I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

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 design is becoming a business im...

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 the built environment.

We explore the...

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 the certification means for interior d...

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 materials.

Kenn shares how the pavilion e...

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 the Association's recently released ...

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 Carbon, Susan shares why storytelling i...

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 community, inspiring key changes in bui...

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 towers into viable residential build...

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 how Anderson plans to advance the fi...

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 neurological response, reducing stress a...

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 inclusive experiences.

Sara and Deidre...

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 the importance of amplifying diverse vo...

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-pandemic, and the firm’s innovative ap...

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. The conversation also explores the...

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 interest in secondhand office furnishings.

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by industry experts Robert Siegel (Siegel Design), 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 transparency, smart building technologie...

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 environments that prioritize patient and staff...

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 embodied carbon reduction, this conversation di...