The Perspecta: Stories of Modernism

Welcome back to The Perspecta & and into an illuminating conversation about the world of mid-century modern lighting, specifically its darling Modeline of California. Did you know there were 27+ different designers who crafted for Modeline? We switched on to discuss a few of them, the company’s founder, his relevance to the entertainment world, hot takes on pricing, and our guests' experiences diving deep into research - and coming up ready to craft a book about Modeline. Welcome to this finely sculpted, warm conversation with Nick Ferrell.

Our first in-person conversation, a sit down with James Goldstein - the detail & design oriented owner who spent much of his life perfecting the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, hand in hand with iconic architect John Lautner. You’ve seen his home in films and music videos (Big Lebowski, Snoop, Doja Cat), but never before has he shared so much information about process, influences and more. 

You may recognize his presence from courtside NBA or recently being featured in Adam Sandler’s movie Hustle. He has 3 words on his business card, Fashion, Basketball, Architecture - and my goal in speaking to him was to really focus on the third, to continue driving awareness and education around Modernism. Take a seat next to The Dude & enjoy our conversation with Jimmy!

We love talking about creative process, and with RJD2 - we thoroughly explored his mindset and approach to creating & producing music. He is an accomplished musician, DJ & producer whose original tracks for a collaborative rap album somehow became the theme song for Mad Men! LIke many of us, he has great interest in other aspects of art & design from the MCM time period which we covered, most uniquely - Italian Carrozzerias! Despite using many samples & sounds to produce his music - he records many of them himself, with analog processes and equipment… which is how his tracks capture such an incredible warmth and atmosphere. Come feel that warmth in his conversation with Ramble Jon Krohn.

This episode is dedicated to actor Robert Morse, who so elegantly portrayed Bertram Cooper in Mad Men.

And together, we break into the world of entertainment! Although the setting of a television show or movie may appear seamless to the audience, we have learned in this conversation - that is actually an extreme, coordinated effort - that even requires a bit of luck! So many moving pieces have to work in concert in order to present the atmosphere we all admire; especially in a mid-century period piece like Mad Men, or Catch Me if you Can. Settle in for a crash course in set decoration using modernist design with Claudette Didul.

It was well worth all of the security precautions to have a wide-ranging, anonymous discussion @northwest_mcm_wholesale on Instagram. We talked about energy drinks, picking, refinishing, all of the secrets & gossip he is privy to as our community’s most famed memer… and we did actually learn a few genuine things about the person behind the account. Listen in for a potentially admin revealing conversation with Herman Wakefield.

Atomic Ranch is one of our mid-century modern community’s most important publications, and our guest Jickie Torres has been hard at work bringing it to life with her team for years. She wears many hats directing the content of your favorite Modernist escape; and has been busy writing a new Atomic Ranch book, representing AR at the Fall Modernism Week & building a project house for the magazine! We chat about her early MCM love, perspectives on renovation, and made some predictions about the next mid century! Come learn, grow, and commit to preserving our common design interest with the top mid-century maven, Jickie Torres!

Our first entrepreneur! Not too many can say they’ve survived the Shark Tank, and came out with a deal - but Matt Bliss and his grandfather’s mid-century modern tree design captured the heart (and business mind) of Barbara Corcoran, and we hope this conversation captures yours as well! He recounted the stories of his grandfather, early stages of his business, & the iconic MCM homes he has visited to photograph his trees. We discussed design copies within our industry, and shared a nod to other makers in our community. This episode about Modern Christmas Trees is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

One of our goals in starting this podcast was to learn about influential mid-century modern designers, from first hand accounts; not many relationships are closer than that of father and son. Jim was able to recount beautiful personal experiences with his father Adrian Pearsall, and spoke about his close collaboration with him - from furnishing restaurants, to designing custom pieces, and directly working together at Craft Associates. Jim told us all about the house he grew up in, which Adrian designed - and we spoke in depth about his experience being the custodian of his father’s work and legacy. Pull up a bean bag chair around the fire & warm up to our familial conversation with Jim Pearsall.

Dream come true! What is more fun than sitting down with one of your favorite musicians and talking about mid-century modern design & architecture? We spoke about Jake’s personal connection to Herman Miller, learned about hi-fi audio equipment, reviewed influences & style in his music, and discussed architecture across Europe and the Northwest US. Go listen to “Absinthe Party At The Fly Honey Warehouse”, sit down in your favorite chair, and come join our tour & conversation with Jake Snider.

Episode Artwork Photo by Ryan Muir

We officially went global in our 3rd episode, a conversation with Tim Ross (@modernister) where we learned all about Modernist design & preservation in Australia. Tim highlighted a number of famous architects & designers, including Glenn Murcutt, Harry Seidler, Grant Featherston, Jørn Utzon, Walter Burley Griffin, & John Andrews; and Canberra seems like the Modernist capital of our dreams. We were so impressed hearing about Tim’s career spanning radio & TV, but truly inspired to see he has followed his passions in Modernist design to create important, acclaimed shows which help to bring awareness to this design and architecture style we all adore.

In our second episode, we learned all about America’s designer Paul McCobb - from one of the foremost experts and collectors, Samuel Hildreth. We covered Planner, Perimeter, Predictor and the rest of Paul’s prolific career - and heard Sam’s story from his first McCobb coffee table to his recent museum exhibit. Sam and DC shared tales of Facebook Group moderation, and we went in depth on native furniture manufacturing, and what makes the best modern reproductions.

In this first conversation, we talk to DC Hillier about M&A, Gio Ponti, Kanye, Film, Clairtone, Kent Coffey & much more! We get a quick tour, share our vision for the podcast, brush up on our Danish pronunciations, and explore DC's perspectives & education in design. Until the next mid century... thank you & stay tuned!

Introducing The Perspecta, a new mid-century modern design podcast from host John O'Neill, in association with DC Hiller & MCM Daily. This is our trailer, a brief origin story, introductions, vision & ambitions for the podcast & beyond... until the next mid century.