Imagine a Place: Recent Episodes
OFS
This is a podcast about people, places, and design that will help you learn and grow. Our guests share insight, stories, and big ideas that inspire courage and curiosity. Whether it's our workplace, our home, or all the places in between, interior design is shaping the human experience every day.
What if great healthcare design isn't just about beautiful spaces but about helping people heal, caregivers thrive, and every second count? In this episode, Nicole Ward, Senior Associate and Interior Designer at NBBJ, shares how purpose has shaped her career in healthcare design. Nicole offers an inside look at the complexity, and humanity, behind designing spaces where lives are changed every day. It's a thoughtful conversation about innovation, empathy, and why the best design solutions begin with asking better questions.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Amanda Schneider joins Imagine a Place for a candid conversation about the future of work, generational leadership, and what it takes to build workplaces where people can thrive. Beyond the researcher, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, Maria uncovers the authentic Amanda, discussing motherhood, burnout, finding joy, and the "elephant circle" of women who helped her rediscover balance. Together, they explore Gen Z, personal branding, authenticity, and leading across generations with empathy, curiosity, and purpose. It's an inspiring conversation for anyone navigating leadership, generational differences, career growth, or the changing world of work.
Check out Imagine a Place on Instagram and LinkedIn for a giveaway of Amanda's new book, Work for What's Next: Why Workplace Culture is Failing and How the Next Generation Can Fix It.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Discover how neuroinclusive design is reshaping the way we think about workplaces, justice facilities, and human-centered environments. In this episode, Olivia Danielson-Veed, independent contractor for ThinkLab and former Associate and Senior Project Interior Designer at HOK, shares practical insights on designing for neurodiversity through choice, control, and variety, while exploring how thoughtful design can improve well-being, support rehabilitation, and create spaces where more people can thrive. She also discusses mentoring the next generation of designers, navigating an increasingly complex world, and why empathy remains one of the most powerful tools in the design profession. It's a compelling conversation about inclusion, human experience, and why great design begins with understanding people.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Dealer designers play a vital role in shaping the workplace experience, yet many navigate their careers without a strong professional network or a clear roadmap for growth. In this engaging conversation, Maria VanDeman sits down with Alexandra Tseffos, founder of The Design POP, to discuss the evolving role of dealer designers and the power of building community within the industry. Together, they explore career development, leadership, mentorship, professional visibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings fulfillment and value to your work. From creating meaningful connections with peers to finding opportunities for growth within your organization, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement for designers who want to build a more purposeful, connected, and rewarding career.
Explore Pop into Excellence
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
What happens when two design leaders sit down after one of the industry's biggest events and tell the truth about how they're really feeling?
In this candid episode, Maria VanDeman, Director of Design Strategy, and Christina Jameson, Director of Workplace, reflect on Design Days and NeoCon, discussing burnout, working motherhood, authenticity, workplace design, career passion, and the future of human connection in an AI driven world. They explore why designers are uniquely susceptible to burnout, how authentic spaces create stronger workplace experiences, and why meaningful conversations matter more than ever.
If you attended Design Days and NeoCon in Chicago, or if you're a designer, workplace strategist, leader, parent, or creative professional trying to balance purpose and pressure, this episode will resonate deeply.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
What happens when art, wellness, and design come together? In this special Design Days Chicago episode, Maria VanDeman sits down with artist Liz Flores and Alkemis co-founder Price Latimer to explore the partnerships shaping the OFS showroom experience. Liz shares the stories woven into her vibrant artwork, from the symbolism of an acorn growing into a tree to her celebration of imagination, community, and the female perspective. Price reflects on Alkemis' journey to create the world's first wellness paint and why the materials surrounding us matter as much as the spaces themselves.
Join us for an inspiring look at the creative vision behind the OFS Design Days experience and the collaborators making it possible. Together, they invite listeners into a showroom designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Recorded live from ICFF 2026, Wesley Edmonds sits down with Sabrina Lippman, CEO of Habitat for Humanity NYC & Westchester, for a powerful conversation about housing, dignity, and the life-changing impact of homeownership.
From transforming underutilized spaces across New York City into thriving communities, to helping working families build generational stability, Sabrina shares how Habitat for Humanity is redefining what affordable housing can look like in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
Together, they explore the emotional impact of having a place to call home, the connection between design and dignity, and why creating stability gives people the freedom to dream bigger.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Recorded live at ICFF in New York City, Wesley Edmonds sits down with Tana Hovland of Rockwell Group to talk about what design really means today.
Tana shares how her work has shifted from skyscrapers to experience-driven spaces and why hospitality is about more than just how things look. From healthcare clinics that feel like home to designing spaces that engage all five senses, this conversation explores how thoughtful design can shape how people feel, move, and connect.
It’s a candid, insightful look at creating spaces people actually want to be in.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode of Imagine a Place, Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds reflect on a powerful start to the year, highlighting authentic conversations with women in design, ICFF, the growing importance of human connection in the workplace, and insights from the Power of Choice research. As Design Days in Chicago approaches, they share what to expect from OFS’s “Imagine a Place” showroom experience: an inspiring, human-centered environment designed to spark creativity, conversation, and new ideas. Join OFS in Chicago to experience it for yourself and see how design can bring people and possibilities together.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this inspiring episode, interior designer Natasha Brewer, Senior Interior Designer and Associate Principal of Perkins Eastman shares her perspective on leadership, creativity, and the evolving role of connection in the design industry.
The conversation explores the importance of mentorship, representation, and creating space for diverse voices, while highlighting how authenticity and vulnerability can strengthen both teams and outcomes. Natasha offers a thoughtful reflection on what it means to lead with intention, step outside of your comfort zone, and support the next generation of designers.
Her insights reinforce that design is ultimately about people and the experiences we create for them. A meaningful listen for designers and creative professionals who are passionate about growth, community, and making a lasting impact through their work.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
This episode features Morgan Maples, a Chicago-based Senior Project Manager, who brings a real and refreshingly honest perspective to the realities of working in the design industry. The conversation explores themes of setting boundaries, managing expectations, and navigating the balance between saying yes and protecting your time. Morgan shares reflections on collaboration, emphasizing how creativity often thrives through shared ideas and team energy rather than working in isolation.
The episode also touches on career growth and perspective, including the value of understanding different paths within the industry and how designers can better communicate with clients. With humor and authenticity throughout, this conversation offers a relatable and refreshing look at the challenges and opportunities that shape a successful and sustainable design career.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In a profession shaped by increasing speed and complexity, how do we reclaim the creativity at the heart of great design? In this episode of Imagine a Place, Abby Rolla, Vice President and Principal at ASD | SKY, shares her perspective on protecting creative thinking, leading with intention, and building studio cultures that support both performance and wellbeing. From designing without constraint to advocating for healthier boundaries, this conversation explores how leaders can create the conditions for more thoughtful, human-centered design. It offers a clear lens into how the industry can sustain creativity while evolving toward a more purposeful future.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, Christina Jameson, Director of Workplace at OFS, and Lydia Moya, Brand Manager at OFS, reflect on conversations with workplace leaders from organizations like Warner Music Group, PepsiCo, Eli Lilly, Microsoft, UT Health San Antonio, and TDECU at WorkX Dallas 2026. One message came through clearly: The office is no longer required. It must be earned. Together they unpack themes that surfaced throughout the event including why policy cannot replace purpose, how the employee journey begins long before the badge swipe, the growing role of data in understanding how spaces are actually used, and why middle management remains the cultural bridge between leadership vision and team experience. At its core, the conversation highlights a simple truth. The value of the workplace lives in the connections it creates and the shared moments that bring an organization’s culture to life.
Check out our insights from the show HERE
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
From architecture school to leading design at global coworking brand Industrious, Jean Chandler has seen the workplace from every angle. In this episode, we explore how coworking spaces create buzz, why people “vote with their feet,” and what it takes to design offices that feel more human.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, Maria sits down with Melissa Borman, Interior Design Director at Niles Bolton Associates in Atlanta, to talk about leadership, listening, and designing with intention. Melissa shares how seeing projects through a client’s business lens reshaped her approach to design. Along the way, she discovered that her greatest superpower isn’t just creativity, but listening.
Together, they explore the shift from designing for clients to designing with them, and why empathy, curiosity, and asking better questions lead to stronger outcomes. Melissa reflects on stepping into executive leadership, succeeding a long-standing mentor, and learning to move from working “in the weeds” to leading the forest. This conversation is about growth, mentorship, and what modern design leadership truly requires.
If you care about client-centered design, meaningful leadership, and building spaces with purpose, this episode is for you.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, Maria sits down with Mike Sewell, Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Gresham Smith, to explore what happens when engineering, interior design, and artificial intelligence intersect. From a life changing moment on a bicycle that reshaped how he thinks about designing for people, to his role as Chief Digital Transformation Officer guiding firm wide digital innovation, Mike shares a powerful perspective on the future of practice. Together, they unpack the tension between automation and creativity, the responsibility that comes with AI, the risks of a race to the bottom, and why authenticity and human connection matter more than ever. This conversation is a thoughtful, energizing look at how we balance technology and humanity and why, at the end of the day, design is still about people.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, Kala Fagan, a Senior Associate and Design Director at OTJ Architects, joins us for an honest and energizing conversation about what it means to lead in design today. From navigating post recession pressures to pushing back on unrealistic timelines and race to the bottom fees, Kala speaks candidly about advocating for people, protecting teams from burnout, and why designers must reclaim the value of their ideas. We explore leadership as an act of care, the importance of industry wide community over competition, and how designing for humans starts with how we treat our own. This is a must listen for designers, leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping a healthier, more valuable future for the profession.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode of Imagine a Place, host Wesley Edmonds shares a few standout moments from her conversation with Hector Kolonas, founder of This Week in Coworking. From coworking spaces in train stations to the role automation and AI are playing in furniture manufacturing, they explore what it really means to create human-centered work experiences, and why flex is so much bigger than a single model.
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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Naoko Oguro, Design Director of IA Interior Architects, reflects on what it means to build a career rooted in purpose, community, and care. From growing up in New York after moving from Tokyo, to finding confidence as an introvert in a relationship-driven profession, Naoko shares why designers are drawn to this work not for prestige, but for impact. This conversation explores leadership through empathy, the power of design community, and how success evolves from seeking approval to lifting others as you grow.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
What happens when enterprise workplace needs meet the flexibility, hospitality, and humanity of coworking? In this episode, host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Caroline Hecht from Preferred Office Network to unpack how flexible workspace can simplify complex real estate portfolios while putting people first. From streamlining multi-market office solutions to elevating operators, rethinking partnerships, and introducing new ways to assess quality in flex spaces, this conversation explores why the future of work is less about square footage and more about experience, time, and connection.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
What happens when a designer refuses to follow a traditional path? In this episode, Veronica Gilliams, Senior Interior Designer at HOK, shares how her journey through video game design, physical spaces, and creative exploration shaped her perspective on people, place, and possibility. From biophilia to bold career moves, this conversation is about curiosity, creativity, and designing beyond the expected.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Sometimes the best conversations happen when two design-minded people realize they share the same passion for creating better places to work. In this episode, Mara Hauser, founder and CEO of 25N Coworking and Founding Principal of Workplace Studio, alongside host Wesley Edmonds, talk about coworking, corporate offices, and why designing for humans, not just density, makes all the difference.
Join us at WorkX in Dallas and use code INTHEROOM40 for 40% off when you register!
https://www.ssonetwork.com/events-workx
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this year-end episode of Imagine a Place, Maria brings together her co-hosts and longtime friends, Wesley Edmonds and Christina Jameson, to look back on the lessons, surprises, and standout moments of 2025. The trio reflects on how the workplace is evolving, why choice and neuroinclusivity are becoming essential design drivers, and how communication, optimism, and human connection shaped their conversations this year. From WorkX insights to the power of storytelling, mentorship, and emerging design talent, this episode captures the heart of what they learned, what inspired them, and what they’re hopeful for in 2026. It’s a warm, candid, and energizing conversation about design, leadership, and the future of work, told by three voices who lived it together.
Check out Maria's 2025 recap article: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/what-i-learned-year-behind-iap-microphone
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, Wesley talks with Aflac’s Office Design & Planning Supervisor, Lelitha Williams and Meta Workplace Designer, Emily Burchill about what it really means to create employee-centric spaces. Together they unpack how empathy, flexibility, and a little bit of hospitality thinking can turn workplaces into environments where people actually feel seen, supported, and inspired to do their best work. These two women are doing amazing work for big companies and you won't want to miss their insights in this jam-packed episode.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Design for Belonging: Good design is good for business
What does belonging look like in healthcare — and can design help create it? In this thought-provoking conversation, Maria VanDeman sits down with Jessica Radecki, Healthcare Director at NBBJ, and Lauren Cole, System Director of Design Strategy with Providence Healthcare, to explore how the built environment can foster connection, comfort, and dignity.
Together, they unpack the groundbreaking Design for Belonging research — an effort to quantify something often seen as intangible. From redefining how hospitals measure inclusion and empathy, to building a “kit of parts” that empowers every health system to design for all budgets, this episode reveals how data, design, and humanity intersect.
Whether you’re in healthcare, design, or simply passionate about people-centered spaces, this conversation will challenge the way you think about belonging — and inspire you to design with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Link to article: How Can Healthcare Support Inclusion Through Design? - HCD Magazine
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
What does “flex work” really mean today? In this conversation, Wesley Edmonds (Director of Workplace at OFS) sits down with top leaders from Switchyards, 25 North Coworking, Everything Coworking, and the Global Workspace Association to explore the future of coworking and flexible office spaces. From the rise of neighborhood work clubs to the pitfalls of landlord partnerships, this episode dives into how the industry can stay truly people-first.
In this episode you'll hear from:
Kayla Gottschalk, Switchyards
Meagan Slavin, 25N Coworking
Jamie Russo, Everything Coworking
Giovanni Palavicini, Fronteras Commercial Real Estate and Global Workspace Association
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
In this episode, host Maria sits down with Charmaigne Haley, an interior designer at SmithGroup whose story beautifully blends culture, creativity, and compassion. From her Filipino roots to her journey into healthcare design, Charmaigne shares how her heritage, family, and personal experiences with neurodiversity have shaped the way she designs for empathy and connection.
Together, they explore what it means to create spaces that not only function but also heal—spaces that honor people, culture, and community at every turn.
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Imagine a Place gathers industry-leading voices that can inspire the design community through storytelling and broaden our creative horizons. The goal of Imagine a Place is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives.
Join our guest host, Roby Issac from Mannington Commercial, as he sits down to talk with Alexandra Bonner from FCA.
A West Philadelphia-born interior designer, Alex's heart and passion for healthcare spaces are rooted in empathy, personal experience, and a lifelong love of design. She shares how her firsthand experiences inform her approach to creating neuro-inclusive healthcare spaces and designing environments that empower. Join the conversation about how color, choice, and human-centered design can transform clinical environments and discover Alex’s advice for emerging designers ready to make an impact.
Discover the article: 5 key insights to neuro-inclusive design.
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In this episode of In the ROOM, host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Christina Jamison, Director of Workplace at OFS, to unpack key takeaways from WorkX in Boston. From the industry’s “flight to experience” and the resurgence of private offices to the impact of AI and the human side of workplace data, they explore how design and strategy must evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce—a practical, human-first conversation on what’s shaping the future of work.
Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."
Read more about WorkX and the future of work on OFS.com/Insights
Learn more about ROOM
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What happens when you bring together leaders shaping the workplace from some of the world’s most innovative companies? In this special WorkX episode, In the ROOM host Wesley Edmonds sits down with Alexandra Selezneva (Coca-Cola), Jimmy Groh (Otsuka Pharmaceuticals), Lauren Hasson (JLL), and Brittany Freeman (Athenahealth) for four fast-paced conversations packed with insights on the future of work.
Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."
Read more about WorkX and the future of work on OFS.com/Insights
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What does a farm full of Highland cows have to do with interior design? For Shanna Francis, Director of Corporate Interior Design at HuntonBrady Architects, it’s everything. In this episode, recorded live at OFS Design Days showroom, we dive into her inspiring journey, from raising a young son while grinding through design school, to leading high-profile projects, to building a life of peace and purpose on a 200-year-old farm in Virginia.
