2025 Agenda


A Luxury Home Design Summit badge is required for access to the conference sessions, breakfasts, lunch, receptions, and book signings.

                    *************This policy will be strictly enforced at each function so please wear your badge each day.*************

 

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

11:00PM - 6:30PM

Registration for the Conference in the Monomoy building on the campus of the Chatham Bars Inn 

Pick up your badge and swag bag.

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2:00PM-3:00PM

Champagne Welcome and Conference Kick-Off in Monomoy

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3:00PM

Welcome


Kathy Bush
Publisher, New England Home
Co-Founder, Luxury Home Design Summit

3:10PM-4:00PM

Opening Keynote: Building a Home to Last - Lessons from the Creative Process...and from Life

For the last three decades, award-winning architect and bestselling author Gil Schafer has designed houses that not only meet the demands of the current moment but are also designed to endure. The winner of nearly every industry award and a regular on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list and many other lists of top architects and designers around the country, he has a deep understanding that a house is ultimately never meant to be about its architect, but rather, as his clients know, about those individuals whose days and lives will unfold within its walls. Now, in his new book, Home At Last: Enduring Design for the New American House, Gil welcomes readers into a series of new residences across the country, sharing how his own design evolution has increased his appreciation for the richness—and messiness!—of modern life, and the ways in which it can take both houses, and the people who live in them, in unexpected and wonderful directions. Join Gil for this lavishly illustrated talk as he opens the doors to many of these memorable spaces, offering practical advice on how craftsmanship, creativity, and the distinctive stories, tastes, and lives of his clients come together for homes that will last for generations to come.

Gil Schafer, AIA
Founding Partner
Schafer Buccellato Architects

Award-winning architect Gil Schafer is one of the country’s leading practitioners of contemporary classical architecture and one of the most sought-after residential architects working today.  He is a member of Architectural Digest’s AD100, a winner of Veranda’s “Art of Design Award,” a recipient of the Arthur Ross Award for Architecture, and the subject of the recent PBS documentary, "Design in Mind: Unlocking the Mysteries of Place."

Gil holds a Master of Architecture from Yale and is the author of the bestselling books The Great American House and A Place to Call Home. His latest book, Home At Last, is newly out from Rizzoli. His work has also been widely published in the press and is included in over three dozen books on design.  He opened his eponymous firm G. P. Schafer Architect in 2002 and renamed the firm Schafer Buccellato Architects in the fall of 2023.

Gil serves on the Yale School of Architecture Dean’s Council and the board of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and was president and then chairman of The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the nation’s leading resource for the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts, for over a decade. When he’s not traveling for work, he divides his time with his family between New York City, the Hudson Valley, and Maine.

 

 

 

4:00PM-4:45PM

The Economy, the Housing Market, and the Outlook for Custom Residential Homes

The housing market has been facing a growing set of challenges recently, including elevated mortgage rates, high house prices, labor shortages, growing concerns over improving the resiliency and sustainability of homes, and growing threats of tariffs on key building materials. This presentation will touch on key trends in our economy and how they will affect the custom home building and home remodeling sectors.

Additionally, results from the American Institute of Architects’ quarterly Home Design Trends Survey will demonstrate how design trends – particularly for upper-end homes -- are responding the underlying changes in this sector of the housing market.

Learning objectives:

  • Develop a better understanding of forces shaping the housing market.
  • Understand how national policies relate to tariffs and immigration are likely to impact the housing industry broadly and the custom market more specifically.
  • Interpret emerging economic, demographic, and social trends and apply them to the design of custom residential homes.
  • Better understand how design trends are evolving in the custom residential market by reviewing findings of the AIA’s quarterly Home Design Trends Survey.

Kermit Baker
Chief Economist
The American Institute of Architects

As the Chief Economist for the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C., Kermit analyzes business and construction trends for the U.S. economy and examines their impact on AIA members and the architectural profession. He originated the AIA’s “Work on the Boards” Survey, a monthly assessment of business conditions at architecture firms and the source of the widely followed Architecture Billings Index. He also coordinates the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel, and writes regular economics columns for the AIA member electronic newspaper, AIArchitect.

Kermit also served as the Project Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University from 1995 to 2021.

Kermit received his Masters degree in Urban Planning from Harvard University and holds a Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the same field. In 2002, Kermit was made an honorary member of the American Institute of Architects, and in 2006 was selected to the NAHB National Remodeling Hall of Fame.

