Doctoring Up Design

Design Hardware

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Episode 48: Translating Design in a Chaotic Market | Trends in Focus 2026
Explore the forces shaping interior design in 2026. Experts discuss how tariffs, trade policies, and material sourcing are impacting projects, while highlighting innovative, practical design solutions. We will be exploring and you will be sharing how technology, sustainability, and evolving client expectations are transforming workflows—and actionable strategies to keep your interior design practice competitive and ahead of the curve.This conversation features: Eva Hughes | Black House BeigeRachael Grochowski | RHG ArchitecturePriya Vij | hapny HomeShelly Sandoval | Lauzon CollectionRecorded live at Design Hardware, this episode of Doctoring Up Design unpacks how designers, architects, specifiers, and manufacturers are navigating one of the most turbulent periods the industry has seen in years. The panel — Eva Hughes (Black House Beige), Shelly Sandoval (Lauzon Ltd.), Rachel Grachowski (RHG Architecture & Design), and Priya Vij (hapny Home — explores the widening communication gap between clients, trades, and vendors; the collapse of predictable supply chains; and the new demands placed on professionals in an AI-accelerated landscape.Conversations center on language breakdown (“modern,” “wellness,” “luxury”), vendor inconsistency, shifting budgets, tariffs, fluctuating stock, and the need to reinvent specification workflows. The group also examines the role of AI — not as a threat to designers — but as an accelerant for those who learn to wield it effectively. Design as a Translation Problem — Why identical terms mean different things to designers, architects, clients, and showrooms. Vendor Volatility — Rapid inventory changes, inaccurate stock reports, dye-lot inconsistencies, and pricing fluctuations. Specification Reform — Early procurement, high–low budgeting, over-communication, and storage strategies. Expectation Engineering — How professionals are reframing client education around uncertainty. Two Opposing Realities — A manufacturer with stable Canadian supply vs. small businesses battered by tariffs and freight volatility. AI as a Multiplier, Not a Replacement — Where the panel is currently using it (renderings, ideation, room scenes) and where they aren’t (yet). Critical Thinking vs. Prompt Thinking — The emerging tension around new skillsets needed in design practice. Eva Hughes – Black House Beige https://blackhousebeige.comShelly Sandoval – Lauzon Flooring https://lauzonflooring.comRachel Grabowski – RHG Architecture & Design https://rhgdesign.com/Priya Vij– hapny Home https://hapnyhome.com
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Episode 47: Crafting American Hardware: The Story and Design Philosophy of Rocky Mountain Hardware with Christian Nickum
On this episode of Doctoring Up Design, we explore the evolution of Rocky Mountain Hardware, a 100% U.S.-made architectural hardware brand based in Idaho. Christian Nickum, CEO and President of Rocky Mountain Hardware shares the company’s origins, family-driven growth, and the design philosophy that blends craftsmanship, versatility, and innovation. From custom projects to a nationwide distributor network, listeners get an inside look at how Rocky Mountain Hardware supports designers, architects, and homeowners alike. Learn how a small mountain-town shop grew into a nationally recognized brand, producing bronze, brass, and aluminum hardware for a variety of architectural styles. We discuss design processes, trade partnerships, and the innovative “Road Show” that brings products and expertise directly to design professionals.This episode is brought to you by Rocky Mountain Hardware, offering fully U.S.-manufactured architectural hardware for residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Origins of Rocky Mountain Hardware Founding story by Christian’s father in Sun Valley, Idaho. Early focus on custom windows and doors, transition to architectural hardware. First hardware products and the early years of growth. Company Evolution & Leadership Christian joins the business in 1996, taking over production. Scaling operations, investment in manufacturing, and expansion to three Idaho facilities. Transition from regional to national reach through distributor networks. Design Philosophy & Product Development Blending rustic mountain inspiration with contemporary design trends. Focus on bronze, brass, and other alloy hardware, and finishes. Internal design team vs. external collaborations with designers nationwide. Custom Work & Full-Suite Solutions “Never say no” approach to creating unique hardware and home accessories. Ability to outfit complete spaces—residential, hospitality, and commercial. Coordinating with designers for cohesive project-wide solutions. Trade Relationships & Distribution Importance of showrooms, independent reps, and distributor network. Navigating post-pandemic supply chain challenges and pricing volatility. How Rocky Mountain Hardware supports designers and clients in project execution. Innovations & Outreach: The Road Show Concept, history, and impact of the mobile showroom. Benefits for distributors, design teams, and homeowners. Continuous engagement with trade events and design conferences. Takeaways for Designers & Architects Emphasis on 100% U.S.-made, high-quality architectural hardware. Versatility across styles: mountain modern, traditional, rustic, contemporary. Insight into how Rocky Mountain Hardware can support entire projects.
