Anyone else watching?

I watched it last night, and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to stand Todd Oldham's voice long enough to watch the whole season.

The host:
Known as one of the most beloved designers working today, Todd Oldham joins “Top Design” as host, delivering challenges and inspiring and leading the designers to be their most creative and original in their pursuit of creating the “Top Design.”

Originally a New York fashion designer, and the host of “Todd Time” on MTV's “House of Style,” Todd's career has evolved to include all areas of design, from interior design, film and photography, to furniture and graphic art. Todd is the author of Hand Made Modern by Regan Books, and has hosted HGTV's “Hand Made Modern” series of specials.

Todd designed his own line of dorm room furnishings for Target and currently designs a line of furniture and accessories, Todd Oldham By La-Z-Boy. Todd also designed The Hotel in South Beach, as well as The Fairfax Hotel, South Beach, to open in 2007.

The judges:

“Top Design” series judge Kelly Wearstler ranks among the design industry's most influential new tastemakers. Acclaimed for trendsetting designs, Kelly is the founder and principal of the award-winning Los Angeles-based firm Kelly Wearstler Interior Design.

As the lead creative eye and lifestyle muse for the boutique Viceroy resorts in Southern California, Miami, South Beach, Anguilla and Mexico's Riviera Maya, she has helped make the Viceroy name synonymous with polish, glamour and wit. In addition, she is leading the aesthetic vision for The Tides, a growing collection of vibrantly chic beach resorts in South Beach and the Caribbean.

Luxury design aficionados also recognize Kelly for her creative transformation of the BG restaurant and lounge at Manhattan's Bergdorf Goodman; her celebrity and executive residential designs in Beverly Hills and Hollywood; and her books Domicilium Decoratus and Modern Glamour (Regan Books / HarperCollins).

Kelly's exclusive rug, wallpaper and fabric collections are currently available to design professionals, and her signature bedding, dinnerware and table linens will debut at fine retailers nationwide throughout 2007.

As Editor in Chief of Elle Decor Magazine, “Top Design” judge Margaret Russell has infused the magazine with a singular sense of sophistication, while helping to preserve its mission to inspire designers, architects, and homeowners with the best in interior and product design.

In July 2000, Margaret was promoted to editor in chief of the magazine she helped found. Since then she has spearheaded an award-winning redesign of the publication — one of 23 Elle Decor editions worldwide — and shifted coverage to portray an increasingly diverse array of talents through images and articles that blend striking graphics with incisive, personality-driven text.

In addition to overseeing Elle Decor, elledecor.com, and the Elle Decor series of books, Margaret serves as a trustee of DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), and co-chairs the series of Elle Decor Dining by Design events that take place in eight cities across the country each year.

Stewart, Tabori & Chang, published Margaret's book, “Designing Women: Interiors by Leading Style Makers”, which profiles 16 trendsetters in the design world.

Jonathan Adler, the lead judge of “Top Design,” has been celebrated for the mod shapes, vibrant colors and organic eye-popping patterns that are the signature of his work today.

His business encompasses seven retail outlets in Soho & the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Los Angeles, East Hampton, Miami, San Francisco, and Chicago; a thriving interior design business, responsible for the re-design of the Parker Palm Springs hotel in modernist style with a comfy residential feel; a burgeoning licensing business under the brand name Jonathan Adler Happy Home that's expanding into bedding, bath accessories, stationary, dinnerware and table linens at accessible prices; and he continues to sell his wares to high-end boutiques around the world.

Jonathan's “happy, handcrafted, and luxe” designs for the home have become a part of American pop-culture, appearing on the sets of the “Today Show,” “Sex and the City,” “Will & Grace,” and “The Apprentice.”

In November 2005, Jonathan launched his first book My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living, which combines his wittiness and enthusiasm for creating happy homes everywhere with serious design.

The contestants:

Elizabeth, 48
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, and currently resides there

Profession: Teaches Pre-Production Visualization, Production Design, Art Direction and Visualization at the College of Art and Design in Pasadena. Also, teaches Concept Development at Otis College of Art and Design and is a self-employed Interior Designer.

Education: Bachelor's degree from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from University of Santa Monica

Design style: Creative and eclectic

Elizabeth realized she wanted to be an interior designer when Prince gave her money to design the after parties for his Purple Rain tour.

Since 1984, Elizabeth has worked as a production designer in the film industry for a list of celebrity clients. She believes that every space has a story to tell. A true artist – a sculptor, painter, photographer and designer — Elizabeth has shown and sold her art internationally.

