In this episode of the Designers and Builders Podcast, host Steve Larosiliere and co-host Alyssa Olson welcome Antonio Deloatch from Antonio Deloatch Designs. Antonio shares his inspiring journey from a challenging high school experience to becoming a successful designer in New York City. He discusses the importance of community, the hustle behind landing his first clients, and the recent recognition he received from Lux Magazine.

The conversation delves into the challenges of rebuilding a business in a new environment, the significance of sustainability in design, and the philosophy that "home is not a place, it's a feeling." Antonio emphasizes the importance of understanding client values and the concept of affordable luxury, making beautiful design accessible to everyone.

In this engaging conversation, Antonio Deloatch shares insights on navigating client relationships, the importance of storytelling in design, and the integration of AI in creative practices. He emphasizes the significance of mindfulness in business growth and how it shapes his design philosophy. The discussion also highlights the power of community and collaboration in the creative industry, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique voices and experiences.

Key Takeaways

1. Community and Resilience: Antonio's journey reflects the importance of building connections and maintaining resilience when transitioning from corporate to creative careers.
2. Accessible Design Philosophy: The concept of "affordable luxury" focuses on making beautiful, custom design accessible to all clients, regardless of budget.
3. Sustainable and Intentional Design: Sustainability and understanding client values are becoming crucial elements in modern design practice.
4. Storytelling and Authenticity: Effective design requires storytelling to connect with clients, and vulnerability in sharing your journey can inspire others.
5. Technology and Mindfulness Integration: Combining AI tools with mindfulness practices can streamline design processes while maintaining authentic client relationships.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Journey Begins: Antonio's Backstory
• 03:06 From Corporate to Creative: The Spark of Design
• 06:00 Hustling for Success: Landing the First Client
• 09:04 Making a Mark: Recent Projects and Recognition
• 11:59 Rebuilding in New York: Challenges and Triumphs
• 14:45 Community and Connection: The Heart of Design
• 17:47 Sustainability in Design: Trends and Intentions
• 21:00 Navigating Client Relationships: Values and Expectations
• 24:04 Affordable Luxury: Redefining Access in Design
• 26:56 Home is a Feeling: The Philosophy Behind Design
• 29:59 Working Across Borders: Embracing Diversity in Design
• 30:38 Navigating Client Relationships and Networking
• 33:24 The Power of Storytelling in Design
• 38:16 Integrating AI in Design Practices
• 41:03 Mindfulness and Business Growth
• 47:05 The Roots of Mindfulness in Design
• 52:14 Creating Community and Collaboration

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You can connect with Antonio at:

https://www.antoniodeloatch.com/

https://www.instagram.com/antoniodeloatchdesigns/