Shanna shares the pivotal moments that shaped her career: the professor who doubted her, the studio community that lifted her up, and the design industry colleagues who rallied around her. Her story is one of resilience, mentorship, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you.
We talk about what it means to lead with empathy, to be authentic in your work, and to find joy in both the quiet mornings on the farm and a bustling design scene. If you’ve ever faced doubt or struggled to balance career and life, this episode will inspire you to embrace your own unique path and discover peace among the mountains, along with a renewed sense of joy and happiness.
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How can we start making spaces more inclusive for all kinds of minds?
In this episode, Host Roby Isaac sits down with Dr. Kati Peditto, senior design researcher at DLR Group, to explore neurodiverse and inclusive design. Dr. Peditto shares how co-design, research, and empathy help shape spaces that meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals. From classrooms to healthcare to workplaces, she explains how small, intentional choices like lighting, sound, wayfinding, and tactile elements make a big difference.
The conversation highlights practical strategies for designers to create environments that are neuro-inclusive. Dr. Peditto emphasizes listening to lived experiences, engaging stakeholders early, and designing for extremes so everyone benefits.
5 key insights to neuro-inclusive design
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Recorded live at Design Days, Maria VanDeman chats with a dynamic leader in design, Ronnie Belizaire, Studio Practice Leader and Principal at HKS, about her incredible journey from business student to design industry powerhouse. From navigating her Haitian-American heritage to embracing her true self in the design world, Ronnie shares inspiring stories of mentorship, authenticity, and the power of community. Tune in to hear about her passion for shoes, her role in shaping the future of design, and the life-changing lessons learned along the way. Whether you're starting your career or looking to make a bold shift, Ronnie’s story is a testament to the impact of staying true to yourself and seeking out and honoring meaningful connections. Don’t miss out!
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How do pathways between the brain, body, and built environment shape our experience?
In this first episode of Crafted for Healing, neuroscientist Dr. Kelly Olson joins series guest host Roby Isaac for a look into the science behind healing spaces. Dr. Olson shares how our brains respond to built environments and how thoughtful design can help regulate stress, support well-being, and serve the needs of more people, including neurodivergent individuals.
From the amygdala to architectural cues, this conversation connects neuroscience to design in a practical way that reflects how we experience spaces. If you’re interested in creating environments where more people can thrive, it all starts here with the brain.
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How can we craft the future of healing spaces through neuro-inclusive design?
In this episode of Imagine a Place, Stan Gray of Carolina and Roby Isaac of Mannington Commercial join Maria to discuss Crafted for Healing, neurodiversity, inclusive design, and creating community.
Together, they talk about how the Crafted for Healing experience connected healthcare design leaders to learn about neurodiversity and it's impact on designing healing spaces. They reflect on the expert insights, stories shared, their personal journey discovering neurodiversity, and the importance of the community they’re building.
This episode also hints at what’s coming next...a new podcast series hosted by Roby, diving deeper into the stories and science behind neuro-inclusive design from a neuroscientist, design researcher, and healthcare designer.
Discover 5 key insights from Crafted for Healing.
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Step into the heart of Chicago’s Design Week —where 50,000 designers gather, showrooms pulse with creativity, and deep dish dreams meet Michelin-star ambitions. In this electric episode, Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds reflect on everything from Fulton Market’s immersive design experiences to unexpected encounters with industry icons like Cheryl Durst (yes, even with laryngitis!) and Roby Isaac from Mannington.
You’ll hear stories of bold murals, student innovation at ICFF, and why winning “Best Large Showroom” at Fulton wasn’t just about design—it was about heart, culture, and hospitality. The conversation weaves through laughter, food cravings, human-centered design, AI with empathy, and the kind of spontaneous connections that make this industry unforgettable.
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be inspired by a city, a space, or a stranger—this episode is your invitation.
Spoiler: Vibes are high. Energy is off the hook. And kindness is the new innovation.
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What does it really take to go from intern to entrepreneur? In this episode, Dani Miller, owner of Lauderdale Design in Knoxville, TN, shares her journey of stepping into business ownership, leading with intention, and building a design firm that reflects her values, vision, and bold spirit.
Recorded just days before welcoming her second child, Dani opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing risk and reward, leading a team, and making tough calls with courage and clarity. From managing global rebrands for Cadillac to returning home to take over the very firm where she started her career, Dani’s path proves that entrepreneurship is equal parts grit, growth, and grace.
She dives into what she’s learned about building a sustainable business, fostering mentorship, creating opportunity within a small team, and why personal finance and emotional well-being are critical to professional success.
Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own company, looking for inspiration to grow your leadership, or navigating the messy middle of running a business, Dani’s story will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take the leap.
New from Imagine a Place: Tenwek Hospital: How faith, friendship, and design built a beacon of healing in Africa.
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In part 3 of "In the ROOM," host Wesley Edmonds sits down with two visionary design leaders: Jane Nakagawa, Vice President of Research and Development at American Honda Motor Company, and Gabriele Chiave, former VP of Global Creative Direction at Estée Lauder and co-founder of the design collective Controvento.
Together, they dive into a wide-ranging conversation on the future of design—from Jane’s unexpected journey from architecture to automotive innovation, to Gabriel’s belief in the power of storytelling, culture, and emotion in shaping spaces. Together, they unpack how AI and emerging technologies are influencing design, the post-pandemic evolution of workplaces and hospitality, and why human-centered thinking must remain at the core of it all.
It’s a thoughtful, inspiring dialogue about where design is headed—and the responsibility we carry to make it more meaningful, sustainable, and deeply human.
Learn more about ROOM
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Join host Wesley Edmonds for part two of In the ROOM at ICFF, where design meets humor, emotion, and experience in unexpected ways.
First up is NYC-based comedian Dan Mahboubian Rosen, who brings a fresh—and funny—perspective to the world of design. Through his unique lens, Dan explores how comedy can shift our understanding of space and spark new ways of thinking.
Then, Wesley sits down with David Schwarz, Co-Founder and Creative Partner at HUSH, to talk about designing immersive environments that do more than look good—they make people feel something.
Though their approaches are very different, both Dan and David challenge the idea of what design can be. This episode is full of insight, a few laughs, and a reminder that great design connects us in ways we might not expect.
Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."
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Step into the ROOM at ICFF in New York City, where host Wesley Edmonds sits down with two inspiring women who are making waves in the design world with purpose and heart.
First up is Jaime Derringer, Co-Founder and Head of Brand at TRAME and the Founder and creative force behind Design Milk. Jaime reflects on her unexpected path from art and blogging to becoming a pioneer in digital design media. She opens up about the evolution of her work and how she's now exploring the space where technology meets craftsmanship, with a human touch.
Then, Wesley welcomes Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, Editor-in-Chief of Hospitality Design Magazine and Senior Vice President of the Design Group at Emerald. From her start in journalism to launching her own brand (Bump Water) to raising three boys while leading the industry, Stacy shares how she navigates life with drive, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.
These conversations offer a glimpse into what it really looks like to build a career around curiosity and care. Part one of In the ROOM at ICFF is a reminder that behind every big idea are people simply trying to do work that matters.
Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."
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What began as a friendship in a college dorm unfolds into a story of growth within the design profession — marked by pivots, promotions, and purpose. In this episode, Sara Meier, Interior Designer and Project Manager at CannonDesign, shares her journey from design school to a flexible, future-focused firm. She reflects on the power of saying yes to new challenges, seeking mentorship, and championing sustainable, human-centered design. We dive into the realities of design education, the lessons only experience can teach, and the drive to create healthier environments. Whether you're a student, a seasoned designer, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that where you start shapes you, but it doesn’t define where you can go.
BONUS:
"In the Room" airs on the Imagine a Place podcast feed on Tuesday, May 20th, across all major podcast platforms.
Are you in NYC and want to check out ICFF? Imagine a Place invites you to be our guest! Click here for a complimentary pass.
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In this episode, we dive deep into the raw, real, and rewarding journey of interior designer Cynthia Sarria, as she shares what it’s like to lead, learn, and build a thriving design culture from the ground up. From her unexpected move from Jersey to Miami to helping launch HOK’s office during a pandemic, Cynthia opens up about what it truly takes to grow a resilient team—and why floaties, heart, and humor are often more valuable than a perfect plan.
We talk about the messy middle of career transitions, the unspoken power of mentorship, and the emotional layers behind creating not just beautiful spaces, but empowered design teams. You’ll hear about the lessons she learned the hard way, how vulnerability builds trust, and why building culture starts with showing up for people—even when no one’s watching.
Whether you're an emerging designer, a seasoned leader, or someone navigating the in-between, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and a few good laughs. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about doing the hard things, designing with purpose, and finding joy in the process.
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Maria VanDeman and Wesley Edmonds unpack the powerful themes from IIDA’s 27th Industry Roundtable—"The Happiness Code." From designing for awe to embracing vulnerability and joy in the workplace, this episode explores how comfort, connection, and magic are influencing the future of design. Hear their reflections on insights from thought leaders like Dr. Upali Nanda and Mark Bryan—and find out what makes you magical.
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Imagine a Place is stepping into a new chapter, and we're thrilled to introduce our new host, Maria VanDeman. In this heartfelt and unscripted debut, Maria opens up about the excitement — and a bit of the nervousness — that comes with taking the reins of a podcast that's inspired so many. She reflects on the 170+ incredible guests who’ve shaped Imagine a Place and shares her vision for what’s ahead: meaningful conversations with people who are creating impact — in their work, their communities, and the spaces they touch.
Maria also gives us a glimpse into who she is — a wife, mother, licensed interior designer, and someone deeply passionate about human connection. With new graphics, fresh sounds, and bold ideas on the horizon, this episode marks the beginning of an exciting journey.
Join us as we continue to imagine places — together.
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On this episode Doug is by himself talking about his 19th NeoCon and what caught his attention. He also talks about the future of this time of year as OFS is moving to Fulton Market for Design Days. Doug also takes time to share memories of Phyllis Menke, Matriarch of OFS who recently passed away at the age of 98.
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In honor of Juneteenth, we welcome Jack Travis, an esteemed interior designer, architect, author, and educator whose profound insights have significantly shaped the design and education landscape. Jack is an incredible storyteller and today, he shares his journey from childhood into the business of architecture. You’ll hear about his experiences of overcoming racial barriers and learn his unique framework and approach to design that incorporates cultural identity. Jack's way of thinking will inspire you with a deeper understanding of how architecture and design can reflect and honor cultural heritage and still push the boundaries of innovation.
To learn more about Jack Travis, please visit: https://www.jacktravisarchitect.com
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In this episode, host Doug Shapiro shares some insights on corporate culture that came from a recent encounter. He also checks in with The Design POP podcast host, Alexandra Tseffos. Alexandra shares some learnings from her recent virtual event POP into Excellence.
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Join host Doug Shapiro for part 2 of 'In the ROOM' LIVE from ICFF. Today, Doug explores the essence of ICFF, capturing the spirit of design through the voices of global influencers, such as Lee Broom, Shreya Somani, Alain Gilles, and entrepreneur Sadig Alekperov.
In this episode, Lee Broom shares his inspiring journey from theater lighting design to international acclaim, exploring the emotional depth of his creations. Next, Shreya Somani joins us to discuss her dual roles as a commercial designer and artistic creator, revealing how joy fuels her work. Finally, Green Mood founder Sadig Alekperov and designer Alain Gilles discuss their groundbreaking mission to bring nature indoors, blending innovation with natural beauty.
Listen to Part 1 of In the ROOM
Learn more about ROOM.
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Join host Doug Shapiro "In the ROOM" LIVE from ICFF 2024. In this two-part series, Doug explores the unique energy and innovation at ICFF - featuring insightful conversations with industry leaders such Amy Devers, Luca Nichetto, and Giulio Cappellini, listeners will hear inspiring stories, fresh perspectives, and valuable advice. Highlights include Amy Devers, discussing the importance of student work and the evolving role of materials, Luca Nichetto's take on balancing tradition with innovation, and Giulio Cappellini's humorous anecdote about Queen Elizabeth II.
Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."
Learn more about ROOM.
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Join host Doug Shapiro at ICFF in New York City as he kicks off the new series, "In the ROOM," part of the Imagine a Place podcast. Inspired by the innovative ROOM products, this new series offers intimate, on-the-scene experiences from design events across the country. Be sure to tune in next week, as Doug chats with design luminaries Giulio Cappellini, Luca Nichetto, Susan Lyons, Amy Devers, and many more, to discover fresh insights and personal takes on the latest in design. Don’t miss out—step "In the ROOM" with us!
The debut episode of "In the Room" airs on The Imagine a Place podcast feed on Tuesday, May 28th, across all major podcast platforms.
To learn more about ROOM, please visit room.com
Are you in NYC and want to check out ICFF? Imagine a Place invites you to be our guest! Click here for a complimentary pass.
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What do you get when you survey 70 designers and challenge 10 of the leading minds in design? You get "Game Time," an entertaining and insightful exploration of design concepts and trends.
Join host Doug Shapiro in the latest creation from Imagine a Place Productions – a unique game show that merges engaging discussions with exciting gameplay! In this innovative format, two teams, composed of some of the industry's leading minds, go head-to-head in a lively debate and competition. Watch as our participants use their knowledge and wit to compete, all while diving deep into the issues that shape our spaces and lives.
Don't miss this blend of competition, discussion, and discovery. Tune in to see who comes out on top in the ultimate design showdown! Watch now!
Featuring:
Ronnie Belizaire, HKS
Erika Moody, Helix Architecture + Design
Mark Bryan, Future Today Institute
Cheryl Durst, International Interior Design Association
Bill Bouchey, Gensler
Stacey Crumbaker, Mahlum Architects Inc.
Mike Johnson II, Hickok Cole
Joe Pettipas, ARCADIS
Ana Pinto-Alexander, HKS
Abby Scott, HDR
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In this episode, Doug Shapiro sits down with author, podcast host, and thought leader, Rex Miller, to explore the true essence of hospitality in the workplace. Together, they discuss how incorporating hospitality-style design without genuine hospitality experiences creates a disconnect in modern workspaces. Through engaging stories and examples, they reveal how companies like GoDaddy and CBRE have successfully integrated real hospitality to transform their environments and enhance employee interactions. The conversation also previews Rex’s upcoming "Future Travelers" event, aiming to reshape perspectives on work and wellness.
Subscribe to The Resilience Lab (an Imagine a Place Production)
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In this episode, host Doug Shapiro sits down with Claire Pijoulat and Odile Hainaut, the dynamic duo behind ICFF and the founders of WantedDesign. From their chance meeting in 2010 to becoming Brand Directors, they share their journey of transforming the International Contemporary Furniture Fair into a vibrant hub for design and community. Discover how they've redefined ICFF by integrating culture with commerce, fostering meaningful connections, and turning the fair into a year-round platform for innovation.
Are you in NYC and want to check out ICFF? Imagine a Place invites you to be our guest! Click here for a complimentary pass.
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Is your information diet holding you back? In this episode, guest Mario Vasilescu, founder of Readocracy, explores how to manage our informational intake in a knowledge-driven workforce. Mario likens "informational health" to physical health, emphasizing the need for selective information consumption in an attention-seeking economy.
He discusses the societal impacts of AI, urging a critical examination of its effects on job security and privacy. The conversation also highlights the importance of "proof of human knowledge," advocating for verifying human input in the age of AI. Through his platform, Readocracy, Mario helps users validate their learning to enhance professional credibility.
Sign up to Readocracy (mention that you heard about it through Imagine a Place to skip the waitlist!)
Learn more about The Design POP into Excellence event, use promo code Imagine24 to pay just $1 for your seat!
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In honor of Earth Day, Doug sits down with journalist and founder of Climate Positive Now—Kenn Busch, to discuss the intricacies of carbon management and its environmental implications.
Throughout the episode, Kenn demystifies the complex dynamics of carbon's interaction with our environment and highlights some innovative approaches to utilize carbon management for environmental gain.
