I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

In this Women’s History Month episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Sara Balderi and Deidre Hoguet of Designtex for an inspiring conversation on the growing field of neuroaesthetics. They explore how neuroscience, biophilia, and the psychology of space are reshaping commercial design—from healthcare to hospitality—with a focus on emotional wellness, sensory comfort, and inc...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by two influential women in the design industry—Alda Ly, founder and principal of ALA Studio ( @_ala_studio ), and Casey Baxter, vice president and general manager of HBF ( @hbffurniture | @hbftextiles ). As part of our Women’s History Month series, we explore their professional journeys, the impact of female-led collaborations, and...

To kick off Women's History Month , host Robert Nieminen sits down with Kellie K. Sirna, founder of Studio 11 Design , to explore her journey from launching a boutique design firm to leading one of Dallas' most sought-after hospitality design teams. In this episode of I Hear Design, Kellie shares insights on managing a multi-generational workforce, the evolving demands of hospitality design post-p...

In this mini In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we dive into an article published on the i+s website on Dec. 3, 2024, titled, " Discover the Versatility and Value of Chemical Fabrics and Film ," that explores how vinyl products deliver customization, durability, and aesthetic excellence across industries from healthcare to hospitality. 

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with design innovators Steven DuFresne and Dave Veeneman to reveal the fascinating journey behind the Anthros chair. Learn how years of experience in wheelchair seating and a commitment to rigorous scientific research led to a groundbreaking, ergonomic office chair that improves posture, reduces pain, and redefines comfort over time....

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we review an article recently published on the i+s website titled, " Office Furnishings Find a Second Life Through Designers and Distributors Embracing Sustainable Practices ." Listen in as we discuss how sustainability and circularity, combined with newer tools and marketplaces for sourcing high-quality used furniture, are driving intere...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by industry experts Robert Siegel ( Siegel Desig n), Steven South ( Spectorgroup ), and Erin McDannald ( Elevated ) to explore the business case for sustainability. The discussion covers how companies are leveraging sustainable design to improve ROI, boost employee well-being, and increase building efficiency. Topics include material...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, we revisit a recent article published on the i+s website that explores how woven metal fabric is transforming healthcare infrastructure with its durability, biophilic properties, and versatility. From enhancing safety and privacy to reducing noise pollution, discover how this dynamic material is contributing to the creation of healing environment...

In this insightful episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with industry leaders Pablo La Roche ( Arcadis ), Joe Mamayek ( SGA ), and Jonce Walker ( HLW ) to explore the evolving landscape of green building standards, including LEED v5 and its far-reaching implications. From cutting-edge technologies like geothermal and passive cooling to the rise of regenerative design and embodi...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode based on a recent article published on the interiors+sources website, we explore how interior designers are uniquely responsible for promoting inclusiveness and meeting non-neurotypical groups’ needs through innovative office design—which can improve the overall occupant experience. Learn how to prioritize inclusivity by accommodating more unique needs...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Yure Suarez ( Perkins&Will ), Ilijana Soldan ( Hord Coplan Macht ), and Ryan Smith ( 3form ) to discuss the evolution of sustainable design in the second installment of a three-part series on sustainability. Discover how holistic approaches, resilience strategies, and circular design principles are transforming the architect...

Once considered expensive and difficult to operate, 3D printing has become far more accessible in recent years. Now, design firms can often afford to have 3D printers in-house, but there are also plenty of outsourcing options. The result is that we’re seeing a major increase not only in large-scale projects driven by this technology—such as a fully  3D-printed building —but in the everyday ways th...

Join I Hear Design host Robert Nieminen as he sits down with Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink to unpack their  2025 Design Forecast . Discover how five key trends—experience-driven lifestyle districts, sustainable design innovations, adaptive reuse, attainable housing, and the future workplace—are reshaping the built environment. From cutting-edge advancements in materials to c...

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of I Hear Design, we explore the cutting-edge innovations showcased in the 2024 IIDA Healthcare Design Awards . From biophilic design that reconnects patients with nature to trauma-informed spaces that prioritize safety and calm, the winning projects highlight five transformative trends that are reshaping healthcare design for 2025 and beyond. Join us...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen welcomes Carrie Meadows, Editor-in-Chief of interiors+sources , for her podcast debut and an enlightening conversation with Adam Reeder, president of LightArt . Together, they delve into the fascinating relationship between LightArt and its materials partner, 3form , and explore how these industry leaders are merging biophilic design with inno...

In this “In Case You Missed It” (ICYMI) episode, we revisit an article titled, “ Moody Nolan Shares School Initiatives that Serve Student Health ,” published on iands.design on September 30, and written by Deb Kolesar, senior interior designer at Moody Nolan . You’ll discover how a “community school” or “wraparound services model” in K-12 schools are deeply intertwined with students’ social, emoti...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen takes listeners on a captivating journey through La Sagrada Familia , the world-famous cathedral in Barcelona. He recounts his recent visit to this architectural marvel, exploring the fascinating history behind Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and his nature-inspired designs. Discover the ongoing construction efforts, the challenges of preserving Ga...

In this mini In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of I Hear Design, we revisit an article titled, "OneDigital Unveils New Tech-Forward HQ, Designed to Elevate Work-Life and Collaboration," published on the i+s website on August 28, 2024. Designed by Hendrick, discover how this new corporate hub blends cutting-edge technology with a people-first ethos, reflecting OneDigital's evolution as a leader...

As the November political elections draw near, we sat down with designer and trend forecaster Stacy Garcia to discuss her thoughts on how consumer behaviors are shaped by the broader economic and political landscape and what that means for design professionals. From parallels between today’s climate and the 2008 recession to the emergence of bold, saturated hues as a form of rebellion against unce...

With hybrid and remote policies as the primary working model, many Gen Z employees are skeptical of the value of the office’s collective experience. Our challenge as workplace designers is finding the balance between these vastly different sets of expectations to ensure the office supports all staff and to prove the value of the physical office so that it is used to its full potential. Listen to t...

In this episode of I Hear Design, we’ll dive into a topic that’s sparked a lot of debate over the years: the use of PVC in the built environment. In spite of its ubiquitous usage by designers and specifiers for a variety of applications, questions about its its sustainability claims continue to swirl, and many A&D firms as well as manufacturers have eliminated PVC from their specifications and...

Choosing finishes that meet the aesthetic needs of a space combined with inherent cleanability makes vinyl wallcovering an easy choice for today’s high-demand spaces like healthcare environments. With the latest innovation of digital wallcoverings, we’re able to take it up another level by creating less waste with custom-designed and measured wallcoverings, incorporating the healing elements of bi...

No industry is immune to the current wave of artificial intelligence, including architecture and design. The general consensus is that while AI for workplace design has great potential, it needs more time to mature. But the inroads are there, and the industry is headed for a significant pivot. In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of the I Hear Design podcast, we recap a recent article fro...

In this episode of I Hear Design, we're diving into the dynamic world of urban design and mass transit projects. Our guests, Ana Francisca de la Mora and Donald Verbanac from Arcadis , explore the intricate challenges of creating vibrant, functional urban spaces with an eye toward of placemaking. We also discuss how urban planners and architects can design for public safety, security, sustainabili...

In this In Case You Missed It episode, we recap an article written by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett that was originally published on the interiors+sources website on April 5, 2024, that explores some unlikely markets that provide a snapshot of a few projects getting it right in developing cities attracting tourists and locals alike.