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Talk Design

Talk Design
Author: Adrian Ramsay
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© Adrian Ramsay
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Each week join your host, award winning designer Adrian Ramsay for a step into the expansive world of design, architecture and more. Adrian sits down with some of the big names and those who are lesser known from across the international design world to find out what makes them tick, what they strive for and what unites us, in the universal quest to create something simple, functional and beautiful.
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255 Episodes
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Hamish Muir completed his design education at the Basel School of Design in 1981 where he studied under Armin Hofmann and Wolfgang Weingart. Muir was co-founder of 8vo (1985–2001), a London-based studio which established a considerable international reputation for its typographically-led work.From 1989–1994, 8vo designed over forty exhibition catalogues and posters for Wim Crouwel as client during Crouwel’s tenure as Director of the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam. Muir was co-editor of Octavo, journal of typography (1986–1992) which has recently been fully documented in ‘Octavo Redux’, a 342 page book published by Unit Editions. System Process Form, a 400 page exploration of their extensive Two type system developed over a ten year period was recently published by Thames&Hudson and in a special edition by Unit Editions.Hamish co-founded MuirMcNeil with Paul McNeil. MuirMcNeil’s activities are focussed on exploring parametric systems in typographic design. MuirMcNeil received ISTD Premier Awards for their work in both 2011 and 2014. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Stephen Collette, BBEC, BBNC, LEED AP, CAHP, BSS is a Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant, Building Biology New Build Consultant, and retired owner of Your Healthy House, living in of Lakefield, ON, Canada. Stephen is a retired straw bale builder, having worked on two dozen straw bale structures across Ontario and Quebec. Stephen has an engineering background and became passionate about healthy housing when his family became ill due to exposure to mould. Stephen carried out a few thousand indoor environmental inspections on houses and other buildings to determine health impactors based on building science and environmental health concerns. Stephen Collette is also the Building Audit Manager for Faith & the Common Good. Stephen created the Green Audit after seeing an opportunity to improve the connections between faith, buildings, and the existing passion of people to want to do the right thing within their faith community. The Green Audit has been delivered to hundreds of faith communities across Canada to rave reviews. Recently, Stephen has expanded the audits available to faith communities and heritage properties to include climate disaster preparedness audit.Stephen is a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) from Canada Green Building Council. Stephen has a Building Science Certificate from the University of Toronto and is a certified Building Science Specialist. He is a professional member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals. As a consultant Stephen helps people make more environmentally sustainable building choices. Stephen is a published author who writes and lectures across North America on sustainable buildings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John is an Indoor Environmental Quality Specialist with a Degree in Environmental Health Science and over 35 years of experience. Twenty-five years ago he coauthored a pioneering book with architect Paula Baker-Laporte and medical doctor Erica Elliott titled Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders, and Homeowners (use code BANTA at checkout for 10% discount) also in e-book format. For the last 27 years John has specialized in mold and water damage problems in buildings. He conducted investigations, and supervised crews in water damage, flood and mold remediation throughout the United States. He trained workers in restoring water damaged buildings, contaminated water clean-ups, mold remediation and worker health and safety programs throughout the United States and Canada as well as England, Australia and New Zealand.He currently specializes in medically important investigations with 85% of his clients either being referred to him by their physician or currently undergoing medical treatment. He is the developer of the Pathways Testing system offered through RestCon Environmental. John's upcoming book Mold Controlled is about recovering buildings from mold and other water damage organisms, finding, avoiding and fixing problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Cameron Levick has been helping organisations map out a clearer path to growth for almost three decades. His track record of success begins with some of Australia’s best known organisations in the food and beverage and telecommunication sectors - and continues with Plungie.He helps SMEs, private equity firms, and other investors build growth paths that are simpler, more effective, and less demanding on business owners’.Cam combines considerable expertise in strategic sales and marketing, organisational transformation, brand development, and performance enhancement, with a commitment to premium quality service, breakthrough thinking, inspiring vision, and market-leading results. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben is driven by a singular, powerful mission: to serve as a catalyst for human potential. He operates on the core belief that an extraordinary life is not a matter of chance, but of intentional design, built upon a fusion of the right mindset, effective strategies, and a deep commitment to holistic well-being. He empowers individuals to move beyond their perceived limitations, providing them with the intellectual and emotional tools needed to architect a life of both profound purpose and exceptional achievement.Through his globally recognized podcast, Ben puts this philosophy into practice. The show serves as a transformative platform, inspiring millions of listeners worldwide to actively pursue greatness in every aspect of their lives. Each episode delivers actionable insights, compelling expert interviews, and practical frameworks designed to enhance personal and professional growth. Ultimately, he guides his audience not only to reach ambitious goals but to simultaneously cultivate a rich inner world, fostering a sustainable sense of fulfillment and enhancing their overall well-being. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrea Keller is a licensed architect with 25 years of experience in multifamily, residential and boutique hotel design. Her work seeks to bring people into greater alignment with their core values, their communities and the earth.A key component of Andrea’s work lies in the life-long study of sacred geometry, symbols and pattern language. Andrea uses unique geometry and proportion systems for each project, bringing power and resonance to the design. As we know from epigenetics, our environment can literally change our genes – her mission is to use architecture for healing, activation, and amplification of personal power. She is currently designing healing centers worldwide.She was a professor of Architecture at both USC School of Architecture and Otis College of Art + Design. She holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (B.A., Design of the Environment) and UCLA (M.Arch), and studied Sustainability through Gaia Education. She lectures regularly for the Institute of Classical Art + Architecture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gil Stunner is an internationally recognized fine art photographer and storyteller, known for his cinematic style laced with gritty realism. A former hands-on mechanic turned visual craftsman—his motto, "From wrenches to lenses," is no gimmick. It's how he lives.Gil’s work spans humanitarian missions in West Africa, vintage racing on East Coast beaches, and raw, emotional portraits from around the globe. His fine art prints have been featured in various magazines, Photographize’s 100 Inspiring Artists of the Year (2024) Book , Masters of Monochrome Vol. 1 (coming Soon), and showcased by Gallery Canyons, LDN Collective, and Helm + Oar.You’ll find him wherever there's character to be captured—on the track, in the jungle, at a gallery, or somewhere in between.1. Sierra Leone – JOKANDACaptured during a humanitarian mission with Doctors Without Borders and the Saving Lives Initiative, this project documents strength and vulnerability in the face of adversity. JOKANDA is a raw portrait series showcasing the grace and pain of communities often overlooked.2. The Black Cat – Rob Ida x Jaguar XK120An homage to elegance in motion, this project documents Rob Ida’s iconic Jaguar—blending sleek automotive design with the grit of New York’s streets. A love letter to curves, shadows, and engineering perfection.3. TROG – The Race of GentlemenShot on the sand in Wildwood, NJ, this adrenaline-drenched series captures the spirit of American nostalgia—vintage metal, roaring engines, and the wild hearts who bring the past to life.4. Guadalajara, Mexico – Celebration in Motion Part of an ongoing study in color, movement, and joy, this project celebrates traditional Mexican dance and the beauty of culture in motion—captured mid-spin with a painterly lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Richard Petrie is the world’s leading marketing coach for architects and designers, blending sharp strategy with cutting-edge AI to help creative professionals win better projects, charge higher fees, and work with clients they love. A former professional cricketer turned marketing strategist, Richard now coaches small design firms globally through his proven SIX-ai system—designed to give designers a powerful edge in an AI-driven world.He’s known for transforming how designers approach sales and marketing, turning “referral-dependent” firms into thought leaders with predictable pipelines. When he’s not helping designers stand out, he’s probably swinging a squash racket or dodging chocolate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With 24 years of extensive experience in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, Peta has developed a versatile expertise across the residential, commercial, retail, and healthcare sectors. For nine of these years, she honed her leadership and entrepreneurial skills as the Managing Director of her own architectural company. Now serving as the Vice President at Away Digital in the USA, Peta is instrumental in driving the company's growth strategy and expansion into the