Dan Rubinstein — founder of The Grand Tourist and former Home & Design Director at Departures magazine — sits down with Fernando Mastrangelo to talk about how design media really works, and why it's changing faster than ever. Dan turned a pandemic passion project into a 160+ episode podcast and a full biannual hardcover print magazine. In this conversation, he shares candid stories from his years at House & Garden, Surface, and Departures, breaks down why the old magazine business model died but great storytelling didn't, and hands out real, tactical advice for designers trying to get press today — no publicist needed. They also dig into the collapse of the design fair model, whether "collectible design" is really just decorative arts with a new name, the K-shaped economy reshaping who's actually buying design, and what's happening behind the scenes in the gallery world right now. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Intro 02:14 What old-school magazines got right 04:35 House & Garden, Surface, and Departures 07:34 His "Devil Wears Prada" moment 08:16 5 years, 160+ episodes of The Grand Tourist 09:37 Is the magazine model broken? 12:01 Media is getting "atomized" 15:33 Personalities vs. institutions 17:44 Building a brand, not just a podcast 19:11 Podcasting as the new radio 20:00 Interning at The Sally Jessy Raphael Show 23:13 Defining The Grand Tourist as a business 24:46 From podcast to hardcover magazine 28:07 "Prolific, not comprehensive" 29:43 Lessons from Murray Moss 34:00 Is design's center of gravity shifting? 37:09 How young designers get press now 39:24 Real advice for landing coverage 44:16 The death of the design fair model 45:19 What's next for The Grand Tourist 50:12 Defining "collectible design" today 55:06 The K-shaped economy of design buyers 58:05 Inside the gallery world's growing pains Guest: Dan Rubinstein, founder of The Grand Tourist  thegrandtourist.net  Instagram: @danrubinstein Host: Fernando Mastrangelo, Design Discord Follow, rate, and subscribe if you enjoyed this one — it helps us bring on more guests like Dan.

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Lisa Perry—legendary art collector, fashion entrepreneur, and founder of Onna House—to discuss her remarkable journey from collecting '60s pop art to championing women craftspeople.Lisa shares how her childhood surrounded by creatives, her mother's craft gallery, and decades of art collecting shaped her mission to give women artists a platform. From her political activism for women's reproductive rights to launching her iconic '60s-inspired fashion brand, Lisa's life has been defined by advocating for women—and now, through Onna House, she's focusing on how craft is valued in the art world.TOPICS COVERED:Growing up in an artistic household in ChicagoThe '60s fashion movement and vintage collectingPolitical activism & supporting Hillary Clinton's Senate campaignDiscovering Onna House: from Instagram call-out to renovationWhy craft deserves gallery recognitionCollaborations with TWP (Trish Wescoat Pound)Future vision: Onna House CuratesLisa's legacy: helping women artists one at a timeTIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Intro0:26 – Lisa Perry's Background & Family8:30 – Studying Textile Technology at FIT12:15 – Collecting Art in the 1980s SoHo Scene16:30 – Discovering Her Passion for '60s Fashion21:10 – How Her Fashion Brand Started (2006)27:00 – Getting Involved in Politics & Hillary Clinton37:25 – Discovering & Buying the East Hampton House42:30 – Why She Chose to Focus on Women Artists51:45 – Featured Artists: Tamiko Kawata, Jane Yang Dahane, Kelly Cline56:00 – The SoHo Gallery Opening & Commercial Expansion59:30 – Collaborating with Fashion Brand TWP63:45 – Onna House Curates: Future Plans68:00 – Her Legacy & Why This Feels Like Her Best Work75:00 – How to Visit Onna House & ConnectCONNECT WITH LISA PERRY & ONNA HOUSE:Website: https://onnahouse.comInstagram: @onnahouse & @lisaperrystyle (Lisa responds to DMs)Email: [email protected] Hampton Location: By appointment onlySoHo Gallery: Second floor, open by appointmentCONNECT WITH DESIGN DISCORD:[email protected]:Lisa Perry, Onna House, women artists, craft gallery, art collecting, East Hampton, SoHo gallery, women entrepreneurs, women in art, craft design, pop art, fashion design, Hillary Clinton, women's rights, contemporary art

