I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

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 the interiors industry, as well as hi...

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 interiors fair and uncover insights into th...

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-supported research at DLR Group, deta...

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 foundry was thoughtfully transformed into ...

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with architect and Anguleris 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 and reuse of any unused material samp...

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 reuse can transform historic bu...

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 diversifying the profession, and th...

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...