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Episode 46: Viefe: Bespoke and Exceptional —A Century of Craft and Design
Mark Font and Andrea Yebra of Viefe share how a family business that began with wooden buttons nearly 100 years ago evolved into one of Europe’s most respected makers of knobs, handles, and home accessories.This conversation explores Viefe’s journey from its roots in Catalonia’s woodturning tradition to becoming a global design brand with a growing U.S. presence. Mark and Andrea discuss their manufacturing approach, the art of merchandising, their U.S. showroom strategy, and how they balance tradition, innovation, and design trends while navigating tariffs and global supply chains.Origins of Viefe Founded nearly 100 years ago by Font’s great-grandfather, originally a baker who shifted into woodturning Early products: toy accessories, then wooden and later plastic buttons Expansion into knobs and handles in the late 2000s The Shift from Buttons to Handles Market pressure from low-cost production in Asia made buttons less viable In 2009, launched the first Viefe handle collection By 2017, phased out buttons entirely, focusing on knobs, handles, hooks, and accessories Craft, Manufacturing & Design Process Manufacturing in Spain, Turkey, China, Vietnam, India, and Europe Wood turning origins, now largely CNC milling for precision Design philosophy: trend-spotting through travel, trade shows, customer input Internal design briefs and team collaboration for new collections U.S. Expansion Strategy Entered U.S. market ~2019–2020 with warehouse in Canada First KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) in 2020, right before the pandemic shutdown Approach: bypass national distributors, instead build direct relationships with showrooms and reps Current rep coverage: California, New York, Florida, Texas, Midwest, New England, and more Navigating the Pandemic Lucky timing: completed a new large facility in Spain right before COVID Warehouse expansion allowed stockpiling and meeting surging demand during home-renovation boom Grew 70% in one year despite shutdowns Merchandising & Showroom Strategy Display boards: a challenge in U.S. vs. Europe Striking a balance between finishes vs. collections on boards Special attention to long handles and accessories (like doorstops, hooks, appliance handles) Showrooms customize boards; Viefe provides guidance and options Cultural & Market Adaptation American market requires bigger sizes, bolder finishes—“go big or go home” Regional taste differences: California vs. New York vs. Midwest Good design seen as universal, but scale and finish matter by market Example: Brooklyn Collection works globally; Chassis line tailored for U.S. industrial aesthetic Global Supply Chain & Tariffs Viefe manufactures worldwide but keeps wood production local in Spain Adapting to tariffs, supply chain volatility, and pricing confusion Chose to delay raising prices rather than constantly shifting costs
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Episode 45: Designing for Generations: Ignacio Rodriguez on Architecture, Security, and Evolving Lifestyles
This episode of Doctoring Up Design features a conversation with Ignacio Rodriguez of Ignacio Rodriguez Architects, a Los Angeles firm with deep roots in the community and an internationally influenced way of thinking about design. I’m Josh Cooperman, host of Convo By Design and in this episode of Doctoring Up Design, the official podcast of Design Hardware and Flooring in Los Angeles, we explore the inner workings of some of the most talented creatives in the world, based in Southern California, Ignacio Rodriguez, CEO of Ignacio Rodriguez Architects in Los Angeles, blends artistry, cultural influences, and forward-thinking design in his residential work. From his upbringing in Long Beach’s diverse creative environment to navigating post-pandemic lifestyle shifts, Rodriguez shares how openness, security, and longevity guide his architectural vision. In this conversation, he unpacks how contemporary demands are reshaping homes—without sacrificing beauty or purpose.Show Topics Outline: Background and Career Path Design Philosophy and Signature Elements Long Beach’s Influence Security and Resilience in Design Post-Pandemic Functional Shifts Looking Ahead Closing Thoughts That’s a wrap on another episode. Ignacio, thank you for the time and willingness to share. Please check the show notes for links to the speakers and other resources associate with this talk. Thank you Michele Solomons and Avi Balsam with Design Hardware for hosting these conversations and making them available. That is part of their commitment to the design and architecture community. If you are in Los Angeles and have some time, come visit us in the showroom, 6053 West 3rd Street. In LA just up the street from the Grove.If you enjoy what you hear, subscribe to the show so you receive each new episode automatically to your podcast feed. You can also join in the conversation on Instagram @DesignHardware. Thanks for listening, see you next time.