In this episode of Design Discord, host Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Lewis Wexler of the acclaimed Wexler Gallery in Philadelphia, for one of the most candid and wide-ranging conversations about the art and design world you’ll hear anywhere.Lewis traces his journey from a $17,000 a year job at the front counter of Christie’s in the 1980s, where he had no connections and no pedigree, through his years training under legendary dealer Tony DiLorenzo, to opening Wexler Gallery with his wife Sherri in Philadelphia in 2000. Over 25 years, Wexler Gallery has grown into one of the most respected and distinctive galleries in the collectible design world, known for mixing eras, mediums, and markets in a way that was genuinely ahead of its time.Lewis and Fernando cover everything from the Japanese collector boom of the 1980s auction world, the rise and fall of the contemporary glass market, the real economics of art fairs, the challenges of representing artists through feast and famine cycles, the blurring lines between fine art and collectible design, and why the secondary market remains the biggest challenge facing the collectible design world today.They also discuss the opening of Wexler Gallery’s extraordinary 11,500 square foot flagship space in Fishtown, Philadelphia, a former pencil factory with 35-foot ceilings that has become a destination for museum-quality exhibitions This is an essential listen for anyone passionate about art, design, collecting, gallery business, or building a life and career around the things you love.Design Discord is hosted by Fernando Mastrangelo. New episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with anyone who loves art and design.

Jill Singer, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Sight Unseen, joins Fernando Mastrangelo to talk about 17 years of defining American design. From establishing OFFSite, the fair of the season, to launching the Design Hot List, Sight Unseen became the platform that shaped an entire era of design.Topics covered:Sight Unseen's origin story at i-D magazineBootstrapping a design platform with no moneyHow the 2014 Offsite show became a turning pointWhy design fairs are struggling nowThe state of design in Milan vs. CopenhagenWhy everything in design costs more nowWhat "collectible design" actually meansThe shift from online magazine to newsletterJill's new Substack, Counter/SpaceThe future of design media and discoveryThe designers Sight Unseen discovered and launchedGuest: Jill SingerHost: Fernando MastrangeloShow: Design Discord

In this episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with Holly Howard — founder of Ask Holly How and the new AI-powered platform Pyramid.work — for one of the most inspiring and practical conversations we’ve ever had.Holly’s journey is unreal: from training at the Joffrey Ballet, to becoming a music therapist who worked with Oliver Sacks’ methods, to managing legendary Williamsburg restaurants (Marlowe & Sons and Egg), to building a 14-year consulting practice helping designers and creative entrepreneurs build sustainable, values-driven businesses.We go deep on:• Why culture must come before strategy• The psychology of pricing and perceived value• The uncomfortable truth about social media & Instagram ads• How to stop copying other people’s paths • The origin story of Pyramid.work — the AI “strategic engine” that helps entrepreneurs define their purpose, values, and vision, then generates aligned strategy, operations, PR plans, and more!Whether you’re a designer, maker, creative entrepreneur, or just someone trying to build a business that actually feels like you, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom. Learn more about Holly & Pyramid.work: pyramid.work | askhollyhow.comTimestamps:00:00 — Intro & why Holly is the guru for creative entrepreneurs01:13 — Holly’s origin story: Joffrey Ballet → music therapy → Oliver Sacks04:11 — The magic (and lessons) of Marlowe & Sons in post-9/11 Williamsburg06:29 — Columbia, dropping out of pre-med, and Egg as “business school”14:17 — Forensic accounting, P&Ls, and learning to read the story in the numbers16:38 — Culture before strategy — why values must come from your lived experience21:16 — The most important question most designers never ask24:52 — Pricing psychology, perceived value & the storytelling gap34:18 — Should every designer sell direct-to-client? (Some shouldn’t)36:15 — The brutal truth about social media, ads, and what actually moves the needle45:20 — Introducing Pyramid.work — the AI strategic engine for entrepreneurship53:26 — The wild story of building Pyramid (family investment, Hypatia séance & more)01:01:21 — Putting her own methodology into practice publiclyIf this episode helped you, drop a comment with your biggest takeaway and tag a designer or creative friend who needs to hear it. Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of design, business, and creativity.#DesignDiscord #HollyHoward #PyramidWork #CreativeEntrepreneurship #DesignBusiness #PricingStrategy #AIForBusiness #ValuesBasedBusiness