American market.Peta is deeply passionate about urban innovation and creating systems and spaces that serve people's needs. Her core interests include high-quality design, sustainability, and fostering community wellbeing and health, which extends to a commitment to helping the homeless. She thrives on creating beautiful places for people to enjoy and is recognized for her exceptional business administration, communication, public speaking, and business development skills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With over 13 years of distinguished experience, Cory Walker stands as a highly regarded licensed commercial and residential architect based in Los Angeles, renowned for his specialized expertise in commercial adaptive reuse projects. His architectural philosophy deeply prioritizes wellness and fostering a profound connection to nature within built environments; he actively integrates natural elements into all his designs by introducing abundant plants and maximizing daylight penetration. Furthermore, Walker meticulously specifies warm and natural materials, carefully chosen to evoke a recuperating sense of the outdoors, even while indoors, ensuring spaces promote tranquility and well-being.His extensive career is marked by involvement in numerous award-winning designs, spanning both transformative tenant improvements and impressive ground-up, stand-alone commercial office projects. This rich portfolio solidifies his reputation as an innovator in creating healthy, nature-infused commercial spaces that not only meet functional demands but also profoundly enhance the human experience within the built environment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nicholas Tsontakis is a second-generation architect dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary design while honoring the legacy and values instilled in him through years of architectural tradition. At the heart of his work is Dwell Boldly, a firm founded on the mission to craft spaces that enrich the everyday. This powerful statement captures the essence of his approach—where architecture is not only a visual and structural art form but also a deeply human endeavor. It reflects a commitment to balancing bold creativity with functionality, where beauty meets utility and design serves a greater purpose. Tsontakis believes that the spaces we inhabit should do more than simply shelter us—they should inspire us, support our lifestyles, and enhance our well-being. Through thoughtful, resilient, and forward-thinking design, he aims to create environments that have a lasting and positive impact on the people who experience them daily Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
At the very core of Zeke's professional identity is a deep-seated passion for three things: people, design, and the tangible process of building. It was this driving force that inspired him to found Root Architecture and Development back in 2012. He envisioned a company that was more than just a business; it was a vehicle to connect with more people, to push the boundaries of creative design, and to translate ambitious visions into physical realities.Zeke brings a formidable and well-rounded skill set to every project. Holding licenses as both an Architect and a Contractor, he bridges the often-separate worlds of design and execution. This dual expertise ensures a seamless and efficient workflow, where creative intent is honored and practical construction is flawlessly managed. Further distinguishing his practice, Zeke is a Leed Accredited Professional, a testament to his dedication to creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and environmentally conscious.When the workday is done and the tools are put away, Zeke's passions shift to the great outdoors. A true adventurer at heart, he finds his balance and inspiration in nature. He is a father who finds immense joy in the simple pleasure of fishing with his boys, making memories by the water's edge. At other times, he seeks the thrill and solitude of the mountains, running along a scenic Colorado trail, finding a parallel between navigating the challenging terrain and guiding a complex project to its successful completion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paul founded the Philadelphia Table Company (PTC) in 2014 as a creative side hustle while still actively touring with his rock band. What began as a passion project soon evolved into a full-time career as he discovered a deep love for craftsmanship and design. With an eye for aesthetics and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Paul transitioned from the stage to the workshop, dedicating himself entirely to the art of woodworking.Today, Paul leads PTC as the head of sales and design, overseeing each project’s vision and ensuring every piece reflects the company’s commitment to quality and authenticity. While he occasionally gets his hands dusty, he now entrusts most of the physical building to his talented and trusted team of artisans.Outside the workshop, Paul is a passionate outdoorsman. Whether he’s catching waves on his surfboard, exploring new hiking trails, or biking through the countryside, he finds inspiration in nature’s textures and forms. He lives a balanced life with his wife, Shea, and their two energetic border collies, who are often by his side during outdoor adventures. Paul’s journey is a testament to following your passion, embracing change, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Step into the world of refined architecture and bespoke living with Kory Cox, AIA—an accomplished and licensed architect based in Utah, known for his unparalleled expertise in custom residential design. With over two decades of hands-on experience, Kory has become a trusted name in the world of luxury home creation, delivering spaces that perfectly fuse timeless elegance with innovative functionality.Kory’s architectural vision is deeply inspired by Utah’s diverse landscapes—from the breathtaking mountain vistas of Park City to the vibrant urban pulse of Salt Lake City. His designs are not only responsive to the environment but are also deeply attuned to the lifestyle, tastes, and aspirations of each individual client. Whether you're dreaming of a peaceful mountain retreat surrounded by nature, a sleek and modern city residence, or a warm and welcoming family estate, Kory takes the time to understand your story, translating it into a space that feels both personal and exceptional.What sets Kory apart is his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence. Every line, material, and finish is thoughtfully selected to reflect a balance of beauty, practicality, and sustainability. His collaborative approach ensures that clients are involved throughout the creative process—transforming what can often feel overwhelming into an exciting and fulfilling journey.With a legacy of architecturally significant homes throughout Utah and beyond, Kory Cox continues to push the boundaries of residential design. His work is a celebration of individuality, a reflection of place, and a testament to the power of good design to enhance how we live, connect, and feel at home.Let Kory bring your dream home to life—an extraordinary living space that’s as unique as you are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hills varied artistic journey is showcased through photography, painting, fashion and building design. Her work merges traditional and modern technology with contemporary flair. Her works have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Australia and overseas, captivating audiences with her evocative pieces, including a book Dots of Life-Aboriginal Artists of Central Australia. Awards for her portraits, landscapes and fine art photography at prominent art institutions include: Australian Professional Photographer of the Year and finalist in Head On, Moran, Kennedy and Olive Cotton Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kevin Qualls was born and raised in the southeastern US, with time spent in Florida, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia. He attended Auburn University, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture, graduating in 1983.His career began in Savannah, Georgia, where he worked for L. Scott Barnard and Associates. In 1985, Qualls moved to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, for what was initially planned as a one-year adventure, but he has remained there ever since. His early work in St. Thomas was with DeJongh and Associates Architects, followed by a period as a sole practitioner. For a few years, he partnered with his good friend from Auburn, Donald Brown.Qualls met his wife, Eleanor, on St. Thomas in 1991. They married and raised their two sons on the island. In 2001, he co-founded Springline Architects with two partners, Tracy Roberts and Mike deHaas. In 2021, Springline Architects joined Novus Architects, which is based in Charleston, South Carolina.Throughout most of his career, Qualls has focused on custom residential design in the islands. His work also includes a significant amount of commercial design, historic preservation, and hurricane reconstruction projects. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kevin Wolfe is an award-winning architect, landscape designer, and journalist, highly respected for his skill in renovating old houses, particularly those from the early 20th century in the New York City region. He possesses a unique talent for uncovering and restoring the "heart and soul" of historic homes, even those that have suffered from years of poor renovations. His expertise lies in seamlessly blending restoration, renovation, and additions, allowing him to capture the unique essence of each property while simultaneously updating it for comfortable modern family living, with the kitchen often becoming the central hub.Beyond his design work, Kevin is an expert in navigating the rigorous Landmarks Preservation Commission review process in New York City for historically designated buildings. His impressive track record includes a 100% approval rate on first submissions for all projects since establishing his firm in 1998. He actively shares his knowledge and passion for historic preservation by teaching in the Master of Science program in Historic Preservation at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where his "man on the street" classes are particularly popular. He's also a prominent advocate for historic preservation in New York City, serving on several prestigious boards and committees, and successfully leading efforts to designate the Douglaston Historic District and the Douglaston Hill Historic District in Queens.Kevin's professional background is extensive, having been trained as both an architect and a landscape architect and practicing since 1988. He has worked with esteemed firms in New York City such as Rafael Vinoly Architects and Kohn Pedersen & Fox Interior Architects. Additionally, he is a prolific writer, contributing articles on architecture, interior design, landscape design, and historic preservation to various publications including Garden Design and Metropolis. He has also contributed to several books and authored This Salubrious Spot—100 Years at Douglas Manor. Currently, he is penning House Stories, a book about his own garden and architectural design work. His academic achievements include a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, a Master of Arts from Clark University, a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from The City College of New York, and a Bachelor of Arts from Holy Cross College. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hector is a highly committed health coach with a specialized focus on helping individuals who are struggling with chronic pain, persistent fatigue, and high levels of stress. With a client-centered approach and a deep understanding of how these issues impact daily life, Hector’s mission is to guide people beyond simply coping—to a place where they feel stronger, more energized, and fully capable of pursuing their personal and professional goals.What sets Hector apart is his belief in addressing the root cause of health challenges rather than just managing symptoms. He understands that true, lasting change doesn’t come from temporary fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, his method is holistic and sustainable, rooted in the pillars of hydration, recovery, nutrition, and movement. These are the four cornerstones of the personalized weekly sessions he offers, which are designed to build healthier habits, improve physical and mental resilience, and ultimately elevate quality of life.Each session with Hector is a step forward—an opportunity to reflect on what’s working, refine it, and remove the barriers that stand in the way of progress. Whether you’re battling daily fatigue, chronic discomfort, or overwhelming stress, Hector creates a supportive and empowering environment where your health journey feels not only possible but purposeful.Hector works with clients of all backgrounds and fitness levels, meeting them exactly where they are. He believes that no challenge is too small or too big to overcome with the right support and strategy. His coaching style is compassionate, realistic, and results-oriented, designed to foster consistency and confidence over time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lou is the kind of leader who collaborates from the very start. He’s a “yes and” creative—always open to building ideas together. While Lou and I have only been working together for the past year, our creative dynamic feels like that of long-time colleagues. We often hold walk-and-talk or drive-and-talk ideation sessions, tackling our clients’ brand challenges before the brief even lands.What sets Lou apart is his genuine curiosity about the PEOPLE he works with, the WORK itself, and the leaders he serves. He’s deeply interested in their visions for themselves, their brands, and the companies they steward. Lou takes kernels of insight from strategists (lucky me!), past experiences, architecture, and countless other sources, weaving them into creative solutions that evoke emotion while solving real business problems.Lou is a creative train conductor—everyone’s invited aboard! He knows when the train is leaving, where it’s headed, and the best seat for the most scenic view. More than that, he rolls up his sleeves to lay the tracks ahead, ensuring a smooth and inspiring journey.” Global brand strategist" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hayley Morcom is a holistic wellness expert, passionate advocate for low-tox living, and founder of the Naturally Well program. With over 13 years of experience in the health and wellness space, she empowers women to break free from diet culture, rebuild their self-worth, and create a thriving, sustainable lifestyle.Her approach goes beyond traditional diet and exercise plans, focusing on the deep connection between mindset, nutrition, and identity. Hayley believes true health starts from within, but it’s also shaped by our environment—what we put in and on our bodies matters. She helps women make simple, impactful shifts towards a more natural, low-tox lifestyle while embracing holistic well-being.As the author of the cookbook Naturally Nourished, Hayley shares her passion for nutrition through simple, wholesome recipes designed to fuel the body and nurture the soul. Her mission is to show women that nourishing themselves can be both easy and enjoyable, with real food that supports long-term vitality.Her own journey of overcoming health struggles, including peri and postnatal depression, has fueled her mission to help women create a life free from restrictive diets, harmful chemicals, and self-doubt. Whether through her podcast, The Hayley Morcom Podcast, speaking engagements, or coaching, she equips her audience with the tools to feel vibrant, confident, and in control of their health.A devoted mother and lifelong learner, Hayley stays at the forefront of holistic health research, sharing the latest insights on natural living, self-care, and sustainable wellness practices. She’s here to help women rewrite their wellness stories and step into a life of energy, confidence, and joy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.