Looking for continuing education credits related to sustainability? Check out Ken's CEU below!
Climate Positive Materials for Sustainable Interiors, A CEU course brought to you by OFS
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In a recent episode, Doug asked a question that sparked considerable discussion: should a college degree be mandatory for the NCIDQ exam, or if work experience and apprenticeships be adequate? Responding to insightful listener feedback, Doug invited Jon Otis, a distinguished figure in interior design advocacy and a Professor, to explore the issue further. The feedback varied; some listeners supported alternative licensure paths for their diversity and affordability, while others advocated for the necessity of a bachelor's degree due to the rigor of formal education. This sparked a broader conversation between Doug and Jon about the merits of formal education versus learning through experience.
Do you have a hot take? Email Doug at dshapiro@ofs.com with your opinions on the NCIDQ degree requirements.
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Is the private office taking on a new and important role? Is it time for the private office to be reimagined? In this special episode, Doug shares part of a conversation we captured between designer Brian Graham and our very own, Molly Prior. Together, Brian and Molly chat about the rapid shift in management styles that might challenge the traditional use of the private office - from a more hierarchical environment to a more inclusive and flexible space that can encourage open dialogue and create a sense of equality. But, what might that look like for the future of private offices and workspaces in general?
Hear more from Brian Graham on this new take on the private office. Watch here.
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In this solo episode, Doug looks back at the first quarter of 2024. He reminisces on insightful past episodes exploring creativity, leadership, and the impact of design on the human experience and our well-being. He also poses an interesting question regarding the NCIDQ exam for interior designers—should a college degree be required for this exam or is significant work experience/apprenticeship enough to suffice?
Email Doug at dshapiro@ofs.com with your opinions on the NCIDQ degree requirements.
We also look forward, as we have some exciting plans for the podcast network including an upcoming season focused on the power of design in education, new episodes from other shows, and a "surprise" for delivering insights in a unique and exciting way.
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In this episode, Doug is joined by Joey Shimoda of Shimoda Design Group. This reflective conversation spans from Joey's unique upbringing in Alabama and the challenges of growing up in a racially tense environment to the potential impacts of emerging technologies.
Growing up in Alabama during a turbulent period in American history—Joey reveals a journey marked by challenges, including his family's history of internment during World War II and the complexities of being one of the few Asian families in his community amidst the racial tensions of the 1960s. This backdrop serves as a foundation for Shimoda's profound insights into the role of curiosity, open-mindedness, and the embrace of both the analog and digital realms in shaping his design practices.
Doug and Joey talk about how the implications of technological advancements like AI and the metaverse cannot be overlooked in the field of design. There is a need to emphasize human-centered creativity and tangible experiences in this rapidly changing technological landscape.
This conversation not only showcases Joey's illustrious career and musings, but also serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of human creativity in the face of technological change.
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In this episode we talk with Tasha Singh a design student from Drexel University. Tasha's design philosophy centers around fostering social connection and a sense of community through the built environment. Her experiences moving from the close-knit neighborhoods of India tot he more individualistic society of Philadelphia have profoundly shaped her approach. Tasha aims to blur the lines between public and private spaces, creating a "porosity" that encourages casual interactions and chance encounters.
Underpinning her work is a deep belief that design should serve those who are often overlooked or forgotten. Tasha advocates for designing with empathy and considering how even the most marginalized might engage with and benefit from the spaces we create.
Tasha even touches on a crucial point: the need for designers to slow down, be present, and truly experience how environments impact people's sense of belonging and wellbeing. Tasha's mission is to contribute designs that knit together communities while elevating the voices of the unseen.
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Welcome to a special episode recorded LIVE at the "Crafted for Living" event in collaboration with Carolina and Mannington Commercial. Join us as we sit down with Kevin Swanson, a seasoned expert in Senior Living design at Hawthorn Construction Group. Kevin shares his heartfelt passion for creating spaces that truly cater to the needs of seniors, discussing the delicate balance between aesthetics and safety. From the importance of choosing the right words to implementing small yet impactful changes, Kevin's dedication shines through. Join us for an engaging conversation about the art of designing with purpose and making a meaningful impact in senior living environments
We’re also joined by Lauren Morgan, Brand Manager at Carolina, adding her insights to the conversation and a little about her journey into healthcare design.
Want to learn more? Visit Carolina's insights page to get a recap of the Crafted for Living event here
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In this special episode for Women's History Month, we've gathered 8 incredible stories of perseverance and personal growth from some of our favorite guests. These stories are not just about the perseverance and achievements of these women but are meant to motivate and encourage everyone listening. You'll also meet Lydia Moya, an executive producer for Imagine a Place, as we take a look back at this episode and reflect on these stories and what this month is all about.
Here's a list of our guests in order and links to their original podcast:
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My Ngyuen
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Ginger Curtis
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Charlotte Kingsbury
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Erin Peavey
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Kia Weatherspoon
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Ximena Diaz
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Debbie Millman
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Krystal Lucero
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Architect Nadia Borrás Marković takes us back to her childhood in Mexico City, reflecting on special memories of the home her father built and the creative spirit he nurtured in her. She opens up about her persistence in achieving her goals as one of the few women studying architecture. Towards the end, she explains how architecture goes beyond the practical to create connection and the importance of understanding people’s stories.
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Here are some key takeaways from Doug's experience at the New Year New You event in Miami.
Authentic intelligence comes from experience and activating our brains, hearts, and souls.
There is a difference between artificial intelligence (AI) and authentic intelligence. Artificial intelligence is knowledge gained through algorithmic study and memorization—learning in 2D—while authentic intelligence comes from experience that activates more areas of the brain and leaves emotional imprints. It engages our brains, hearts, and souls. And as AI advances, we need to balance and develop our authentic intelligence through conversations, travel, and immersive experiences.
Curiosity is the most important skill in the AI era.
Curiosity is singled out as the most important skill in the AI era. With unlimited information at our fingertips, our impact comes from the questions we ask, not just passively accepting the answers we receive. Staying curious allows us to steer our use of AI tools, rather than losing agency and keeps us from falling into sameness.
Imperfections make us human.
As AI generates hyper-perfect images and content, imperfections make us human. We need to embrace the imperfections and uniqueness that differentiates human creativity from AI. In design, we should move away from perfection and embrace more human, authentic work. Our humanity shines through those imperfections.
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In this episode Doug sits down with David Polzin, Executive Director of Design at Cannon Design in St Louis. David is known for creating and fostering a creative culture within a large organization—something that proves to be more and more difficult. There is an inherent tension between structure and creativity in large organizations which means it can be difficult to spark innovation. But David believes that embracing risk and failure is actually very important for fostering a creative environment. New ideas are born from continuously iterating on ideas, letting go of attachments, and synthesizing constraints.
The workplace is changing and the creative process is changing with it. One of David's biggest concerns is that people are becoming disengaged from their physical environments due to immersion in technology and that architecture should enhance lived experience and nature. We are slowly losing our connection to spaces and nature. It's on leaders to adapt their leadership styles to new generations and help rescue the creative process.
Overall this is an incredible interview where David shares his thoughtful philosophies on creativity, design, leadership, and the human experience.
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Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day and we are honored to present an interview with renowned architect Curtis Moody, Founder of Moody Nolan. In today's episode, we delve into the profound impact of truth and self-belief on Curtis's life and pioneering achievements. He shares intimate reflections on his upbringing in Columbus, Ohio, highlighted by a pivotal life moment: a school counselor's claim that his skin color barred him from pursuing a career in architecture. This episode is a journey through the challenges and triumphs that have defined Curtis's journey.
Curtis shares vivid memories of learning about Dr. King’s assassination as a teenager and the impact this event had on his life. He also discusses how being a competitive athlete impacted his approach to business, including an incredible strategy that landed him the commission to design Ohio State's arena.
From the guiding principles he lives by to the projects most meaningful to him, Curtis speaks candidly about the passion and persistence that led him to become one of the most prominent architects in the country.
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In this end-of-year solo episode from Doug Shapiro, he shares how picking a random seat at a dinner changed the course of his life. Doug's story of how he found OFS and became a part of the company is inspiring. It shows that taking initiative can lead to big opportunities and even bigger growth.
Doug also gives insight into barriers. The things things that call us the most, the things we know we should do, those are the things we tend to avoid the most. Attack them head on and your possibilities open up tremendously.
We also get some holiday and family appreciation from Doug. He is human after all and he couldn't do what he does without the support of those closest to him.
Thank you all for a wonderful year! We have big things planned for 2024!
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Earlier this year at NeoCon 2023—OFS, Imagine a Place, and IIDA hosted a lively roundtable discussion focused on sustainability, moderated by sustainability leader George Bandy. The panel featured Stacey Crumbaker, an architect and designer based in Seattle, and Paul Shahriari, founder of green building data platform ecomedes. Their conversation offered wisdom and advice for the next generation of interior designers and architects aiming to make sustainability a priority in their work.
How does the next generation get involved and make changes? Building and developing a personal brand that puts you in the position to advocate for sustainable design in your current position is a great way to get involved. Make the case for conscious material choices and their impacts. Legacy mindsets are part of the problem, but designers can create a new legacy mindset—one that aims to reduce consumption and waste, not just meeting minimum requirements. Consider the full lifecycle of your specifications and be mindful of the generational impact.
Designers need to redefine beauty and realign the definition with sustainability. Seek out inspiration from a diversity of spaces like food deserts (geographic areas, often low-income neighborhoods, where residents have limited access to affordable, nutritious food), not just affluent communities. We need to design with marginalized users in mind and include them in the process.
Learn more about IIDA
Learn more about George Bandy
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NOTE: Todd has left JLL since recording this episode.
In this episode, Doug sits down with Todd Edstrom—formerly of JLL. Todd provides insights into why technology is transforming the commercial real estate (CRE) industry—an industry that has been slow to leverage technology. The industry is "curious but skeptical" excited to try new things, but slow to shake the industry.
So, what technology is beneficial to the commercial real estate industry? A major theme is the importance of data. How can data be used to inform better decision-making? While data sets such as survey's and utilization/badge data are necessary, Todd argues that productivity data is most important right now to understand exactly how spaces are being used. There's even new technology emerging that uses sensors to capture data and give researchers insight into how a spaces are actually used.
Looking into the future, Todd is encouraged by technologies like virtual construction site scans to automatically track progress and tools that use AI to instantly generate 3D space plans from PDFs. It's important to note that these technologies shouldn't replace human relationships and expertise in CRE deals, but should compliment them.
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You've joined us for a very special episode! Our team at Carolina did some research and pulled together leaders from the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD) to discuss how clinicians and designers are partnering to create better healthcare environments. We also discuss the impact of spaces on burnout, emerging research, and new opportunities for clinicians interested in healthcare design.
So, how can we integrate clinicians into the design process? It starts at the beginning. One common mistake is bringing clinicians in when it's "too late." Including nurses and clinicians early in the process ultimately saves money in the long run. Designing a space correctly from the start is much cheaper than redesigning spaces later.
Another issue that can be solved by design is clinician burnout. Providing quiet spaces for respite, incorporating nature into stairwells, and using daylighting inside are all examples of needed design solutions to help clinicians combat burnout. Spaces affect emotions more than you know and there's research to prove it. In this episode, we talk about the innovative approaches like AI and biometrics that are being used to understand spaces and how they affect you.
If you're a clinician and you want to get involved, start now. Whether the project is big or small, get involved and contribute your voice in any way you can. There's more and more potential for new careers that blend nursing and design. NIHD is passionate about its mission and committed to advocating for clinical input in healthcare design.
Learn more about NIHD and Carolina.
Watch the full video.
Meet our guests below:
Elizabeth Johnson, Montana State University
Anthony Mistretta, Perkins+Will
Kristina Krail, Krail Advisory
Lynn Aguilera, Stanford Medicine Children's Health
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In this episode, Doug sits down with lifelong sustainability leader George Bandy—Chief Sustainability Officer for Darling Fibers. George has spent decades championing environmental justice and climate action for the likes of the US Green Build Council, Interface, and Amazon.
In this in-depth and candid conversation, George reflects on formative moments such as sitting on his grandmother's porch as a child learning about nature's wisdom and spearheading sustainability initiatives at major corporations. He unpacks complex issues with nuance and care and examines the sustainability field's evolution, its growing pains, and the work still required for true equity. No one company can drive the change needed—it's too late for that. George stresses that collaboration and shared goals across leading green building groups is the only way to see the impact needed.
This interview is full of humble optimism from George. He believes in sustainability's power to reveal our shared humanity and reconnect us to nature's rhythms. There is great joy when diverse people unite around a common purpose to create sustainable solutions.
Learn more about George Bandy.
Learn more about George's role at Darling Fibers.
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In this episode Doug sits down with Sascha Wagner—President and CEO of Huntsman Architecture—to discuss the importance of in-person interactions, mentorship, and workplace. To put it bluntly, these things can't be replicated virtually. So what are we going to do? What is the case for "return to office"?
Sascha makes the point that the physical workplace plays an important cultural role in bringing people together and facilitating in-person interactions. These physical spaces can amplify company culture and encourage important interactions such as mentorship. Some of Sascha's early influences and mentors modeled professional behavior for him and emphasized the value of in-person interactions for learning and development.
The uncertainties that exist today can be viewed as opportunities to learn from and build more flexibility into workplace design. Simply put, places have the power to elevate the human experience.
Learn more about Sascha Wagner.
Learn more about Huntsman Architecture.
Check out this podcast from The Resilience Lab which talks about emotional intelligence in the workplace.
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In this episode, Doug sits down with 5 guests at the Pittsburgh MiniCon convention put on by Franklin. The topic—change readiness. Every person and every organization is grappling with change readiness in some way.
At the organizational level we discuss the importance of listening, bringing elements of nostalgia into new spaces, involving multiple generations in decision-making, and maintaining a flexible attitude.
On a personal level we need to accept and learn from failure when trying new things, we need to value the blending of fresh perspectives with institutional wisdom, and realize that change often brings new relationships and opportunities.
During this episode you'll hear from:
Jane Hallinan from Perkins Eastman
Sanela Schnitgen from University of Pittsburgh
Beverly Shelby from AE Works
Pamela Austin from Burns Scalo Real Estate
Ralph Dallier from Franklin
This episode was inspired by an episode The Disrupted Workforce with Warren Berger.
Learn more about Franklin's Pittsburgh MiniCon convention.
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The career path of Ebehi Ijewere has not been easy, however—by trusting her instincts—Ebehi has found herself as an architect at Jacobs and host of the Layers of Design podcast. Ebehi grew up in Lagos, Nigeria where her creative influences were her mother and aunt who was an architect. These influences pushed her to move to the U.S. at the age of 17 for college.
Being an international student presented itself as a bit of a barrier after college as Ebehi applied for jobs. This led her to feel alone, but it also encouraged her to search for others having similar struggles. Finally through a connection, Ebehi landed her first job in architecture, but it never seemed fulfilling. Ebehi realized she wanted more than just any architecture job—she wanted one that truly valued her contributions.
This led her to rely heavily on her instincts—not being afraid to leave jobs that don't seem to be the right fit. It's admirable when people recognize a particular job is not enriching them and have the courage to move on. This is what led her to Jacobs, into a role where she truly feels valued. Ebehi encourages others not to ignore that feeling when "something isn't working."
Ebehi's story is an important reminder that you must seek out work cultures that empower you.
Listen to Layers of Design.
Learn more about Jacobs.
Learn more about Ebehi Ijewere.
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In this episode, Doug talks with architect and author Gary Vance whose career is split between the pre-computer and post-computer era of the industry. Not only has Gary's workflow changed tremendously, but his client interactions have changed as well. The transition to CAD and email in the workplace caused a notable shift—it changed the way clients viewed and commented on design drawings. Before computers, architects relied heavily on sketches to communicate ideas with clients. With the introduction of CAD, drawings initially made clients think designs were finalized, hindering feedback.
