Design Meets Life

Designer & Businesswoman Stacy Garcia joined us in the studio while on a well-deserved Med vacay, and she served up all the goodness we love here on Design Meets Life. Over her years of business in design and interiors, she has picked up so much knowledge and shared a tonne of juicy details with us this week. Stacy, like a lot of Kelli’s mates, defies time by defining it and doing so in HER way. From fashion to fabrics, interiors to design, the energy behind Stacy's drive is palpable, and we get into some straight talk and deep conversation...all while laughing our arses off!

The creative fun that IS Barcelona-based designer/creator/ stylist AND caterer Ms. Philissa Williams of ThemBe Studios sprang forth and made itself right at home with us in-studio. From the gorgeous (and malleable!) designs she creates for friend to the pod, rocker Tori Sparks, to the events she caters and the fashions she creates, what makes her story so enticing is the way she adds a touch of true renaissance woman to all she does. Something to aspire to is what we love to serve up on Design Meets Life, and Philissa always turns it OUT!

Dr. Kevin Patterson brings his message of holistic well-being and psychology to thousands on his social media, online and through his coaching and speaking. What Kelli and Lucas love about each time speaking with Doc Kev is that his focus really does gravitate to building from the interior and moving outward...and onward! For years now, he has also invested his focus on empowering and helping women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to break free from burnout after years on the daily grind. And we love one of the stories he posted recently where he literally called many of us out…"there are no awards given for 'most burnt out!'" Find out why his coaching clients call him Moana...Just press play!

Based in LA, Mitch has been celebrated for his distinctive blend of musical artistry and creative versatility, on top of having history with some of the music industry's best like Janet, Michael AND Madonna. With a career spanning several decades, he's perhaps best known for his long-standing partnership with actress, performer and one of our fave comedienne Lady Sandra Bernhard, serving as her musical director and collaborator for decades. 

Mark Candelaria is the season one architect featured in Kelli's new show, 'Extravagant Spaces,' now available on The Design Network's YouTube! Mark joins us from one of his global retreats as he shares how he became one of the most sought after architects world-wide. Giving back while pursuing his passions in architecture and design, this true Renaissance man has been traveling the world for decades, pairing design and volunteerism, not to mention his culinary skills (!), to everything he does. This episode will inspire you and put that pep in your step that we all need!

Ms. Patti Carpenter joins us from her lovely home to share some of the knowledge and fun, juicy details she has amassed over her years running top fashion brands, managing brand trends and designing her world around OTHERS while also empowering them, all at the same time. From fashion to interiors, trends and fragrances to colour patterns, Patti has been principal at Carpenter & Company for years and is an award-winning designer in her own right. With incredible stories and discoveries from her travels all over the world, Patti's findings bring the world exclusive access to the unique creations of artisans from around the globe...straight to your home, just like our podcast!

Gus and his team have nearly two decades of experience converting rundown spaces and buildings into the homes, mansions and buildings you see on TV. With Gus and his partner’s design concepts spread out over six different locations in BCN and outside, his designs and creations have helped make television, film, events and shoots taking Set design to a new level. From his original creative daze in the Dominican Republic to his travails and triumphs here in Spain, hearing Gus talk about how his creations have slowly and almost magically fallen into place is not only inspiring, but also funny and refreshing.

Lucas and Kelli speak with Emmy, Sundance Film Festival, 2-time Gaudi winner, as well as, Goya-nominated Spanish director Alex Lora, calling in from NYC to share inspirations and motivations that he has achieved across the cinematic landscape. This recent inductee to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences (yes, folks, he's an Oscar voter!) drops some truth bombs about the industry and why he loves it, even more so after nearly two decades in the business.

On this episode, Kelli and Lucas welcome dear friend and the reigning Queen of Flamenco Rock Fusion in Europe, award-winning recording artist Tori Sparks. As one of our nearest and dearest in the creative arts here in BCN, this Chicago native and ex-Tennessee based singer/songwriter brings her magic and impeccable insight about the current music world, and what we learn is that Tori’s is a story of tenacity and hustle, as well as, making the game work in your favour.

Kelli and Lucas go deep with Emmy award-winning, not to mention one of streaming's biggest design stars, Bobby Berk. From teenage homelessness to the design heights of NYC, his own brand and a starring role on Netflix's Queer Eye, Bobby lays down truthiness with longtime friend Kelli Ellis and deep dives with Lucas about everything you're dying to know.

On each Design Meets Life episode, Kelli and Lucas' guests will share their intentional, and sometimes untintentional journey's, and how following their passions has shaped their lives.