In this candid conversation, Poppy Bourg and Shannon McGough of Poppy McGough Design House unpack the evolving Dallas design scene, the challenges of modern publishing, and the importance of integrating architecture and interior design. They discuss how their unique backgrounds inform their approach, client expectations in a shifting market, and why authenticity and craftsmanship matter more than fleeting trends.
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From the pitfalls of celebrity-driven design magazines to the nuanced demands of Dallas homeowners, Poppy and Shannon reveal how they balance creativity, technical knowledge, and client relationships to create spaces that are not only beautiful but built to last. They explore the impact of regional influences, climate challenges, and the expanding role of interior designers in shaping cohesive, livable homes.
1. The State of Design Publications & Celebrity Influence
- Shift in design media focus: from architecture to celebrity homes
- Challenges of magazines cutting back editorial staff and local flavor
- Dallas’s design culture: diverse, not pigeonholed into one “look”
2. Client Trends and Diversity in Dallas Architecture
- Clients influenced by wide range of styles via online exposure
- Resurgence of traditional styles alongside modern, Mediterranean, Santa Barbara influences
- Growing trend of lake homes post-2020 pandemic and its impact on local design culture
3. Modernism and Design Inspirations
- Experience visiting Modernism Week in Palm Springs
- Dallas’s limited mid-century modern presence compared to other cities
- Appreciation for maximalism and richly detailed interiors beyond minimalist trends
4. Backgrounds & Partnership Story
- Shannon’s hospitality design and hotel experience, focus on durability and build process
- Poppy’s real estate and builder project management background, deep builder and trade knowledge
- How their combined skills create a holistic approach to residential design and construction collaboration
5. Building Challenges in Dallas
- Impact of active soil, climate extremes, and shifting weather on construction and interiors
- Importance of realistic client expectations around timelines, soil testing, and permitting
- Regional differences in design challenges and neighborhood personalities across Dallas metroplex
6. Expanded Role of Interior Designers
- Growing client education on lighting, air quality, water filtration, and acoustics
- Increasing involvement in exterior design for cohesive indoor-outdoor flow
- Navigating intellectual property issues, brand extensions, and designer-led product lines
7. Photography, Styling, and Portfolio Strategy
- Not every project gets photographed due to client preference or cost
- In-house styling process balancing client personality with editorial needs
- Preference for showcasing recent projects and maintaining strong referral-based business
Thank you, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you, Poppy, Shannon. Loved our chat and appreciate the time. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend or colleague who loves design and architecture like you do, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you’d like to see the show. Convo by design at outlook.com.
Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company, Pacific Sales, Best Buy, LOME-AI and Design Hardware. These companies support the shelter industr
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