Gary feels nostalgic for his early career, but there are plenty of challenges today in healthcare design that need addressed. One example is the need for privacy in a healthcare setting. It seems obvious, but the use of curtains to separate two patients makes privacy very difficult. Gary emphasizes the importance of private patient rooms to provide comfort, confidentiality, and dignity as standard in contemporary healthcare settings.
So, what are some interesting ways to involve technology in the world of architecture that is different than current applications? Not so different than pilots and truck drivers learning on simulators, why can't architects do the same? Architectural practice simulations could offer solutions to problems before they are encountered in the real world—problems such as dinosaur dung. Yes, that's right, early in his career Gary had a test pile failure blamed on ancient dinosaur dung at the job site.
The next phase of Gary's career is his wonderful book series—"Kid Architect"—which aims to introduce children and young adults to architecture and related fields. Gary has a passion for educating youth about architecture so they understand what the profession entails before pursuing it.
Learn more about Kid Architect here.
Learn more about Gary Vance here.
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Joining Doug this week is Vijay Gupta, violinist and speaker. As a live performer it's not about being perfect—that's what practice is for. Live performance art is authentic. It's about being present and connecting with the audience. Vijay doesn't want to preach, he wants to connect and understand his audience's values and stories. Through this music and conversations, Vijay aims to facilitate the creation of something bigger than himself.
So, how does he do this? He values curiosity, openness, reading, and integrating diverse inspirations into his learning. He values continuous learning as a verb, not just fixed achievements in time. All of this inspires Vijay to "give away his gifts" with one of his most important values being generosity. Vijay believes we find purpose by giving the gifts we didn't know we had.
This conversation also touches a bit on AI. Vijay's take on AI is refreshing—he suggests we focus on how technology can amplify human values and intentions, rather than replace them for the sake of efficiency. AI can help people appreciate life's beauty, while still accomplishing tasks in a human way.
Learn more about Vijay Gupta here.
Find Vijay Gupta on Instagram.
Learn more about Michael Motamedi who was referenced in this podcast.
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We are a few months in to The Design Pop joining the Imagine a Place network and it's been a major success. This is in part due to Alexandra's willingness to stay nimble and reactive with content. Her goal is to provide perspective even without definitive answers, and focusing on technology convergence and its impact.
Alexandra's website—The Design Pop—has grown into an education and training ecosystem with courses, searchable manufacturer videos, and opportunities for community contributions. She plans to add new relevant content while revisiting existing content for freshness.
Listen to The Design Pop here.
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Alexandra is always looking for audience engagement on her podcast. Leave her a voice message here.
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Jose Jordan leads interiors focused on justice and civic spaces at DLR Group in Florida. Justice and civic space interiors are often overlooked, but Jose believes they can be thoughtfully designed to empower and inspire. One example of this approach is a recent juvenile detention center project in Birmingham, Alabama where the history of steelwork was implemented to motivate residents toward a new potential.
Jose also offers up some career advice—care deeply and passionately about your work. This attracts others who also care, creating an environment where everyone works as a team for shared goals.
Jose recently rediscovered his Puerto Rican heritage on a trip to Old San Juan. The history, architecture, culture, food, and family connections left a deep impression. Now, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Jose enjoys spending time with family, eating traditional Puerto Rican food, and introducing others to the culture. He values bringing people together through food, music, and laughter and aims to create spaces that have the same welcoming community feel.
Learn more about Jose Jordan.
Learn more about Jose's company DLR Group.
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During NeoCon 2023, Doug sat down with Stefanie Ince—a career coach who helps people find their passion and purpose in work. The conversation goes all the way back to the basics of sleeping enough, eating healthy, and getting enough exercise. These three basics tend to fall to the wayside when people get wrapped up in their work.
But more than the basics, what makes you happy? It's important to be intentional about figuring out what gives you energy and ignites your passion—even if it means going against conventional wisdom. Can you find this naturally or does it need to be intentionally sought out? And once you find it, can it ever change?
Stefanie talks about people such as Doug—someone who is very passionate about what he does—but still has to find variety and new challenges to keep his passion alive. Be open to reinventing yourself multiple times over in life. But most importantly, tell the truth about yourself in the best possible light when pursuing new opportunities.
Stefanie loves coaching others and holding space for her clients to explore themselves. If you'd like to contact Stefanie, you can email her here.
Learn more about Stefanie Ince.
Learn more about Stefanie's company March Management.
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In this episode, Doug interviews Adam Goodman— the third generation CEO of Goodmans Interior Structures. The Black Lives Matter movement deeply affected Adam and spurred him to confront systemic racism within his own company. Goodman gives you his game plan on confronting systemic racism inside his company and it comes with a heavy dose of self vulnerability and a heaping side of courage. He uncovered bias in areas like promotions and "occupational sorting," and how he's working to develop individualized growth paths to retain diverse high-potential employees.
Goodman proposes and interesting idea—properly-executed capitalism can help solve societal issues. One example of this is Goodman is engaging his company's surplus resources for community benefit. When Goodman originally brought these ideas to the table, some employees doubted the concept, but this only fueled his commitment to authentically lead with purpose. Goodman emphasizes the power of vulnerable, heart-centered leadership to build trust and reduce stress.
Check out the article Doug mentioned.
Learn more about Adam Goodman.
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Creating environments that support your health, your happiness, and your well-being is a passion for Erin Peavey,—Architect and Health & Well-being Design Leader at HKS. She's also well known for her TEDx Talk "Can design heal loneliness?"
Her passion was born from personal experience as Erin cared for her mother during her battle with cancer. Daily walks in the community with her newborn daughter showed her the power of feeling connected to a community through shared public spaces. Erin decided to look into academic research and understand more about how design elements like accessibility, nature, and human scale foster social bonds.
Erin now shares her research through her podcast Shared Space, Psychology Today columns, and an upcoming book. All of these resources aim to make scientific insights accessible and captivating to inspire more empathetic design.
Learn more about Erin Peavey and HKS.
Check out Erin's TEDx talk here!
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Recently Doug came across an article in Work Design Magazine by Kendra Linton—Senior Associate at NELSON Worldwide—that grabbed his attention. Kendra's article is about using sensory design to create engaging workspaces for the new hybrid workplace. As the world continues to grapple with making hybrid work more efficient and human-friendly, thinkers like Kendra cut through the noise and help us understand the importance of connection, creating engaging spaces, and evolving the employee experience.
Check out the article that inspired this episode!
Learn more about Kendra Linton and NELSON Worldwide.
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Yahir Sarmiento is Cushman & Wakefield’s Senior Managing Director for Latin America.
When it comes to hiring, Yahir believes the best "fit" is someone who will work with the already existing team soul. A leader must consider the team's soul when making decisions. It's easy to make decisions when feeling strong emotions, but making decisions based on motivation and good intention is best for a team.
Doug and Yahir talk about time management for leaders—who often spend a majority of their time on shallow, immediate issues. In reality, leaders should devote 50% of their time to deep thinking about the future. But how? Making time for that isn't easy, but Yahir believes focusing on getting enough sleep can have a huge, positive impact on a leaders ability. Investing in sleep is like adding happiness to tomorrow.
Yahir speaks from the heart and dips into his life experiences and the wisdom of his mentors to pass on some excellent advice.
Learn more about Yahir Sarmiento and Cushman & Wakefield.
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Today, we have a special treat for you – Lisa Kahn is an expert in building "sanctuary spaces" and her story of how and why she’s decided to dedicate her life’s work to this is incredible. As you'll hear in this episode, now more than ever, we long for spaces that nurture us emotionally and allow us to feel a sense of well-being, tranquility, and joy - because as Lisa says, “When designed with consideration and care, our environments cradle not only our body but also our spirit. And this is why, when we find sanctuary, we thrive.”
The world needs more of what Lisa will teach you and inspire you within this episode.
Learn more about Lisa Kahn - founder and visionary behind Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs.
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For 9 years, Tracy Hawkins led workplace strategy at Twitter as they scaled from 700 to 13,000 employees. Today, she's Grammarly’s Global Head of Workplace Experience and Connection. In this episode, she will share Grammarly's formula for hybrid work and how deeper levels of research and experimentation help them create better outcomes for work and the workforce.
Tracy also explains how impactful company culture can be, relating a story of how a hashtag at Twitter emerged from employees supporting a coworker with cancer and evolved into an influential mantra. For Tracy, mission-driven, people-focused cultures are key when seeking new roles.
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Paul Shahriari is a visionary and a do-er – It’s a powerful combination. Today, he shares the mission and vision behind the company he cofounded Ecomedes. You’ll hear his inspiring story behind what set him down this path of sustainability - if you’ve ever had a college professor you loved, you’ll appreciate Paul’s story.
Paul and the Ecomedes tribe are determined to make more informed choices easier for designers and consumers and they are already succeeding. This is a fun conversation, it was really cool to learn about his business and I enjoyed Paul’s energy.
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David Ulrich is a university professor, author, speaker, coach, and consultant. With over 30 books that have shaped the HR profession, he is widely regarded as the father of modern HR thinking.
David has been ranked as the #1 Management Educator & Guru by BusinessWeek, he's been selected by Fast Company as one of the 10 most innovative and creative leaders and was named the most influential thinker in HR of the decade by HR magazine. Yeah... So the bar for this conversation is high.... and it does not disappoint. We talk about leadership, culture, the workplace, and we weave in some personal advice at the end.
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In this episode, we chat with Byron Morton, Vice President & Co-Head of Leasing at the Mart. Byron shares what to look forward to at NeoCon 2023 and gives us a sneak peek at the future plans for the show.
If you are heading to NeoCon we want to pass along a special invitation:
Monday, June 12 at 4pm at the OFS Showroom: We’ll be hosting an Imagine a Place alumni cocktail party which you are all invited! That’s right, please come and enjoy a few drinks and hors devours on and mingle with some of the past Imagine a Place guests as well as hosts from Imagine a Place network. We have over 50 previous podcast guests and podcast hosts who will be there to chat, laugh, mingle, and inspire. See you there!
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Amanda Schneider is a researcher, writer, and founder of ThinkLab, a phenomenal source of creative insight for the industry of interior design. Recently, Doug and Amanda met in Chicago to see what new thinking she has for us. As expected… it was a thought-provoking discussion that finishes off with 3 bold predictions for the future of our industry.
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Dianne Murata, Furniture Chief and Founder of Kimiko Designs has a big announcement - She just launched the Kimiko Green Playbook for Sustainable Decommissioning. It's a guidebook to help you make better choices when it comes to the afterlife of your furniture. It was developed through hard work and through listening to a community of facility managers. Tune in to learn more about the playbook and how you or someone you know might be fit to join the Kimiko Green community.
Download the playbook here:
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Roy Abernathy is the EVP of Workplace Strategy and Human Experience at Newmark. He is known for his big-picture mindset and creative thinking.
Today, we do some dreaming out loud around and explore concepts for the future of business and real estate. One of them: The 4-day workweek.
Towards the end of the episode, we learned that Roy went to veterinary school in college. You’ll be surprised when he shares with us exactly what a veterinarian can teach a designer.
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We brought furniture designer Brian Graham back on the show for a laughter-filled and insightful bonus episode! Together we review a handful of powerful quotes from previous episodes.
"It's not your job's job to make you happy." —Cheryl Durst
"If you are waiting for regulations to change the way we design it will be far too late." —Jane Hallinan
"If everyone is doing neutral, then of course, we'll continue to do neutral, but who's going to be the brave one that steps out?" —Laura Guido Clark
"If you're struggling with self worth, there have been more of us out there than you realize that have been very successful and had that exact same amount of self doubt." —Edward Wagoner
"A single, full understanding of someone's complete experience and existence can generate so much inclusivity." —Angie Lee
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On today's episode, join Doug as he sits down with Jorge Colón, Associate Principal and Interior Design Studio Head at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). They dive into some important topics, such as the power of attentive listening, the art of understanding client's needs and recognizing the unsung heroes in the design community. Jorge also shares insightful advice on navigating a successful career in the field of architecture and design.
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Back by popular demand, Regan Donoghue, Senior Principal of Strategy for Unispace joins our very own VP of Workplace, Molly Prior for a deep discussion on designing the space and the work culture for the new hybrid workforce.
Together, they give you a checklist of how to think bigger about what today’s workplace needs are from the employee experience to how the physical space can respond.
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In this episode, we have Ben Christensen, the founder of Cambium Carbon which exists to reimagine the supply chain for wood and wood products. Cambium Carbon saves fallen trees from landfills and decomposition, transforming them into valuable products with place-based impact.
The size and scope of the problem they are seeking to solve is extraordinary and it's likely a problem you never knew existed. Cambium Carbon is here to solve it with their circular economy model that creates new green jobs and funding to support urban canopy restoration in the communities that need it most.
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This episode features Metaverse expert, Christopher Neff, the Global Head of Emerging Experience & Technology for Anomaly—Adweeks 2022 Creative Agency of the year.
Not very long ago, we chose when to connect. Now, we have to choose when to disconnect. Doug and Chris explore how the Metaverse is the next logical step in our technological evolution, and how it could revolutionize the way we interact with each other and the world around us.
This episode provides a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of one of the most exciting technological advancements of our time.
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This episode brings you an architect from Michael Green Architecture in Vancouver – Natalie Telewiak. Natalie has done work for some of the most impressive companies on the planet, but it's her strong connection to nature that makes her approach more powerful and this conversation richer.
In this episode, Doug and Natalie explore the idea of how cities can be designed to evoke the same feelings mother nature and her beautiful landscape brings out of us so naturally.
Doug and Natalie get into some additional conversation and talk about her "Wide Net / Small Net" theory when it comes to how we can leverage group size during creative thinking.
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Every year, OFS sponsors two student roundtables through the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
The roundtables consists of a panel of professionals sharing insights that can help students and new professionals grow their career in design. Everything from putting together the right portfolio, to picking the right firm, to nailing the interview.
The target audience for this episode is students. However, if you're going through the interview process at any stage of your career or you take your role as a mentor seriously, this episode is also for you.
This year, we decided to bring this event to Tennessee State University. TSU is an HBCU with a growing interior design program. We brought in some impressive talent for this panel including:
Mike Johnson II, Associate Principal at Hickok Cole
Sofia Acosta, Designer at Gensler
Tonya Spry, Director of Human Resources at Gresham Smith.
Hosting the panel is the one and only Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA and host of The Skill Set podcast.
Listen to Cheryl's podcast The Skill Set
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Today is a conversational treat. We are joined by Gary David, a sociologist, professor, professional speaker, and co-host of the popular podcast Experience By Design.
Gary is one entertaining human and delivers a conversation that is rich in intellectual stimuli. We explore the keys to a deeper understanding of the people, cultures, and context for which we design. We also go deep into future thinking and how AI will impact our society. At one point, Gary actually says that we should be less concerned with what AI means to us and more concerned with what it says about us.
The last 15 minutes get pretty sci-fi, and we touch on why we need to write with more soul, heart, and purpose… and why it might important to our very existence.
It’s a long conversation and I hope you can make time for all of it – It just kept getting better.
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A few months back, Imagine a Place Productions welcomed a new podcast to the network—Impact Icons—hosted by Jen Levisen and brought to you by Ecomedes. Impact Icons is more than just a podcast, it's a way to honor those who make a difference for this planet through the built environment.
In this episode, the very friendly and energetic host—Jen Levisen—will give us a window into Impact Icons. It’s impossible not to like her. She’ll share what she’s learned since becoming a host and a secret pathway to building your confidence.
If you know someone who might be an "Impact Icon" you'll want to remember this when submissions open for 2023.
Listen to Impact Icons
Learn more about Impact Icons, the award
There is a new variable to consider for your workplace planning equation. Melissa Hanley will share why "time" needs to find its way into our planning metrics.
She’s the co-founder of Blitz, an architecture and Interiors firm, and the author of several popular articles on workplace design. Her language around designing more meaningful places for work is a fresh and honest take.
As we hope you’ve come to expect, there’s great advice at the end too.
Melissa grew up on a Christmas tree farm, which we discuss in the interview.
You can visit the farm here: www.wallinfarm.com
You can visit Blitz here: www.studioblitz.com
In today's episode, we welcome back Brian Graham, a fan favorite who always brings his unique blend of humor, thoughtfulness, and insight to our discussions.
