In this episode of Behind the Curtain, hosts Steve and Van sit down with Kurt McKeithan, the creative force behind McKeithan Design Studio. A Nashville-based designer and builder with a background in fine art, Kurt shares his journey from growing up in Georgia and Europe to repairing Dutch masterpieces in Beverly Hills, and finally founding his own bespoke design-build firm. Kurt discusses the delicate balance between being an artist and an entrepreneur, the importance of "never stopping learning," and why he prefers high-end, one-of-a-kind projects over mass production. From drawing kitchen layouts directly on a client’s drywall to building secret doors with interactive riddles, this conversation explores how deep craftsmanship and a "photographic memory" for detail can transform a living space into a personal sanctuary.

Episode Highlights The "Beverly Hillbillies" Move to Paris: Kurt explains how moving from Marietta, Georgia, to Paris and London during his youth provided a unique fine art education that would be impossible to find in the U.S. Repairing Masterpieces: Discover how a "fake it until you make it" moment led to a high-stakes job in Beverly Hills repairing 300-year-old Dutch still-life paintings. Design as Living Sculpture: Kurt shares the philosophy of "bespoke" design, where every project is tailored to the individual's personality rather than current trends like the "shiplap" craze. The Secret Doors of Nashville: A look into Kurt’s love for "interactive treasure," including a project featuring secret doors, dioramas, and a phone booth that responds when you pick up the receiver. The Future of Design: Kurt geeks out on the intersection of 3D printing and traditional materials, such as 3D-printing leather textures onto metal bathroom trim.

"Money is not the thing for me. It's the creativity part of it... if you can wake up and do something different every day in that same field and feel like you're doing something to make that person have a better life, that's the stuff I like." — Kurt McKeithan

Featured Guest: Kurt McKeithan Kurt McKeithan is the president and founder of McKeithan Design Studio. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Sculpture from Otis College of Art and Design. His firm specializes in custom furniture, high-end kitchens, and full-scale interior environments that prioritize originality and precision. Connect with Kurt: Website: mckeithendesign.com Instagram: @mckeithendesign Phone: (615) 424-5633

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