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Alessandra Wood

Design Historian / Author / Professor / ex-VP of Style @Modsy
  • About
  • Book
  • Research
  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Podcast
  • Expert Commentary
  • Video
  • Contact

The Render podcast launched in 2020 as a brand marketing effort for Modsy. The brainchild of Alessandra, this podcast further elevated Modsy’s public perception as an expert in the design world while offering critical and engaging conversations on design history and theory to a public audience. The Render was named one of the “Best design podcasts” by Apartment Therapy, hit #6 on Apple Podcasts’ Arts & Design Chart, and is ranked within the top 5% of most popular podcasts globally.

Alessandra particularly loved this project because it proved that critical conversations on design history and theory can be a useful tool in the modern business world; and it enabled that world to host conversations in public history expanding access to those conversations to a more general public audience.

Episode 6: What We Can Learn From Victorians About Sheltering In Place

January 5, 2024

Recorded during Covid-19’s shelter-in-place guidelines, in episode six we look at a group of people famous for their relationship with their homes. In an effort to learn how we might live better and be happier while sequestered within our spaces, we discuss the Victorian ways of life and discuss how they lived in their homes.

Episode 5: Fact vs Fiction: What Science Says About Interior Design and Our Happiness

January 5, 2024

Every day, we’re inundated with headlines full of “scientifically proven” formulas for happiness—in just five simple steps (how convenient!). While we know from personal experience that a well-designed space can lead to a happier life, how much of the advice out there is fact versus fiction?

In our fifth episode of The Render, we’re going straight to the source and chatting with environmental psychologist Elif Celikors to see where science stands on this issue. Spoiler alert: there’s no simple answer.

We’ll talk about the scientific studies that exist around environmental psychology, what tactics are proven to create an emotional reaction in your space, and we’ll even debunk a few common design happiness misconceptions. 

Episode 4: Trends: Where Do They Come From and Why Do They Die?

January 5, 2024

Have you ever wondered how a trend becomes…a trend? In episode 3 Alessandra and Maddy explore the complicated and fascinating cycle of trends, cover iconic examples (think avocado kitchens and mason jars), and dish their best tips for spotting the next big trend.

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Episode 3: From Mad Men to the Playboy Mansion: How Mid-Century Modern Became the World’s Favorite Style

January 5, 2024

In the third episode, Maddy and Alessandra are joined by special guest and Mid-Century Modern expert, Lark Morgenstern, as they unpack why the world is so obsessed with Mid-Century Modern design. The trio talks all about the style’s rise to popularity, its resurgence in the 90s, some designers to know (beyond the Eames), where the trend is heading in the future, and we even get into the surprising connection between the Playboy mansion and mid-century modern design.

Episode 2: Are Antiques Making a Comeback? Everything You Need to Know About Grandma's Furniture

January 5, 2024

In the second episode, Maddy and Alessandra dive into the surprisingly-interesting (or not-so-surprisingly interesting for you design history nerds) topic of antiques. Alessandra predicts that antiques are making a comeback and will soon be on-trend. Learn more about the history of antiques, famous interior designers who popularized them, and some insider tips and tricks on how to shop and decorate with antique furniture.

Episode 1: From Hamilton to American Psycho: What Your Interior Design Style Says About You

January 4, 2024

In Episode 1, hosts Alessandra and Maddy pare down the seemingly infinite number of style choices to nine popular and trendy styles. They break down the building blocks of each of these styles, explore the history and pop culture elements (in fun, yet critical conversations), and discuss how you can identify what resonates with you and pull elements from these styles into your own space.

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