Collectors Gene Radio – Episode Summary: Steven Rodell, Creative Director at Guy Goodfellow

Release Date: June 25, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner delves deep into the intricate world of collecting and interior design with Steven Rodell, the Creative Director at Guy Goodfellow. Known for blending eras with grace and spatial intelligence, Guy Goodfellow’s studio is a testament to the art of curated collections woven seamlessly into living spaces. This episode explores Steven’s journey, his passion for collecting, and the philosophies that guide his design approach.

1. Steven Rodell’s Background and Design Philosophy

Steven Rodell’s affinity for design and collecting traces back to his early years, influenced profoundly by his great aunt, a seasoned jeweler who ran a gallery in Somerset. His upbringing amidst decorative arts and theatrical lighting ignited his appreciation for layered, eclectic aesthetics.

Steven Rodell [03:19]: "She was a wonderful woman... her house was so richly layered and it was so eccentric, and it was sort of like theater."

Entering the world of interior design with a foundation in art history and architecture, Steven views design as a form of self-portraiture—creating spaces that reflect the character and stories of their inhabitants.

Cameron [05:28]: "...interior design as being like sort of self portraiture. And, you know, you're creating portraits that are demonstrating or reflective of the people that live in them."

2. The Art of Collecting in Interior Design

At Guy Goodfellow, collecting is integral to design. Steven likens the role to that of a curator, meticulously selecting pieces that tell a story and contribute to the room’s narrative.

Steven Rodell [12:16]: "I've often thought maybe it was about sort of... the role of a curator."

This approach ensures that each space evolves organically, with every object holding significance rather than merely filling space.

3. Balancing Budget and Creativity

Steven emphasizes that constraints can fuel creativity. Working within a budget requires designers to think critically and creatively, much like cooking with limited ingredients.

Steven Rodell [14:58]: "Designing with complete abandon with an unlimited amount of money is a huge privilege. But actually, when you have a budget, sometimes you can weirdly be sort of more creative..."

4. Client Collaboration and Curating Collections

Whether collaborating with clients who have well-defined collections or those unsure of their preferences, Steven believes in understanding their personalities and lifestyles to curate spaces that resonate personally.

Steven Rodell [18:10]: "It's about trying to sort of tease that out. And if you ask those questions and you get to know those people in a very legitimate, in a very real way, then the interiors then sort of form around it."

5. Inspirations from Around the World

While based in the UK, Steven draws inspiration globally. Travels to places like South Africa and Mozambique add diverse elements to his design library, enriching his creative process.

Steven Rodell [22:01]: "It's about being inspired by that place and sort of thinking and having that in your library of ideas when you might just end up working there."

6. Defining 'Collected' vs. 'Beautiful' Rooms

Steven distinguishes between rooms that are merely beautiful and those that are truly collected. A collected room tells a story, showing evolution and genuine layering, whereas a beautiful room can sometimes feel constructed or artificially curated.

Steven Rodell [22:19]: "A room that is evolved over time, that is collected, there will be elements in that room that look slightly like they don't belong... They have a genuine sense of patina."

7. Steven’s Personal Collection and Preferences

Steven’s personal collection is a testament to his tastes—portraiture, vintage lighting, and seascapes stand out among his treasures. His passion for narrative-driven pieces is evident in his selection process.

Steven Rodell [24:09]: "I love portraiture... when I look at portraiture, I think about the story, I think about the narrative."

He shares anecdotal experiences of acquiring pieces that hold personal significance, highlighting the emotional connection to his collections.

8. The Patience and Storytelling in Collecting

Despite the digital age's rapid pace, Steven underscores the enduring essence of patience in collecting. Finding the right piece often involves time, discernment, and sometimes serendipitous moments.

Steven Rodell [34:12]: "Collecting the right piece, you really have to wait for it to come to market. It's not about just buying an expensive car from a dealership when you can get it the same day."

He also touches on the joy of gifting collected items, passing on the stories and memories embedded in each piece.

9. Collector’s Dream Rundown

In the final segment, Steven responds to the "Collector’s Dream Rundown," sharing personal anecdotes and aspirations:

• One That Got Away: A beautifully designed table top that eluded him despite long-term interest.

Steven Rodell [44:20]: "Just about the time when I was seriously thinking... he had repurposed it on the most amazing base... it just looks extraordinary."

• On Deck: Steven is currently intrigued by vintage coupes for martinis and has developed a newfound appreciation for jewelry, inspired by his engagement.

Steven Rodell [46:12]: "I've been desperate to find some very small sort of coupes... and I'm really curious about jewelry now."

• Unobtainable Desire: A Jean Leon Jerome painting, "Bashy Bazook," in the Met collection, epitomizes his dream acquisition.

Steven Rodell [50:06]: "It's in the Met collection. It's that sort of very beautiful portrait... it would be what I would want."

• Page One Rewrite: While contemplating new collecting avenues, Steven expresses interest in bas relief work for its narrative and sculptural qualities.

Steven Rodell [51:22]: "Early bas relief work. Something so interesting about that. Sculptural and so contemporary."

• Role Model in Collecting: Steven admires the refined eclecticism of Bill Blass, particularly his auction catalogs.

Steven Rodell [51:52]: "Bill Blass... he mastered this sort of refined eclecticism. It was beautifully masculine... I take great inspiration from that particular catalog."

• Hunt vs. Ownership: While both aspects hold value, Steven favors the thrill of the hunt—the search and discovery process.

Steven Rodell [52:55]: "I love the Hunt, but then I love to own it... it's something that... you just get a huge amount of enjoyment."

• Collector’s Gene?: Steven believes he was born with the collector’s instinct, nurtured by experience and exposure.

Steven Rodell [53:46]: "I think yes, but I think it was definitely nurtured through... experience, exposure, instinct."

Conclusion

This episode of Collectors Gene Radio offers a profound insight into the symbiotic relationship between collecting and interior design through Steven Rodell’s experiences and philosophies. From the meticulous curation of personal and client collections to the patience required in acquiring meaningful pieces, Steven embodies the essence of the collector’s gene. His journey underscores that collecting is not just about owning objects but about preserving stories, memories, and the nuanced beauty that each piece brings to a space.

Notable Quotes:

• Steven Rodell [00:54]: "Designing with complete abandon with an unlimited amount of money is a huge privilege. But actually, when you have a budget, sometimes you can weirdly be sort of more creative..."

• Cameron [05:49]: "Interiors are trying to translate their character. You're creating portraits that are demonstrating or reflective of the people that live in them."

• Steven Rodell [14:58]: "It's like cooking with something with the limited ingredients. You have to make it taste as good as it can, but you only have a very limited ingredient."

• Steven Rodell [18:10]: "It reflects their interests, their personality, their character. It's about teasing that out... then the interiors form around it."

• Steven Rodell [22:19]: "There is a genuine sense of patina... rooms that have legitimately evolved over time do."

• Steven Rodell [34:12]: "Collecting the right piece, you really have to wait for it to come to market... you still have to have this really exquisite patience."

• Steven Rodell [53:46]: "I think yes, I do think that you start with something and you have this natural instinct for something, but it can be nurtured through experience and exposure."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Cameron and Steven, highlighting the intricate dance between collecting and design, and the innate passion that drives collectors like Steven Rodell.