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Episode 44: Marketplace Clarity: Design Supply Chains, Manufacturing, and Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
This panel explored the critical challenges facing designers, manufacturers, and distributors as they navigate supply chain instability, shifting global manufacturing strategies, recycled content sourcing, and client expectations amid tight deadlines—especially in wildfire-impacted areas like Altadena and Pacific Palisades and features; Melissa Zellner - Director of Marketing | ASSA ABLOY Group, Anthony Powsney _ Regional Sales Manager | Zip Water, Emile Zmenak, Managing Partner | Urbania Canada and Jay Williams, Senior Director | The AZEK CompanyKey Themes and Takeaways:Manufacturing Strategy & Location Flexibility:Supply Chain Pressure & Preemptive Planning:Tariffs & Pricing Instability:Communication Breakdown & Trust:Transparent Relationships & Education:Planning for Large-Scale Rebuilds:Resilience Through Partnership:Supply Chain Uncertainty & Design Resilience — A Blueprint for Moving ForwardDesigners today face a reality that feels less like a puzzle and more like a moving target. Supply chains are in constant flux, tariffs are reshaping pricing strategies overnight, and manufacturing must strike a careful balance between cost, speed, and sustainability. In this recent panel hosted by Doctoring Up Design, industry leaders from manufacturing, distribution, and design gathered to talk candidly about what's changing, what's working, and how designers can better navigate a turbulent environment—particularly when working on wildfire rebuilds or urgent residential timelines.Manufacturing Is No Longer Local or Global—It’s StrategicThe conversation began with a look at where products are made and how that affects availability and pricing. One manufacturer described their hybrid model: U.S.-grown timber processed and partially assembled domestically, with finishing done in locations like Southeast Asia and Cartagena. Why? Because even with wages at $28/hour and benefits, they couldn’t hire enough skilled labor in Central Michigan.“We built a state-of-the-art factory,” one panelist explained. “We had people interested in sawing timber, but no one wanted to stay through the manufacturing process.” That labor challenge forced the company to rethink what “Made in the USA” really means—and how they could still meet that standard while staying economically viable.Recycled Materials & Smart Sourcing Offer New HopeCommunication Isn’t Just Important—It’s Non-NegotiableRebuilding After Disaster Requires a Different PlaybookBudgeting and Flexibility Go Hand in Hand“We're all going to have to compromise somewhere,” one panelist said. “But when you work with people you trust, you know they’ll do everything they can to help.”Final Thoughts: Partnership Is the New Competitive AdvantageUltimately, design is a human business, not just a technical one. Whether it’s a manufacturer innovating with 48-hour veneer drying or a showroom that calls to walk you through every option, success depends on real relationships. If one leg of the stool—manufacturer, showroom, or designer—breaks, the whole system collapses.But when all three collaborate, communicate, and plan together, they can weather any disruption—and even build something better than what came before.
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