I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

What if the spaces we design could actively reduce stress and promote healing? In this episode of I Hear Design, interiors+sources Editor-in-Chief Carrie Meadows sits down with Janet Roche and Christine Cowart, co-founders of the Trauma Informed Design Society , to explore the growing movement of trauma-informed design. They discuss the science behind stress and the built environment, the importan...

In this ICYMI episode of I Hear Design, we spotlight a compelling article by Heidi Lapka published on the i+s website on May 28, 2025, that explores how wallcoverings can do far more than beautify; they can actively foster well-being. You’ll discover how intentional design with wallcoverings supports the core principles of salutogenesis—the science of designing environments that promote health. Li...

What makes a strong project management partnership—and how does it transform the way design projects unfold? In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Koko Nomura and Nirmala Srinivasa, senior project managers at Perkins&Will , about their unique collaborative dynamic. From navigating cultural and generational differences to leading teams through conflict with grace, K...

Listen in to this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read episode in which we revisit a story titled, " Transforming Suburban Office Campuses for the Future: Five Key Strategies ," written by Dayita Kumar and published on the interiors+sources website on May 28, 2025. You'll discover how suburban office campuses have evolved from sterile, isolated environments to vibrant, mixed-use hubs that pr...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Tiffany Woodsen, founder of INK+ORO , to discuss the power of emotionally resonant hospitality design. Tiffany shares her journey from residential and nightclub design to launching a multidisciplinary studio that blends architectural precision with interior design’s emotive touch. She unpacks how design can act as an “emotional...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we revisit an article titled, " How Rice Fergus Miller Creates Culturally Rooted Hospitality Spaces ," written by Allison Lampo and published on the interiors+sources website on July 1, 2025. Interior Designer and Principal Jennifer Fleming shares insights into their approach, emphasizing the importance of listening to communities, collab...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Kay Sargent of HOK to discuss her groundbreaking book, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces . Kay explains how neuroinclusive design goes beyond accessibility, tackling sensory and cognitive well-being to create spaces where everyone can perform at their best. She shares personal stories, research-backed strategies, and practical...

Discover the HALL Park Hotel in Frisco, Texas, a property that blends modern architecture with natural materials, soft curves, and biophilic design for a warm, elegant guest experience in this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read. Based on an article titled, " HALL Park Hotel in Frisco: Modern Design, Natural Comfort & Luxury Amenities ," written by editor Lauren Brant and published on t...

The design world is facing a crisis of authenticity as cheap knock-off products continue to flood the market and threaten the profitability of original design work. In this compelling episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Massimo Buster Minale, founder of the iconic London-based brand Buster + Punch , to discuss the rampant spread of counterfeit products and its impact on t...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read, we revisit an article published on the interiors+sources website titled, " Commercial Materials Industry Moves Closer to Scalable Biomaterials Solutions ," on April 22, 2025, written by Kenn Busch. As you listen to this mini-episode, you'll learn about the sustainability discussions and trends in biomaterials at the Heimtextil textiles and interi...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Sammy Rupp, interior designer and fiber artist at DLR Group , about her innovative work in neuroinclusive design. Sammy discusses how her personal experiences with ADHD and her sister’s autism diagnosis which led her to champion design strategies that support diverse cognitive and sensory needs. She shares insights from her grant-s...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read, we revisit an article titled, " The Johnson Studio Transforms Former Memphis Foundry into Fine Dining Destination ," by Jennie Morton published on the i+s website on April 22, 2025. We spotlight an inspiring adaptive reuse project by The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry in this mini episode, in which you'll discover how a former 1920s Memphis found...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with architect and Anguleri s CEO Ben Glunz to explore Swatchbox’s new Second Life Samples™ program—a breakthrough initiative that’s redefining sustainability in the design world. Swatchbox has long helped designers streamline how they request and return product samples, but its new offering goes a step further: enabling the return a...

Discover how HGA turned a former department store in the historic Woodies building in Washington, DC, into its thriving new regional headquarters in this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, based on a recent article, titled, " HGA Overhauls Former Department Store Into New D.C. Headquarters ," published on the i+s website on Feb. 18, 2025. In this article-read, you'll learn how:  Adaptive...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Cheryl Durst, EVP and CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), to explore the future of interior design and IIDA’s central role in shaping it. Recorded ahead of NeoCon and Design Days in Chicago, the conversation highlights IIDA’s initiatives, including Revel in Design, the Design Your World program aimed at...

Have you ever considered how hotels can incorporate adaptive design elements to proactively meet their guests’ needs? Listen to this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read mini-episode in which we revisit an article titled, " Adaptive Furnishings and Fixtures Deliver Fully Inclusive Hotels ," written by Evelyn Long and published on the i+s website on April 8, 2025. You'll learn: Why inclusive...

In this edition of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen delivers a wide-angle view of the current architecture, design, and construction landscape in 2025. Drawing from recent reports and economic indicators—including the AIA Billings Index, Sherwin-Williams' Construction Insights survey, and research from firms like Gensler, Perkins&Will, and Corgan—this episode unpacks the forces reshaping th...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read mini-episode, we revisit an article titled, " What Does a Healthy Showroom Look Like? " published on the interiors+sources website on Feb. 18, 2025. Listen in to discover how Kimball International ’s Boston showroom recently achieved WELL certification at the Platinum level, becoming the fifth of the company’s facilities to do so, as well as what...

In this special NeoCon 2025 preview episode, host Robert Nieminen chats with sustainability journalist and educator Kenn Busch, founder of Material Intelligence and Climate Positive Now . Together, they explore what’s in store at this year’s Material Intelligence Destination: NeoCon Pavilion—a hands-on, narrative-driven space that reframes how designers and specifiers engage with sustainable mater...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini article-read episode, we revisit an article published on the i+s website titled, " ASID Explores the Influence of Joy, Wellness, and Sustainability on 2025 Interior Design Trends ," in which ASID's Lindsey Koren discusses how interior design is adapting to reflect emerging priorities that emphasize joy, wellness, and sustainability. Based on findings from...

Marketing building products to architects and designers is more complicated than ever. In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen talks with Susan Fernandez, founder of Cast Carbon and partner at UpSpring , about what it really takes to break through the noise and connect with today’s A&D professionals. From her early days branding pavers to launching circular materials at Cast Car...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read mini-episode, we commemorate Earth Day 2025 by revisiting an article published on the i+s website titled, " Creating a Climate-Resilient Blueprint for Schools ," which explores the risks educational institutions face due to extreme weather-related events and the important role that resilient educational facilities can play in safely serving the co...

With office vacancies rising and housing shortages mounting, the commercial real estate industry is at a tipping point. In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Marissa Kasdan and Mark Oberholzer of KTGY to explore how adaptive reuse—and their bold Upcycle Tower concept —could reshape our cities. They discuss the real-world challenges of converting steel-framed office...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article read episode, we look back at an interview i+s Editor in Chief Carrie Meadows conducted with Principal Caleb Anderson of /AND Design (formerly Drake/Anderson), originally published online on Feb. 5, 2025, in which he talks about an approach for wider industry collaboration that harmonizes design concepts and values for business with purpose. Discover h...

In the final installment of our Women’s History Month series, we're honored to host Andrea Keller on this episode of I Hear Design. Andrea is a visionary architect and partner/designer of Star Tile who's redefining how we perceive design and its impact on human well-being. In this episode, we explore how incorporating these natural geometries into our built environments can trigger a calming neuro...