Tell Me More

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Allsteel host Mary Kate Cassidy is joined by Rikki Crowe from Allsteel, Olivia Danielson-Veed from HOK, and Mark Coxon from AVI-SPL to discuss the evolving landscape of workplace design. They explore collaboration, space utilization, and user experience, reflecting on insights from a recent industry gathering at the Allsteel Experience Center in Chicago...

Season three of Tell Me More kicks off with a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of workplace design and culture. Host Andrea Gauss from Allsteel welcomes her colleagues Jordan Arnold, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule to explore key themes shaping the workplace in 2025. The conversation explores space planning strategies, the evolving role of private offices, and the connection betwe...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant and Dr. Rachel Drosdick-Sigafoos explore the concept of trauma-informed design in the workplace. They discuss how trauma impacts employees, share strategies for creating supportive environments, and highlight findings from their latest research on workplace trauma. This insightful conversation serves as a precursor to their upcoming presentation at the South by Sou...

Steven Burgos, a design director, reflects on how his early fascination with the built environment shaped his path to a career in design. With a focus on mentorship and community engagement, Steven discusses the impact of design on people's lives and the importance of sharing experiences within the industry. He offers insights for emerging designers, emphasizing the value of networking, communicat...

In the final episode of this series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant, Jordan Arnold, and Rikki Crowe explore its profound implications in workplace environments. They discuss the necessity of inclusive design, the importance of creating spaces that cater to diverse needs, and the evolving dialogue around trauma in professional settings. The conversation emphasizes the value of flexibility, a...

In this second episode of the series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant and Rikki Crowe explore how workplace environments can profoundly impact human experiences, particularly in addressing trauma and promoting well-being. They discuss the importance of creating supportive spaces that minimize dysregulation, the value of wellness rooms, and the role of furniture layout in fostering connection...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Lauren Gant and Jordan Arnold kick off a three-part series on trauma-informed design by exploring its critical role in fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. They unpack the prevalence of trauma, challenge common misconceptions, and highlight the importance of understanding diverse trauma responses. The conversation centers on a huma...

Jasmine Efrussy, an Associate Principal and Director of furniture services at Corrigan, reflects on her journey from a studio art major to a leader in interior design. With 25 years of experience, Jasmine discusses her work on high-profile projects like the Toyota North American headquarters and her dedication to creating meaningful community impact through design. She highlights the importance of...

In this episode of Tell Me More , Andrea Gauss and Brian Kaule explore the "Intentional Office" and how workplace design can boost productivity, collaboration, and engagement. They share insights from the pandemic, highlight the value of mentorship and socialization, and discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptable spaces that foste...

In this episode, Jordan Arnold, a Senior Workplace Advisor with Allsteel, interviews Natalie Polvere, the Central Regional Sales Director for Norman Copenhagen, about sustainability in the furniture industry. They discuss the shift towards fast fashion-style production of furniture and the need for more sustainable practices. They highlight some of Norman Copenhagen's sustainable products, includi...

In this episode, Andrea Gauss from Allsteel sits down with Heidi Frasure and Kathy Seli of Green Standards to explore the critical role of circularity and responsible decommissioning in the built environment. The conversation highlights the growing demand for companies to report on sustainability initiatives. Green Standards' mission centers on keeping furniture out of landfills, donating items to...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant guides listeners through an ergonomic adjustment walkthrough, offering practical home-based ergonomics tips. She defines ergonomics as the study of the interaction between humans and their work environment, emphasizing the importance of considering factors like posture, work tasks, tools and technology, work location, psychosocial state, individual differences, and...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant and Tony Ash, Product Marketing Manager at Allsteel, explore how ergonomic principles can be seamlessly integrated into product design, ensuring ergonomics is an inherent feature rather than just a marketing tool. Dr. Gant brings her expertise in ergonomics to the discussion, which covers the four key areas—fit, movement, comfort, and intuitiveness—and the use of d...

