In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Sammy Rupp, interior designer and fiber artist at DLR Group , about her innovative work in neuroinclusive design. Sammy discusses how her personal experiences with ADHD and her sister’s autism diagnosis which led her to champion design strategies that support diverse cognitive and sensory needs. She shares insights from her grant-supported research at DLR Group, details behind her immersive installation “Tactile” currently featur...
Jul 07, 2025•34 min•Ep. 86
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read, we revisit an article titled, " The Johnson Studio Transforms Former Memphis Foundry into Fine Dining Destination ," by Jennie Morton published on the i+s website on April 22, 2025. We spotlight an inspiring adaptive reuse project by The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in this mini episode, in which you'll discover how a former 1920s Memphis foundry was thoughtfully transformed into Bishop, a French brasserie that balances contemporary fine dini...
Jun 30, 2025•4 min•Ep. 85
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with architect and Anguleri s CEO Ben Glunz to explore Swatchbox’s new Second Life Samples™ program—a breakthrough initiative that’s redefining sustainability in the design world. Swatchbox has long helped designers streamline how they request and return product samples, but its new offering goes a step further: enabling the return and reuse of any unused material sample, regardless of where it came from. Leveraging a proprietary A...
Jun 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 84
Discover how HGA turned a former department store in the historic Woodies building in Washington, DC, into its thriving new regional headquarters in this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, based on a recent article, titled, " HGA Overhauls Former Department Store Into New D.C. Headquarters ," published on the i+s website on Feb. 18, 2025. In this article-read, you'll learn how: Adaptive reuse can transform historic buildings into vibrant, modern workplaces while preserving architectural...
Jun 16, 2025•8 min•Ep. 83
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Cheryl Durst, EVP and CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), to explore the future of interior design and IIDA’s central role in shaping it. Recorded ahead of NeoCon and Design Days in Chicago, the conversation highlights IIDA’s initiatives, including Revel in Design, the Design Your World program aimed at diversifying the profession, and the Certified Design Futurist program helping firms become more str...
Jun 09, 2025•41 min•Ep. 82
Have you ever considered how hotels can incorporate adaptive design elements to proactively meet their guests’ needs? Listen to this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read mini-episode in which we revisit an article titled, " Adaptive Furnishings and Fixtures Deliver Fully Inclusive Hotels ," written by Evelyn Long and published on the i+s website on April 8, 2025. You'll learn: Why inclusive design is becoming a business imperative How to enhance accessibility in common areas How to go beyo...
Jun 02, 2025•6 min•Ep. 81
In this edition of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen delivers a wide-angle view of the current architecture, design, and construction landscape in 2025. Drawing from recent reports and economic indicators—including the AIA Billings Index, Sherwin-Williams' Construction Insights survey, and research from firms like Gensler, Perkins&Will, and Corgan—this episode unpacks the forces reshaping the built environment. We explore the lingering impact of economic uncertainty, new tariffs, and suppl...
May 26, 2025•9 min•Ep. 80
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read mini-episode, we revisit an article titled, " What Does a Healthy Showroom Look Like? " published on the interiors+sources website on Feb. 18, 2025. Listen in to discover how Kimball International ’s Boston showroom recently achieved WELL certification at the Platinum level, becoming the fifth of the company’s facilities to do so, as well as what the certification means for interior designers. Learn how the new space incorporates design features...
May 19, 2025•5 min•Ep. 79
In this special NeoCon 2025 preview episode, host Robert Nieminen chats with sustainability journalist and educator Kenn Busch, founder of Material Intelligence and Climate Positive Now . Together, they explore what’s in store at this year’s Material Intelligence Destination: NeoCon Pavilion—a hands-on, narrative-driven space that reframes how designers and specifiers engage with sustainable materials. Kenn shares how the pavilion evolved from its “materials petting zoo” roots to a vibrant hub f...
May 12, 2025•42 min•Ep. 78
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini article-read episode, we revisit an article published on the i+s website titled, " ASID Explores the Influence of Joy, Wellness, and Sustainability on 2025 Interior Design Trends ," in which ASID's Lindsey Koren discusses how interior design is adapting to reflect emerging priorities that emphasize joy, wellness, and sustainability. Based on findings from the Association's recently released 2025 Trends Outlook, discover how these evolving influences off...
