In The Workroom With Manny

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny catches up with Greg Lombardi, founding principal of Lombardi Landscape Architecture, to explore the many layers of landscape architecture. Greg shares how art history, architectural history, and nature shaped his career, and why outdoor spaces involve far more than what meets the eye. From sound, scent, views, and seasonal change to climate resiliency and rooftop gardens, they discuss the details that shape how people experience a property. Greg shares stories from projects in Cambridge, Boston, and Boca Raton, along with his thoughts on changing aesthetics, business growth, and staying new.

Manny sits down with Larissa Cook, President of FBN Construction, to talk about her path from executive assistant to estimator and ultimately president of the company. Larissa shares how hard work, a willingness to step in wherever needed, and the mentorship of FBN's longtime leaders shaped her career and leadership style. She and Manny discuss team culture, accountability, customer service, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. Larissa also talks about FBN's residential work, the company's growth, and her interest in continuing to expand into larger and ground-up projects. They also reflect on women in construction and the value of leading by example.

Manny welcomes Rachel Reider back to the podcast, along with Kate Maloney Albiani. As co-founders of The Layered Life Collective, they talk about the community they built for interior designers looking to grow their businesses with intention. Rachel and Kate share how their friendship and years of exchanging business advice inspired them to build something they wished had existed earlier in their careers. They discuss process, hiring, collaboration, taking the next step in business, and the value of learning from peers who understand the same challenges. They also reflect on how The Layered Life has grown beyond its first retreat into an ongoing community focused on education, support, and connection.

Manny sits down with Eric Haydel, President, Creative Director, and Owner of M-Geough, as the Boston Design Center showroom celebrates 75 years in business. Eric shares his path from interior designer to showroom owner and the responsibility of caring for a long-standing history while keeping the business fresh. They discuss supporting designers, customization, small business, creating a wow moment, and M-Geough's strategic partnership with Bang & Olufsen. Eric also reflects on his South Louisiana roots, playing flag football, spending time with family, and actively giving back to his community.

Manny Makkas welcomes David Supple, CEO of New England Design & Construction and a thought leader in sustainable luxury design-build, for a conversation about the relationship between design and construction. David shares how his early experience as an architect and carpenter shaped the way he built his company, and why he believes design and construction belong together. The conversation explores the company's certified passive house retrofit in Somerville, the importance of client decision-making, and what it takes to grow and train a strong team. Along the way, Manny and David also talk about family, sports, and David's love of pickleball.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny welcomes husband-and-wife team Ryan and Christina Wikman of Chestnut Grove Design Group. Ryan shapes the landscape, Christina crafts the interiors, and together they create homes that feel seamless and connected from the inside out. They share how they combined their businesses, the story behind Chestnut Grove, their new Winchester office, their love of bulbs and New England stonework, and how they balance family life while running a creative studio together.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny sits down with Mike Tartamella, AIA, Managing Principal at Patrick Ahearn Architect, to talk about creating timeless, classic American architecture and the craft behind great residential design. Mike shares how an architect uncle first sparked his interest in residential architecture and how that early inspiration led to a career designing the kind of homes he once admired. They also get into family, community, and golf, and what it really means to show up for clients and colleagues.

Manny sits down with Stephanie Sabbe, Founder & Principal of Sabbe Interior Design, joining us from Nashville, to talk storytelling through design, building a personal point of view, and balancing family with business. Drawing from her journey and book, Stephanie shares how resilience, perspective, and early influences have shaped her path, along with the realities of running a design business and managing projects day-to-day.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny catches up with Ben Arcari Cook of Landry & Arcari, a third-generation leader at one of New England's most trusted family-run rug and carpet companies. They dig into the nuances of design, the importance of true customer service, and what it means to grow up in a family business — along with the lessons that come with carrying that legacy forward.

In this episode of In the Workroom with Manny, Manny sits down with Chandon Georgian, Principal & Founder of 111works, and Charlie Gadbois, Owner & President of Wellen Construction, for an honest conversation about culture, collaboration, and what it really takes to run a successful design and construction company. Together, they dig into what working well together actually looks like, how strong team culture shapes better projects, and the behind-the-scenes realities of building and leading a business in today's world.

