Imagine a Place

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 exam...

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 f...

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 suppo...

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 hiera...

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 en...

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'...

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...

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 aesthet...

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 th...

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...

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 intelligenc...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 desig...

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...

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 bringi...

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...

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 pres...

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 c...

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 th...

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 ec...

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...