4:45PM - 5:00PM

Tuesday Marquee Presentation by Grothouse: Industry Trends and Innovations in Luxury Wood Surfacing

Paul will discuss the latest trends he is seeing in the luxury wood surfacing market, from styles and colors to ways designers are implementing the products within designs.

Tuesday Marquee Presentation Sponsor:

 

 

5:00PM-6:30PM

Welcome Reception-  Chatham Bars Inn

Reception Sponsor:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book signing with Gil Schafer, AIA, during our welcome reception

His new book, HOME AT LAST: Enduring Design for the New American House, follows Schafer's bestsellers The Great American House and A Place to Call Home, which together form a three-part series on the design of the American home. HOME AT LAST welcomes readers into eight residences, each with its own unique story and each one a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and personal sensitivity that have made Schafer one of most highly-regarded and sought-after residential architects of our time. These projects also represent a departure from—or, one might say, an evolution of—Schafer’s previous work.

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

7:30AM-6:00PM

Registration in Monomoy
Pick up your badge and swag bag.

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7:30AM-9:00AM

Breakfast at the Chatham Bars Inn Resort

Breakfast Sponsor:

9:15AM-9:30AM

Welcome and Introduction

 

Adam Japko
CEO, Esteem Media
Co-Founder, Luxury Home Design Summit
Founder, Design Influencers Leadership Conference

 

9:30AM - 10:15AM

Keynote: Culture by Design-How Top Firms Thrive in the Luxury Market

Can improving engagement and performance in your business create long term competitive advantages and sustainable success? After years of research and countless interviews with top leaders across multiple industries, Chris Dyer has uncovered the key ingredients that matter for luxury home design workplaces. He will share what every leader can do to improve culture and make a meaningful difference; from the C-suite down to new managers. These less conventional factors have the power to transform any culture, kick-starting productivity, performance, and profits.

Chris Dyer
Company Culture and Remote Work Expert
Ranked #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture

Chris is a trailblazer in leadership, company culture, and business growth, with a career that’s anything but ordinary. From opening high-end hotels in Hollywood to founding his own successful ventures, Chris has spent years cultivating a diverse, action-oriented career that has propelled him to the forefront of his field. His expertise has been sought after by over 50 of the top companies around the globe, helping them shape culture, lead with purpose, and grow their teams in ways that trgansform organizations from the inside out and empowering leaders to turn challenges into opportunities.

His high-energy, highly relatable keynotes have earned him features on major media outlets like NBC, CBS, BBC, Forbes, and more. Chris's storytelling and actionable insights help audiences reignite their passion and commitment, making an impact that extends well beyond the conference stage. He challenges leaders to embrace transparency, positivity, and innovation—and to cultivate cultures where people can thrive.

 

10:15AM-11:00AM

Creating a Multifaceted Design Business

Join Michael as he discusses his experience owning a multifaceted design business, from an interior design firm to his eponymous brick-and-mortar, Michael Mitchell, on Charleston’s famed King Street. What should you know before embarking on the journey? Who is your target audience? Michael Mitchell reveals his methodologies to success.

Actionable Takeaways:

  • How to know when it’s time to expand your business
  • How to overcome challenges while stewarding multiple businesses
  • Steps to partner with luxury brands for exclusive offerings
  • Building strong customer relationships

Michael Mitchell
Principal Designer and Founder
MICHAEL MITCHELL INC

At the helm since its inception in 2010, founder Michael Mitchell has evolved the firm, formerly Mitchell Hill, into a comprehensive design firm, offering an immersive 360-degree experience from
insightful design consultations to full-home projects. With a commitment to sourcing the most intriguing pieces for clients, Michael Mitchell consistently blends fresh with the unexpected. The
firm’s hallmark “twisted traditional” style, an embodiment of its ability to execute timeless design with a modern twist, has been recognized in national shelter publications.

11:00AM-11:30AM

Networking and Refreshment Break in Monomoy

Break Sponsor:

11:30AM - 12:15PM

Building Bridges: What Architecture Can Teach Us About Gender Harmony in the Workplace

In this compelling and insightful talk, renowned architect and author Karen Otis-Webb delves into the profound lessons that architecture offers about achieving gender harmony in the workplace. Drawing from her extensive experience in the male-dominated field of architecture, Karen explores how the principles of design and construction can be applied to create more inclusive, collaborative, and effective work environments that ignite company success.

