This year I had the pleasure to attend the Design Leadership Network summit in Rome! I’ve been a part of the organization for a few years now, and think it’s such an amazing resource for building relationships with other designers around the world! Not only has DLN expanded my own design community and provided so much amazing inspiration through their international summits, it also gives us an invaluable network as designers to collaborate and bring our clients the very best! This year, designers from all over the globe descended on Rome, a city undoubtedly steeped in a rich culture and history of craftsmanship and the arts. Attendees started off their Summit experience with exclusive tours that transported them to some of the city’s most exciting ateliers, cultural sites, and more, from an intimate gathering at the home of Marella Caracciolo Chia to a private wine tasting with Marchesi Antinori. Attendees dispersed into the city for dine-around dinners, held within spaces testifying to the beauty and range of Roman style, from Baroque palaces to a historic apartment filled with contemporary art. Over the course of three days, we were given a once-in-a-lifetime look into the magical culture of Italian artisanship and design history!

In recounting this year’s summit, I wanted to reach out to a few fellow designers to reflect on what made this experience meaningful for them! These are all some incredibly talented and inspiring members of the global design community, and look forward to collaborating with them all. Keep reading for my fellow designers’ highlights, and stay tuned for more DLN happenings in the future!

What was the most memorable / influential part of the Rome summit for you?

“Overall it was the combination, the triumvirate, of inspiration, passion and community. Specifically, listening to the speakers from different fields of design all of whom agreed that passion, hard work and attention to detail are a key part of a successful business. And that products should generate feelings. It fed my soul to be in a country with so much attention to craft and ancient techniques producing both traditional and modern design.” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“Experiencing the juxtaposition of the historical periods that comprise Rome is overwhelming. While traveling throughout the city we see ancient ruins and the architecture of antiquity, the Holy Roman Empire, the renaissance, baroque and more. They are all dotted throughout the the contemporary city we experienced at the summit . It is truly extraordinary to be submerged in so many moments in time all living together in one place.” — Amanda Reynal

What did you see / learn about from this experience that you want to incorporate into your own work as a designer?

“There were great lectures about Roman style, in the context of modern and contemporary interiors being layered into historic buildings. We got to tour centuries-old villas and estates, and some of the proportions and the patterns and the colors felt so contemporary. Italians really know how to balance out the old with the new, and I was just soaking it all in. Plus, all of the beautiful stone floors in their endless pattern combinations... I loved it all.” — Catherine Kwong

The majority of my products are produced by hand by artisans in Peru and it reinforced for me that the traditions they have inherited from back to the Inca times come through all the products we do like an invisible thread and bring soul to a room. In addition…I have to confess being in Rome and spending time in the ornate, colorful private palatial homes we were privileged to see made me think a little more about having fun with color and a little more elaborate design!” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“California design has leaned towards a more neutral palette. It was so stimulating being in Rome and where I could appreciate the history and traditional design. There is a nod to fuller layers, colors, and history in Rome that we don’t necessarily have in California. It was a great reminder to implement a touch of worldly design in our practice.” — Shannon Wollack

What do you see as the greatest benefit in connecting with other designers from around the world?

“It is so inspiring to have the opportunity to meet with local designers and artists in all fields and have a glimpse into their world, to see that we are really all one big community passionate about making the world a more beautiful place.” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“As a designer and business owner, I cannot live and work in a vacuum. Therefore, the relationships I have built through the DLN have been invaluable to me. Spending time with  a huge variety of talented and motivated design professionals provides both a support system and  constant inspiration. “ — Amanda Reynal

As a closet designer, I see major intersections in the world of fashion and interiors, and Italian designers are often at the forefront of bridging that gap! What about Rome / the Italian design culture do you find most influential or inspirational?

“Italian culture really respects design and beauty, and holds those things up as important values. It’s remarkable to me that cities like Rome and Milan, Venice and Florence... have managed to retain the integrity of their ancient buildings and public spaces. Yet hotels and stores: their interiors are infused with the most modern and fresh new materials and furnishings. Things feel like they are moving and happening all around you in Italy, and I love that energy.” — Catherine Kwong

“Ooh well I agree fully that fashion and interiors reinforce and feed one another. High fashion retail is so inspiring today, and it is always a treat to step into Italian fashion brand’s flagship stores in Rome, for example the beautiful patterns and rich color combination of the Bottega floor or the shelving for their bags (which is actually the inspiration for some throw and pillow display I am doing in my showroom). The Fendi store which has a modern day version of an artist’s atelier right there in the store which we were privileged to have entry to and see the incredible craft and detail behind some of their couture coats.” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“So many design elements that I adore are used in the fashion boutiques of Rome. The large scale caramel  brown  terazzo floors and flying staircase in the Bottega Veneta shop are beyond chic. The Gucci flagship flaunts red and black painted wood floors with colorful upholstery that  is both timeless and playful.  The clean white walls and consecutive archways in the Valentino boutique serve as an austere and sculptural backdrop for the exquisite colorful clothing on display. “ — Amanda Reynal

“I think there’s definitely an intertwining blend between the world of fashion and interiors. I found that designers are merging the two, especially with furniture design or art. When we were on our various tours throughout the city, many speakers spoke about blending traditional roots with contemporary aspects. It was so inspiring to soak this notion in and bring back the inspiration to our firm.” — Shannon Wollack

What do you hope to see more of, in 2023, as a designer? Trends, emerging trades, collaborations…

“I love collaborations, so I would love to see more of that. I would also like to see more of a focus and respect for original work and the stories behind it.” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“I hope that the design world continues to be cognizant of the need to reuse and incorporate antique and vintage pieces into their work.  The important mix of old and new can often be forgone for shiny new everything. Without nods to the past, interiors can lack soul and personality.  This is best exemplified in the interiors of Rome where new and old live, each with a voice but are ultimately in harmony.” — Amanda Reynal

“Collaborations for sure! I think designers are trying to get more creative in ways to expand their portfolio, beyond just the client interface. It’s so exciting to see that more and more brands are open to working with designers on collaborations, pop-up’s, different projects, etc..” — Shannon Wollack

How does travel in general play a role in your work?

“As Diana Vreeland said, “There’s only one thing in life, and that’s the continual renewal of inspiration.” Travel is so fundamental to what we do as designers; it’s all about experiencing new visual combinations, and seeing how others live. To stir those experiences into your work... that’s how you keep the alchemy fresh.” — Catherine Kwong

“I actually need to be moving I think to come up with ideas (train or airplane, cars don’t count!). When I travel the physical distance from my home and office helps free up my mind to absorb new ideas, and lets concepts come to the forefront.” — Rosemary Hallgarten

“As a creative and a design business owner I find it critical to see a variety of places  places both close by and further afield.  I learn  how others live, communicate and see the world. So many aspects of nature and culture influence the way I design. From natural light, to climate, to lifestyle, I am constantly gleaning  ideas and then adjusting the way I see the world.  Although I have been in business for  21 years, I have a constant hearing to learn and see more.  Travel is the ultimate inspiration. “ — Amanda Reynal

“Travel plays a VERY influential role in my everyday life! I feel that we find our most creative energy when traveling. When we’re able to step outside the office, get a change of scenery and regroup we’re able to see things differently. Getting out of LA really helps us step out of our comfort zone and allows us to pull inspiration from around the world!” — Shannon Wollack