While design is her passion, the most important thing in the world to her is her six-year-old son. She is currently developing a line of jewelry, pillows and chairs for the launch of her new company FROOTE.

Heather,36

Hometown: Gainesville, Florida, currently resides in Los Angeles

Profession: Assistant Designer and Project Manager at Mary McDonald Inc.

Education: Bachelor's degree in building construction from the University of Florida.

Design style: Historical and progressive

Heather's journey into design was a unique one. After moving to Los Angeles, she got a job as the restaurant manager at The Standard hotel. When she heard there was an opening in their design department, she convinced the owner to give her a chance. Given her background in building construction and her knack for design, the opportunity provided her with an excellent jumping off point.

In addition to her design work at The Standard, Heather also worked on the Los Angeles nightclub Privilege and a wine bar, Tosca.

Heather is extremely passionate about design as a whole and chose interior design due to its ability to affect thousands of people, whereas a couture dress only has the ability to affect one.

Michael, 23
Hometown: Athol, Massachusetts, currently resides in New York City

Profession: Owner of Michael Adams Interiors

Education: Attended Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) and Parsons School of Design. Hopes to eventually earn a degree from F.I.T.

Design style: Chic but comfortable

Michael grew up on an organic free range farm in Western Massachusetts before moving to New York City to follow his dream.

After working in several different design firms in New York, he currently owns a design firm and is working on designing a 20 million dollar home. He is extremely confident and is not intimidated by designers with more experience.

Michael believes in his own talent and his strong contacts. He is likable, funny and not afraid to ask questions. He will tell you, “I'm polite. I'm kind and I'm very understanding. But, push me too far and I will totally burn your house down.”

Ryan, 35
Hometown: Ashtabula, Ohio, currently resides in New York City

Profession: Independent Artist

Education: Bachelor's degree in fine arts from Ohio University and master's degree in fine arts from Hunter College.

Design style: Bull in a china shop

Ryan is not your typical interior designer. He is also an accomplished artist who lives in New York.

He considers all of his education a blessing because he comes from a small industrial town in Ohio where great opportunities were a luxury. He is extremely appreciative of what he has and is not afraid to do whatever it takes to be successful.

Most recently, Ryan took part in the Whitney Museum's Independent Study Program. He has done many installations of his work has been shown all over the United States, including Caren Golden Fine Arts and DCKT Contemporary in New York, as well as Road Agent Gallery in Dallas, The Kemper Museum in Kansas City and Rocket Projects in Miami.

He works 24-hours a day and describes his personal style as “half Henry Rollins, half David Lee Roth, with a sprinkle of Evil Knievel.”

Carisa, 26
Hometown: Highland Park, New Jersey, currently resides in New York City

Profession: Interior Design Student

Education: Currently pursuing a BFA from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City

Design style: Clean and modern

Carisa attended a special design magnet high school where she studied design for three years as well as fine arts. She worked in scenic design for four years before deciding to fully pursue her passion for interior design.

Carisa is currently pursuing a bachelor of fine arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. And she doesn't remember a time in her life when she wasn't obsessed with interior design.

She believes a great space can change peoples' lives and wants to spend the rest of her life creating spaces for people.

John, 40
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, and currently resides there

Profession: Owner Gray Consulting, Inc.

Education: Self-Taught

Design style: Casual elegance

Completely self-taught with 16 years of design experience, John has proven his design talents in his hometown of Chicago, but now he feels it's his time to show the world.

John started in retail and merchandising and with just $25,000 he opened up his own furniture store. Seven years after opening the store, he sold it to the one man who told him he couldn't start a furniture store with $25,000 in the first place.

Without even a high school diploma, John has parlayed his dream of being a designer into a reality. Now the owner of his own firm, Gray Consulting, Inc. in Chicago, John and his designs have been featured in numerous Chicago publications. He is particularly strong in paint and construction, and focuses his talents on designing homes even though he says he's allergic to the suburbs.

A big personality with the drive to do it all, John has a range of styles and there's never a dull moment when he's around. He compares his life to George Michael (the singer): “I think our lives have both had some serious ups and downs. I can relate to the roller coaster ride.”

Felicia, 38
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, and currently resides there

Profession: Owner of Felicia Bushman Interior Designs

Education: Bachelor's degree in interior design from the UCLA Interior Design Extension Program.

Design style: Eclectic

Felicia grew up as part of a very spiritual family in Los Angeles. She knew she wanted to be a designer from the age of seven and began her career right after high school.

