Talk Design

Alexandra Chaves, Assoc. AIA, NOMA is a Project Manager at Restructure Studio where her organizational skills, professionalism and eye for detail allow her to excel. Venezuelan born, Alexandra initiated her Architecture studies in Caracas, Venezuela at Universidad Santa Maria. In 2002, she came to the US to complete her degree. She holds a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts majoring in Architecture and Masters in Architecture from SCAD. In 2006, She moved to NYC where she worked in different boutique Architectural firms dedicated to custom residential design. Alexandra finally moved to Austin in 2018 to be closer to family, and has found the working culture at Restructure Studio to be the perfect balance between being a working mom and daily work life tasks. She has been actively involved with AIA Austin since 2018. She is the founder and creator and chair of the ‘Profiles’ interview video series subcommittee for Women in Architecture (WiA) Austin which started in 2021. In 2023 she was awarded the AIA Austin President's Award for the promotion of Austin Architecture through outstanding documentary filmmaking and in 2024 was the recipient of the AIA Austin Honors Award | Associate Member of the year. She is the current Women in Architecture Chair-Elect for Austin 2024. Moving forward, she plans to pursue licensure in Texas.

Rebecca Osborne is the visionary founder and creative force behind Osborne & Co., a leading interior design and property styling studio based in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. With over two decades of experience, Rebecca’s talent for creating sophisticated, luxury spaces has earned her a reputation for excellence. Her entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and today she leads a studio specialising in elevating the quality of life through interiors, focusing on high-end residential and commercial projects. Rebecca tailors every design to the client’s needs, ensuring each space feels personal and thoughtfully crafted.

In this podcast, Chris Howell, owner of SPX Fit, shares his journey from collegiate lacrosse player and Wall Street professional to gym designer, blending fitness functionality with aesthetics. From outfitting Soho House gyms to crafting bespoke home and commercial fitness spaces, Chris discusses how his designs incorporate wellness trends like saunas, plunge pools, and meditation zones.Chris highlights the importance of customization, creating tailored environments that cater to contrasting needs—such as high-energy workout zones and serene wellness areas—while seamlessly integrating brand identity and personal stories. Examples range from branded basketball courts and turf football fields to unique multifunctional spaces, like a barn-turned-members-club in New Jersey.Through collaboration with architectural and interior design teams, Chris ensures each project balances technical excellence with inspiring design. His work emphasizes the emotional connection between clients and their spaces, crafting gyms that not only meet fitness goals but also reflect personal values and aspirations. Tune in to explore how SPX Fit redefines gym design.

"I started my career as a Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineer but soon realised my passion was designing buildings for people and planet. I effectively facilitate and manage sustainability outcomes within projects. I enjoy inspiring people, sharing knowledge and creating great team relationships." In this inspiring episode, sustainability consultant Trish shares her passion for creating a built environment that respects and regenerates nature. Trish discusses integrating biophilic and regenerative principles into construction, focusing on reusing, repurposing, and healing the land rather than exploiting it. Her approach challenges the disposable culture of modern building practices, advocating for structures designed to last over a century.🌱 Designing with Nature: Trish emphasizes observing the land—its energy, cycles, and natural patterns—to create buildings that harmonize with their environment. From working with indigenous wisdom to the Living Building Challenge, her work prioritizes sustainability at every step.💡 Transforming Perspectives: Trish’s projects inspire "aha moments" for everyone involved, from clients to builders, by demonstrating the profound impact of thoughtful, eco-conscious choices.🔬 Biomimicry & Innovation: Learn how nature’s designs, like mussel adhesives or palm tree systems, inform sustainable solutions in modern construction.This episode is a deep dive into rethinking how we build, with lessons that extend beyond architecture to how we connect with our planet. Tune in to explore how intentional design can leave a lasting legacy. 🌏