Fernando Mastrangelo interviews Jean Lin, founder of Colony Gallery in New York, about her incredible journey from Hurricane Sandy relief work to creating a groundbreaking gallery that supports independent designers.Jean reveals the details behind Colony’s co-op inspired model — affordable monthly fees paired with a low 15% commission — and why she’s stayed committed to this approach for over 12 years. The conversation covers the challenges of starting with almost no money, building community in the 2010s NYC design boom, launching an 8-month artist residency/incubator program, expanding into interior design projects, and navigating slow markets and rising costs.They also discuss Jean’s book “What We Keep,” which shifts focus from objects to the personal stories of collectors, makers, and the emotional connection to design.Perfect for designers, makers, gallerists, and creatives who want real talk about building a sustainable career in the design world.**Timestamps:**00:00 - Introduction01:45 - Hurricane Sandy Origin Story05:48 - 2010s NYC Design Scene09:49 - First Lease & Personal Risks13:24 - Finding the Space & Early Struggles16:44 - Colony’s Co-op Inspired Business Model26:38 - Starting Interiors & Staging30:00 - Current Gallery Operations (24 Designers)35:15 - The Residency Program Explained41:10 - Trends, Cycles & Timeless Design44:46 - Market Challenges & Moving Spaces46:39 - “What We Keep” Book & Collecting55:58 - 5-Year Vision for Colony59:00 - Closing ThoughtsFollow Colony Gallery and Jean Lin for more inspiration in the world of collectible and contemporary design.

In this refreshingly honest episode of Design Discord, Fernando Mastrangelo sits down with David Michon, the sharp, eloquent voice behind For Scale, the buzziest Substack in the design world right now.David shares how he went from writing for Monocle and Icon to creating his own independent platform for real design criticism. Together they unpack why so many design magazines feel identical, why celebrity homes dominate the covers, and how the industry has become strangely polite and risk-averse.They explore:Why “decor” might actually be a more honest word than “design”The liberating joy of imperfect, lived-in homes over sterile perfectionHow growing up in Winnipeg shaped David’s refreshing perspective on tasteThe myth of “timeless” design and why dated interiors can be incredibleWhat’s really wrong with events like Basic Space / Design SpaceThe missing critique in interiors and why optimistic criticism mattersDavid’s writing is smart, observational, and deeply human. He believes great interiors are about people, not just perfect objects — and that your home should never feel “finished.” This conversation will make you look at your own space differently and feel a whole lot better about the dents on your dining table.If you’re tired of aspirational interiors that feel fake and unattainable, this episode is for you. A must-listen for designers, design lovers, interior enthusiasts, and anyone who wants sharper, more honest conversations about the spaces we live in.Follow For Scale on Substack for David’s weekly writings that are quickly becoming essential reading in the industry.Timestamps:00:00 – Introducing David Michon & For Scale09:28 – Winnipeg roots and forming real taste13:00 – Reading rooms as people, not just objects15:00 – Why your home should never feel finished19:20 – Wealth, aspiration, and lived-in reality25:25 – The origin story of For Scale37:25 – Why David chooses “decor” over “design”47:30 – Honest critique of Basic Space52:00 – The future of For Scale: print, events & real-life energy