Manny is joined in the workroom by New England Home Magazine's dynamic duo, Publisher Kathy Bush-Dutton and Editor-in-Chief Jenna Talbott, for a conversation about what it's like to lead a beloved regional publication and how the magazine continues to evolve alongside the design community it serves. This episode dives into connection, collaboration, and the stories that inspire us. Kathy and Jenna share the behind-the-scenes of what makes New England Home tick, the power of staying authentic in a changing media landscape, and the importance of relationships that have shaped their careers and the region's design scene.

We're kicking off Season 2 with award-winning designer Jocelyn Chiappone, Owner & Head Designer of Digs Design Company. In this episode, Manny and Jocelyn talk about building a studio with intention, the power of great partnerships, and lessons learned along the way. Known for her timeless style and calm, confident presence, Jocelyn shares how staying grounded fuels her unique creativity and why the best designs start with genuine connection.

In the final episode of Season 1 of In the Workroom with Manny, John Speridakos, CEO of Cosmos Painting, shares the journey of growing his company from a small residential repaint business into a leader in both commercial and residential painting. He discusses the power of networking and sponsorships through PRO New England, the shift from seasonal work to long-term collaborations with builders and designers, and the importance of prep work for quality results. John also opens up about his Greek heritage, passion for percussion, and the culture driving his team.

Get ready for plenty of laughs on this episode of In the Workroom with Manny as Manny sits down with the warm and witty Meg McSherry, Owner and Principal Designer of Meg McSherry Interiors. Fresh off her cozy lake cottage project, Meg shares her journey from Parsons to creating livable, meaningful interiors across New England. Together, she and Manny swap stories of collaboration, laughter, and lessons learned along the way—pausing to reflect on how they each define success, celebrate small wins, and lean on trusted relationships to make design more rewarding.

In this episode, Manny is joined by Dane Austin, principal of the award-winning Boston-based firm Dane Austin Design, known for crafting vibrant, sophisticated, and highly personalized interiors. Together, they dive into the philosophy behind designing spaces that not only reflect beauty and style—but also support well-being, joy, and a deeply personal way of living. From lifestyle questionnaires and grand reveals to building a remote team and staying grounded through wellness, Dane shares the thoughtful process behind his inspired interiors for living well.

In this episode, Manny welcomed longtime friend and former neighbor Corinne Acampora, Founder and Principal Designer of Acampora Interiors, to the podcast. They talk about Corinne's winding path into design, the evolution of her business, and what it takes to build a brand rooted in trust, collaboration, and authenticity—with a little fun along the way.

Tim Kaelin, President of Makkas Workroom, walks down the hall to join Manny for a conversation about growth and what it took to evolve the business into what it is today. From working together in Maria and Phil's basement, to a 7,000 sq. ft. workroom in Framingham, and now to the current 16,000 sq. ft. space in Sudbury, Tim's drive, dedication, and sense of humor have helped navigate the team through COVID, build a positive culture, and shape the workroom's ongoing success and continued growth.

Before closing out 2024, Manny sat down with celebrated interior designer Rachel Reider, founder of the award-winning firm Reider + Co. With over 40 projects together — from boutique hotels on Martha's Vineyard to coastal homes and city retreats — Manny and Rachel reflect on their many years of collaboration and creativity. They talk candidly about what makes a lasting designer-workroom relationship, the behind-the-scenes hustle of hotel installs, and how trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence have shaped their work together.

In this episode, Manny sits down with builder extraordinaire Kevin Cradock, owner of Kevin Cradock Builders, to explore his journey into the industry and the philosophy that sets his award-winning team apart. As Kevin puts it, "Perfection is not possible, but excellence is," a mindset that has shaped his approach to craftsmanship, team leadership, and building lasting relationships. From custom homes to client trust, Kevin shares what it means to build with intention and care.

Today, Manny talks to New England designer, retail shop owner, and 2023 New England Home 5 Under 40 winner Laura Keeler Pierce. They discuss how she balances family life and work between her Boston studio and her retail shop, Rusticator, on Mount Desert Island, Maine. They dive into her creative process, the inspiration behind her signature approach to layering patterns, some memorable project collaborations in Maine, and the essential role customer service plays in their partnership.