I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

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/.

ICYMI: ASID Shares Refreshing Trends in Hospitality Design

In this In Case You Missed It episode, we recap an article written by ASID's Lindsey Koren that was originally published on the interiors+sources website on April 9, 2024, that uncovers highlights from ASID's 2024 Trends Outlook Report on refreshing trends emerging in the design of hospitality environments. 

Cubicles, Open Plans and the Future of Workplace Design with Bethanne Mikkelsen

Workplace design has seen significant shifts over the years, from the dreaded cubicle farms of decades passed to open plan offices and the hybrid model we’ve been hearing in the wake of the global pandemic. But where is workplace design now and where is it headed in the future? In this episode, Bethanne Mikkelsen, senior principal at Ankrom Moisan’s Portland office who co-leads the firm’s office community and retail studio, to discuss this evolution of the office and what’s driving workplace design today and into the future.
Learn about Ankrom Moisan's 5 strategic shifts for a thriving workplace as part of their "The Office as Ecosystem" series of articles:
The Office Gets Personal
The Commute-worthy Workplace
The Not-so-office Office
New Ways to Meet
Culture-first Employee Engagement

ICYMI: How Today’s Retail Design Influences E-Commerce

In this In Case You Missed It Episode, we’re featuring a popular article from the interiors+sources website titled, “How Today’s Retail Design Influences E-Commerce” written by Nicki Gitlin, the owner and founder of Dang Design and Architecture, originally published online on March 26, 2024. Join us as we dive in to how customers today are familiarizing themselves with retail brands through the traditional brick-and-mortar experience and continuing their journey online.
Projects mentioned in this episode:
Zadig & Voltaire Tribecca 
Theory Hudson Yards

Leveraging Technology to Create More Inclusive Communities with Jack Chaffin

Technology has been the focal point of conversation across every industry in the past year, not the least of which has been the field of architecture. In this episode, Jack Chaffin, architect and principal at Seattle-based Johnston Architects, talks about how the firm is leveraging new technologies to enhance their designs and bring a greater level of engagement to their projects. He highlights the Winthrop Library in Winthrop, WA, as an example of how the firm deployed proprietary software to more effectively gather feedback from the larger community to make the project successful and more equitable. 
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ICYMI: All About EC3—The Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator

In this "In Case You Missed It" episode of I Hear Design, Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen reviews two recent articles from the i+s website that explore The Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator, better known as EC3. The first is titled, “3 Designers Talk 3 Ways to Utilize EC3,” by Lona Rerick, sustainable design leader and architect at ZGF; Marty Brennan, architect, sustainability leader, light health researcher and mass timber enthusiast at ZGF; and Charlotte Jolly, an interior designer at ZGF,” was published online on January 29th. The second article published on February 28th and titled, “More Experts Sound off on the EC3,” was written by independent climate consultant Jon Strassner, who interviewed Perkins&Will D.C.’s Senior Technical Coordinator and Senior Associate Brittany McNairy, and Parallel Sustainability’s VP of Operations Rebecca Backer, to get their “how-to’s” on using the calculator to better understand and achieve climate impacts.
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Exploring Digital Design Tools with Armstrong’s Nate Baxter

As the architecture and design industry becomes increasingly familiar with digital design tools and pre-construction services, knowing how they work and what to look for is paramount. How can tools like 3D Revit and digital twins address pain points for project teams, for example? Listen in as Armstrong's Nate Baxter answers this questions (among others) and explains how digitally assisted design tools can help create bolder, more sustainable projects on time and on budget.
Resources on Armstrong's ProjectWorks solution:
https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en/programs-services/projectworks.html
https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en/case-study/transportation/bwi-airport-terminal-renovation-projectworks-ceiling-design.html
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ICYMI: 9 Essential Tips for Project Management in Architecture and Interior Design

In this In Case You Missed It Episode, we’ll be revisiting a popular article from the interiors+sources website titled, “9 Pillars of Thoughtful Project Management,” written by Kimberly M. Zeiser, senior associate in Gensler’s Chicago studio, originally published online on Feb. 1, 2024. Join us as we explore the strategies, tools, and best practices that empower architects and interior designers to master the art of project management, ultimately shaping the built environment and enriching the lives of their clients. Stay tuned for valuable insights and actionable tips to elevate your practice to new heights.
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