What does the future of commercial design really look like? In this episode, we sit down with a former actor turned award-winning design studio founder and restauranteur who’s changing the game. We explore how cutting-edge technology, obsessive attention to detail, and storytelling are merging to create fully immersive spaces—from gyms and restaurants to hotels and beyond. You’ll hear how his background in performance informs his approach to spatial experience, how tech is being used beyond aesthetics, and why designing for emotion is the next frontier in commercial design. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with creative leaders rethinking the built environment. Episode 50 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Craig Stanghetta For more information on Craig visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/stemariestudio/ Website: https://www.stemariestudio.com/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

What if one design could solve two of today’s most urgent housing challenges—supporting both our aging population and the younger generation struggling to find space? In this episode, we sit down with the founder and senior design manager of an award-winning custom home building firm behind ModCube—a customizable laneway home concept with a bold mission: to create 1–2 of these homes in every neighborhood across Vancouver and beyond. We explore how their background in high-end custom homes uniquely positioned them to lead this movement and why their inclusive, critique-based design process—where every voice, from intern to principal, contributes—is central to their innovation. Their crit brainstorming method fosters new perspectives and unleashes creativity, making their firm a standout example of how diverse thinking can drive real impact. From reimagining backyard living to designing with dignity and generational purpose, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about the future of housing, urban planning, or meaningful design. Episode 49 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guests: Curtis Krahn and Brad Ingram For more information on Synthesis Design visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/synthesisdesign/ Website: https://www.synthesisdesign.ca/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

In this episode, I chat with Vancouver-based interior designer Annaliesse Kelly about the deeper values that shaped her design journey—faith, intuition, and purpose. Annaliesse shares how she leaned on her faith while building her firm, and again while remodeling her office space during uncertain times. She opens up about her approach to fear (“I never think it won’t work out”) and the life wisdom passed down from her mom that continues to guide her. This conversation is a reminder that inspiration can be more than visual—it can be foundational. ✨ Topics we cover: The mindset behind building a purpose-driven design studio How to lead with faith when things feel uncertain Why fear never gets the final say in her creative process The personal moments that shaped her as a business owner If you're a designer, entrepreneur, or creative navigating your own path, this one’s for you. Episode 48 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Annaliesse Kelly For more information on Annaliesse visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/akdesignvancouver/ Website: https://www.annaliessekellydesign.com/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

What does it take to become one of TIME Magazine’s 10 Most Inspiring Photographers? In this episode, we sit down with an architectural photographer whose work has reshaped how we view modern architecture. She shares why she believes discomfort is a creative superpower, why collaboration—not isolation—is key to capturing meaningful images, and how Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hour rule shaped her path to mastery. We also dive into her love of modernist design, the stories behind her most iconic shoots, and how she’s redefining the photographer’s role in architectural storytelling. 📸 Whether you're in design, architecture, or the creative arts—this conversation will challenge the way you see your work. 🔔 Subscribe for more creative conversations and industry insights. Episode 47 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Ema Peter For more information on Ema visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/emaphotographi/ Website: https://www.emapeter.com/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

What happens when a high school design competition sets you on a path to building some of the most luxurious, soul-filled homes in the world? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Pinkett, principal of the world-renowned Landry Design Group, to explore the journey from a passion project in high school—designing low-income housing that was actually built—to leading one of the most sought-after custom residential architecture firms on the planet. Brian shares: 🏠 How homes can have a soul through collaboration, creativity, and context 🧠 The internal culture of buy-in at LDG and how involving the entire team leads to architectural magic 🌍 The balance of expertise, intuition, and client vision that produces one-of-a-kind dream homes 🤖 And the wild story of how ChatGPT helped land their latest client by recommending Landry Design Group as one of the top residential architecture firms in the world Whether you’re passionate about architecture, leadership, or what it takes to create something timeless—this episode is for you.New episodes drop on Spotify, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠graymag.com⁠⁠. Episode 46 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Brian Pinkett For more information on Brian visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/landrydesigngroup/ Website: https://www.landrydesigngroup.com/#/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

