares insights on identifying weak links in business operations, utilizing tools like the "Black Belt Compass" for direction, and the value of community and support. Tune in to learn how to refine your instincts, make informed decisions, and continuously improve your business through education and self-improvement.

Andrew always knew he wanted to be an architect. He was drawing floor plans as far back as the first grade. The obsession never subsided, so he continued his journey at Kansas State University, completing his Master of Architecture degree in 2010. He arrived in Dallas just as the architecture industry was emerging from the lean years of the Great Recession. Time spent at a large international retail design firm as well as a local boutique firm has formed the foundation of Andrew’s professional experience. Andrew launched Agent Architecture in May of 2017.Since then, the practice has grown, with his wife and co-owner joining in 2019, and the addition of 2 team members in the following years. Now a small studio of 4, Agent has maintained a diverse range of project types, with an emphasis on adaptive re-use, workplace, and early childhood education. A seamlessly integrated architecture and interiors practice, Agent delivers whole-building design solutions for nearly any project type. Beyond Architecture, Andrew is a father to a nearly 2-year-old, life-long science-fiction fan, and self-proclaimed sandwich connoisseur.