She shares her journey of navigating and succeeding in a field traditionally dominated by men. She offers practical strategies for bridging gender gaps, emphasizing the unique strengths that both men and women bring to the table. Karen's approach is rooted in the belief that embracing and leveraging these differences leads to a more innovative, productive, and harmonious workplace which promotes progress for the overall company.

Attendees will gain insights into:

  • The parallels between architectural harmony and gender harmony.
  • How thoughtful design can promote inclusivity and collaboration.
  • Strategies for overcoming gender biases and stereotypes.
  • The role of leadership in fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued.
  • The benefits of a gender-diverse team in driving creativity and success.

"Building Bridges: What Architecture Can Teach Us About Gender Harmony in the Workplace" is not just a talk but a call to action. It encourages leaders and organizations to rethink their approaches to gender dynamics and to design their workplaces with intention and purpose. By applying the timeless principles of architecture, Karen inspires audiences to create a future where gender harmony is not just an ideal but a reality. 

 

Karen Otis-Webb
Architect, Influencer, and Author
Founder, Otis-Webb Architecture + Interiors

Karen is a trailblazing architect, dynamic speaker, and insightful author with over 30 years of navigating the male-dominated world of architecture. She's seen firsthand the friction and challenges of blending genders in the business arena. Early on, women were expected to emulate men, but Karen knows that women bring unique and powerful leadership skills to the table. She’s passionate about helping companies bridge the gender gap, harnessing the distinct strengths of both men and women to create a powerhouse of effectiveness and innovation. When it comes to cultivating a healthy, motivating, and creative work environment, it's not about conforming; it's about transforming the way we work together

12:15PM-1:00PM

 Balancing Luxury and Embodied Carbon Reduction

Luxury home clients are seeking both elegant homes and efficient building processes.

Until recently, operational performance and energy reduction in the occupied home led to advancements in windows, insulation, and other energy-saving measures.  Less attention was given to environmental impact of construction itself, known as "embodied carbon," which includes the materials, methods, and long-term maintenance of a home.

In this session, we will explore the balance between carbon usage and savings throughout a home's lifecycle—commonly referred to as "cradle to grave." From the entrance to the interiors, we will examine how different materials and design choices influence embodied carbon before, during, and after occupancy. We’ll also challenge the idea of “too much of a good thing” in sustainable design.

Through detailed analysis, modeling results, infrared imagery, and data-driven comparisons, attendees will learn how to make informed design choices that enhance environmental performance—without compromising luxury.

Attendees will:

  • Understand the significance of cradle-to-grave carbon, as well as comparisons between embodied and operational carbon, including how they are measured and analyzed.
  • Identify ways that the newest energy codes test the limits and creativity of design details and construction techniques.
  • Recognize how and when to inspect installation details and product specifications to ensure problems don’t arise post occupancy.

Nicholas H. Fair, HERS, CPHC
Principal, Consulting Engineering Services (CES) (Norwood, MA)

Nick is the Principal in Charge of the Massachusetts office of Consulting Engineering Services (CES), a mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering and commissioning (MEP) firm with 180+ employees in eight national offices. With over twenty years’ experience designing MEP systems in high-end residential applications from coast to coast, Nick has successfully mitigated a variety of climatic hurdles faced in building systems design caused by desert environments, high humidity or elevation, and coastal proximity.

As a certified Home Energy Rater and Passive House Consultant, Nick is particularly attuned to the pathway to attaining Net Zero Energy Usage and employing the mantra of “Sensible Sustainability.”

1:00PM-1:10PM

Luxury Home Design Summit Scholarships for Up and Coming Design Professionals

Scholarship Sponsor:

 

 

1:10PM- 1:15PM

Special Giveaway Announcement

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1:15PM-2:45PM

Lunch at the Chatham Bars Inn 

Lunch Sponsor:

 

2:45PM-3:30PM

Roundtable Sessions
Relevant topics within disciplines or cross-disciplines will be spearheaded by roundtable chairs during the second part of lunch in a conversational, informal format -- space is limited to first-come, first-served.