After our previous episode with Brian, we received an overwhelming response from listeners who wanted to hear more from him. So, we invited him back to chat about his recent trip to the IIDA Industry Roundtable in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Brian and Doug share their biggest takeaways from the event (including their take on the 2022 Oxford Dictionary word of the year....Goblin Mode).
Join Doug and Brian as they explore the significance of placing trust in the universe, embracing risks as a designer, and the crucial role of robust leadership and mentorship in the design industry.
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My guest today is the ever-so-creative and impressive, Regan Donoghue. She leads workplace strategy at Unispace and is one of the most original thinkers when it comes to people and place.
We sat with Regan now for a third time and we cover a lot of ground. In this discussion, we explore the potential of the metaverse and how it could impact the structure of work in the next decade, while also emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human connections over technological advancements. We also delve into how to promote “purposeful happiness” and why now is the time to develop emotional intelligence or an "inner sage" to overcome the challenges of the future workplace.
Of course, there is SO MUCH more we discuss, so sharpen your pencils, get comfortable, and let’s take a look at what lays ahead for the future of work.
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Today, we hop over the Atlantic to the small coastal town of Portsmouth England to speak with Charlotte Kingsbury.
Charlotte is the head of US Operations for the London-based firm Urban and she leads Urban's #bemoreinclusive movement aiming to the change demographics of architects, designers and firm leaders.
If you feel that you’ve been overlooked or underrepresented through your career, or, If you are hoping to build a more a inclusive-minded hiring practice, you'll love Charlotte's advice.
At the end she shares a bit of her life story and there’s a good reminder in there about whether you’ve got "it", where "it" comes from, and whether "it" will get you through… and "it" will all be explained towards the end of the conversation.
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Also, did you know we wrote a children's book. Click here to purchase your copy of "Design Your World."
In this special LIVE episode of Imagine a Place, host Doug Shapiro travels to Miami to attend the 3rd annual "New Year, New You" event (presented by IIDA South Florida). The event brings together a diverse group of interior designers and design leaders to encourage, educate, and inspire a growing community of professionals in South Florida. This year's theme was legacy.
As Doug records live from the event, he chats with event organizers Rad Larios, Sunny Reed, and other special guests on what legacy means to them, how they're working to create a lasting impact in their communities, and what they hope their legacy will be.
Through conversation and personal anecdotes, our guests explore how they're shaping their legacies through their work, relationships, and personal values. From building businesses to advocating for social change, each guest shares their unique perspective on how they hope to leave a positive mark on the world.
What will be your legacy?
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Today is a special day as Imagine a Place is launching its first children's book, "Design Your World."
This heartwarming book shares the mission of IIDA's pipeline program of the same name (Design Your World), which aims to educate and inspire kids to see design as an accessible tool for both their life and career - and to make a positive impact on the world. A portion of the proceeds from each book directly supports IIDA's Design Your World program.
On today's episode, we feature co-author Maria VanDeman, who is known for advocating for diversity and inclusion in the design profession, and the talented illustrator, Kenize Leon Perry, one of Miami's favorite artists and designers. Together, we discuss the inspiration, purpose, and goals of this book and the importance of sharing its story.
We hope you enjoy today's episode and join us in supporting this important initiative and sharing the book with young readers in your life.
Get the book here
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Nate Thompson and Alex Schwartz are the cofounders of the Disrupted Workforce.
As thought leaders and co-hosts of their own podcast (also called The Disrupted Workforce), they bring an almost piercing level of clarity to the very muddy world of work that we exist in today. We’ll talk about leadership, priorities, the 4 day work week, and the human spirit.
Their advice at the end gives you the permission you’ve been waiting for that will take the weight off your shoulders.
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Today we’ve got something new for you. We shipped a couple of microphones and a recorder to San Diego to our OFS rep and industry enthusiast, Hillarie Martorell. As she posted up for San Diego’s big design event, the Imagine a Place Productions team tasked her with the mission to capture some specific insight in a live interview format. We wanted to discover how mentorship is changing in the profession of design and what advice we could gather from others.
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On today's episode, Doug reflects on what we've learned in 2022 and takes a look ahead into what's in store for the Imagine a Place podcast in the new year. As you'll hear from Doug, there's a lot to be excited about in 2023 - great guests, new show announcements, book launches, live events, and more! 2022 was full of amazing milestones and moments, but we have SO MUCH more in store in 2023.
And as a quick note of appreciation, we want to thank YOU - the Imagine a Place audience! Thank you for listening, sharing, asking questions, suggesting guests, and well...just being here with us on this journey. Here's to 2023.
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In the final episode of our LIVE from WorkSpaces series, Doug sits down with the co-founders and event producers, Michael Owens and Jason Schwab of Influence Group. Together, they discuss how and why WorkSpaces comes together and what the future holds for their incredible lineup of events.
Doug then digs back into his notebook and reflects back on his time at WorkSpaces, exploring the themes, conclusions, and insights that surfaced throughout each of his discussions. Listen in as Doug gives us five "explorations" to consider from this incredible event and his insightful guests.
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Part 2 of our "LIVE at WorkSpaces" series goes DEEP on the purpose, value, and goals of the workplace. Doug and his lineup of incredible guests discuss how our new ways of working are revealing new questions about the fundamental needs humans seek through work and space. Questions like: Are we trying too hard to fit an old model of collaboration into new ways of working? Are we thinking about empathy in the right way? And at the heart of it all...what value does the workplace truly provide?
On today's episode, you'll hear from:
Tracy Hawkins, Former VP of Real Estate & Work Transformation at Twitter.
Brett Hautop, Founding Partner at Workshape.
Rex Miller, Host of The Resilience Lab Podcast and Thought Leader at Go mindSHIFT.
Sara Andersen, Head of Real Estate and Workplace Effectiveness at Genentech.
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In October, the Imagine a Place team had the great fortune of podcasting LIVE from WorkSpaces, 2022 - a three-day event that brings together workplace innovators and thought leaders from all over the world. This amazing event was packed with incredible people, speakers, and thinkers - all with BIG ideas about the future of work, which you'll get to hear over the course of three special episodes!
In this 3-part series, you'll hear topics on:
- Building Culture in a Hybrid Workforce
- Designing a Change-Ready Workplace
- Why Return to Office is Vital for Democracy
- DEI Strategies in a Flexible Work Environment
- and much, MUCH more...
On today's episode, a podcast host, a rockstar, and a best-selling author walk into a bar...or rather, a bar at WorkSpaces.
We kick things off as Doug sits down with two very special guests, author/speaker Sheela Subramanian (VP of Future Forum at Slack) and Kevin Griffin (lead singer of Better Than Ezra) - that's right, a rock star...but what does a best-selling author and a rock star have in common a workplace event? Simply put, they are experts in the art of connection and collaboration in the pursuit of something bigger than themselves.
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Today, you’ll hear from Alexandra Tseffos, an entrepreneur and coach who has built two separate businesses helping dealers and manufacturers blend the delicate worlds of design, technology, and sales. Those businesses, Silent T Consulting and Design Pop are quickly being recognized as the gold standard for both CET training and community building in contract furniture design.
In this episode, we go deep into the industry role that is near and dear to her heart – the dealer designer, a role often critically misunderstood and possibly...underappreciated.
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My Nguyen is the Director of Interior Design at Holland America Group -nationally acclaimed for her design projects in the marine interior design, high-end residential, and hospitality markets, My Nguyen is known industry-wide for her diverse talent. And while her design talents are impressive on their own, it's her remarkable journey that will truly inspire you.
Today, My will share her story which is filled with sacrifice, challenges, love, appreciation, and most of all, courage.
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Ginger Curtis is an award-winning interior designer, author, Instagram Influencer, and serial entrepreneur, but most of all she's an incredible person. After surviving cancer, she began Urbanology Designs in 2015 to inspire and help others elevate their homes' beauty, comfort, and function.
So, in our interview with Ginger, we’ll talk design, but there’s a long list of takeaways that will fuel your courage and your creativity - We explore her journey to design, the way she deals with fear, and her advice to "not rub dirt on your shine."
Her new and highly acclaimed book, "Beauty By Design," is available nationwide.
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Over the Summer, we gathered together a talented group of healthcare designers to meet with one of the healthcare industry's great writers and design explorers, Sara Marberry.
In this discussion, Sara and the group explore the critical importance healthcare design plays for the patient and caregiver, as well as healthcare’s role in responding to the climate crisis.
Roundtable guests:
- Sara Marberry - Moderator and host
- Carly Schrider
- Sherin Khawaja
- Jamison Delfino
- Emilee Olson
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This summer, the Imagine a Place team huddled to ask the question: Who would be the perfect guest to explore creativity? So, naturally, the conclusion was: Let’s talk to a Creative Director at a REALLY creative company.
This led us straight to James Gregson at Lego. James’ work as the Creative Director for LEGO’s internal creative agency has landed him on AD Week’s Creative 100 List and over the course of his career, he’s done work for brands that include New Balance, Atari, and Mercedes-Benz. Currently, James is a leader within The LEGO Group’s internal creative agency, leading a team of digital content strategists, creative designers, producers, and video editors, responsible for creating best-in-class digital content for LEGO social media channels.
And… you know… we didn’t want to just hog James all to ourselves, so we opened up a call out on social media for questions… and wow, did they pour in for James - you’ll hear those questions in this interview. There’s advice for building creativity in remote and hybrid work, how to stay inspired, and what element is at the core of creativity… It’s a 100% Creativity-Centered episode.
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Brenda Romero is an award-winning game director, entrepreneur, and Fulbright award recipient who entered the video game industry in 1981 and is presently CEO and co-founder of Romero Games. As a game developer, she has worked on 50 games and contributed to many seminal titles, including Wizardry, Ghost Recon, and Dungeons & Dragons.
Brenda has been designing and inventing games her whole life and she’s become one of the world's best at it. So, what's the connection between designing a game and designing for physical space? In today's episode, Brenda helps us discover it just might be the challenge of designing for the interactive, complex, and emotional experience of being human.
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Named “one of the most creative people in business” by Fast Company, Debbie Millman is an author, educator, curator, and host of the podcast, Design Matters.
Launched in 2005, Design Matters, is one of the first and longest-running podcasts, and as host, Millman has interviewed nearly 500 of the most creative people in the world over the past 17 years examining the arch of their lives, fully exploring what it means to be inspired, creative, and curious.
But today, we get the privilege to turn the table on Debbie and explore the arc of Debbie’s life and the richness of her life as a designer, podcaster, communicator, and all-around fascinating human being.
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Well, here we are...episode 100! And we're thrilled - not just because of the milestone, but because of what we get to share with you today. In this episode, we’ll be introducing you to the people, the strategy, and the work that goes into making these episodes.
We also take you back to some of our favorite moments from the podcast - and if you stick around until the end, you'll hear Doug's "aha moment" when reflecting on what he's learned after 100 conversations.
And as a quick note of appreciation, we want to thank YOU - the Imagine a Place audience! Thank you for listening, sharing, asking questions, suggesting guests, and well...just being here with us on this journey.
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Designer. Advocate. Advisor. Humorist - Brian Graham's talent extends far beyond furniture design. For nearly 25 years, Brian has been turning out award-winning and internationally recognized work, but it's his ability to connect and communicate with people that just might be his greatest skill and a not-so-secret to success.
In the wee hours before NeoCon, we sat down together in the OFS showroom to discuss what drives his creativity, how design is a "team sport," and the critical skills needed to be successful that might not be taught in design school.
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This is a really special conversation. Jenny McMath is going to give us an all-access pass to Los Alamos National Labs, aka "LANL" — LANL is where the most important, secretive, and secure research is happening in the United States and Jenny leads all furniture for the 8,000,000 square feet that makes up LANL. But — None of that is what makes this conversation so awesome. It’s Jenny’s enthusiasm for getting the workplace right and her rock-solid belief that there is incredible potential to unlock through building better workplaces.
Today – Jenny lets us into how she’s orchestrating a post-pandemic workplace that meets the needs of her workforce and the mission of LANL.
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It takes a village. Design is certainly no exception. David Lancaster is a member of the London based furniture design studio Roger Webb Associates. For over 2 decades, David and his teammates have been designing award-winning and innovative furniture products for workplaces all over the globe. Most recently, they’ve designed OFS’s Heya, Obeya, Khaleid and many more.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know the Webb Associates team as member of the OFS marketing staff and I’ve particularly enjoyed the relaxed and casual conversations that I’ve had with David Lancaster over the years, whether that be at a dark and moody german style bar or coffee at the office… So I wanted to bring you into one of those conversation.
David and I met in person to record this one… Today he will share his point of view on creativity and design and you’ll quickly pick up that David is passionate about one particular area of design while others at his studio are focussed on other aspects. Hence the title… It takes a village.
Kick back, relax… I think you’ll enjoy David’s style.
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Autodesk is best known as the source for AutoCAD and Revit. They are a technology company that enables the designers and makers of the world. In today's episode, we welcome Mike Haley, Autodesk’s VP of Research. Mike leads a world-class team of researchers, engineers, and other specialists, at Autodesk, who are exploring the future of how people will design and make things.
In this conversation, Mike describes the future of our relationship with technology in the field of design. He also draws a surprising connection between AI and creativity.
Peering into the future is often like looking down a dark hallway… and in this conversation, Mike will be turning on the lights.
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We are thrilled to introduce the latest addition to the Imagine a Place Productions family of podcasts…. It’s called The Skill Set and as you might have heard by now, it’s hosted by the one and only Cheryl Durst. An exceptional communicator, innovator, and visionary leader, Cheryl Durst has spurred progress, driven change, and encouraged the expansion of the Interior Design industry.
Cheryl has spent a lifetime fascinated by the backstories that reveal where those foundational skills come from. With The Skill Set, she taps into those stories to uncover the not-so-apparent abilities that power success.
Now – The Skill Set may be brand new, but the idea is something that has lived in Cheryl’s head for quite some time. Here’s our conversation where we seek to uncover her true "why" behind launching this new podcast.
Subscribe to The Skill Set
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The story you’re going to hear today is a powerful one.
I met Alejandro Estrada (Designer at Empire Office) at what I would rank as one of the top local design events that I’ve witnessed – The New Year New You event in Miami, Florida, where I hosted a panel. When we met at this event, what stood out about Alejandro was his aura… He had a magnetic, creative, and positive energy that you could just feel. Over coffee, I learned more about Alejandro’s story and the more he spoke, the more I was determined to share this story with you.
In today's episode, you'll hear the challenges Alejandro overcame, which include escaping violence in his native Colombia, as well as his journey to coming out at 16-years-old and how these events shaped who he is today.
Alejandro's journey through life is a story of courage and a story of what it is to be human.
Reach out! Want to ask Doug a question for our next podcast? Leave him a question or comment here.
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In this episode, we decided to do something different, we wanted to reflect back on a few powerful moments that made us stop and think just a little bit deeper. Today, we revisit discussions with Mark Bryan, Pat Milbery, and Andrea Herron to discover those moments in the conversation that sparked our curiosity on the metaverse, how to encourage passion in others, and the importance of mental health in the workplace.
Hear the full episodes below:
Mark Bryan: "The future of design and work."
Pat Milbery: "Give it all away."
Andrea Herron: "There's an elephant in your office." (Watch the webinar)
Reach out! Want to ask Doug a question for our next podcast? Leave him a question or comment here.
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Mark Bryan is the Director of Innovation and Research at M+A Architects - He’s also a certified futurist. As a Futurist, Mark leads M+A’s Futurism services, using innovation and research to create personalized data-driven solutions and future-driven forecasts to solve now for what is to come next. Mark uses his work to predict, and protect, what inevitable change means for the future.
In today's episode, we go deep into the metaverse, artificial intelligence, and what the future might hold for work and life.
To hear more from Mark Bryan, check out the podcast he co-hosts, M+Ake It Innovative.
Want to ask Doug a question for our next podcast? Leave him a question or comment here.
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Lakiesha Stanley spent 7 years as an ER Nurse… and now she’s designing hospital interiors.