May 05, 2025•6 min•Ep. 77
Marketing building products to architects and designers is more complicated than ever. In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen talks with Susan Fernandez, founder of Cast Carbon and partner at UpSpring , about what it really takes to break through the noise and connect with today’s A&D professionals. From her early days branding pavers to launching circular materials at Cast Carbon, Susan shares why storytelling is crucial—even for the most utilitarian products—and how to craf...
Apr 28, 2025•38 min•Ep. 76
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read mini-episode, we commemorate Earth Day 2025 by revisiting an article published on the i+s website titled, " Creating a Climate-Resilient Blueprint for Schools ," which explores the risks educational institutions face due to extreme weather-related events and the important role that resilient educational facilities can play in safely serving the community, inspiring key changes in building design and on-site energy resources. Listen in as we high...
Apr 21, 2025•7 min•Ep. 75
With office vacancies rising and housing shortages mounting, the commercial real estate industry is at a tipping point. In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Marissa Kasdan and Mark Oberholzer of KTGY to explore how adaptive reuse—and their bold Upcycle Tower concept —could reshape our cities. They discuss the real-world challenges of converting steel-framed office towers into viable residential buildings, the role of city incentives, and how thoughtful design can...
Apr 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 74
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read episode, we look back at an interview i+s Editor in Chief Carrie Meadows conducted with Principal Caleb Anderson of /AND Design (formerly Drake/Anderson), originally published online on Feb. 5, 2025, in which he talks about an approach for wider industry collaboration that harmonizes design concepts and values for business with purpose. Discover how Anderson plans to advance the firm’s sustainability initiatives in a way that aligns his passion ...
Apr 07, 2025•11 min•Ep. 73
In the final installment of our Women’s History Month series, we're honored to host Andrea Keller on this episode of I Hear Design. Andrea is a visionary architect and partner/designer of Star Tile who's redefining how we perceive design and its impact on human well-being. In this episode, we explore how incorporating these natural geometries into our built environments can trigger a calming neurological response, reducing stress and enhancing overall wellness. Andrea shares her insights on the ...
Mar 31, 2025•30 min•Ep. 72
In this Women’s History Month episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Sara Balderi and Deidre Hoguet of Designtex for an inspiring conversation on the growing field of neuroaesthetics. They explore how neuroscience, biophilia, and the psychology of space are reshaping commercial design—from healthcare to hospitality—with a focus on emotional wellness, sensory comfort, and inclusive experiences. Sara and Deidre share their research on color, texture, and pattern, explain how...
Mar 24, 2025•36 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by two influential women in the design industry—Alda Ly, founder and principal of ALA Studio ( @_ala_studio ), and Casey Baxter, vice president and general manager of HBF ( @hbffurniture | @hbftextiles ). As part of our Women’s History Month series, we explore their professional journeys, the impact of female-led collaborations, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in the built environment. From navigating male-dominated...
Mar 17, 2025•43 min•Ep. 70
To kick off Women's History Month , host Robert Nieminen sits down with Kellie K. Sirna, founder of Studio 11 Design , to explore her journey from launching a boutique design firm to leading one of Dallas' most sought-after hospitality design teams. In this episode of I Hear Design, Kellie shares insights on managing a multi-generational workforce, the evolving demands of hospitality design post-pandemic, and the firm’s innovative approach to sustainability and wellness. She also offers valuable...
Mar 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 69
In this mini In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we dive into an article published on the i+s website on Dec. 3, 2024, titled, " Discover the Versatility and Value of Chemical Fabrics and Film ," that explores how vinyl products deliver customization, durability, and aesthetic excellence across industries from healthcare to hospitality....
Mar 03, 2025•4 min•Ep. 68
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with design innovators Steven DuFresne and Dave Veeneman to reveal the fascinating journey behind the Anthros chair. Learn how years of experience in wheelchair seating and a commitment to rigorous scientific research led to a groundbreaking, ergonomic office chair that improves posture, reduces pain, and redefines comfort over time. The conversation also explores the impactful work of the Anthros Foundation , which uses profits to...