Roundtable Topic #1: The Culture Blueprint - Building High-Performing Luxury Design Firms
Chair: Company Culture and Remote Work Expert, and Leadership Speaker on Culture

Roundtable Topic #2: What’s driving YOU crazy? A candid, interactive Q & A
Chair: Jim Gauthier, Principal, Jim Gauthier and Company

Led by expert interior designer and industry consultant Jim Gauthier, this interactive session will provide a platform to address a variety of relevant industry issues. Known for his lively discussions and practical advice, Jim is prepared to address your questions. Whether you want to dive into hot topics such as fee structures, setting client boundaries, growing your business, or anything else, you can expect to gain actionable insights to better navigate the current challenges of today’s design world. (Session is best suited for interior designers, but all are welcome).

3:45PM-4:30PM

Unfiltered Insights: What Works (and What Doesn’t) in B2B Outreach for High-End Design

Successful B2B partnerships are built on trust, relevance, and genuine value. But how do you know if your outreach strategy is hitting the mark? This candid panel discussion brings together perspectives from interior design, builder, and trade professionals in an unfiltered conversation about what truly resonates in B2B business development.
Hear directly from decision-makers as they share:

  • The outreach tactics that capture their attention and the ones that fall flat
  • How they prefer to be approached by potential partners
  • What builds trust and credibility from the first interaction
  • Personal stories of standout partnerships and cautionary tales of what not to do

This session offers a rare opportunity to hear the unvarnished truth from those on the receiving end of B2B pitches. You’ll walk away with fresh insights on how to refine your approach, create more meaningful connections, and foster partnerships that drive real results.

Whether you're looking to engage top designers, collaborate with builders, or expand your trade partnerships, this discussion will help you tailor your outreach to truly stand out.

 

Moderator:
Dustin Hayes
Founder
Hermosa Digital

 

 

Panelist:
Kevin Cradock
Founder
Kevin Cradock Builders

Panelist:
Julie Murphy
Owner
Designer Draperies of Boston

Panelist:
Patti Watson
Principal
Taste Design

4:30PM-5:15PM

Elevate Your Business: Financial Strategies for Growth and Success

This session will explore critical areas that significantly impact financial health and long-term success: financial reporting, labor efficiency, reinvestment strategies, project-based profitability analysis, and exit strategy considerations.

Attendees will gain practical, actionable strategies to optimize their financial management practices, ensure sustainable growth, and position their companies for success in the competitive home industry. This session is designed to equip business owners with the tools and insights needed to achieve financial stability and focus on their creative passions.

 

Greg McDonough
Managing Partner
Blackburn Capital Advisors

Greg is a seasoned executive who has owned and operated businesses in the professional services sector, navigating them through both good and tough times. He brings his personal experience of knowing what it’s like to be ‘in the owner’s seat’ when working with clients, taking time to ask the questions others may not. As a Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA), he has successfully led companies through turnarounds, mergers, acquisitions, and other financial matters. His book The Turnaround, published in 2017, guides businesses in navigating difficult financial matters and gives practical information when they need it most.

5:15PM-5:30PM

Wednesday  Marquee Presentation by TimberTech

Wednesday Marquee Presentation Sponsored by:

5:30PM-7:00PM

Networking Reception at the Chatham Bars Inn

Networking Sponsor:

Thursday, May 22, 2025

8:00AM-12:00PM

Registration for the Conference at Monomoy
Pick up your badge and Swag Bag

Registration Sponsor:

Swag Bag Sponsor:

8:00AM-9:00AM

Breakfast at the Beach House Grill in the Chatham Bars Inn

Breakfast Sponsor:

9:15AM-10:15AM

Keynote: Rush Jenkins, CEO, WRJ Design

Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, WRJ Design sits at the intersection of nature and culture. Since its founding in 2003, the firm has distinguished itself as a prominent, award-winning interior design firm known for beautiful homes defined by their sophisticated, modern aesthetic. Rush and his team seamlessly marry rustic elements deeply connected to majestic natural landscapes, modern furnishings, European antiques, and fine art to realize refined and luxurious homes for today.

Growing up in Idaho, Rush’s palette was informed by the colors of the nearby Teton Mountain range and the rolling acres of his family’s farmland. When he set his aesthetic sights across the Atlantic, Rush’s design expertise developed further, through his studies at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. Rush’s association with Sotheby’s continued when he became their Director of Design New York, and he had the privilege of designing exhibitions for the collections of American luminaries. Pursuing his dual passions for interior design and the American West, Rush relocated to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with his partner, Klaus Baer, where they re-established the headquarters for their design firm, WRJ Design. Rush leads a team of talented designers with combined expertise in design conceptualization, planning and execution, and creative supervision.