In this episode, Jordan Arnold sits down with Dr. Lauren Gant, a Senior Workplace Advisory Manager at Allsteel, to explore the nuances of ergonomics. They dive into what ergonomics truly means—beyond just furniture setup—examining how it addresses the interaction between people and their work environments. Dr. Gant shares insights on the personalized nature of ergonomic design, emphasizing that it...

Peter Randolph, Architect and Director at geniant + Eastlake Studio in Chicago, IL., shares his insights and experiences in the architecture and design industry. He discusses his inspiration to join the industry and the impact of architecture on people's lives. Peter also highlights a project he is particularly proud of, the design of the Chicago Tribune headquarters. He emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, host Rikki Crowe and Madison Gentry from Allsteel, along with Dima Daimi-Lewis, founder of Provoke Designs, discuss the benefits of demountable walls in workplace design. They highlight how these walls provide flexibility and adaptability, embodying the concept of "living in beta" by supporting current and future work needs. The guests explain that demountable walls save time for...

Season two of Tell Me More kicks off with a discussion on co-solutioning and collaboration across brands and businesses. Host Jordan Arnold from Allsteel welcomes Eric Pfeifer from Corral and Peter Simonsen from Kvadrat to share insights on their joint effort in developing Pier Shelving, a sustainable product made from textile waste. They explore how the material inspired the design of Pier Shelvi...

Suzanne Drake, Sustainability Director at Revel Architecture and Design, shares her career journey and passion for sustainable design. She discusses her background in architecture and how she found her niche in healthcare and sustainability. Suzanne also talks about her involvement in projects that focus on material health and antimicrobial treatments. She emphasizes the importance of client-centr...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Chelsea Compton interviews Dylan Eagle and Brian Kaule from Allsteel about the concept of the intentional office. They discuss the importance of technology in design, the benefits of adopting an intentional office, and how it aligns with current workplace trends. They also explore how the intentional office can improve employee well-being and productivi...

In this episode, host Chelsea Compton broadcasts live from Fulton Market Design Days at the Allsteel Experience Center in Chicago. Joining her are industry experts Mary Kate Cassidy, Tiffany Peebles, and Caroline Alexander, who delve into the concept of the intentional office. They explore how this approach stands apart from traditional office design by fostering deeper intentionality and adaptabi...

This mini episode is best experienced while watching. Tune in as we kick off Fulton Market Design Days with an exclusive preview of the Allsteel Experience Center in Chicago. As we reflect on one year of welcomingguests, Rikki Crowe, with Allsteel delves into the innovative concept of the "Intentional Office," showcasing six key activities designed to elevate workplace efficiency and comfort. Lear...

In this episode, Taylor Morgan from Allsteel and Christina Piper, VP of Workplace Design from JLL, discuss the importance of change management and communication in workplace design. They emphasize the need for intentional office spaces that cater to the specific needs and work styles of individuals. They highlight the role of change champions in mitigating anxiety and facilitating a positive trans...

In the final episode of the 'Sustainability' series, host Andrea Gauss and Dr. Lauren Gant, SeniorWorkplace Advisory Manager at Allsteel, discuss the importance of certifications in sustainability and the impact they have on human health. They explore the reasons why certifications matter, including their holistic nature, research-based approach, and regular update process. They also highlight the...

In the fifth episode of the 'Sustainability' series, host Andrea Gauss and Lydia Tolander, Senior Product Portfolio Manager at Allsteel, discuss the impact of architectural products on sustainability. They cover topics such as chemistry, lifecycle assessments, and the potential for a spatial kit of parts to reduce waste and carbon footprint. Lydia shares insights into the Declare label process and...

In the fourth episode of the 'Sustainability' series, host Andrea Gauss explores Allsteel's enhanced portfolio and their commitment to sustainability alongside Chad Johnson, Senior Product Manager, and Brian Kaule, Director of Design. They explore the intricacies of designing for the environment, stressing the importance of making informed decisions regarding chemistry, climate, and circularity. T...