Feb 24, 2025•49 min•Ep. 67
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we review an article recently published on the i+s website titled, " Office Furnishings Find a Second Life Through Designers and Distributors Embracing Sustainable Practices ." Listen in as we discuss how sustainability and circularity, combined with newer tools and marketplaces for sourcing high-quality used furniture, are driving interest in secondhand office furnishings....
Feb 17, 2025•7 min•Ep. 66
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by industry experts Robert Siegel ( Siegel Desig n), Steven South ( Spectorgroup ), and Erin McDannald ( Elevated ) to explore the business case for sustainability. The discussion covers how companies are leveraging sustainable design to improve ROI, boost employee well-being, and increase building efficiency. Topics include material transparency, smart building technologies, and how sustainability impacts real estate values. Tune ...
Feb 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 65
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, we revisit a recent article published on the i+s website that explores how woven metal fabric is transforming healthcare infrastructure with its durability, biophilic properties, and versatility. From enhancing safety and privacy to reducing noise pollution, discover how this dynamic material is contributing to the creation of healing environments that prioritize patient and staff well-being....
Feb 05, 2025•6 min•Ep. 64
In this insightful episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with industry leaders Pablo La Roche ( Arcadis ), Joe Mamayek ( SGA ), and Jonce Walker ( HLW ) to explore the evolving landscape of green building standards, including LEED v5 and its far-reaching implications. From cutting-edge technologies like geothermal and passive cooling to the rise of regenerative design and embodied carbon reduction, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping sust...
Jan 27, 2025•54 min•Ep. 63
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode based on a recent article published on the interiors+sources website, we explore how interior designers are uniquely responsible for promoting inclusiveness and meeting non-neurotypical groups’ needs through innovative office design—which can improve the overall occupant experience. Learn how to prioritize inclusivity by accommodating more unique needs while serving the requisites of neurotypical individuals, thereby elevating all occupants’ experien...
Jan 20, 2025•8 min•Ep. 62
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Yure Suarez ( Perkins&Will ), Ilijana Soldan ( Hord Coplan Macht ), and Ryan Smith ( 3form ) to discuss the evolution of sustainable design in the second installment of a three-part series on sustainability. Discover how holistic approaches, resilience strategies, and circular design principles are transforming the architecture and interior design industry. Learn actionable insights for integrating wellness, addressing emb...
Jan 13, 2025•44 min•Ep. 61
Once considered expensive and difficult to operate, 3D printing has become far more accessible in recent years. Now, design firms can often afford to have 3D printers in-house, but there are also plenty of outsourcing options. The result is that we’re seeing a major increase not only in large-scale projects driven by this technology—such as a fully 3D-printed building —but in the everyday ways that it can assist with creativity and design workflow. Listen to this article read in our latest In Ca...
Jan 06, 2025•6 min•Ep. 60
Join I Hear Design host Robert Nieminen as he sits down with Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink to unpack their 2025 Design Forecast . Discover how five key trends—experience-driven lifestyle districts, sustainable design innovations, adaptive reuse, attainable housing, and the future workplace—are reshaping the built environment. From cutting-edge advancements in materials to creative conversions of aging buildings, this episode explores how architecture and design are tacklin...
Dec 30, 2024•40 min•Ep. 59
In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of I Hear Design, we explore the cutting-edge innovations showcased in the 2024 IIDA Healthcare Design Awards . From biophilic design that reconnects patients with nature to trauma-informed spaces that prioritize safety and calm, the winning projects highlight five transformative trends that are reshaping healthcare design for 2025 and beyond. Join us as we dive into visionary spaces that blend empathy, sustainability, and functionality to create hea...
Dec 16, 2024•6 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen welcomes Carrie Meadows, Editor-in-Chief of interiors+sources , for her podcast debut and an enlightening conversation with Adam Reeder, president of LightArt . Together, they delve into the fascinating relationship between LightArt and its materials partner, 3form , and explore how these industry leaders are merging biophilic design with innovations in recycled materials. Adam shares insights into LightArt’s groundbreaking approaches to sus...
Dec 02, 2024•22 min•Ep. 57
