I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

The Future Is Circular: How Swatchbox Is Tackling Material Sampling Waste with Ben Glunz

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with architect and Anguleris 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 AI visual engine, the technology will assess the condition of samples and then the company will either recirculate, donate, or recycle them responsibly.
Together, Robert and Ben discuss:
The environmental and logistical costs of traditional sampling practices
Why circular design begins with thoughtful specification
How Swatchbox’s model empowers both manufacturers and designers
What Gen Z expects from sample workflows—and how the industry is evolving to meet them
If you’re passionate about reducing waste in the built environment, this episode offers real-world insights on how to start closing the loop—one sample at a time.
🔗 Learn more: secondlife.swatchbox.com

ICYMI: HGA Overhauls Former Department Store into New D.C. Headquarters

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 character.
HGA’s new headquarters reflects post-COVID hybrid work strategies, blending flexible spaces with collaborative areas.
Thoughtful design choices—such as high ceilings, natural light, and healthy materials—enhance employee well-being.
Locating offices in urban cores supports community revitalization and strengthens ties to clients and local organizations.
Sustainability certifications like LEED and WELL can align workplace design with environmental and health priorities.

NeoCon 2025: How IIDA Is Shaping the Future of Design—A Conversation with Cheryl Durst

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 strategic in an evolving marketplace.
Cheryl also discusses the impact of AI on the design profession, the importance of place in a post-pandemic world, and IIDA’s efforts to secure Chicago’s designation of “Design Week.” With trademark insight and passion, Cheryl shares how designers can navigate industry change while keeping people, place, and purpose at the core.
Show Notes
Design Your World
Certified Design Futurist (CDF) program
Chicago's official "Design Week" proclamation

ICYMI: Adaptive Furnishings and Fixtures Deliver Fully Inclusive Hotels

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 beyond ADA in creating thoughtful guestroom features
Why proactive and empathetic hospitality is so important
How to future proof through inclusive design principles

How Economic Pressures, Wellness Design, and Carbon Data Are Reshaping Architecture & Construction

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 supply chain delays, as well as emerging opportunities in wellness real estate, experience-driven placemaking, and carbon transparency. Plus, you'll learn how new tools like mass timber carbon calculators and healthier materials lists are helping design teams make smarter, more sustainable choices.
Topics Covered:
What’s driving delays and cautious investment in construction and architecture
How wellness and experiential design are commanding premium value
Why carbon benchmarking and healthier material standards are becoming essential
The Gen Z effect on urban design and multifamily development
Whether you’re navigating tough market conditions or planning your next project with performance and impact in mind, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead with purpose and resilience.
Show Notes:
Associated Builders & Contractors Monthly Construction Economic Survey Shows Tariff Impacts Emerge
AIA Architecture Billings Downward Trajectory Continues
Sherwin-Williams Finds 9 in 10 Construction Pros Face Costly Delays
Corgan Unveils CO2e Emissions Calculator for Mass Timber
The Rise of the Experiential Economy | US – Cushman & Wakefield
Uncovering Growth: Wellness Real Estate Across the Market – Gensler
Perkins&Will Releases Advanced Guidance on Material Health and Embodied Carbon

ICYMI: What Does a Healthy Showroom Look Like?

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 aligned with WELL's 10 core concepts, as well as how the furniture brand's corporate headquarters and showrooms have earned the WELL Equity Rating and the WELL Health-Safety Rating, which underscore the company's dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and health and safety protocols. 

Material Intelligence at NeoCon 2025: Reshaping Sustainable Design Conversations with Kenn Busch

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 for carbon-smart design, including the debut of eco-conscious display tables made from repurposed shipping pallets. From thermally treated wood and 3D laminates to composite panels with negative carbon footprints, this episode unpacks the stories, systems, and synergies behind climate-positive design.
Whether you're headed to Chicago or following from afar, this conversation will inspire you to rethink the role of materials in shaping healthier, smarter, and more sustainable interiors.

ICYMI: ASID Explores the Influence of Joy, Wellness, and Sustainability on 2025 Interior Design Trends

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 offer insights into the ways consumers and designers alike are redefining their spaces to align with deeper personal and societal values as you listen in to this episode.

Marketing Building Products: Storytelling, Sustainability, and AI Insights with Susan Fernandez

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 craft a narrative that resonates with specifiers. She explains why Gen Z staffers, not firm principals, are driving product research, how AI is changing the way designers source and compare materials, and why transparency beats perfection when it comes to sustainability claims.
Plus, learn how something as simple as color branding (think: pink insulation) can make all the difference in standing out to overworked design professionals.

ICYMI: Creating a Climate-Resilient Blueprint for Schools

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 highlight how these future-ready facilities are helping shape a climate-resilient tomorrow—for students and entire communities.