Design in Mind Lecture Series

Stellene Volandes is an editor, author, and cultural leader who has worked across journalism, design, and the arts. Since 2016, she has been the Editor in Chief of Town & Country, where she has shaped the brand’s voice around heritage, philanthropy, and cultural relevance. She previously served as the magazine’s Executive Style Director and Jewelry and Accessories Director. In 2020, she was named Editorial Director of ELLE Decor, and in 2025, she added the role of Brand Director. She has since guided the celebrated design publication with a vision rooted in style and innovation. Additionally, Volandes is the author of two books: “Jeweler: Masters, Mavericks, and Visionaries of Modern Design” (2016), a celebration of jewelry designers and the evolution of their work, and “Jewels That Made History” (2020), which explores the cultural and historical resonance of iconic pieces of jewelry and their impact on world events.

Douglas Friedman is an acclaimed American photographer celebrated for his bold, elegant imagery that captures the worlds of luxury, architecture, and design. With over two decades in the industry, he has built a reputation for creating visually arresting photographs that balance grandeur with emotional depth. His portfolio includes collaborations with top designers, architects, and leading publications, where his mastery of light, space, and composition shine through.

Beyond commercial work, Friedman’s personal projects delve into themes of identity and culture, adding a rich narrative layer to his artistic practice. His photography has been widely exhibited and published, solidifying his place in contemporary visual culture. He also has two forthcoming photography books: one on designer Nicole Hollis (winter 2024) and another on the homes of Tommy Hilfiger (fall 2026). Across all his work, Friedman brings a distinctive eye that celebrates beauty, character, and the power of visual storytelling.

Nina Campbell is one of the world’s most celebrated interior designers, known for her timeless elegance, rich color palettes, and distinctive British style. She began her career at nineteen under the legendary John Fowler at Sybil Colefax & John Fowler before launching her own decorating business shortly thereafter. One of her earliest commissions—a Scottish castle—set the tone for a career marked by sophistication and exclusivity. Her work for Mark Birley on the iconic Annabel’s club led to their collaboration on Campbell & Birley, a luxury shop that introduced her now-signature hearts motif. Her brand has since expanded to include a design studio, retail shop, and a range of home products including wallpapers, fabrics, and furniture. In 2024, Nina was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her outstanding contributions to British interior design and philanthropy.

Todd Nickey is a celebrated interior designer and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based design firm and home store, Nickey Kehoe. Known for his “modern rustic” aesthetic, Nickey creates interiors that feel timeless, layered, and effortlessly collected. Raised in a 19th-century log cabin in Hagerstown, Maryland, his early exposure to natural materials and rural craftsmanship deeply influenced his design sensibility. After moving to New York City in 1990, he worked in styling and visual merchandising for major brands like Ralph Lauren before turning to interior design. In 2004, he partnered with Amy Kehoe to launch Nickey Kehoe, later expanding with a retail shop offering vintage finds and their private label collection. Within the firm, Nickey focuses on retail and curation, drawing inspiration from flea markets and auctions to blend traditional elements with modern refinement. His work has attracted high profile clients such as Mark Ruffalo and Suzanne Goin, and the firm is regularly featured on the AD100 list. Nickey’s thoughtful design approach is showcased in Golden Light: The Interior Design of Nickey Kehoe, published in 2019. Amy Kehoe is an acclaimed interior designer and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based design studio and home store, Nickey Kehoe. Known for her ability to blend minimal and baroque elements, Kehoe creates interiors that feel layered, personal, and thoughtfully collected. She began her career in hospitality design with the Starwood hotel brand before forming a creative partnership with Todd Nickey, whom she met at a Manhattan dinner party. In 2004, the duo founded Nickey Kehoe, a firm that has since grown to include a celebrated retail store offering vintage pieces, global accessories, and their own bespoke furniture line. Kehoe leads the firm’s interior design projects, bringing her objectobsessed eye and intuitive sense of harmony to both residential and commercial spaces. In 2024, the business expanded further with the opening of a 4,000-square-foot flagship in New York City. Her work, often inspired by subtle details like a room’s existing color or mood, is praised for its quiet complexity and poetic juxtapositions. Regularly featured on the AD100 list, Kehoe’s projects and design philosophy are beautifully captured in the 2019 book Golden Light: The Interior Design of Nickey Kehoe.

Michael S. Smith is one of the most acclaimed interior designers of his generation, celebrated for his seamless fusion of American modernism with European classicism. A California native, he studied at Otis College of Art and Design and later at the Victoria and Albert Museum Study Centre in London. His work spans residential, commercial, and hospitality design, attracting an international roster of high profile clients. From 2008 to 2016, he notably designed the private quarters of the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, a project that earned wide praise for its inclusive artistic vision. Smith’s accolades include induction into the AD100 Hall of Fame, the Arthur Ross Award, and the Sorolla Medal from the Hispanic Society of America. He is the founder of Jasper, a comprehensive collection of textiles, furniture, and accessories, and continues to collaborate with top design firms worldwide. His latest book, Classic By Design, was published by Rizzoli in September 2024. Smith also serves as Special Design and Art Consultant for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.