Join Ashley Heeren, co-founder of LoDo (Low Design Office), as she shares her journey from a creative childhood in Las Vegas to studying architecture at Yale and Harvard GSD. LoDo embraces a "low" design approach, emphasizing resource-conscious, community-driven architecture rooted in collaboration and empathy.Discover LoDo's groundbreaking projects, like House Zero, which showcases 3D-printed concrete's potential for sustainable, modular homes with timeless appeal. Ashley dives into blending technology with familiar aesthetics, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility.The conversation highlights LoDo's human- and environment-centric philosophy, focusing on scalable, adaptable designs that empower communities. From Casa Marianella's Posada Campus, a safe haven for vulnerable families, to inspiring modular solutions for diverse contexts, Ashley shares how architecture shapes spaces and lives.Don't miss the story behind their upcoming benefit concert on Dec. 9 at Austin's Moody Theatre, supporting Casa Marianella's new campus. Tune in for an inspiring look at architecture's power to create meaningful impact!

In this podcast episode, Generational Lighting Expertise, Garrett Neal, principal designer at Neal Lighting, discusses his journey in lighting design, deeply influenced by his father and background in stage production.Transitioning from music management to join his family’s business, Garrett has grown from project manager to a leader in innovative lighting solutions.He describes lighting as a blend of art and science, explaining how it shapes mood, productivity, and even health by affecting circadian rhythms. Garrett highlights the transformation of the industry with LED technology, enabling flexible, customizable lighting that integrates seamlessly into modern spaces.He shares insights on residential lighting technologies, including static white lighting, warm dimming, and dynamic color-changing lights, each tailored to enhance daily routines. Emphasizing layered and intentional lighting, Garrett explains the importance of ambient and accent lights to avoid harsh overhead lighting, creating warmth and visual interest. For Garrett, lighting design is a collaborative process that requires alignment with architects and designers to ensure cohesive aesthetics and functionality. With a focus on interoperability and innovation, he describes how advanced systems and smart controls are transforming spaces, making lighting a powerful, adaptable element of interior design.

Celebrated pastry chef and TV personality Adriano Zumbo, known as the "Sweet Assassin," shares insights into his journey from a rural New South Wales supermarket to international stardom. Famous for his inventive desserts and creative food pairings, Adriano reflects on his early passion for sweets, his hands-on apprenticeship, and his time working with top chefs in Paris.Adriano also discusses the unexpected rise to fame through MasterChef, where a croquembouche challenge catapulted his career, leading to more television opportunities. Despite his TV success, Adriano’s true passion lies in cooking and creating unique flavour combinations, blending sweet and savoury elements in unconventional ways.Tune in to hear Adriano's exciting plans, including his upcoming food tour in Catalonia, Spain, and the artistry behind his iconic desserts!

Anthony Laye's story is as unique as his skills. He's a gifted speaker, host, trainer, and performer who knows how to connect with people. With over 25 years of experience, Anthony has delivered more than 1000 presentations, appeared on TV and radio, and wowed audiences with his understanding of human behaviour.Anthony started his journey as a socially awkward entrepreneur but learnt very quickly that the way he presented himself and the way he communicated had a huge impact on his success. Anthony’s curiosity around communication led him into the world of mentalism, where he became a standout performer in one of the biggest magic shows in the world, 'The Illusionists'. His time on stage, and a semi-final place on Australia's Got Talent in 2012, taught him a lot about connecting with audiences.From this experience, he developed 'The Confident Communicator Formula', a new way to improve communication and create meaningful relationships. Anthony's time as a mentalist showed him that his skills aren't just for the stage - they can help everyone communicate better every day.Anthony is also an author. His book 'Get Ready For Impact - Communication Tools To Stand Out, Win Trust And Influence' offers practical tips to help people communicate better in all parts of their lives.People love working with Anthony because he's enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and focused on helping others. His lessons can help anyone - whether you're a leader, salesperson or team member - improve their communication skills.Imagine knowing how others see you, understanding what your customers really need, or leading a motivated, high-performing team. Anthony can show you how to do all this and more.He doesn't just teach you how to read and influence others. He also helps you understand your own thoughts so you can become more confident and self-aware. This means you can build stronger relationships, work better together, and become a leader who truly connects with others.Anthony Laye knows what you're thinking. And he's ready to share his skills and experience to help you and your organisation succeed. Are you ready to know what others are thinking?