Product Talk | America 250—Heritage, Craftsmanship, and the Next Generation of American Design
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Lauren Brant’s monthly Product Talk for I Hear Design explores the enduring impact of American manufacturing on commercial design. Lauren sits down with Joseph Namyst of Davis Furniture and Casey Baxter of HBF + HBF Textiles to discuss craftsmanship, domestic manufacturing, sustainability, and the partnerships directing the future of American-made furniture and textiles. Discover how heritage and innovation combine to define lasting design.
Meet Our Guests
Casey Baxter is the Vice President, General Manager for HBF + HBF Textiles. Based in New York City, Casey has over 20 years of sales, marketing, and product leadership experience in the commercial furniture industry, focusing on design-oriented brands. A consummate connector, she is recognized for her ability to create lasting, meaningful relationships with designers, clients, and collaborators alike. She thrives on the strategic and collaborative aspects of the industry, enjoys exploring trends through international design shows, and champions authentic design as a Board Member for BeOriginal Americas.
Joseph Namyst is the Creative Director of Davis Furniture, where he leads the company’s creative vision across product storytelling, brand strategy, marketing, photography, digital design, and public relations. With more than fifteen years of experience in the contract furniture industry, he specializes in translating design into compelling brand experiences that connect with architects, designers, and dealers. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Joseph has helped launch hundreds of products and contributed to award-winning showrooms and exhibitions throughout the design industry. He also serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the University of Oklahoma’s Interior Design program.
Key Moments in This Episode
2:45 – Manufacturing is about people, not just products
Lauren sets the stage by exploring how American manufacturing is rooted in craftsmanship, community, and the people behind commercial furniture production as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary.
4:15 – North Carolina’s furniture legacy
Casey explains how HBF’s roots in Hickory, North Carolina, shaped the company’s commitment to local suppliers, vertically integrated manufacturing, and lasting partnerships.
6:55 – Four generations of Davis Furniture
Joseph reflects on the company’s family-owned history since 1944 and why long-term relationships—not quarterly results—have guided Davis Furniture for more than 80 years.
9:25 – Why American manufacturing still matters
Joseph discusses the benefits of domestic manufacturing, including quality control, vertical integration, transparency, and investing in employees and local communities.
14:10 – Craftsmanship starts with skilled people
Casey shares how expert craftspeople and close relationships with manufacturers ensure premium quality and consistency across HBF’s product portfolio.
16:30 – The chair that survived a second-story drop
Lauren recounts the legendary Florida State University durability test, prompting Joseph to explain how Davis defines quality and why products are designed to last for decades.
18:45 – Sustainability begins with durability
Casey explains why longevity, localized manufacturing, BIFMA testing, and serviceability are becoming central to conversations with designers and specifiers.
22:05 – Restore, don’t replace
Joseph shares how refinishing a well-used walnut conference table exemplifies Davis Furniture’s philosophy that quality products should be restored rather than discarded.
25:20 – Timeless design over trends
Casey discusses HBF’s philosophy of creating products with lasting appeal instead of chasing short-lived design trends, helping extend product life cycles.
27:40 – The evolving future of performance textiles
Casey explores how HBF Textiles is responding to demand for PFAS-free, recycled, indoor/outdoor performance fabrics without compromising durability.
29:15 – Why designer partnerships matter
Casey and Joseph discuss collaborations with designers and mill partners and how those relationships have elevated the companies’ product development and global reputation.
37:20 – What separates lasting design from good design?
The conversation explores how thoughtful engineering, timeless aesthetics, and purpose-driven design create products that outlive trends.
40:00 – The future of American manufacturing
Both guests reflect on how innovation, sustainability, technology, and investment in people will shape the next generation of American manufacturing.
45:10 – Looking toward America’s next 25 years
Casey and Joseph share insights into American-made design as craftsmanship, employee investment, and global collaboration continue to define enduring furniture manufacturing.
About the Author
Lauren Brant
Staff Writer, interiors+sources and BUILDINGS
Lauren Brant is Staff Writer for both interiors+sources and BUILDINGS. She is an award-winning editor and reporter whose work has appeared in daily and weekly newspapers. In 2020, the weekly newspaper won the Rhoades Family Weekly Print Sweepstakes—the division winner across the state's weekly newspapers. Lauren was also awarded the top feature photo across Class A papers. She holds a B.A. in journalism and media communications from Colorado State University-Fort Collins and a M.S. in organizational management from Chadron State College.