How STARK Carpet Built a Luxury Empire — And Why AI Is Changing Everything with Chad Stark
How STARK Carpet Built a Luxury Empire — And Why AI Is Changing Everything with Chad Stark  
Podcast: The iDesign Lab Podcast
Published On: Thu Nov 12 2026
Description: Send us Fan MailA luxury carpet brand doesn’t become iconic by accident, but its origin story can start that way. We sit down with Chad Stark, CEO of Stark Carpet, to trace how a family business founded in 1938 turns a chance discovery of French handmade rugs into one of the most respected names in luxury rugs, broadloom carpet, and custom hand-knotted design.We talk about what it really means to run a multi-generation company, including the pressure of stepping into leadership, the “infinite game” mindset, and the trust-building that happens when titles matter less than actions. Chad shares the behind-the-scenes reality of becoming CEO in 2020, leading through COVID uncertainty, and doubling down on culture, people, and service as the true competitive advantage in the interior design industry.From there, we get into the modern playbook: global sourcing in India and Nepal for custom rugs, the difference between fabric and carpet economics, and how Scalamandre operates as a sister company. Chad also breaks down showroom strategy, why partner networks can outperform real estate, and how luxury brands balance trade-only traditions with a trade preferred model designed around interior designers.Then we go full future mode. Chad, nicknamed “Chad GPT,” explains how Stark is going all in on AI, from building an internal AI culture to using tools for analytics, reporting, and smarter decisions, without losing the relationship-first experience that defines luxury. If you care about luxury home furnishings, design leadership, customer experience, and AI in retail, this conversation is packed with grounded insight.Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of design, business, and innovation, and if you enjoyed this one, share it with a designer or founder and leave us a review.Support the showLearn more at:https://twinteriors.com/podcast/https://scottwoolley.com