Laura Young of The Future Perfect joins Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for a wide-ranging conversation covering her full career path, the evolution of one of design’s most respected galleries, and what’s actually in or out right now.From RISD and chaotic auction-house days to co-leading The Future Perfect across New York, LA, Miami, and San Francisco, Laura opens up about building a business that balances commerce and culture, their signature showroom/gallery approach, the deep collaboration with artists like Chris Wolston, and the realities of gatekeeping.Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:01:08 – RISD & early career0:05:12 – Auction house years0:13:22 – Meeting David & joining The Future Perfect0:22:15 – The Future Perfect model explained0:23:27 – Residentializing the gallery experience0:31:18 – Chris Wolston deep dive0:42:04 – Gatekeeping in design0:47:15 – Discovering new designers & open call0:53:35 – Future Perfect as cultural institution0:56:12 – In or Out design trends1:01:10 – OutroA must-listen for designers, collectors, and anyone obsessed with the business and culture of contemporary design.#TheFuturePerfect #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #CollectibleFurniture #DesignTrends #ChrisWolston

Join Fernando Mastrangelo on Design Discord for an in-depth conversation with Ashlee Harrison, powerhouse in collectible design. From helping establish Carpenters Workshop Gallery in the US to launching her own private salon Thirty8East in a historic Upper East Side brownstone, Ashlee brings unparalleled insight into the world of functional sculpture, curation, and cultural storytelling.Topics include the maturing collectible design market, working with legendary designers, the power of intimacy over scale, fair experiences, and practical advice for collectors and creatives.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:01 – State of Collectible Design Today02:43 – Advisors vs. Interior Designers03:36 – Joining Carpenters Workshop Young05:25 – Early Responsibilities & Building the Business06:35 – Market Expansions to LA, SF & Aspen09:21 – Defining Collectible vs. Fine Furniture11:35 – Collaborating with Artists like Campana Brothers & Studio Drift18:33 – Transition to Thirty8East Salon20:20 – The Salon Experience: By Appointment, Storytelling & Coffee29:48 – Value of Design Fairs & Relationships34:29 – Market Cycles, COVID Impact & Slow Growth39:56 – Future of Her Career & Excitement Ahead48:10 – Advice for Young DesignersPerfect for anyone interested in design, art, collecting, or building a meaningful creative career.Follow Design Discord on Spotify for more. Support the show and share with a fellow design lover!#CollectibleDesign #DesignPodcast #Thirty8East #AshleeHarrison

Zesty Meyers (co-founder of R & Company) joins Fernando Mastrangelo for a raw, inspiring conversation about his incredible 30+ year journey in the design world.From performing with molten glass as part of the legendary B Team, to starting what later became R & Company with just $200 at the Chelsea Flea Market, to shaping the modern collectible design market — this episode is packed with philosophy, hard-earned lessons, and optimism for the future of craft and design. Topics covered:- The dying craft scene of the late ’80s and why they had to create their own path- Turning a hobby into one of the most influential design galleries in the world- Why most creatives only have one great idea, and why that’s worth celebrating- The future of handmade objects in the age of AI and billionaires- Longevity in creative careers, failure, and building real partnerships with artistsNotable Timestamps:00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:10 – Pilchuck Glass School & the Birth of the B Team14:02 – Starting R & Company in 1997: The Flea Market Days28:23 – Most People Only Have One Great Idea32:02 – Bringing in Contemporary Artists (Jeff Zimmerman & Beyond)43:48 – The Haas Brothers & Building Long Careers50:36 – Year 11 Struggles: What No One Tells You About Creative Careers53:06 – Why Handmade Objects Will Define New Wealth in the AI Age61:02 – Brazilian Design Discovery & Building a Secondary Market72:07 – Tribeca Space, Fairs & Refocusing the Gallery Program82:53 – Final Thoughts: Raising Our Voice as a Design CommunityIf you’re a designer, artist, collector, or someone who loves stories of grit and creativity, this one will move you. Subscribe for more deep dives into the design world!Leave a comment: What’s one lesson you’re taking from Zesty?#CollectibleDesign #RAndCompany #designnews #designbusiness #designmotivation #designinspiration #businesspodcast #artpodcast #artmotivation #creativepodcast #CraftAndArt #CreativeJourney #ZestyMeyers #fernandomastrangelo #nydesignscene