As Lakiesha moves about her career as a healthcare interior designer (currently with Gresham Smith), she brings so much more than empathy from her time as a nurse… She brings over a mindset on how to prioritize and deal with tough situations. In today's episode, she lets us in on how we can "triage" any situation.
The second half of the conversation really captures the advice she has for others - and there are some ways in which she understands herself - and her journey that connects to so much of what many of us might have felt at some point.
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Today our guest is Mario Vasilescu, he's the CEO and Co-Founder of Readocracy and this episode just might revolutionize how you feed your brain. Over the past 5 years, greater awareness and data have helped us understand the layers of our health and wellbeing in ways that we’ve never considered before. However, there’s one very important layer, that is too often left out of the conversation - information.
This episode centers around the importance of your information diet and new technology that is basically, the Fitbit of reading.
Join the Readocracy waitlist here and reference "the Imagine a Place Podcast" to get early access.
Read more about information health and Readocracy on their blog:
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Adam Stover is a Senior Principal at Kansas City’s Populous and has led the design for some of the most significant sports stadium renovations and new builds of the last decade:
These include Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Gillette Stadium, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever….. which is exactly where we met Adam for this interview, smack dab on center court.— And as you might have expected, we brought the crew and filmed it – you see the center court action for yourself here.
Today, we’ll go deep on designing for the human experience and Adam shares his advice on how we as individuals and teams can grow in our pursuit of excellence.
Watch the conversation with Doug Shapiro and Adam Stover, center court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
A well-designed hospitality experience transports you… and so does a great conversation. But when you have a great conversation about well-designed hospitality experiences… well, that’s just going to a whole nother level.
Today, we bring on Valentina Castellon, DLR’s Principal and Sr. Interior Designer out of Minneapolis. She’s a leader in the hospitality space, and her love of story and experience is felt through this entire conversation.
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Earth Day is a time to celebrate, learn, and maybe try something new,
So we’ve got a great conversation today and a couple of questions for you too,
Today, we brought back two of our favorite podcast pals,
The hosts of Break Some Dishes, to boost your Earth Day morale.
And what do we cover in this conversation, today?
We’ll help you get your mind and your spirit prepped for Earth Day.
About Break Some Dishes:
Hosted by Verda Alexander and Jon Strassner, Break Some Dishes is a podcast that covers the environmental crises through the lens of creativity and design. They believe that bad design is bad for the planet. Verda is an artist and designer and Jon is a talker, and together they find those unique people who have found amazing ways to make a difference in saving our planet.
On their podcast, they talk about ghost fishing, ocean plastic pollution, and the work being done to remove poisonous ingredients from products. But, that's just the tip of the iceberg, so join the discussion, start breaking some dishes, and get going on fixing things!
Earth Day Haikus:
Jon Strassner:
We must stop takin
Without giving or fixing
Our time is too short
Verda Alexander:
Abundant earth, blue
And verdant the spoils bury
Listen just for now
Doug Shapiro:
From you I borrow
My life, my soul, everything
What will I pass on?
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Today, we speak with Wendy Rodgers, CEO of architecture and design firm LPA - and in this episode, she's going to encourage you to "raise your hand."
Since joining LPA as an intern in 1987, Wendy Rodgers' journey has taken her all the way to CEO. How'd she do it? As Wendy explains, embracing an entrepreneurial spirit and taking on BIG initiatives can create momentum in your career - however, the journey might not always be easy, and there is a risk, but leaning into this risk is where we learn and grow.
We will get into that journey in this conversation, but we’ll also cover the state of the industry, career advice, and the future of building greener schools. So, get ready to be motivated to take some risks, learn to fail, and grow towards your goals.
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Connect with host, Doug Shapiro, below:
By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
On Instagram: @Douglas_Shapiro
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Today, we host the developer and president of Prince Concepts, Philip Kafka - and we promise, this episode will feed your mind and your soul. Philip Kafka’s bold but unconventional vision for reimagining urban spaces has earned him commercial, critical, and career success with acclaimed projects in Detroit.
In this episode, Philip explains the keys to personal growth, how to do GREAT work, and the necessity of maintaining a balance between sensitivity and toughness.
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Connect with host, Doug Shapiro, below:
By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
On Instagram: @Douglas_Shapiro
On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Have you ever heard the expression, "start with why?" Well, Rex Miller starts somewhere else.
Here’s what's awesome about this episode… We are dropping this one before the launch of The Resilience Lab. It’s an Imagine a Place Productions original that features Rex Miller interviewing experts who explore ways to build resilience into your work, life, and practice of design.
Rex is a well-published author, a business and life coach and he packs into this conversation a greatest hits episode where we explore a variety of concepts that all center around getting to a better you at work… and it starts with a fundamental question: Who. Are. You.?
Subscribe to The Resilience Lab: https://apple.co/3ulzUvJ
Learn more about Rex Miller
Connect with Rex Miller on LinkedIn
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
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Our guest today is one of the world’s leading experts in designing for a population that is too often overlooked and misunderstood.
Jane Rohde believes in a global cultural shift toward de-institutionalized senior living communities. As Principal as JSR Associates, she is putting people at the center of her practice – For Jane, this means more than just the senior living residents, but also the staff and the community at large. Today, Jane Rohde shares a vision for how a more blended, empowering, and richer senior living and community experience could look.
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Today, we host Bolanle Williams-Olley, aka Bola. She’s the CFO for the New York design and architecture firm Mancini Duffy, and she’s going to help you Build Boldly.
Build Boldly is the title of Bola’s recently published book. It’s a hybrid autobiography and self-help book that immerses you in her own journey and how those lessons can apply towards building your own career.
B.O.L.D. is the acronym that ties it all together and today, we explore the “B” part of that acronym – “Be Yourself”. Sounds easy on the surface right? Well… just like everything in life, there’s a lot more to it.
Learn more about Bolanie and her book, "Build Boldly" here: https://www.bolanlewo.com/book
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Dianne Murata is the witty and enthusiastic founder of Kimiko Designs. In today’s interview, she helps you think differently about furniture planning and specification.
Dianne brings over 2 decades of experience in furniture planning and design and she doesn’t hold back in our conversation. She shares how furniture doesn’t have to be the “F word”, why we’ll need to embrace our inner MacGyver as designers in the future, and some advice on where you might want to be shifting a little more of your focus.
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By Email: dshapiro@ofs.com
Email Imagine a Place: imagineaplace@ofs.com
Over the last 10 years, Gensler's Todd Heiser has emerged as one of our industry's most creative and BIG thinking leaders in workplace design - and you're about to find out why.
Todd Heiser is a Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Chicago office. His leadership showcases more than 20 years of experience in next-generation design at the cutting edge of workplace strategies, and his commitment to conceptual and technical development transforms spaces around the globe.
Sure, Todd Heiser knows his stuff about the workplace, but what we really love about Todd is his simple sincerity and honesty - stick around until the end of this episode as he provides some nuggets of wisdom that apply to any designer at any point in their career.
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We asked our previous guest, Kia Weatherspoon (episode 35 - May 3, 2021), for an intro to someone she’d want to hear from – The first name on her list: Jessica Caldwell.
Jessica Caldwell is the founder of Folke Creative in Brooklyn NY, a boutique branding and design studio inspired by the stories of people, places, and things. She also runs the design blog: Design is Lit.
Today, Jessica will let us in on her "messy" process of design and also provides some wise advice on how to conjure creativity.
She starts her interview reflecting on a moment that eventually leads to a simple and beautiful statement from her:
“Life is filled with little luxuries, little glimmers of hope and love… if you’ll only just look for them."
Connect with Jessica on Instagram: @jesswonderland
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Ok, a few episodes back, we mentioned that we were cooking up some good stuff in the kitchen at Imagine a Place. Well today, we are proud to announce the launch of our own podcast network, Imagine a Place Productions!
The goal of Imagine a Place Productions is to further elevate the belief that the places we make and the ways we design them matter in our lives. Our new collection of podcasts gathers industry-leading voices that have the power to inspire and educate through conversation and storytelling.
Our first announcement as part of this new network features the design industry favorite, Break Some Dishes. Jon Strassner and Verda Alexander are two giants in the world of interior design -- About 18 months ago, these long time friends came together to start their journey as podcasters with Break Some Dishes - a podcast dedicated to environmental crises we face as a global community under the lens of creativity and design.
In addition, "The Resilience Lab" is an Imagine a Place Productions original that will be hosted by author and speaker Rex Miller. The monthly podcast and blog will explore how we can integrate resilience into work and our lives for wellbeing through the journey and stories of others.
Break Some Dishes is currently available to listeners on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Google, and Spotify, and "The Resilience Lab" will be launching in March.
There is just so much we want to say about our guest Mark Ostrom today - It’s just hard to fit that much goodness into one introduction though. Mark is the founder and executive director of Joy Collaborative, a nonprofit that you will love learning about.
Joy Collaborative is a partnership of impassioned doers and givers –designers, architects, and builders; donors, volunteers, and sponsors – who come together to transform kids’ personal spaces, creating environments that for some kids become magnets of activity; for other kids a place of respite.
For all the kids and families Joy Collaborative serves, they aspire to create spaces that deliver joy. Because as Mark explains, "everyone deserves a space where they can be themselves."
Learn more about the Joy Collaborative: https://joycollaborative.org/
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In 2016, Amy Leigh Hufford stood on a stage in Chicago as she was handed the IIDA Interior Design Student of the Year Award. For those of us in the room for that moment, it would prove to be unforgettable … and you’re about to hear why.
Amy’s an interior designer at Nelson Worldwide and to say she’s wise beyond her year would be a terrible understatement.
Through today’s conversation with Amy, you’ll take away three things: A load of inspiration on embracing your path no matter how rough that road is, you’ll think deeper about your role as an advocate in design, and how to explore our emotional connection with space in new ways.
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Christian Giordano is the president and co-owner of the New York design firm Mancini Duffy, and the host of the popular podcast - The Anti-Architect. We hosted Christian Giordano right here on Imagine a Place in June of 2021. We brought Christian back on the show because after our first interview with him, we felt like he had a “secret sauce” at his firm… and we wanted to figure out what it was.
It will be up to you to decide what that “secret sauce” really is - but if we had to break it down, it’s these three things: Thankfulness, a vision, and a critical eye for your own profession.
Listen to The Anti-Architect Podcast
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Shuli Steele is the Director of the Higher Education market at Planon, a global leader in smart building technologies. She’s an author, a TEDx speaker, and a self-titled learner advocate.
In this episode, Shuli shares how space planning at the campus is evolving. We discuss campus and work/life culture and what we really crave from others when it comes to our time in the workplace.
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Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - And we want to bring you a conversation that honors the values and legacy that Dr. King left behind for this world…. and Mike Johnson II, well, he wants to bring you a whole building full of it.
Mike Johnson is a senior associate at the architecture and design firm, Perkins&Will. He’s actively engaged in advancing the profession of design at both the community and global level. Today’s episode centers on a project that Mike is right in the middle of – The brand new Martin Luther King Communication Arts & Humanities building at Bowie State University.
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Lori Louis is the Sr. Director, Experiential Space Design & Concepting at JLL. And Lori has built and runs a highly effective and efficient design team that is entirely remote.
So… in this conversation, Lori is going to help us crack the code. How can we bring our remote or hybrid design game to a new level? She also challenges the processes of today’s commercial design, procurement, and construction. We talk about iterative design, we talk about research, we talk about well-being in the workplace. So much good stuff in this conversation.
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In this episode, Doug Shapiro shares his personal journey as a podcast host and what he has learned after nearly two years of conversation.
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Rachel Bascombe is an architect in Los Angeles at the firm CO Architects and Rachel is number 412. A number that will soon make sense to you and will probably surprise you.
In today’s interview with Rachel, we’ll hear about a moment that changed her life path and how that moment helped to create a sense of purpose when it comes to place. Rachel also shares how one project early in her career helped her understand the full significance of being a Black female architect in America.
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As the buyer’s journey becomes increasingly digital…so do our jobs, our communication, our processes. As Abby Murray embraced this new digital lens, her motivation for starting Mortarr was built through a combination of frustration and opportunity.
She saw the potential for a more inclusive, efficient, and greener way of doing business. Today, she is the CEO of Mortarr – A website built around connecting ideas, products, and professionals in the commercial design industry.
In this episode, she drops advice on how we can be more digitally-minded when it comes to finding efficiencies in our process and communication. A powerful moment in our conversation comes at the end, when I learn how Abby had to give up goodness to find greatness.
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Today’s episode features two big thinkers when it comes to place and technology. Edward Wagoner is the CIO for the progressive-minded $17 billion, global real estate firm, JLL. Will Cowell de Gruchy is the founder and CEO of Infogrid - a fast-growing startup aimed at making buildings smarter and the world healthier.
These two are thinking about the intersection of real estate and technology at the highest level, and with 90% of our time spent indoors, the stakes are high.
In today’s conversation, we’ll talk about technology’s role in the human experience of place, IOT (Internet of Things), and at the end, Edward and Will will make some bold predictions for what’s ahead of us. But, perhaps the most valuable moment in today’s chat is hearing Edward open up about his personal journey through self-change and organizational change.
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Regan Donoghue is the energetic workforce strategist and co-founder of SimConsults. For well over a decade, she’s been researching and rethinking the role of work in our lives. Today, we talk about gamification at work, the future role of place in office work, data in the workplace, and how we can build a culture that values the feedback of our employees.
Regan co-founded SimConsults based on the need for unique solutions and next-level problem-solving. Their partnership aligns with corporate real estate brokers and clients challenged by complexities that have arisen in the wake of 2020. Taking a fresh, empathetic approach to how the workforce is challenged throughout these turbulent times, Regan works closely with clients to help enhance the quality of the user experience.
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When it comes to sustainability and architecture, there are few on the planet that are more progressive-minded and informed than Eric Corey Freed. We can also now say with certainty that there are none more witty and entertaining.
Eric Corey Freed is the Senior Vice President of Sustainability at Cannon Design, where he is leading them on a mission to have every project be net-zero energy and halve embodied carbon by 2030. He’s authored a dozen books on the topic of sustainability— his most recent: The Circular Economy for Dummies.
In this episode, he discusses the future of green building, bio-engineering, designing for the human senses, and how we can get others to take climate change more seriously.
There are some amazing moments in this conversation. There are countless laughs. We can promise that you’ll enjoy Eric’s style and you’ll be imagining a whole new world of architecture like you’ve never imagined before.
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The Circular Economy for Dummies:
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This Thanksgiving we are thankful for YOU, so thank you for listening, sharing, and reaching out to us! It always feels great to say thank you, but this week we are feeling especially grateful for our amazing listeners and producers of the Imagine a Place podcast. It has been a privilege to connect with you each week!
We are always so appreciative when we hear from our listeners on ideas for guests, thoughts from a recent episode, or just to say hello. So, please feel free to reach out anytime!
From all of us at Imagine a Place, we wish you a safe, restful, and happy Thanksgiving.
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There’s an elephant in your office, and we’ve brought in author, podcast host, and HR leader Andrea Herron to help us understand it.
That elephant is the struggle we have with mental health. Andrea Herron is WebMD’s Health Services’ Human Resource leader. She is the co-author of the book, "There’s an Elephant in your Office." She’s also the award-winning host of the podcast The HR Scoop.
Pretty much of all what we do in planning and design is for people, and Andrea gets people. Her perspective in today’s conversation will open the doors to some new thinking on mental health and help you understand how HR executives are leading their companies through today’s fast-paced world.
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Get your copy of "There's an Elephant in your Office"
Listen to The HR Scoop
To read her articles: https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/author/andreaherron/
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Tara Headley is a rising star in the world of interior design. In this episode, we explore her journey as an immigrant, the power of networking, and her life hack around setting personal goals.
Tara’s journey began in Barbados, 2000 miles away from Savannah College of Art and Design where she studied. Tara currently works at Hendrick in Atlanta designing commercial interiors - and at this past NeoCon, Tarkett unveiled a new flooring product designed by Tara.
