When The Design Network approached us about participating in their new series, “Hometown Heroes,” we knew this project would be different from our usual client work. This was about more than creating beautiful spaces—it was about making a meaningful impact in a community through design. The project entailed transforming three communal lounges and the kitchenette set across three floors of Covenant House New York—an organization in the Bronx that supports youth facing homelessness. Despite our studio’s full schedule, we knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up. Because when something matters, you make it happen. Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our experience designing for Covenant House and filming the show alongside Nicole Williams English.
A Design Challenge with Heart
Designing for Covenant House presented some fun challenges that pushed our creative problem-solving skills. Our goal was to create three spaces that were not only aesthetically pleasing for the young people but were also super functional. With approximately 15-20 youth ages 18-25 on each floor using the communal areas, we had to think carefully about space planning and flow.
Designing three spaces with a quick turnaround meant we had to be flexible with what was available in stock—a true feat for any designer! If we planned for a 10-foot sofa but an 8-foot was what we could get, we’d pivot and use the 8-foot, then fill in the sides with larger side tables. Personally, I love a good challenge, and being able to design in real time, making pivots as needed, was actually the best part of the process.
Life on Set
This project wasn’t our first experience working with The Design Network, but it was quite a different process than filming for “The Reveal.” The most surprising element of the production process was watching the crew’s ability to shoot various seg and then edit to chronological perfection. There are so many moving parts on a set, and so many people involved. Witnessing the director and producers’ ability to turn all these moving parts into a seamless episode is magic. It reminds me a lot of our installation days. These days are often filled with boxes, delivery teams, art hangers, and empty rooms. But with all hands on deck, we manage to turn the absolute chaos into a beautiful space that’s ready for our clients to call home.
Filming Highlights & The Reveal
As for filming the episode, the whole process was so much fun. There was a lot of laughter while we all collectively worked hard to complete this project in a very limited timeframe. When we were filming outside on the street, I loved seeing people walk by who were so supportive, giving a thumbs up or saying encouraging things. That deep sense of community in the Bronx was really the driving force of the project.
Of course, seeing the faces of the Covenant House team during the reveal was the most rewarding moment. When Rev. Dr. Shakeema North-Albert, CEO of Covenant House NY, said, “I think the young people are going to love the space, and I think it’s really going to inspire them to continue on their journey to greatness,” we knew our work was done. In fact, it may go down in LTW history as one of our best reveals ever.
“I think the young people are going to love the space, and I think it’s really going to inspire them to continue on their journey to greatness.”
-Rev. Dr. Shakeema North-Albert, CEO of Covenant House NY
Filled With Gratitude
Looking back, it was an absolute honor to be a part of this series. Working with all the great people involved made us feel part of the community and reminded us why design matters. As you view the episode, I hope you feel inspired to give back to a hometown hero in your local community—no matter how big or small, any contribution always has value. I also hope the episode leaves you inspired to appreciate how changing the layout and furniture within a space can really impact its functionality and flow. As I always say, design is powerful and can have a direct impact on how you feel.
Lastly, if you’d like to support the work of Covenant House New York, visit their website to learn more and join their incredible mission.
xx Leia
Watch Hometown Heroes featuring LTW Design on The Design Network’s YouTube channel. You can also view more of our latest projects by visiting our portfolio.