Convo By Design®

Foundational Philosophy: Scott Ginder co-founded Forge Craft in 2013 alongside Rommel Sulit on the premise that building design and building performance must be equal partners. The firm intentionally bridges the gap between custom, high-end residential projects and high-density affordable housing. Capital 'A' vs. Lowercase 'a' Affordability: Jon Cartwright delineates the difference between subsidized, income-restricted housing (Capital A) which often requires extensive supportive infrastructure, and market-driven housing affordability (lowercase a), which relies on zoning reforms, density bonuses, and policy updates like Austin’s HOME ordinance. Deep Sustainability & Building Science: Trey Farmer outlines the integration of Passive House standards, certified through his role as a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC). Forge Craft’s Healthy Home Studio applies advanced building science—such as energy modeling, embodied carbon accounting, and non-toxic material selections—across various construction types ranging from mass timber (CLT) to Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Policy Advocacy in Practice: As Chair of the Austin Housing Coalition, John Cartwright emphasizes that architectural responsibility extends beyond construction into long-term municipal policy, advocating for changes in code, land availability, and density to unlock long-term housing viability.

Ultimately, artificial intelligence is merely a sharper medium, not a substitute for architectural intellect. The true value of a prestige design firm does not lie in its ability to generate a thousand rapid iterations at the click of a button. It rests entirely on the seasoned, human intuition required to look at a mountain of digital options, draw a definitive line, and choose the singular, beautiful, and permanent truth.

While prison architecture is often associated with "locking people up," modern justice design is pivoting toward rehabilitation, reintegration, and community connection. This episode explores how shifting the physical environment from fortresses to "healing centers" can reduce stress for both inmates and staff, ultimately lowering recidivism rates and serving the best interests of society.

Are you ready to join me in Santa Monica, for the WestEdge Design Fair, This is year 10 for me, producing, and publishing content from the show. You know my commitment to you: we bring together the brightest, most provocative creative minds to talk about the business and practice of design in ways you simply will not hear anywhere else.

Los Angeles has long been a playground for designers, artists, and makers seeking uncharted creative territory. As the city’s design community grows and attention turns outward, is L.A.’s legendary openness under threat—or evolving into something new? Mallery Roberts Morgan, Roman Alonzo of Commune and Architectural Digest’s Mayor Rus weigh in on what makes California a singular hub for creative freedom. Thank you to my incredible sponsor partners; Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home, TimberTech and Shelter Republic. Hosted by, Mallory Roberts Morgan during the 2014 edition of DIEM: Design Intersects Everything Made, this conversation explores how geography, culture, and market forces shape the freedom to innovate in Los Angeles. Panelists examine the challenges of rising rents, collector dynamics, and global influence, questioning whether L.A. can remain a unique epicenter for creative experimentation. Another throwback episode featuring a conversation from DIEM, a symposium celebrating creativity across design, art, and fashion in the West Hollywood Design District Panel theme: California as the last frontier of creative freedom Roman Alonzo: Co-founder of Commune; background in publishing and art books; brought European attention to L.A. design through innovative projects Mayer Rus: West Coast editor of Architectural Digest; former design editor at the L.A. Times Magazine; New York transplant and renowned design writer Roman describes L.A. as the “Wild West” of design, where experimentation and making your own rules are possible Mayer contrasts L.A. with New York, noting L.A.’s openness allows hybrid, multi-disciplinary practices Discussion of how media attention has shaped perceptions of L.A. as a creative hub Geography and Opportunity Physical openness, including ocean and desert vistas, provides inspiration and creative possibility Regional lifestyle shapes design sensibilities and project approaches Commune’s method: designing projects rooted in California context, even when serving clients elsewhere Market Forces, Cultural Institutions & Civic Identity Galleries and museums influence how L.A.’s art and design are perceived Debate over LACMA redesign highlights tensions between international star architects and supporting local talent Maintaining civic pride and global attention without homogenizing local culture Regional Style vs. Global Homogenization Tension between California-specific aesthetics and universal luxury trends Commune demonstrates that place-inspired design can thrive despite market pressures Emphasis on fostering local cultural identity in architecture and interiors Focus on embracing L.A.’s unique advantages, including geography, climate, and openness Panelists encourage creators to engage deeply with their local environment Final note: “Just look at your own stuff, your own life, and make something great out of it.”