The Dwell Design Leader video series is an inside look at some of the most influential, inspirational, and innovative designers in the industry today. From landscape architect Andrea Cochran to prefab architect Michelle Kaufmann to co-housing expert Kathryn McCamant to Airstream designer Christopher Deam, a full spectrum of modern design disciplines are explored from a personal and professional perspective.

Lucky's Break
With a very limited budget and no construction experience, Lucky and Kim Diaz overhauled a wreck of a house into a sweet, 1,100-square-foot Los Angeles home with just $55,000 and a whole lot of stubborn determination. Here is their story, as told by Lucky.

Ski Lift
Michael Johnson’s answer to having little buildable land to work with in his design of Ruth Hiller’s Winter Park, Colorado, house was to elevate and cantilever the kitchen, living, and dining space over the carport, nearly doubling the home’s living area.

Living Room
The Schafers’ furniture includes an Eames Aluminum Group lounge chair (“And ottoman!” adds Im). A coffee table made of glued, corrugated cardboard was the couple’s first project together, when they met in college eight years ago.