It’s been a big year for her. You’ll love her energy and wisdom in this interview.
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Disclaimer: After listening to this episode, you might decide to leave the practicing world behind and begin your second career as a professor. Our guest today is Nathan Howe, Department Head of Kansas State’s Interior Architecture and Industrial Design program - and Nathan has some stories to tell.
There is an energy and openness to the academic world that just feels good to reconnect with at times. As we discuss today, it's this creative and open vibe that is the secret ingredient for any successful work culture.
At the end of the episode, we also go deep into Nathan’s personal identity as half Colombian and half American / U.S. citizen. Nathan Howe asks the brave question: “If my name were Nathan Gomez, would my life have turned out differently?”
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Edwin Beltran is loaded with optimism, cultural understanding, and some powerful insights on Healthcare Design
As the Design Principal at NBBJ, Edwin has led some of the firm’s most notable and award-winning healthcare projects. In today’s conversation, Edwin shares some powerful healthcare design insights; and at the end, we end up exploring his Puerto Rican heritage and how it has shaped who he is today.
We catch Edwin right before he is leaving Healthcare Design Expo where he will be a featured speaker about the changing role of the mock-up in the interior design process.
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Can a website help save the planet? Joanna Abrams believes so. Joanna Abrams is the CEO and Founder of Mindclick, a product intelligence platform that rates the environmental impact of manufacturers and their products.
Joanna’s journey into Mindclick is an entertaining listen, full of windy roads, detours, and even failures. One of the highlights of this episode comes towards the end, when Joanna walks our host, Doug Shapiro, straight into an epiphany around why we sometimes lose sight of a way of living and thinking that really matters.
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In this episode, we’re going to discuss soap operas, anime, Visco Girls, and pro-wrestling… and it’s going to be one of the most intellectual dialogs that we’ve had on this show.
Sam Ford is an expert on Pop Culture - And if you think pop culture doesn’t matter, then you might be missing the bigger picture. Culture is messy and Sam is here today to help us decode it.
Sam Ford is an MIT Media Alum, Professor, and Consultant who is currently leading Kentucky’s largest initiative to rebrand their economy. Sam works on media innovation, cultural intelligence, and storytelling experimentation with a wide range of organizations. In our episode today, he delivers insights that will help you understand media and cultural trends through a new lens.
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Samantha Lee Smugala is doing important work in St. Louis. She’s the founder of Pocketparks, a non-profit that is reimagining and reinvigorating the vacant lots that are scattered across St Louis Neighborhoods. For Samantha, it all started with a simple sketch that caught the attention of the local news and eventually propelled her to think bigger about what’s possible.
Samantha’s story behind Pocketparks is unique and entertaining. But, it’s the challenges she faced as an entrepreneur earning the trust of others that make this episode so valuable. Her story is full of lessons and insights that will help you grow.
A bit more about PocketParks:
Pocketparks is a non-profit organization that reimagines and redevelops unused plots of land to provide communities with active and beautiful recreational areas. Through community engagement, each park is designed to meet the specific needs of the neighborhood in which it is located. Every park incorporates three things: activity, artwork, and opportunity. Pocketparks are small, but make a big impact. By focusing on small outdoor parks, we can quickly provide a positive impact without extensive resources. Pocketparks not only offers beautiful recreational areas, but works to increase safety, boost community pride, and contribute to economic development. Pocketparks is a platform that reactivates outdoor areas to build up the ecosystem of communities and weave vibrant spaces into our urban fabric.
Established in St. Louis in 2021, Pocketparks is working to activate local communities and plans to grow into a network of parks that sprawl across the city and eventually expand to other cities and states. As a non-profit organization, Pocketparks relies on donations to support its efforts.
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As a pro snowboarder and artist, Pat Milbery is one of Denver’s most creative and interesting people. Buildings all over the city feature Pat’s iconic wall murals - sometimes 40 feet or higher, full of color, geometry, and narrative. His goal through his art is simple - spread love.
Here’s the thing though -- All these accomplishments are irrelevant to the conversation that you’re about to hear. This conversation is actually about you. Here’s what you’re going to get out of this:
-You’re going to want to work harder.
-You’re going to find your flow state.
-You’re going to recognize the joy and love in life’s journey.
-You’re probably going to end up giving out a bunch more compliments to strangers.
Above all, energy is Pat’s biggest strength, and Pat keeps none of that energy for himself. Pat has overcome something many of us may fear and not even know it -- He gives kindness and joy in abundance.
The world needs more of Pat Milbery, and we are happy to dish some out to you today.
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Danya Hakky, Ph.D. is an Interior Designer and Design Researcher for Perkins Eastman, a global architecture and design firm. She is also a co-author of the recently published research paper, "The Subtle Art of Place Making," which sought to answer the question: Why do we still need to create meaningful places when virtual settings and interactions are on the rise?
The findings of this research do two things really well. First, it breaks down the fundamental role that place plays in our world today. It also includes a collection of place attributes that have been cleverly broken into note cards -- These attribute cards serve as sort of a conversation toolkit that you can use to support your design discussions among colleagues or clients.
This conversation toolkit and research paper are free for you to engage with!
Here’s the link: https://www.perkinseastman.com/white-papers/the-subtle-art-of-placemaking/
In our conversation with Danya, we hear her take on the purpose of place and the role of research in design. There are some brilliant aha moments scattered across this conversation that we know you’ll enjoy.
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Martin Flaherty is the witty and outspoken co-host of the podcast Tailgating with Geniuses. Tailgating with Geniuses blends the entertaining personalities of the hosts with some of today's most creative thinkers and leaders.
Martin also has some interesting ties to the world of design and construction that are rooted in sustainability. In 2005, he co-founded Eco-Scorecard. At that time, Eco-Scorecard was the industry's first-ever tool to help calculate how different products could contribute to environmental certifications. In this conversation, Martin shares some of his favorite stories, bloopers, and insights that he’s gathered after 20 years in the commercial building industry.
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When we think of what it means to “change perspective”, we often don’t think of it in its literal sense. Yet, for Malcolm Berg, it wasn’t until he was zooming towards the ground in an aerobatic aircraft that he understood architecture in a fundamentally new way.
Malcolm Berg is an award-winning architect and designer who leads his firm EoA Group out of Miami. He was recently selected as IIDA’s Hospitality Designer of the Year. In this episode, Malcolm delivers some excellent advice around how passion, enthusiasm, and a deeper understanding of your profession can set you apart.
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Steve Jobs was a firm believer in the power of place and the impact that an in-person collaborative environment can have on innovation and a creative corporate culture. The in-person method of work is being called into question by so many that have found their rhythm as a remote worker. Today, Kay Sargent, Director of HOK’s global WorkPlace practice, helps us explore the new promise that our workplaces must fulfill and how human-centered thinking can help guide us through the tough and often controversial decisions that swirl around the workplace today.
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Mike Petrusky Has been the host of the ioffice’s Workplace Innovator Podcast for 3 years running. He’s had over 150 interviews with real estate, technology, and facilities leaders from all over the world. His style, his humor, and his honesty when it comes to the difficult topics surrounding the workplace today make him the perfect guest for Imagine a Place.
In our conversation, Mike and I cover leadership and self-awareness, and we get into a deep conversation around the return to work, the hybrid workforce, and all their implications.
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Named by CNN as one of the ten most fascinating people in the world you've never heard of, Raghava KK is a multidisciplinary artist, storyteller, and featured TED speaker, who explores the intersection of art, life, and technology.
His public art installations include a library for the Robin Hood Foundation in the Bronx, NY, and is internationally treasured, but behind all his accomplishments… there is a powerful engine - and the fuel for that engine is questions. Raghava asks a lot of questions - And his questions seem to lead him to a deeper understanding.
I asked Raghava about facing your fears and what advice he has. In this episode, he breaks it down into 3 layers of advice - Loss, Liberation, and Mystery. It’s a great part of our conversation, you’ll want to stick around for that.
What we also learn from Raghava is that in life, if you don’t like the answers you're getting, maybe you’re just asking the wrong questions.
Watch TEDTalks from Raghava KK
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Today, we’ll hear from a recent graduate who just began her career at Gensler. If you think there is nothing to learn from a student, you are about to be turned upside down. Sofia Acosta is as wise, collected, and clear-headed as anyone we’ve interviewed on the podcast so far.
Sofia graduated in May 2021 from Kansas State’s 5-year master's program in Interior Architecture and Industrial Design. Even more impressive is her humble nature and urgent passion for sustainability. Sofia is the perfect example of the bright, passionate youth that will be the change in the planet that we know we need… We just need to give them the stage and allow them to lead.
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Have you thanked a teacher lately?
Somewhere out there is a teacher that has helped you become who you are today. Well, for so many in the world of architecture and design, that teacher is Jon Otis. Jon is widely known in this industry for so many reasons. He’s on the international board of directors for IIDA, he’s a professor at Pratt, runs his own practice, Object Agency and he’s champion of diversity and inclusion inside the profession of design.
In this episode, Jon shares the lessons on design that he never lets a student leave without.
Learn more about Jon Otis: http://www.object-agency.com/about-object-agency/
Connect with Jon Otis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonotis/
Get your free copy of the Imagine a Place journal and join the community: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with host, Doug Shapiro, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Rex Miller is one of those people that seems to decode the world around us; almost as if all the complexity melts away when you speak with him. He is the principal and thought leader for MindShift, a future-focused consultancy, and organizational performance firm. He is the author of The Commercial Real Estate Revolution, The Millennium Matrix: Reclaiming the Past, Reframing the Future of the Church, and Change Your Space, Change Your Culture, and more.
In this episode, we talk about change, leadership, and getting to a place of clarity and personal growth in your life.
At the end of the episode, we give out a promo code for a free digital copy of Rex’s latest work “Strategy in Rebuilding, Principles to Building Post Traumatic Growth." It’s a $35 value and we are making that available for FREE with the promo code for the first 200 downloads.
Link to Strategy in Rebuilding, Principles to Building Post Traumatic Growth: https://rexmiller.com/shop/ols/products/strategy-in-rebuilding-principles-to-build-post-traumatic-growth
Learn more about Rex Miller: https://rexmiller.com/
Connect with Rex Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexmiller/
Get your free copy of the Imagine a Place journal and join the community: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with host, Doug Shapiro, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Today's episode is all about Color. Color for social good, color to engage our senses, color in ways you probably haven’t thought of before. Laura Guido-Clark is the Founder and President of the color consultancy Love Good Color and the non-for-profit, Project Color Corps.
Color changed the way Laura sees the world, and she’s using it to change the world for good.
Learn more about Love Good Color: https://lovegoodcolor.com/
Project Color Corps: http://www.projectcolorcorps.org/
For more Imagine a Place stories, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with Doug Shapiro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
Philip Ross is a futurist, author, and advisor who specializes in predicting the impact of emerging technology on the way we will work, shop, consume and live. He is also the CEO and founder of UnGroup and Cordless Group, as well as the creator of the popular Worktech event series. Simply put, Philip is one of the world’s biggest thinkers when it comes to the future of the workplace.
In this conversation, we go deep into the future of work and ask Philip some of the challenging questions on what might lie ahead of us. While he can’t literally whip out a brush and paint a picture for us, he does an excellent job of giving shape to what’s ahead.
Learn More about Phillip Ross and the Worktech event series: https://www.worktechacademy.com/ https://worktechevents.com/
Learn more about UnGroup and Cordless Group: https://www.unwork.com/team-members/philip-ross/
Connect with Phillip Ross on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pjnross
For more Imagine a Place stories, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with Doug Shapiro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
What if you could get 1% better every day? Imagine how your life and career would be transformed.
Joe Ferraro is the host of the popular, The One Percent Better Podcast, where he and his guests share their unique insights to help us become better versions of ourselves improving our mindset, language, and behavior by 1% each day.
In this episode, Joe helps us understand the art of conversation is a critical skill - and that the most meaningful insights we will gather in the design process won’t come from numbers and statistics, they’ll come from conversations.
Plain and simple - if you grow your skills in conversation, you just might grow your career.
Check out The One Percent Better Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-one-percent-better-podcast/id1254121785
Connect with Joe Ferraro on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferraroonair/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
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Something BIG is happening in Chicago this July and it's something you should know about - it's called "Design Your World."
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) recognized that inside the profession of interior design there's been a lack of diversity for, pretty much, its entire existence. So, to address this deficit, they dreamt up "Design Your World" - it's a high school pipeline program to expose the underrepresented to a career in design. And to help make the dream a reality, the IIDA teamed up with OFS.
IIDA and OFS (along with the support of After School Matters, Mannington Commerical, 3form, and Configura) are all thrilled to kick off this 6-week crash course in design.
So, today we're giving up the mic to IIDA's CEO, Cheryl Durst who will be interviewing the first-ever Design Your World instructor, the Chicago-based Architect and Interior Designer, Ciera Payton. Together, they will share their expectations, wishes, and the future vision of what Design Your World could really mean to this industry.
Watch the story behind Design Your World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxaCUAulGK8
Read more about Design Your World: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/elevating-equity-design
Connect with IIDA and the Design Your World program: https://iida.org/
Learn more about the mission of After School Matters: https://www.afterschoolmatters.org/
Connect with Cheryl Durst on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryldurst/
Connect with Doug Shapiro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Stacy Garcia founded and runs multiple businesses in design that range from textiles, to furniture and accessories. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. The industry leans on Stacy for her knowledge in forecasting color and design trends.
Today, she shares her life hacks and the best advice to help you get the most out of your time on this planet. In this conversation, there’s heart, there’s hustle, there’s intellect, and it all comes together into the perfect pep talk you’ve been waiting for.
Learn more about Stacy Garcia: https://shopstacygarcia.com/
Connect with Stacy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciainc/
Connect with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
In this episode, you’ll get the inside scoop on how culture can unlock the true potential of your design studio… and when you really get culture right, it pulls in your clients as well.
Manny Navarro is the design director and principal for IA Interior Architects in Austin, Texas and he has helped to build a culture that brings out the best in his staff. You could say he takes his culture seriously… but not that seriously.
Connect with Manny Navarro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-navarro-design/
Learn more about Interior Architects: https://interiorarchitects.com/
Connect with Doug: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doshapiro/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Chris Stulpin is the Chief Creative Officer at Mosaic Companies, one of the world’s leading stone and tile brands. Simply put, Chris Stulpin is full of joy and wisdom. In this episode, we learn, we laugh out loud, and we share advice. Chris reflects on his past and explores the role that empathy has played in his personal and professional growth.
This interview not only made a great podcast, but it was also captured on video. The Imagine a Place crew visited Chris Stulpin’s home in Ohio -- a beautiful place that seems as if it were made for great conversations. You can find the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSZH4k-z5s4
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Chrisitan Giordano is the owner and principal of the legendary New York City-based design firm Mancini Duffy, and his approach is anything but ordinary.
Christian is not sitting back and waiting for the profession to evolve and change, he’s doing it himself. This episode is full of new technology concepts that are shaping the architecture and design experience at Mancini Duffy. Along with a vision for the future, Christian captures what it really means to have a long-term goal, and how the value it creates might be unexpected.
Connect with Christian Giordano and Mancini Duffy: https://www.manciniduffy.com/team/christian-giordano/
The Anti-Architect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anti-architect-podcast/id1552247664
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
The healthcare design field hosts a very special group of purpose-driven design practitioners. And at the very center of it all sits a passionate and dedicated researcher and reporter that so many of us in the healthcare industry have come to know and respect: Sara Marberry.
For 30 years, Sara has been shaping the healthcare interiors industry through her work. In this episode, she helps us understand the trajectory of healthcare design and a better way to imagine a place for senior living.
Connect with Sara Marberry: https://www.saramarberry.com/
Read more about Healthcare and Senior Living design on Sara's blog: https://www.saramarberry.com/blog/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
The pandemic has forced hotels to rethink the guest experience, but this is something that Staci Patton has been doing for years. Staci is an award-winning designer, Principal, Hospitality Design Director for global architecture and design firm DLR Group.
