BM: Tell us a little bit about your show The Revolution premiering in 2012 on ABC with Tim Gunn. How different will it be filming a talk show versus being on the road with Extreme Makeover?
TP: The Revolution will premiere in January [2012], and it’s a show about lifestyle transformations inside and out. My role is basically to support the individuals we help and the people who are watching at home who are trying to meet individual goals. In some cases, their revolution may include a change in their environment, so, of course, if design comes into play, I’ll be involved in that. I’ve always believed that “good design can change your life,” and I think that will play a part in The Revolution. Filming the talk show is much more structured than filming Extreme Makeover. After all, the talk show is mostly in a studio. I don’t have to worry about torrential downpours, snow storms, tornados or neighbors wandering over trying to use the Bobcat in their own landscaping projects. Just like Extreme Makeover, I work with a team, and our goal is to help change someone’s life. So, in that regard, it’s not all that different.
BM: You will be in New York for this show, right? What are your favorite green spots in the city, or in Venice?
TP: In New York, I live near the Highline. This is an exceptional example of urban green space. Everything about how it became a park epitomizes what we can and should be doing across the nation with abandoned urban areas. Back in Venice, it’s kind of hard to find green spots, but not hard to find sandy spots. And, when I’m home, I get out to the beach as much as I can.
BM: Famous last words?
TP: Don’t be stupid. It’s not smart.
About Ty
As the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington has helped transform the lives of thousands, while inspiring millions more around the world. Under the leadership of the charismatic home-design guru, Extreme Makeover is consistently rated among the top 20 television programs. Ty’s book, How Good Design Can Change Your Life, arrived in bookstores in 2008. He has been recognized as a pioneer in the field of volunteerism for his work on Extreme Makeover and Ty’s Great British Adventure. He also serves as ambassador for the Sears American Dream campaign, and he has been involved with AccessSurfHawaii, a volunteer group which helps kids with disabilities learn to surf and play other water sports.
Ty also helped Bayer Asprin launch their first Wonders of the Heart contest in 2007.
