I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

How Political Shifts Shape Design Trends: Insights from Designer and Forecaster Stacy Garcia

As the November political elections draw near, we sat down with designer and trend forecaster Stacy Garcia to discuss her thoughts on how consumer behaviors are shaped by the broader economic and political landscape and what that means for design professionals. From parallels between today’s climate and the 2008 recession to the emergence of bold, saturated hues as a form of rebellion against uncertainty, Stacy explains how history often repeats itself in the world of color trends. This is one episode you don't want to miss!

ICYMI: Evolving Workspaces—Lessons in Flexibility, Communication, and Comfort

With hybrid and remote policies as the primary working model, many Gen Z employees are skeptical of the value of the office’s collective experience. Our challenge as workplace designers is finding the balance between these vastly different sets of expectations to ensure the office supports all staff and to prove the value of the physical office so that it is used to its full potential. Listen to this mini-episode article read in which we revisit a story published on the i+s website exploring the evolving workplace and how to create spaces that support communication and comfort.

The Last Word on PVC with HLW's Jonce Walker and Carnegie's Gordon Boggis

In this episode of I Hear Design, we’ll dive into a topic that’s sparked a lot of debate over the years: the use of PVC in the built environment. In spite of its ubiquitous usage by designers and specifiers for a variety of applications, questions about its its sustainability claims continue to swirl, and many A&D firms as well as manufacturers have eliminated PVC from their specifications and raw materials. Listen in as Jonce Walker, principal and managing director of BEYOND at HLW, and Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie, discuss the trend toward healthier materials in the industry and what designers need to know about the impact vinyl has on people and the planet.
From this episode: UL’s seven “Sins of Greenwashing”

ICYMI: Creating Healthy Spaces with Wallcoverings in Healthcare

Choosing finishes that meet the aesthetic needs of a space combined with inherent cleanability makes vinyl wallcovering an easy choice for today’s high-demand spaces like healthcare environments. With the latest innovation of digital wallcoverings, we’re able to take it up another level by creating less waste with custom-designed and measured wallcoverings, incorporating the healing elements of biophilia, art, and visual psychology into the spaces that need calming—healthcare facilities. In this mini-episode, listen to this article read from the July/August issue of interiors+sources. 

ICYMI: Where AI is Headed in Workplace Design

No industry is immune to the current wave of artificial intelligence, including architecture and design. The general consensus is that while AI for workplace design has great potential, it needs more time to mature. But the inroads are there, and the industry is headed for a significant pivot. In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of the I Hear Design podcast, we recap a recent article from the i+s website in which five experts weigh in on the most viable applications of AI for architecture and design. 

Urban Design, Mass Transit and Sustainable Placemaking with Ana Francisca de la Mora and Donald Verbanac

In this episode of I Hear Design, we're diving into the dynamic world of urban design and mass transit projects. Our guests, Ana Francisca de la Mora and Donald Verbanac from Arcadis, explore the intricate challenges of creating vibrant, functional urban spaces with an eye toward of placemaking. We also discuss how urban planners and architects can design for public safety, security, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that public projects serve the needs of all community members. Additionally, our guests share their insights on effective collaboration with communities and public agencies, offering a glimpse into the future of urban planning.

ICYMI: Secondary Markets on the Rise as Entertainment Hubs

In this In Case You Missed It episode, we recap an article written by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett that was originally published on the interiors+sources website on April 5, 2024, that explores some unlikely markets that provide a snapshot of a few projects getting it right in developing cities attracting tourists and locals alike.

NeoCon 2024: Conversations that Inspire with IIDA’s Cheryl Durst, Hightower’s Natalie Hartkopf and Many More

Well, folks, that's a wrap! We just returned from NeoCon and Design Days in Chicago, and the energy at The MART and Fulton Market was palpable. In this extended episode of I Hear Design, i+s Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen sits down with NeoCon movers and shakers, including IIDA's CEO Cheryl Durst, Hightower's co-founder and CEO, Natalie Hartkopf, Mantra Inspired Furniture's CEO Susan Pilato, and many more designers and manufacturers from the show to talk about the future of the industry and how design professionals can make a significant impact in sustainability through the decisions they make every day. Listen in as we capture the passion and enthusiasm that was felt at the industry's biggest event in North America.
Meet Our Guests (in order of appearance):
Cheryl Durst, CEO, IIDA
Natalie Hartkopf, CEO, Hightower
Vickie Rybl, Director of LCA, WAP Sustainability
John Black, Project Business Specialist, Luna Wood
Raya Elias-Pushett, Graduate Student and Research Associate, The Chicago School
Susan Pilato, CEU, Mantra Inspired Furniture
Cara Rude, Principal, MCG Explore Design

NeoCon Preview: Climate Positive NOW with Kenn Busch

In this episode of I Hear Design, we talk to interiors+sources' long-time partner, journalist and educator Kenn Busch, about the launch of the new Climate Positive Solutions Gallery at NeoCon 2024. As the founder of Material Intelligence, Kenn is a go-to expert about educational messaging around architectural materials, informed by years of research. He talks about the evolution of the Climate Positive NOW initiative, what people can expect at his activation space at NeoCon this year, and the vital importance of effective storytelling around sustainability. 
Also, visit the i+s booth at NeoCon (#7-1049) to share your thoughts about sustainability at our "Climate Connect Corner" with Chief Content Director, Robert Nieminen, that will be part of a post-show podcast episode. You can also enter to win an e-Bike thanks to our generous sponsors, Bradley Corp. and InPro.

Simplifying Sustainability Standards with BIFMA's Steve Kooy

In this episode of the "I Hear Design" podcast, host Robert Nieminen discusses the topic of specifying sustainable and healthy furniture, focusing on understanding various sustainability standards. He is joined by Steve Kooy, technical director for health and sustainability at BIFMA, who provides insights into the development and integration of these standards. Kooy explains the level certification program and its role in simplifying the process of identifying eco-friendly furniture, offering a clearer perspective for designers navigating the complex landscape of sustainability certifications.
For more information, visit bifma.org or level.bifma.org/.