Form, Function, and Family Legacy: Steven Cooper on Four Decades of Kitchen Design

Form, Function, and Family Legacy: Steven Cooper on Four Decades of Kitchen Design

From Beyond the Design by Cray Bauxmont-Flynn

February 20, 2026 · 47 min · Season 4 · Episode 6

About this episode

Steven Cooper discusses his four decades of experience in kitchen design, emphasizing the balance of form and function.

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Cooper, principal designer of Cooper Pacific Kitchens and Cabinet Los Angeles, to explore the intersection of art and functionality in kitchen design. As Cooper Pacific Kitchens approaches its 40th anniversary, Steven shares insights from nearly four decades of creating bespoke kitchens for clients around the world—from Tokyo to Palm Beach's iconic Tiffany's building. He discusses his collaboration with British brand Cabinet, his work on the Le Cornue global design council, and how Los Angeles' diverse architectural landscape continues to inspire his creative vision. Steven takes us through his design philosophy, emphasizing the critical balance between form and function, the importance of listening deeply to clients, and how beauty can transform everyday rituals into meaningful moments. He shares the lessons learned from his father and grandfather—both builders who instilled in him the value of meticulous craftsmanship and the mantra "measure twice, cut once." From mixing materials in unexpected ways to appreciating the patina that natural stone develops over time, Steven reveals what makes a kitchen not just functional, but soulful…

People in this episode

Host: Cray Bauxmont-Flynn

Guest: Steven Cooper

Topics covered

  • kitchen design
  • art and functionality
  • bespoke kitchens
  • design philosophy
  • craftsmanship
  • client collaboration

Keywords

  • kitchen design
  • bespoke kitchens
  • craftsmanship
  • design philosophy
  • Los Angeles architecture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cooper Pacific Kitchens, Cabinet, Le Cornue

Places: Tokyo, Palm Beach, Los Angeles

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