Can a business truly do good and still succeed? In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Sava, the general manager of a remodeling company that’s been thriving since 1947 to find out how they’ve built a profitable business by putting people, the planet, and purpose at the center of everything they do. We dive into the company’s legacy of stewardship—what it looks like to invest in employees, serve the community, care for the environment, and still run a highly successful operation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that doing the right thing isn’t just morally sound—it’s good business. If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or someone who believes values and profits don’t have to be at odds—this one’s for you. 🔨 Topics We Cover: * Why stewardship is the foundation of their success * How a 75-year-old company stays relevant and profitable * What it really means to prioritize people, planet, and profit * Advice for leaders who want to build mission-driven businesses New episodes drop on Spotify, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠graymag.com⁠⁠. Episode_044 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Amanda Sava For more information on Neil Kelly visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/neilkellycompany/ Website: https://www.neilkelly.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeilKellyCompany/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation about the art of reinvention—and how bold, unexpected storytelling can reignite awareness for heritage brands. What started as a fresh marketing idea turned into a full-fledged documentary, reshaping the way audiences connect with legacy brands. 🎥 Hear the behind-the-scenes of how this creative team accidentally became filmmakers, the risks they took to stand out, and why modern brands must embrace new mediums to stay relevant. If you’re a marketer, brand strategist, or creative, this one’s for you. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories at the intersection of creativity and business. New episodes drop on Spotify, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠graymag.com⁠⁠. Episode_045 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Ariana Massouh Guest: Juliana Polastri For more information on Edward Fields visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/efcarpetmakers/ Website: https://www.edwardfields.com/ Documentary trailer: https://www.edwardfields.com/the-fifth-wall In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.rget to subscribe for more stories at the intersection of creativity and business.

What separates good designers from great ones? In this episode, we sit down Brad Ramsey of Brad Ramsey Interiors who reveals how constantly seeking inspiration—everywhere from architecture to everyday objects—fuels creativity and elevates client work far beyond the brief. We explore how building a personal “inspiration database” not only sparks original ideas but becomes an essential tool in creating interiors that truly reflect each client’s identity and lifestyle. Whether you’re in a creative rut or looking to sharpen your design process, this conversation is packed with insight for professionals who want to deepen their practice and design with more intention. New episodes drop on Spotify, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠graymag.com⁠⁠. Episode_043 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Brand Ramsey For more information on Brad visit/follow: ⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bradramseyinteriors/ Website: https://www.bradramseyinteriors.com/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.

In this episode of our collaboration series, I sit down with Knikki Grantham, Creative Director at Belwith Keeler Décor Solutions, and Alejandra Thompson de Jordan, VP of Sales and Marketing at Thompson Traders. We dive into their latest collaboration and explore the power of strategic partnerships—how the right collaborations can elevate a brand, spark reinvention, and fuel business growth. New episodes drop on Spotify, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠graymag.com⁠⁠. Episode_042 In the Design Lounge Host: Brandon Gaston Guest: Knikki Grantham Guest: Alejandra Thompson de Jordan For more information on Keeler Brass Company visit/follow: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/keelerbrasscompany/ Website: https://www.keelerbrasscompany.com/kbc For more information on Thompson Traders visit/follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thompsontraders/ Website: https://thompsontraders.com/ In the Design Lounge is a podcast produced by GRAY magazine featuring casual, 1:1 conversations with designers and industry leaders making waves in their field. Unexpected and thought-provoking questions provide viewers with insight into the most captivating aspects of design. ... CONNECT WITH GRAY MAGAZINE ONLINE Visit the GRAY WEBSITE: ⁠⁠https://graymag.com/​​⁠⁠ Follow @gray_magazine on INSTAGRAM: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/gray_magazine/⁠ Follow In The Design Lounge on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/inthedesignlounge/ ABOUT GRAY MAGAZINE Renowned for its extraordinary approach to design and culture, GRAY magazine gives voice to an inspired creative community in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and fashion. Founded in 2011 by Shawn Williams, GRAY is an independently-owned media brand based in the United States.