Today, Felicia has 20 years of experience and has been published in several magazines including Romantic Homes, Los Angeles Home and Décor and Metropolitan Homes. Much of her work is residential design and she has several high-profile clients. Her aspiration is to one day create a signature furniture line.

A self-proclaimed health nut, Felicia has completed 15 marathons and now does triathlons. She says: “I approach design like a marathon. I don’t stop until the end.”

Erik, 28
Hometown: South Bend, Indiana, currently resides in Chicago

Profession: Co-owner in Contrast Design Group, Inc.

Education: Briefly attended Indiana State University and studied design at Ball State University. He is currently pursuing his degree in the Chicago area.

Design style: Creatively client-focused

Erik grew up in South Bend, Indiana. Completely self-taught, Erik knew he wanted to be a designer from a very young age and worked hard to make that happen.

He has honed his skills in theatrical lighting and set design and at 28, Erik is already a partner in a design firm in Chicago. He believes that he is where he is today because of his drive, and is a self-proclaimed take-charge kind of guy in a competitive environment. He believes that design is a way of life, and not just a job that's over when you walk out the door.

Erik currently lives with his life partner, David, in Chicago and his greatest design achievement is their house. He says, “a true designer is always looking at things to put their stamp on.”

Lisa, 48
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, and currently resides there

Profession: Owner of Interior Obsession

Education: Associate's degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing in Los Angeles

Design style: Ethnic Modern

Lisa was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has a degree in interior design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing in Los Angeles. She owns her own firm called Interior Obsession in Beverly Hills, California, where she says she works all day and all night.

Designing both residential and commercial properties, Lisa has been published in several magazines including the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Magazine, Black Enterprise and Homes of Color. She has also received honors and awards including the Dupont Antron Design Award, Southern California Building Industry Award and the Élan Award.

Lisa is married with two college-aged children and says she still has talent that needs to be discovered. She loves interior design and says she's never looked back since 1980, when she graduated from interior design school.

Goil (like gargoyle), 33
Hometown: Born in Bangkok, Thailand, currently resides in New York City

Profession: Self-Employed Interior Designer/Architect & Teacher at Parsons School of Design

Education: Bachelor's degree in architecture from Carnegie Mellon and master's degree in Architecture from Yale

Design style: Architectural Ultra Modern

Born in Bangkok, Thailand, Goil moved to the United States when he was 12 years old. After graduating from Yale, he was handpicked by Robert A.M. Stern, a world-renowned architect, to work for him. It was here that he collaborated on a project to design and build the International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Goil's work has been exhibited at the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. He likes open spaces and can do everything from interiors, architecture, landscapes and product design. Goil believes he has a more worldly approach to his style, and says he's used to a competitive environment and loves to win.

Self-described as “small, spicy and fabulous,” Goil is known to stand his ground and confront his challenger face-to-face when conflicts arise.

Matt, 32
Hometown: Comfrey, Minnesota, currently resides in Chicago

Profession: Heads up the Interior Design Department at Darcy R. Bonner and Associates in Chicago

Education: Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from The Illinois Institute of Art

Design style: Current contemporary that's livable

Originally from Minnesota, Matt knew he wanted to be a designer since kindergarten. He considers himself a dramatic designer and believes that in order to be a great designer, it takes a combination of drive, ambition and talent all working together.

Matt says, “My philosophy on life has several steps, but the first two are that life is too short and everyone is %*#-ing crazy.”

Married for 10 years, with a four-year-old daughter, Matt says his biggest accomplishment is the playhouse he spent three years building for his daughter.

Andrea, 36
Hometown: Los Angeles, California, and currently resides there

Profession: Owner of Berry/Keller Architects, Inc.

Education: Bachelor's degree from University of Pennsylvania, bachelor's degree in design and master's degree in architecture and design from UCLA.

Design style: Modern, bold and cultural

Andrea knew she wanted to be a designer at age seven. Now 36, Andrea already has a successful design career, but feels there is no limit to her success.

Hailing from Los Angeles, she teaches restaurant design and exhibition design at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, as well as at University of Southern California. She also owns a very successful design firm in L.A., Berry/Keller Architects, Inc., which specializes in commercial and civic projects.

Andrea is half architect and half designer, and she has shared her expertise with the world in several television programs. Married with two boys, she is part Swiss, speaks four languages, and is in the process of learning two more.

Underneath all the proven accomplishments, Andrea is a self-proclaimed punk rocker, and she prefers to live by the fringe and often dyes her hair pink. She says she thrives on competition and even though she's made it this far, there is no slowing her down.