Network Next Gen Podcast: Recent Episodes
Network Next Gen
Network Next Gen connects A-listers in the Design Industry in their 20’s - 30’s. We curate dinners 4x a year across the country with 20 guests (1 per firm). We connect manufacturers to Designers + Architects that are decision makers, specifying products, and generally overlooked, leading to huge ROI for Manufacturers + Sales Reps. We help brands build targeted and genuine relationships with our crew.
NNG’s first NeoCon Panel brought three heavy-hitters from companies that have their finger on the pulse of sustainability in manufacturing. Panelists include: Rebecca Best - VP of Sustainability for Material Bank, Malisa Maynard – Chief Sustainability Officer for Mohawk Group, and Victoria Engles – Director of Commercial Sales for Fireclay Tile. We get a few different perspectives on how these companies see sustainability and how they’re making proactive strides to affect lasting change.
What is the future of design? How will technologies like AI help, hider, or revolutionize the design industry and our world as we know it? Our second NeoCon Panel jumps head first into chatting through these huge topics and some of the benefits and concerns they have with AI as it continues to seep further into many areas of design. Panelists include: Farshid Taffazoli – Cofounder and CBO for Material Bank, Cynthia Sarria – Senior Interior Designer for HOK, Kendra Shea – Owner of KS Shea Designs, and Susan Suhar, Principal at HDR Architecture.
As we look at innovation and future of design – we can’t look any further than the next generation of designers and architects entering the industry. We get hind-sight perspectives from our panelists and advice they have for the those they’re passing the torch to. Panelists include: Kelly Weertz - Executive Director A&D Initiatives for Material Bank, Keri Caune – EVP of Business Dev for Summer Classics & Gabby, Rae Cook – Design Specialist for IHG, Kayla Felice – Interior Designer for Gresham Smith, and Alyssa Alvarez – Interior Designer for IA.
Summer Classics & Gabby provided the gorgeous furniture in the NNG Social Hub at NeoCon. We sat down with Keri Caune, EVP of Business Dev for Summer Classics & Gabby, to chat through a few of the NeoCon crowd favorites and a little background on the family behind the brand.
Website: https://summerclassics.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/summerclassics/ https://www.instagram.com/summerclassicscontract/ https://www.instagram.com/summerclassicshome/ https://www.instagram.com/gabbydecor/
Maria VanDeman, co-author of ‘Design Your World’, chatted with us about the process of writing a children’s book and why it’s important. The book focuses on the value of design and the impact it can have on your daily life. OFS created the book to inspire children of all backgrounds and foster a more diverse and equitable world through design that works for everyone.
Purchase ‘Design Your World’: https://ofs.com/design-your-world?search=Design%20Your%20World https://shorturl.at/cfhtI
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ofs/
Hightower Group has been a family-owned furniture manufacturer for 20 years, and Natalie Hartkopf, Owner and CEO, sat down with us to walk us through how the business has evolved and changed over the years. Hightower, now a certified B-Corp, is innovating and changing perspectives on furniture and not just stressing how the furniture feels but how it makes you feel.
Website: https://hightoweraccess.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/hightowergroup/
Mohawk Group is partnering with ArtLifting to champion artists who are impacted by housing insecurity or disabilities. ArtLifting provides a platform and creates opportunities for underrepresented artists to amplify their voices and participate in the contemporary art market. Mark Page and Christina Bailey sat down with us to give us a peek behind the curtain on how the partnership got started and the carpet collections they’ve collaborated on.
Websites: https://www.artlifting.com/ https://www.mohawkgroup.com/
Painted Perspectives Collaboration: https://www.mohawkgroup.com/products/soft-surface/collections/custom-collections/painted-perspectives?sort=all
Social Canvas Collaboration: https://www.mohawkgroup.com/products/soft-surface/collections/running-line-collections/social-canvas?sort=all
IG: https://www.instagram.com/artlifting/ https://www.instagram.com/mohawkgroup/
Michael Ditullo, Creative Director for Kirei by Carnegie, and Giulio Masotti, Founder and CEO of Wood-Skin for Carnegie, sat down to chat acoustics with us. We get into how product design at the intersection of sustainability and acoustics is changing the industry.
