The Design Board

Recorded live from the floor at NeoCon 2026, this special episode of The Design Board gets into one of the most pressing conversations in the industry right now: what does it take to earn the trust of a generation that experiences work and the workplace completely differently than the one before it? Host Caroline Schillaci is joined by Sarah Terzic, President of UpSpring, and Amanda Schneider, fou...

What does it take to design a destination that people travel across the world to experience and leave wanting to return? In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Scott LaMont, CEO of EDSA, to explore the craft and strategy behind some of the world's most celebrated luxury hospitality projects. With over 25 years of experience working with brands like Four Se...

We spend so much time talking about how buildings look and function. But what about what’s happening behind the walls? Host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Missy Cain, Environmental Planning Principal at HGA,  to dive into the often overlooked systems that quietly shape building health, with a focus on water management and its real-world consequences. From adaptive reuse to healthcare environmen...

Sustainability used to be a differentiator. Now, it’s expected. In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Arathi Gowda a Principal at ZGF Architects to explore what happens when sustainability is no longer the headline, but the starting point. As new standards, client expectations, and cost pressures reshape the industry, firms are being forced to rethink how sust...

As engineering firms grow, one of the first things to get squeezed is the time and consistency it takes to actually develop people. In this episode of The DesignBoard, we talk with Brandon Harwick, President of Engenium Group, and Jessica Norton, Partner and Director of Human Resources, about how their firm tackled that problem head-on by hiring a full-time, dedicated internal coach. Brandon and J...

In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Megan DeTratto and Linda Wallack of TOKONEXT, alongside TOKONEXT strategic collaborator Marjanne Pearson, to explore what it takes to build a more intentional, future-ready design firm. As talent expectations shift and firms navigate new definitions of growth, the conversation examines how organizations are approaching lea...

Join host Caroline Schillaci in conversation with Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc., as they explore how women professionals can make the most of industry organizations. From fostering leadership growth to cultivating meaningful relationships and accessing continued education, Chris shares actionable insights on how industry organizations membership can empower women across diverse markets. Discover...

Host Tiffany Rafii is joined by artist, designer, and maker Amy Devers, host and producer of Clever, to discuss building a podcast platform that gives listeners a window into our own humanity. In this episode, Amy shares insights from her career as a designer, educator, and podcast host, and how she has navigated and overcome barriers in each field. She also discusses nurturing creativity and the...

This episode explores the personal and professional journey of Amanda Vierheller, COO and Co-founder of Playgarden. Amanda shares her passion for early education and her vision for building an impactful business in this space. From overcoming early challenges to fostering community and mentorship, she provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly women striving to make their...

Host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Tara Raffi, Founder and CEO of Almond ObGyn, to explore the pressing challenges in women’s healthcare and how Almond is working to address them. Tara shares her vision for the future of women’s health, insights on improving access to reproductive care, and the inspiration behind creating Almond. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on revolutionizing the heal...

Kori Zwaagstra, Director of Operations at TriCelta Development, joins The Design Board for an engaging discussion about the unconventional career path that led her from hospitality sales to the Mrs. International pageant and ultimately into founding a full-service development company with her husband, Jake. In this episode, Kori sheds light on navigating her role as a wife, mother, and business le...

Join us for a deep dive into the trends driving the design world with Stacy Garcia, the visionary leader behind Stacy Garcia Design Studio, a dynamic design hub based in New York, dedicated to inspiring creativity and elevating spaces. With trend-forward designs, unique color combinations, and fashion-forward materials, the studio offers holistic collections that anticipate trends and enrich inter...

Host Susan Fernandez sits down with Terry Eaton, President & Chief Curator of Eaton Fine Art, who has been curating art collections for distinguished hotels around the world for over three decades. Since co-founding his namesake full-service art consultancy firm in 1992, Terry has collaborated with renowned hoteliers, design firms, and procurement companies as well as high-profile hotel brands...

Host Susan Fernandez is joined by Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Anguleris Technologies, to discuss how architects are filling gaps in their own market by designing services that better serve their profession. This episode was recorded live at NeoCon at the SURROUND Podcast Studio, located on the first floor of THE MART in a space beautifully designed by SnapCab. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud...

Tune into this episode to uncover the power of studio design in corporate communication with Provost Studios. From crafting broadcast studios for Fortune 500 companies to infusing brand identity into on-camera spaces, join us as we explore innovation, collaboration, and the art of setting trends. Discover how high-quality environments captivate audiences and redefine corporate communication.  The...

In this episode of The Design Board,  host Caroline Saba sits down with Founder and Principal Architect of Ervin Architecture, Rob Ervin, to discuss key considerations for designing large assembly structures that are centered around the optimal fan experience. In this discussion, Caroline and Rob will explore his ongoing work at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, the largest venue north of Boston. Th...

Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of rebranding and design with Bethany, a visionary in the interior design industry. Discover the transformative journey behind Bethany's recent rebrand, including the intricacies of website overhauls and the strategic balance between functionality and elegance in design. Learn how Bethany measures the success of her rebranding efforts and expl...

On this week’s episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with co-hosts of Break Some Dishes, Jon Strassner and Verda Alexander, for a sneak peek into their upcoming season. Launching on March 20th, the podcast’s fifth season will navigate through topics like circular economy principles, biomimicry, and regenerative agriculture, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative potential of creativi...

Join us for a journey into the world of interior design with the dynamic duo of Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible from Susan Hayward Interiors. In this episode, Susan and Jillian share the unconventional paths they both took to become designers and how their diverse backgrounds contribute to a unique perspective that sets them apart. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SA...

In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with the team at ZWA to recap their 25-year journey. Learn how the firm's core principles have evolved, discover its approach to organic development for resilience and growth, and explore the role of adaptability in sustaining success. We chat about expansion strategies, the alignment of team aspirations with the firm's personality, and the e...

Host Caroline Saba welcomes two distinguished leaders from the International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY): Robin Reigi and Elisabeth Mejia, Co-Vice Presidents of the Chapter’s Student Development. They will explore the different facets of mentorship, career development, and networking strategies for emerging design professionals. Learn how to best support the next gener...

Join us as we explore the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and culture, uncovering the secrets behind the design-led approach that sets Oriental Weavers Hospitality apart. From the roots of the American carpet story to the challenges of the modern market, each episode unravels the threads that weave together the story, craft, and education integral to Oriental Weavers' success. The Des...

Seemingly everything has gone virtual over the past several years, but are there sacred experiences that should remain physical and tangible? While advancements like the metaverse and 3D mapping may contribute to a better virtual design showroom experience, nothing can replace the much-important sense of touch. Anthony Scot from Havwoods — a global specialist in wood flooring — has given a lot of...

Massimo Buster Minale, Founder and Creative Director of Buster + Punch  About: In this week’s episode, we sit down with the visionary founder of Buster + Punch, Massimo Buster Minale. From architecture to custom motorcycle building, Massimo’s journey is a testament to the power of blending passions. Massimo discusses the importance of authenticity and shares how his experience and background have...

In this week’s episode, host Susan Fernandez is joined by Kevin Erickson, a digital accessibility expert. Kevin’s mission is to empower teams to create accessible and usable products. This conversation explores the world of digital accessibility, covering its importance, best practices, and common challenges. Kevin will debunk myths, walk us through project strategies, and share real-world success...