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 creative conversions of aging buildings, this episode explores how architecture and design are tackling global challenges and creating human-centered solutions. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of design and architecture!

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 as we dive into visionary spaces that blend empathy, sustainability, and functionality to create healing environments that truly care for patients, staff, and communities alike.

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 from the i+s website in which five experts weigh in on the most viable applications of AI for architecture and design. 

In this episode, Designs for Dignity CEO and i+s Designer of the Year Jennifer Sobecki and D4D founder Susie Fredman discuss the non-profit's mission of empowering lives through pro bono design work. Find out how you can help support and celebrate D4D's 20th anniversary of changing lives one project at a time.

In an attempt to work without distractions, remote employees are starting to utilize vacant hotel rooms as an alternative office away from home. NELSON Worldwide designers share their thoughts on why this trend is growing, along with tips for hospitality designers to make these spaces more work-friendly.

Mohawk Group’s Smart City carpet collection reinterprets transit maps into soft surfaces. Contributing editor Sarah Kloepple explores this sustainably created flooring system with Mark Page, Mohawk’s senior director, creative design and development.

Transira Window Solutions embeds a shade between panes of glass so that dust and germs can't stick to the shade. Editor in chief Janelle Penny explores the details with Gantt Miller IV, Winco's sales representative for Northern California, and product specialist John Iffland.

Learn how you can easily deliver the benefits of natural light all while saving energy with the SYLVANIA Natural Series of LED lighting products with innovative TruWave Technology from LEDVANCE LLC.

As the pandemic forced the cancellation of trade shows like NeoCon, manufacturers had to come up with new ways to introduce products, so Snowsound created a VR showroom instead. In this episode, Sam Barry talks to Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen about the design, functionality and plans for this new, immersive experience.

Executive Vice President of Samuelson Furniture Michael Chalfin shares his top recommendations on the details designers and specifiers should keep their eyes out for when specifying durable furniture for hospitality spaces.

In this episode, Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen talks to guests John Higgs, Brandon Carmichael and Mark Starling of Corgan’s MediaLab about their experience working together to film the 360 VR video of Mannington’s Design Center in Atlanta, including the technology and approaches they used to create this immersive experience.

Take the VR Tour now.

Learn how products and inclusive design principles allow those with mobility limitations to participate in the simple activities of dining or learning without stigma.

What is holistic design and why should you consider incorporating it into your interior design process? Gala Magriñá, founder and principal of Gala Magriñá Design, discusses how bringing mindfulness to the forefront of our daily lives and design practices can help everyone to live happier and more successful lives.

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, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that public projects serve the needs of all community members. Additionally, our guests share their insights on effective collaboration with communities and public agencies, offering a glimpse into the future of urban planning.

Whether it’s implementing UV germicidal lighting or disinfecting air flow, lighting will play a significant role as commercial buildings reopen during and after the pandemic. Learn more from industry experts Tanya Hernandez and Cheryl English from Acuity Brands about how to capitalize on these innovative solutions as well as take advantage of strategic tax credits to help fund these upgrades.

*This podcast was created in partnership with Acuity Brands.

Whether you're designing for corporate, healthcare, education or anything in between, Saylite has the right light for you. Get to know the company's wide variety of colorful, modern products now.

Think specifying commercial carpet is simple? Take another look (or listen) and join guest Bruce Campos with Starnet Worldwide Flooring Coop, as he recommends what designers and specifiers should look for when starting a project, as well as dispels some myths around carpet sanitation in light of COVID-19.

*Thanks to our sponsor, Interface Inc.

Hear how wakaNINE provides lighting inspired by nature and pushes us all towards greater sustainability.

Etc. by National Office Furniture offers statement pieces that can work in a variety of commercial spaces. Learn all about the new brand and its on-trend products now.

The pandemic has affected every industry, and retail has been hit particularly hard. Guests Kathy Craft Rich, industrial practice leader at NELSON Worldwide and Robyn Novak, Retail Practice Leader of FRCH NELSON, talk about what challenges retailers are facing now to keep shoppers safe as well as envisioning how retail design may change in a post-COVID world.

The latest emuamericas product offerings inspire great design

In this episode, Savannah College of Art and Design students James Jung and Heshan Li talk about the beautiful hand sketches they produced for the new Inspire by interiors+sources virtual showroom experience. Find out what they think about drawing by hand, what they learned and how they see the future of virtual tradeshows.

Take a tour of this unique showroom experience.

Decorative laminates and composite woods are some of the most sustainable choices for materials. Find out what makes them such a great choice in the fight against climate change and how they can impact human health in this discussion with guest Kenn Busch, founder of Material Intelligence.

*Thanks to our sponsor, Interface Inc.

