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Ever wondered why smartphone corners are rounded or why keyboard letters aren't arranged alphabetically? The world around you has been meticulously designed with purpose, function, and ingenuity—you just might not have noticed it until now.

From the humble pen cap with its life-saving air hole to the strategic placement of the "57" on Heinz ketchup bottles, everyday objects contain hidden design elements that make our lives easier, safer, and more efficient. We dive into these overlooked innovations, revealing how thoughtful engineering shapes our daily experiences without our conscious awareness. Did you know stop signs were originally yellow because weather-resistant red paint didn't exist until the 1950s? Or that toilet paper perforations not only help you tear sheets but also prevent the roll from unspooling too quickly?

Beyond physical objects, we explore what we call "invisible design"—the systems, strategies, and methodologies that organize our lives. This includes everything from meeting structures to conversation approaches to the innovative underground garbage collection systems in the Netherlands. As Steve Jobs understood, great design isn't just about how something looks—it's about how seamlessly it works.

The next time you pick up scissors, use a coffee cup that fits perfectly in your car's cupholder, or type on your computer keyboard, take a moment to appreciate the countless iterations and refinements that created these seemingly simple objects. We'd love to hear your examples of hidden design elements you've noticed! Share them with us through Instagram or directly through this podcast as we continue our journey exploring how design thinking shapes our world in visible and invisible ways.

Learn more at:
https://twinteriors.com/podcast/

https://scottwoolley.com

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Craftsmanship lies at the heart of luxury furniture, and few companies embody this principle more completely than Century Furniture. During our conversation with Guy Holbrook, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, we discover what makes this iconic American manufacturer special after nearly eight decades in business.

"We're makers, we make furniture," Guy explains, distinguishing Century from companies that merely design and source their products elsewhere. With four producing factories in North Carolina, Century offers customization capabilities that imported furniture simply can't match – not just fabric selections, but changes to arms, depths, cushions, dimensions, and more. Their cornerstone upholstery program alone offers a staggering 7 million permutations of a single piece.

Guy shares his fascinating journey into the furniture industry, which began during graduate school with a part-time job at a local furniture store. Despite originally planning a career in finance, he found himself drawn to the creativity, craftsmanship, and relationships that define the furniture world. "People get so excited about furniture," he notes. "Think about your favorite chair or sofa, or your best meal at home or Christmas – all those things happen to happen on furniture."

We explore Century's collaborations with renowned designers like Thomas O'Brien, Tara Shaw, and Carrier & Company, and how these partnerships enhance their offerings. The company's commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices reflects their "do the right thing" philosophy, though Guy acknowledges they could better highlight these efforts in their marketing.

As Guy discusses the evolution of furniture retail and the growing importance of the design trade, he offers a perfect analogy for interior designers: they are the "Sherpas" who guide clients through the complex journey of furnishing a home. "It's just another hike for them and a lifetime event for me," he explains, capturing why professional guidance matters when making significant furniture investments.

Subscribe to iDesign Lab for more conversations that explore the intersection of creativity, craftsmanship, and commerce in the world of interior design.

Learn more at:
https://twinteriors.com/podcast/

https://scottwoolley.com

Send us a text

We explore why the interior design industry will be enhanced by AI rather than replaced by it, highlighting the creative and relationship-driven aspects that technology cannot replicate. The discussion emphasizes how design professionals deliver value through their unique vision, hands-on approach, and ability to translate client needs into beautiful, functional spaces.

• Interior design is one industry that won't be hit negatively by AI but will only be enhanced by it
• Design requires intellectual property that is both creative and hands-on, which AI cannot replicate
• AI can't read existing designs, understand client vision, or manage on-site changes
• The industry is built on relationships that AI cannot form with clients
• Interior design firms add value and save clients money through professional expertise
• From kitchen design to skilled trades like wallpaper hanging, implementation requires human touch
• AI will help with communication and efficiency but can't replace the core design work
• The design industry offers untapped opportunities for entrepreneurs and those interested in creative fields
• Working in design surrounds you with talented people, beautiful things, and innovation

Learn more at:
https://twinteriors.com/podcast/

https://scottwoolley.com