Step into the captivating world of design with Beyond the Design. Unveiling the untold stories and shedding light on the real heroes shaping the industry, this podcast goes beyond the glamour to explore the journeys, experiences, and profound insights of visionary leaders.
Each episode ignites a sense of curiosity, delving into the intersection of living in a creative atmosphere and tackling the industry's most pressing issues. Prepare to be inspired as we engage with today's foremost practitioners, including renowned designers, architects, manufacturers, emerging brands, and influential tastemakers. Their wisdom will quench your thirst for design and empower you to forge connections and embrace transformative ideas.
From the realms of architecture, interior design, furniture, and urban planning to the intricacies of creativity and visionary perspectives, Beyond the Design covers an expansive range of topics. As a devoted design enthusiast, you'll find a treasure trove of inspiration here. Join us as we pull back the curtain and hear firsthand from the trailblazers of the design industry. Discover their thoughts on the ever-evolving landscape of creativity, emerging trends, sustainability, and their own personal narratives. Get ready to embark on a journey of profound insights and positive disruption in the world of design.
Kobel + Co.: Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett on Balancing Patina, Tension, and Scale in Interior Design
Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett always felt interior design was both a calling and a passion. Kobel + Co. was initially launched by Mallory, but just a couple of years into its inception, a serendipitous reunion changed everything. Having known each other socially in college, the two bumped into each other after a decade.
16 Oct 2026
Uncovering Design: Pietro Estrada of Piegatto on Architectural Furniture and Design
Pietro Estrada’s path into design was shaped early on by his parents, who lived in Italy for two years, got married there, and later established their architecture practice in Guatemala City. Growing up in an environment where architecture and custom furniture making seamlessly blended, Pietro, his sister, and the entire family absorbed a deeply creative mindset. After graduating from architecture school, Pietro pursued business school to complement his family's artistic strengths with strategic brand vision—a dual background that ultimately helped Piegato establish a corporate foothold in the United States and expand into European markets.
The brand name itself holds personal and linguistic history: originating from the Italian word piegato (meaning "bent"), it traces back to an intentional spelling variation and a playful nod to the Spanish words pie (foot) and gato (cat). At its heart, Piegato functions as a family design umbrella where each member leads a distinct pillar, naming signature pieces—such as the Uma chair or Pippo chair—after relatives and close friends.
A major milestone in the family's journey occurred when Piegato debuted as the first Guatemalan brand to present at Salone del Mobile in Milan, launching their Carved Landscapes collection. For Pietro’s parents, returning to Italy three decades after studying there represented a full-circle moment. Today, Pietro continues to scale the company's manufacturing footprint in Guatemala while honoring the timeless craftsmanship and family DNA that anchor the brand.
See more at Piegatto.com (http://piegatto.com)
2 Oct 2026
Duncan Smith on Upcycling, NYC Sidewalk Treasures, and Giving Discarded Objects New Life
Duncan Smith’s fascination with discarded items began in childhood, where he collected strange trinkets, wood shop scraps, and small shells in his father’s old cigar box. After moving to New York City from the UK, he faced the reality of expensive city living and high furniture costs. Being self-described as frugal, Duncan began picking up abandoned items off the NYC streets, repainting them, and upgrading them for his apartment. At the time, he was working as the head of video at a marketing agency, looking for a personal creative outlet. Encouraged by a visiting friend who was impressed by his upcycled home decor, Duncan began filming his process and posting short videos online.
What started as a casual passion project quickly evolved into his full-time career. The moniker "Trashboy" was originally given to him by teasing friends whenever he showed up with sidewalk finds, but he eventually embraced the name as his official brand. Over the course of three years in New York City, Duncan transformed his living setup from making furniture inside a small East Village studio apartment to acquiring a dedicated workshop space in Brooklyn.
Reflecting on his trajectory, Duncan credits the bold, proactive energy of New York City for pushing him to pursue his craft. Growing up with a creative director father and photographer mother, he absorbed early lessons that the core creative idea is paramount. Today, Duncan Smith continues to build his identity as a maker, taking on projects that blend functional design with artistic storytelling.
Who has been a guest on Beyond the Design
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Andrew Torrey
Ashley Wainscott
Garrett Neal
Natalie James
Victoria James
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
76
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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