Wood-Skin for Carnegie: https://carnegiefabrics.com/wood-skin
Kirei by Carnegie: https://carnegiefabrics.com/kirei
IG: https://www.instagram.com/carnegiefabrics/ https://www.instagram.com/wood.skin/ https://www.instagram.com/kirei.design.materials/
Our first Live Podcast of NeoCon 2023 was with Mike Blessinger, VP of Sales & Marketing for Indiana Furniture. He gave us a little background on the origins of their company as ‘Indiana Desk’ and how they’ve continued to adapt and ride the waves of change for 118 years in furniture manufacturing.
Catalyst collection: https://indianafurniture.com/products/catalyst
IG: https://www.instagram.com/indianafurniture/?ref=badge
We got the chance to sit down with Nicole Lashae Ben and discuss the origins of her company 'Thrive In Design' - consulting that offers human-centered strategies that revamp a designer's experience with brands.Find Thrive in Design on social:Websitehttps://www.thriveindesign.coIGhttps://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/thriveindesignLinkedinhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
We caught up with Ammee Snyder and Lauren Perich, two of our San Francisco Next Gen’ers. We chat through their thoughts on setting boundaries at work, “paying your dues” as a junior designer, and more!
Kelsey Paul, our newest NNG host, got the chance to chat with two members of our Denver Next Gen Crew Renee Fine & Nicole Benjamin. They discuss the generational differences between the in-office culture they grew to know vs. the wfh culture that has become pervasive.
We sit down with Elyse Ayoung & Tyler Hilaire-Dubreuil to recap our Boston dinner on 8/9
We sit down with Joe Mautino of Whitney Architects in Chicago to chat about the 'new normal' in workplace culture.
Featuring Devon Grace Interiors (Devon and Michael) & Rebel House Design (Marli and Michael)
62 -be HUE Chats: The Next Generation of Design with Network Next Gen Founder Tarra Kieckhaefer by Network Next Gen
Brentano Fabrics
Framing the Future - Network Next Gen "Our Chicago rep @margeebrentano had a blast chatting with Tarra from @networknextgen!! Thanks for joining us, Tarra!"
60 - Executive Chef Jon Liddell at the Chicago Monogram Design Center by Network Next Gen
Discussing racial injustice and increasing diversity in the Architecture + Design field.
“At the end of the day, whatever the information is. You have to come back to yourself and figure out what's true for you. In terms of who you are, don't let anything external define you because it's just going to scramble you up. If you’re going to look for validation outside of yourself, you’re never going to find it.” - Kevin
Kevin and Tarra are back!! Listen to hear them talk about Tarra's social distance dinner plans and Kevin's Corner about getting back to yourself post-covid.
How Architecture and Design Firms should react and improve with continued unrest for Racial Injustice
Curious about the current state of the Architecture & Interior Design Industry? Link in bio for a full recap from 129 designers across the country. • • • (Filmed April 16th, 2020)
Got Monday blues...or purple or blonde? Episode 8 of #kevinandtarratalk podcast is out now. 🎙Head to the link in bio for a fabulous start to your week & stay tuned on our #igtv for more hilarious visual content
[ Network Next Gen LIVE Podcast ] Episode 6 features Caroline Manzo ( Real Housewives of New Jersey) and Jamie Laurita ( Middleby Residential )
NETWORK NEXT GEN
Network Next Gen LIVE at Design Chicago in The Merchandise Mart. Episode 4 features Donna Mondi ( Donna Mondi Interior Design ) and Daniele Busca ( Scavolini )
Tune in to listen to Network Next Gen LIVE at Design Chicago 2019. Episode 2 featured Brianne Bishop ( Brianne Bishop Design) - Lonni Paul ( Lonni Paul Design ) - Josh Young ( Josh Young Design House )
Tune in to listen to Network Next Gen LIVE at Design Chicago 2019. Episode 2 featured Chad Stark ( Stark Carpet )and Brynn Olson (Brynn Olson Design Group)
Tune in to listen to Network Next Gen LIVE at Design Chicago 2019. Episode 2 featured Nicholas Moriarty ( Nicholas Moriarty Interiors )and Ilene Chase (Ilene Chase Design)
Episode 1 at Design Chicago with Network Next Gen LIVE -
Ep. 1 features Host Tarra Kieckhaefer with Network Next Gen - Zach Griffith with House of Rohl - Jennifer Kranitz with Project Interiors - Lauren Warnock with Project Interiors - Connor Lamb Bartender
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
This week we sit down with Coleen O'Leary of SWATCHROOM in our Washington DC network. She shares how her career has led her where she is now and shares her favorite projects she's worked on. Listen to find out how she found herself in D.C. after growing up in North Carolina and A LOT of great tips on hot spots around D.C. Make sure to take notes if you're planning to visit soon!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