National Office Furniture is unveiling a variety of new products. Hear how the company's furniture solutions support a wide array of evolving preferences.

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.

Meet Frasch and the many offerings the company provides to solve your acoustical issues in a stylish way.

Discover the latest innovations from Aceray and products which allow for flexibility in today's "new normal".

In this episode of I Hear Design, guest Suzanne Nicholson of MEYER and ONE Global Design talks with Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen about a recent survey ONE Global Design conducted to find out how the work-from-home experience is impacting designers and considerations for implementing return to work strategies.

Take a deep dive into three beautiful new additions to EF Contract's portfolio.

From outdoor seating to open-kitchen layouts, Wilson Associates' Michael Lawless and Keiko Matsumoto discuss the creative concepts designers are utilizing to help aid a smooth transition to a “new normal” for dining out.

When it comes to versatility, nothing beats Tedlar. Find out how many different ways you can use this innovative, durable and cleanable film to inspire your next project.

Hear about the inspiration behind Mohawk Group's latest flooring collections, and how sustainability and health and wellness are integrated into the products.

Hear how Sloan's variety of touch-free products feature the latest sensor technology that is ideal for commercial restrooms.

Take a virtual walk through J+J Flooring's digital showroom while listening and learning more about the company's new contract flooring products.

Listen to how Altro's minimalist showroom puts emphasis the wallcovering and flooring company's newest products.

Well, folks, that's a wrap! We just returned from NeoCon and Design Days in Chicago, and the energy at The MART and Fulton Market was palpable. In this extended episode of I Hear Design, i+s Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen sits down with NeoCon movers and shakers, including IIDA's CEO Cheryl Durst, Hightower's co-founder and CEO, Natalie Hartkopf, Mantra Inspired Furniture's CEO Susan Pilato, and many more designers and manufacturers from the show to talk about the future of the industry and how design professionals can make a significant impact in sustainability through the decisions they make every day. Listen in as we capture the passion and enthusiasm that was felt at the industry's biggest event in North America.

1. Cheryl Durst, CEO, IIDA
2. Natalie Hartkopf, CEO, Hightower
3. Vickie Rybl, Director of LCA, WAP Sustainability
4. John Black, Project Business Specialist, Luna Wood
5. Raya Elias-Pushett, Graduate Student and Research Associate, The Chicago School
6. Susan Pilato, CEU, Mantra Inspired Furniture
7. Cara Rude, Principal, MCG Explore Design

Experience the art gallery concept that inspired the Belwith Keeler showroom, which also features its Hickory Hardware brand, and discover decorative hardware solutions that are described as "jewelry for your cabinets."

Learn more about the inspiration behind Swiftspace's showroom and the flexible, innovative products for privacy and home-based work you'll find inside.

Learn more about the inspiration behind Focal Point's showroom, designed with biophilia in mind. The space is meant to be an area of relaxation for visitors, with such elements as hanging gardens and acoustic baffles.

Learn more about the inspiration behind SSI's virtual showroom, showcasing three different environments, and the new products they're highlighting, including 3D laminates with paint-like finishes.

Style Works' virtual showroom features fun, laid-back seating options for all space types.

Explore touchless solutions and seamless composite materials for restrooms that encourage healthy handwashing.

Hear about Econyl's focus on creating and nurturing a circular economy.

Check out FUNC's groovy and space-defining solutions with a tour of their virtual showroom.

Learn more about what inspired the three-dimensional design approach for Zintra's showroom and how these acoustic panels can be a creative solution for your next project.

Learn more about the inspiration behind AVA's virtual showroom and the new products they're highlighting, from realistic wood patterns to ones with pops of bright colors.

In this episode of I Hear Design, we talk to interiors+sources' long-time partner, journalist and educator Kenn Busch, about the launch of the new Climate Positive Solutions Gallery at NeoCon 2024. As the founder of Material Intelligence, Kenn is a go-to expert about educational messaging around architectural materials, informed by years of research. He talks about the evolution of the Climate Positive NOW initiative, what people can expect at his activation space at NeoCon this year, and the vital importance of effective storytelling around sustainability. 

Also, visit the i+s booth at NeoCon (#7-1049) to share your thoughts about sustainability at our "Climate Connect Corner" with Chief Content Director, Robert Nieminen, that will be part of a post-show podcast episode. You can also enter to win an e-Bike thanks to our generous sponsors, Bradley Corp. and InPro.

Biophilic design was the inspiration behind this beautiful showroom from Olee Creative. Learn more about how to leverage Olee's artwork, films, resin panels and magnetic graphic systems.

Explore the beauty of Italian design with FENIX. Tour their virtual showroom and get inspired for your next project!

Learn more about the inspiration behind Formica's virtual showroom sketch and the new products they're highlighting, as well as the winner of the company's FORM student design competition.