In this episode, she shares with us a major shift in how hotels and resorts can make the most of their real estate footprint, the importance of the arrival experience, and the three types of guest profiles that we need to be thinking about as we design that next hospitality environment.
Learn more about Staci Patton and DLR Group: https://www.dlrgroup.com/people/staci-patton/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
If you're curious enough, you can look backward in time and you’ll see a ribbon of lessons, treasures, good decisions, and bad decisions. While we can’t go back and change history, we also can’t move forward without the weight of it either.
Ronn Daniel, is an accomplished Author, Historian, and Interim Director for Kent State’s Interior Design Program. As a design historian, he investigates the relationships between interior space, cultural ideas, and technological change.
In this episode, Ronn takes us into his brain to explore the wonder and weight of history in our lives. This conversation will change how you see the world and the role you have in building the future.
Connect with Ronn Daniel: https://www.kent.edu/caed/news/ronn-daniel-associate-professor
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Kia Weatherspoon has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype. The most damaging —interior design is a luxury reserved for a few. Her voice and design practice have shifted the narrative, making interior design a standard for all.
Kia is a Design Equity Advocate, Educator, Speaker, and Founder of Determined by Design - Today, she shares her amazing story of how she discovered the power of place, but also the disheartening disparity in the standards and levels of empathy that have been traditionally used in design. Her leadership has created ripples, prompting housing developers in economically challenged communities to do better.
In this episode, Kia helps us understand why it’s time we elevate our empathy, our standards, and our voice. Get ready for a powerful and passionate episode.
Learn more about Kia Weatherspoon and Determined by Design: https://www.determinedbydesign.com/strengths
Determined by Design: https://www.determinedbydesign.com/
Connect with Kia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianweatherspoon/
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Whether you can feel it happening or not, we are losing our grip on our creative mind and the stakes are high.
Today’s conversation features the author and creativity expert, Martin Lindstrom. Martin has written seven New York Times bestsellers and is a frequent contributor to HBR, NBC, Fast Company and named by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. His writings, along with his creative consulting practice, have landed him as one of the top creative business minds in the world today.
In our conversation, Martin discusses his new book: The Ministry of Common Sense. He also shares with us how he rescued his own creative mind and how you can do the same.
Learn more about Martin Lindstrom: https://www.martinlindstrom.com/
Book: The Ministry of Common Sense: How to Eliminate Bureaucratic Red Tape, Bad Excuses, and Corporate BS https://amzn.to/3ezwSvI
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
For our 1-year anniversary episode, we welcome back Angie Lee, Partner and Design Director at FXCollaborative. Angie was our first ever guest on the Imagine a Place podcast, and together we look back on the last 365 days. Angie’s curiosity about what makes us feel and think the way we do, and her courage to explore these ideas out loud, make this a very special episode that we are proud to share.
Thank you to all our guests and subscribers for joining us on this journey, we are truly appreciative of this amazing Imagine a Place community and the stories we share together. We have many more amazing guests planned and incredible perspectives to share, so stay tuned!
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Angie Lee: the evolution of identity: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/angie-lee-evolution-identity
Learn more about Angie Lee and FXCollaborative: http://www.fxcollaborative.com/people/196/angie+lee/
Bill Van Erp's work spans over 30 years as Gensler's resource librarian, a role he would master. In this role, Bill managed the design catalogs, materials library, and vendor relationships for Gensler's design department. Over the course of Bill's career, he was able to observe the paths of hundreds of designers that would come and go from Gensler's San Fransisco office and he developed a sense for talent - and on today's episode he shares his "secret sauce," the recipe that he believes leads to the designers that are most likely to grow inside their firm. We also discuss some of the most pivotal changes that influenced our industry's culture and why he loved his job so darn much.
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Learn more about Gensler: https://www.gensler.com/
This episode features Annie Lee, Design Principal at ENV in New York. Annie’s path to design is anything but ordinary. She gives us a taste of life inside the fashion industry, and we end up in a great conversation around the similarities of Design and Language. The part you’ll love most though is the incredible story of her grandmother in Korea that will leave you inspired to endure and make the most of your career in design.
For more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Learn more about Annie Lee and ENV: https://env-team.com/people/annie-lee/
In this episode, we play host to the two entertaining voices of "Break Some Dishes," Verda Alexander and Jon Strassner. Break Some Dishes is a podcast that covers the environmental crises through the lens of creativity and design. They believe that bad design is bad for the planet.
Verda is a thoughtful and talented artist and designer -- She is co-founder of the popular and world-famous interiors practice Studio O+A. Jon is the director of industry partnerships at The American Society for Interior Design. He is a design junky and a big thinker.
Together, they share the most valuable lessons they learned through their careers and the role of doing your part to create a better future for the planet. Lastly, as a treat for tuning in, Jon leaves us with a story that will have you LOL’ing.
Break Some Dishes: https://www.breaksomedishes.com/
Learn more about Studio O+A and Verda Alexander: https://o-plus-a.com/ https://o-plus-a.com/member/verda-alexander/
Learn more about The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Jon Strassner: https://www.asid.org/ https://www.asid.org/staff/jon-strassner
View more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Kelly Bacon joins us today to help us understand the role of place in a world where work can happen anywhere. She is the Global Lead for AECOM’s Workplace Advisory Practice and co-author of “Future Office- Next Generation Workplace Design." In this interview, we’ll discuss some of the key present-day shifts in the workplace design and strategy and how you can prepare for a work-life that we’ve yet to imagine.
View more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with Kelly Bacon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-bacon-a4220713/
Future Office- Next Generation Workplace Design: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Office-Next-generation-workplace-design/dp/1859468454
Jennifer Ruckel is the Vice President of Sales for 3form, one of the most design-centric material companies shaping the built environment today. In my interview with Jennifer, I set out to learn about leadership…but I ended up getting so much more.
In this episode, you'll hear tips on how to nail your next interview and how to be the mentor that really makes a difference in others. You’ll also get some first-hand perspective on Nature vs. Nurture when it comes to leadership.
View more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Connect with Jennifer Ruckel and 3form: https://www.3-form.com/
Hilary Green is the Director of Change Management for Scotiabank, and with 88,000 employees, the stakes are high. In our interview, Hillary shares some of her most valuable insights for dealing with change -- both at a personal and enterprise level. She even throws in some practical advice for our transition back to the office.
View more Imagine a Place, please visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Taylor Staten is one of only 520 Black female architects in the US. She owns and runs TnS Studio, an architecture firm in the South Side of Chicago. She speaks up, she speaks out, but most importantly she speaks in. Through TnS Studio, she mentors young Black teenagers in her neighborhood around the possibilities that a career in architecture and design could hold for them.
In our conversation, she shares her passion for sustainability and how she is taking action to help create the world around that she wants to see.
Learn more about Taylor and TnS Studio: https://www.tnstudio.org/
View more Imagine a Place articles: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Today, we bring you a story about a school in North Carolina and how the power of place transformed the future for a group of high school students. Meredith Williams is the principal at North Rowan High School. Her story takes us behind the scenes on how the courage to see things differently opened up a new world of possibilities for her students. Today, with visionary leadership and a new way of thinking about learning spaces and curriculum, they’re changing the conversation about how we can inspire young minds.
Learn more about the transformation of North Rowan High School: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/can-design-thinking-fix-education
Watch the story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LMwQkiUXnA&feature=emb_title
View more Imagine a Place articles: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Emmanuel Daniel is director of industry innovation, Smart Buildings and Campuses at Microsoft. Today, he will paint you a picture of a day in the workplace in 2031 and how data will play a role in creating better experiences for your workday.
Building a modern campus: https://news.microsoft.com/modern-campus/
For more design stories visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Jane Hallinan, of Perkins Eastman in Pittsburgh, has become one of the most networked designers in the Workplace Design industry. She is also the founder of “Not A Decorator,” an apparel and accessory brand dedicated to reflecting the pride and passion she has for her career as an interior designer.
In this episode, she shares the keys to personal growth and the importance networking plays in a career in design, as well as the challenges our industry faces to take “Material Health” to the next level.
Not A Decorator: https://www.notadecorator.com/ Use promo code PLACE25 to receive 25% off your entire order!
Learn more about Material Health: https://healthymaterialslab.org/
Learn more about Jane Hallinan: https://www.janehallinan.com/
For more design stories visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Stephen Searer founded and runs one of the most popular office design websites in the world: OfficeSnapshots.com. In this episode, he shares his journey through entrepreneurship, how he almost lost his site with the click of a button, and his most powerful piece of advice for anyone aspiring to create something new.
Learn more about Office Snapshots: https://officesnapshots.com/
Office Snapshots Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officesnapshots/
For more design stories visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Andrew Alford is best described as a creative human, artist, and interior designer fighting a war against beige and boring.
With more than twenty years of experience in the interior design and creative concept industries, Andrew has designed for some of the world’s most progressive hotel brands. Alford’s work has been featured in The New York Times, Newsweek, Hotels Magazine, Boutique Design Magazine, and Green Interiors Magazine.
In this episode, he lets us into his thoughts and shares the career advice that you never knew you needed and how to live your most colorful life. From the very moment we connected to the end of our conversation, Andrew entertains.
Learn more about Andrew Alford: https://www.andrewalforddesign.com/
For more design stories visit: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
If you are curious about architecture and you’re also curious about your brain, then it means that you are curious about Dr. Eve Edelstein. Eve lives at the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. She co-founded Clinicians for Design, an international consultancy whose research is guiding more thoughtful environments for healthcare.
In this episode, we discuss artificial intelligence, new technologies, how we think and learn, and the exact moment when Eve came to recognize the responsibility that architects and designers have to save lives through design.
Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/
Learn more about Clinicians for Design: https://www.cliniciansfordesign.com/
Host, Doug Shapiro, shares the mission behind the Imagine a Place podcast, what's ahead in 2021, and the one question he challenges you to answer.
As a gift to our listeners, sign-up to receive your free Imagine a Place magazine: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place
Say hello and reach-out to host, Doug Shapiro: dshapiro@ofs.com Got questions or story ideas? Reach-out to the Imagine a Place team: imagineaplace@ofs.com
In this episode, Bill Bouchey shares the design strategies and thinking behind HOK’s latest research: Designing a Neurodiverse Workplace. We also learn his point of view on a new purpose for the once bustling office. Through our conversation, he unveils his uncommon work habits and the creative ways he organizes the information in his life.
For more, visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/ Learn more about HOK: https://www.hok.com/ Link to HOK’s latest research: Designing a Neurodiverse Workplace: https://www.hok.com/ideas/publications/hok-designing-a-neurodiverse-workplace/
David Galullo, CEO of Rapt Studio, shares the secrets and debunks the myths around great workplace culture. Rapt Studio has recently designed for Dropbox, Google, Ancestry, and Vans. As a multidisciplinary design firm, they describe themselves as a group of believers with big hearts, good instincts, and uncommon curiosity. David certainly lives up to that mantra.
Today, he shares his thoughts on getting workplace culture right and what he’s learned through designing for some of America’s most recognizable brands.
For more, visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/ Learn more about Rapt Studio: https://raptstudio.com/
This week we welcome Amanda Schneider, founder of ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW. Amanda and her team work to understand the trends, opportunities, and threats that swirl around the interiors industry. In this episode, we discuss those challenges and trends to discover what might be on the horizon for the profession of interior design.
For more, visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/ Learn more about ThinkLab: https://thinklab.design/ Design Nerds Anonymous: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/design-nerds-anonymous/id1534887549 ThinkLab CBRE research referenced on this episode: https://thinklab.design/cbre-project/
Want to be a more creative person? The answer might be right in front of you. Donald Rattner is an award-winning author and architect who spent years of his life exploring the deep instinctual connection between our environment and our creative self.
His book: My Creative Space - How to Design Your Home to Stimulate Ideas and Spark Innovation is a collection of insights that, much like our conversation, we found to be unique, useful, and entertaining.
Link to purchase Donald's book (My Creative Space): https://amzn.to/3eKNvEI Find Donald online: https://donaldrattner.com/ Visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/
James Kerrigan is a musician, designer, and a true global citizen. His career in design has carried him from Australia, London, Los Angeles, DC, and now Dallas. In addition to his masterful skill in guitars, and talented eye for design, James is a deep thinker.
Like many of my conversations with James, he finds a way to stretch my mind. In this chat, we explore the future around the purpose of place and he encourages us to think bigger about the profession of interior design - to think outside the building and how the role of place and placemaking can go far beyond the typical four walls around us.
Connect with James on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kerrigan-5547b337/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjameskerrigan/ https://www.jacobs.com/
Visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/
In this episode, we speak with Krystal Lucero, Sr. Designer at Edwards Mulhausen. In our discussion, she explores her personal history and journey as a designer, a Black American, and an active member in her professional community. Together, we discuss the historical role of place and the potential design has to unite us.
Connect with Krystal on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystallucero/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystallucero/ EdwardMulhausen.com: http://edwardsmulhausen.com/team/krystal-lucero/
Visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
Today, we bring together two forces in their respective fields: Pam Light, a design legend at HOK, and Dr. Scott Zeller, Vice President and leading Psychiatrist at Vituity. In this episode, we discuss the impact of interior design on mental health and what to expect in the future of where we go to work and heal.
For more, visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
To learn more about Pam Light and Scott Zeller, please visit: Pam Light at HOK: https://www.hok.com/people/leadership/view/pam-light/ Dr. Scott Zeller, MD: https://www.vituity.com/
Today we speak with Ximena Diaz, professor, architect, interior designer, and founder of A Estudio. In this episode, we discuss some of the industry’s most important topics, as Ximena guides us through her successes and the challenges she faced as an architect and full-time Mom. It’s an inspiring conversation and one we think you’ll love to hear.
Connect with Ximena on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ximena-diaz-design/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ximenadiaz.design/ A Estudio: https://www.a-estudio.mx/
Visit Imagine a Place online: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
We can't believe we already have 10 published episodes of the Imagine a Place podcast! This milestone got us to pause and reflect on the amazing conversations we've had with our guests. So much great insight has been shared in just 10 episodes that we decided to find and compile a few of our favorite lessons so far.
There is still much more to come from the podcast and certainly much more to learn. Thank you for joining us on this journey and we're looking forward to sharing more of these amazing discussions.
For more on Imagine a Place, please visit https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place.
Katherine Ankerson is an award-winning author and the Dean for the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska. In our interview, she paints a picture of how design education looks in the new world ahead of us and what we can expect from our next generation of emerging professionals. We also explore the often-debated question: Can creativity be taught?
Visit the Imagine a Place journal for more stories: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
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We had a podcast lined up for today, but we’ve decided to pause this week to offer some space to listen and understand the gravity of what must change.
The goal of this podcast, and the Imagine a Place platform, is to explore the powerful role that place plays in our lives, but also give a voice to those wanting to be heard and tell stories that have meaning in our industry. Now is the time for us to go further with this goal and share stories that inspire for purpose.
We hope you’ll help us in this journey and invite you to share ideas of other voices you feel are deserving of attention during this time.
Feel free to email us at imagineaplace@ofs.com, we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, please take yourself and take care of each other. From all of us here at Imagine a Place, thank you for listening and we’ll be listening too.
Check out the Imagine a Place journal for more stories: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
Learn more about Dr. Drew Ramsey, MD: https://drewramseymd.com/
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When it comes to the role that place plays in our lives, there are very few on the planet that have spent more time and effort explaining it than Cheryl Durst. Cheryl is CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and is widely regarded as one of the design world’s wittiest and wisest personalities. We caught up with Cheryl on a call from her home where she opens up about her childhood, what brings comfort in her life, and what might be next for the spaces that we design.
Check out the Imagine a Place journal for more stories: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/articles
Learn more about the IIDA and Cheryl Durst: https://www.iida.org/content.cfm/cheryl-durst
Well, this isn't how we imagined launching a podcast, but so much has changed in our world in just a few short weeks that we had to try to start making sense of it all. In this episode, Doug chats with Angie Lee, Partner and Design Director of Interiors for New York’s FXCollaborative. Doug and Angie discuss how this pandemic might force us to rethink our current value system around our life, work, and approach to interior design.
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