This week we have the perfect episode for any designer who has ever thought about starting their own design firm. Julie Pupura of Avenir here in our hometown of Chicago joins us to tell us the story of how Avenir came to be. Julie shares her advice and insights on how to grow a team and lead the studio to success. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
This drop introduces Taylor Wozniak, one of our incredible designers in Dallas! Listen in to hear some exciting developments that Taylor has had in his career since being interviewed, his favorite projects as well as some advice for young designers. This one will leave you feeling inspired to follow your dream path in this exciting industry. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
This drop introduces Kristin Kreppner, one of our incredible designers in Atlanta! Listen in to hear about Kristin and how she found herself in Atlanta and her favorite projects as well as some advice for young designers. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
This drop introduces Chris Bagwell, one of our incredible and insanely personable designers in Atlanta! Listen in to hear about Chris and how he found himself where he is today, the most important three letter acronyms you'd need to get around Atlanta, and that you should remove the name Hotlanta from your vocabulary. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Kevin and Tarra are back!! Tarra talks about her adventure in Dallas an some of her favorite things she learned about the southern city. Kevin reveals the next exciting development in his life that is sure to leave you feeling inspired to make something you've been dreaming of a reality. Don't miss the pair discuss the word of the week - Showmanship - to prepare for their debut as emcees for this year's IIDA Stitch Fashion Show.
Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Have you ever sang karaoke? Have you ever worn all black to a gas station? What about dyed your own hair? If you answered yes to any of those questions or just find them to be interesting, this episode is for you. Kevin and Tarra have a lot to share this week and we can't wait for you to hear what they've been up to!
This episode will definitely leave you laughing - and hopefully inspired as well. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Kevin and Tarra are back!! Listen to hear them talk about Tarra's travels and Kevin's buzz word of the week in Kevin's Corner. The pair also give their top recommendations for their favorite spots in Chicago for travel and a fun night out. You'll want to visit them all!
This episode will definitely leave you laughing - and hopefully inspired as well. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We'll be dropping episodes that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
In our second drop, Avery Thomas, sits down with us! She's a Network Next Gener in New York City and has a lot of great insights on what great design can do for spaces and the people who occupy them.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Introducing our newest feature on the podcast - our Kevin & Tarra Talk episodes!! You absolutely won't want to miss these two as they sit down each week to talk about Tarra's travels, a different design buzz word and whatever Kevin would like to focus on in - Kevin's Corner!!
These episodes will definitely leave you laughing - and hopefully inspired as well. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
INTRODUCING, NEW IN 2019 OUR "DESIGNER DROP"! This week we are so excited to introduce our short episodes that we'll be dropping through the year that are all about YOU! Our Designers from across the country sit down with us to tell about about who they are, where they come from and where they're going. Get connected to the Network and learn about your fellow designers - you may have some similarities, & you may also be able to draw inspiration from these hustlers!
First up - Victoria Johnson sits down with us! She's a Network Next Gener and a Chicago local. Tune in to hear how she plans to use her design abilities to influence positive change in our world and environment, and what she likes to do for a creative outlet when she's not designing.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
During Design Chicago, we recorded this panel discussion of Lady Bosses of Design and Construction that were extremely inspiring, empowering, and energizing! Meet the successful women of design who are breaking boundaries, building companies, and finding the perfect work-life balance.