Today, Rush’s knowledge of interiors, art, architecture and landscape architecture is applied to designing beautiful retreats, where people find comfort in harmonious surroundings.

Rush Jenkins
CEO
WRJ Design

 

 

 

10:15AM-11:00AM

Tangible AI Strategies for Luxury Home Design Marketing

Right now AI can be your practical, game-changing asset for luxury home design marketing. In this session we delve into real-world applications of AI, from refining social media outreach and automating content creation to personalizing client interactions while staying ahead of design trends. Through clear, actionable examples, you’ll discover how AI can streamline your marketing operations, enhance brand storytelling, and deliver high-end experiences that resonate with discerning clients. Whether you’ve dabbled in AI tools before or are just beginning to explore their potential, this session offers a powerful roadmap to elevate your influence and success in an our ever-evolving industry.

Jon Gavejian
CEO, Newrocc Digital

11:00AM-11:30AM

Networking and Refreshment Break in Monomoy

Break Sponsor:

11:30AM-12:15PM

Elegantly Efficient: A Case Study in AI-Driven Design & Business Transformation

AI is reshaping the home design industry, offering powerful tools to streamline processes, enhance creativity, and optimize business operations. In this session, we’ll take a deep dive into the rebranding and business evolution of O’Hara Interiors, exploring how AI-driven tools played a pivotal role in their marketing, creative direction, and operational efficiencies. From brand identity and developing an ideal customer profile to crafting brand messaging and tailoring projects for specific PR initiatives, this case study walkthrough will provide real-world insights into how AI can be leveraged to transform both design workflows and business success. Whether you're looking to refine your creative process or elevate your firm's efficiency, this session will offer practical takeaways to help you harness AI and buy back valuable time.

 

Dustin Hayes
Founder
Hermosa Digital

 

Kate O'Hara
CEO
O’Hara Interiors

12:15PM-1:00PM

Designing With Purpose: The Power of Applied Optimism to Maintain Resilient, Visionary Businesses in Uncertain Times

As the closing keynote of the Luxury Home Design Summit, Seth will offer a transformative perspective on leadership and creativity rooted in the powerful philosophy of applied optimism. In a world where uncertainty feels ever-present—from shifting consumer expectations to economic headwinds—Seth will equip luxury design leaders with a practical framework to thrive by harnessing the three core tenets of applied optimism: Purpose, Knowledge, and Wonder.

Drawing from his experience advising impact-driven businesses, media platforms, and mission-led entrepreneurs, Seth will inspire attendees to rethink resilience not as survival, but as opportunity—an opportunity to reimagine their work, rekindle curiosity, and lead with clarity and courage.

Seth will close with 4 actionable lessons:

  • Clarity over certainty. Purpose is your compass when the map is unclear.
  • Curiosity is a skill, not a trait. Keep learning, and you’ll keep leading.
  • Community builds resilience. You’re not meant to figure it out alone.
  • Beauty isn’t just aesthetic—it’s emotional. Design with emotional intelligence, not just expertise.

“Your work creates the environments where people dream, heal, and connect. That is sacred work. In times like these, the world needs leaders like you who can design not just homes—but hope.” --Seth Cohen.

Seth Cohen
Founder, Applied Optimism and Optimistic Lab

As Founder of Applied Optimism, a global business advisory firm, Seth has recruited an all-star team of business advisors and collaborators to partner with executives in empowering organizational change. With more than 25 years’ experience working with leaders of all backgrounds, his expertise is cultivating transformational communities, organizations and leaders, and enabling them to share purpose, knowledge, and wonder.

Applied Optimism is a business and organizational advisory firm offering strategic solutions support via design thinking, storytelling, innovation, and community building.

Currently, Applied Optimism collaborates with executives, grantmakers, nonprofits, and community leaders around the world with the goal of applying creative solutions to organizational, social and individual challenges. Clients include global media and hospitality companies, some of the largest social enterprises and grantmaking foundations, as well as emerging startups and nonprofits.

Most recently Seth served as the Chief Impact Officer and founder of the Forbes Impact Lab, where he guided Forbes’ work toward helping connect worldwide audiences and philanthropic partners and leading brands that focus on igniting business, social and cultural impact.

1:00PM

Closing Remarks and Conference Adjourns