Moderator: Daniele Busca, Creative Director, Scavolini Soho Gallery | Panelists: Sophie Bidek, Partner, HPA | Alisha Serras, Partner/Owner, Scavolini Store Chicago | Aimee Wertepny, Founder/Owner, PROjECT Interiors | Amy Lusher, Director of Sale & Development, LG Development Group | Key Hall, CEO, Cowtan & Tout
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Tarra Kieckhaefer sat down with Rex Miller and Dr. Michael O'Neil who wrote the book The Healthy Workplace Nudge to discuss stress, health and well being, and how to live a healthier life within the workplace. We also discuss as workplace designers the impact you can have from the forefront to improve these conditions and promote health and well being every day.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
We sat down in New York City with Jared King of Ceramic Technics who is a part of Network Next Gen NYC to hear his story which has some interesting twists and turns - from Middle Eastern politics to navigating the jungle of New York City with porcelain tile! Meet Jared King.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week's episode comes to you from sunny California! Tarra sits down at Studio Blitz with three world class industry influencers for a conversation that will surely leave you inspired and might even teach you a new way to look at design. This group breaks down strategy and data and how to use it, this episode is one you absolutely can't miss!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week we sat down with Tarra Kieckhaefer herself!! Tune in and hear about how Tarra became inspired to start Network Next Gen and how she did. In this episode you'll also learn about Tarra's background, where she came from and how it got her to where she is now. You don't want to miss her story!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Haworth is one of the leading designers and manufacturers of adaptable workplace furniture in the industry. We were fortunate enough to sit down with Matthew Haworth, Chairman of Haworth. You've definitely heard of this industry influencing and leading company, but have you heard the story of how it came to be? Do you have questions about what it's like to work for a family business?
You definitely don't want to miss this episode where we get the inside scoop from the heart of Haworth in Holland, Michigan. By the time you're done listening, we're sure you'll love this incredible organization as much as we do at Network Next Gen!!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week we welcome Rana Lee with Smith Group JJR to the podcast to talk about the world of Business Development in the design industry. She shares her unique story of how she got to where she is today, as well as her tips for successful networking and things to look for when looking for a new job by sharing her non-negotiables. If you've ever thought about getting involved in Business Development, or just want to understand what it is and why it's so important to the industry, this episode is for you!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week we are so excited for you all to hear this interview with the wonderful Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of IIDA. Listen to hear her insights on the industry as it stands right now, advice to designers and industry influencers, and hear her tell her story about how she got to be where she is today. This is an episode you absolutely don't want to miss!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week we're back on the road and had the amazing opportunity to sit down with Eric Edelson, the CEO of Fireclay Tile. Eric works at their main office in San Francisco, California. Tune in to hear about the ways Fireclay has shaken up the industry in the past and will continue to in the future. From the way they make their beautiful tiles to how they are giving back thousands of dollars to their clients and local organizations, you are sure to learn something about Fireclay that you didn't know before. Enjoy!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Have you ever considered someday running your own design firm? This week tune in and listen to our conversation with Donna Mondi of Donna Mondi Interior Design and Brynn Olson of Brynn Olson Design Group and hear their stories from their beginnings, the do's and don'ts of starting your own business and some of their best advice and tricks of the trade! You won't want to miss the exclusive insights from these industry influencers.
Tune in Mondays for information and inspiration from some of the design industry's top leaders, manufacturers and designers.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
This week we took the podcast on the road to the center of Manhattan to visit the Carnegie Creative Studio and had the opportunity to sit down with Mary Holt, Executive Vice President Creative at Carnegie as well as Emily Nagle, Textile Designer at Carnegie. Listen to hear the inspiring story of how Carnegie came to be, learn about the creative process used in the Creative Studio and listen to these industry influencers recount some of their favorite custom projects!
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Welcome to the first episode! This week we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation about generations in the workplace with Tom Marquardt, Vice President and Director of Interios at HOK, as well as Scott Delano, Design Director at Wright Heerema Architects and our very own Next Gener, Genevieve Shanahan, Designer at Nelson. Don't miss this chance to hear their take on the generation gap in the workplace, a brief touch on the corporate 'ladder' and how it affects designers today and get some great advice from these industry influencers that all designers can benefit from.
Tune in every Monday for information and inspiration from some of the design industry's top leaders, manufacturers and designers.
Network Next Gen - The Podcast Inspiring Design Industry Hustlers
Welcome to the Podcast! This week we have a preview for you - a little introduction to what Network Next Gen is and what and who this podcast is for.
Tune in every Monday for a little information and inspiration from some of the design industry's top leaders, manufacturers and designers.