NeoConversations – Details, episodes & analysis

What does it take to bring bold ideas to life at one of the design world’s biggest stages? Faraz Shah, Brand Director at Turf, takes us on a creative journey from sparks of inspiration to the final showroom reveal at NeoCon 2025. Along the way, he chats with Rob Perri, President of Turf and VP at Armstrong, about the magic (and madness) behind the scenes. But first, he kicks things off with Rob Schulte, Senior Producer at the SURROUND Podcast Network, to dive into why NeoCon isn’t just a trade show, it’s where design dreams take center stage.

This season of NeoConversations is sponsored by Material Bank, Pallas Textiles, and Turf.

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Enjoy Sense of Space by Turf now available on all podcast platforms.

An architect and designer are on a journey to help their community understand the nuances of designing for the built environment. Join Ella Hazard and Faraz Shah through questions and conversations while they explore all the stuff we interact with as designers, architects, and people.

Please enjoy the following episode: What are the elements of a vibe?

Is “vibe” something we can curate, or is it best when it occurs organically? Faraz and Ella unpack some SAT words to describe how our bodies respond to spaces and ways to design for all senses. By better understanding ourselves and our senses, can we learn how to integrate this approach into the creation of a “vibe”?

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What does it take to effectively design brand character into a space? How can brand values and purpose be communicated through materiality, visual language, ambiance and experience? What’s in the tool kit needed to implement a design program company-wide? In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Renee Hytry Derrington, International Design Lead for Formica Group, and Abbott Miller, a partner at world-renowned design studio Pentagram to explore all the nuances of translating a brand into a physical experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trusty and timeless tile is making its way into exciting new territory with large format panels, countertop slabs and high-resolution digital printing. The design opportunities are almost limitless. In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Laura Muller, CEO of Four Point Build Inc., Frank Douglas, VP of Business Development for Crossville, and Noah Chitty, Directory of Technical Services for Crossville, to learn all about the technology and possibilities of this new frontier in tile surfacing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we are taking on the challenge of designing flexible workplaces - specifically, designing in power and data distribution solutions that can keep up with the speed of evolving technology, business transitions, budget demands and the ever-changing need for adaptable power configurations - frequently in pre-existing buildings. What are the creative solutions? Amy Devers talks to Steve Batchelder of Connectrac, Kevin Saindon of Brigholme, and David Meckley of Huntsman Architectural Group. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of NeoConversations, we are asking: What is the circular economy and what role do architects and designers play in it? How can we design truly sustainable spaces and specify materials in which the entire lifecycle has been considered, including eventual reuse? What are the implications, misconceptions and benefits associated with materials made from regenerated waste? Listen as host Amy Devers talks to Giulio Bonazzi, CEO + Chairman, Aquafil and David Oakey, founder of David Oakey Designs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Details can impact us on every level—they can add an extra element of, structure, protection or aesthetics, while also being on trend. In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Dana Madden, Architectural Product Manager at Tamlyn, and Wayne Braun, Principal at PDR about architectural trim and how it can be used to enhance spaces by adding sophistication, depth, color and drama to walls. Listen to learn more about design possibilities, as well as practical concerns like sustainability, durability, and costs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing teams from disparate offices together into a unified headquarters? If that HQ doesn’t exist yet, what is involved in the design and construction of that project so that it emcompasses the brand’s DNA, supports company culture and sends a strong message to the world about the company’s mission? Amy Devers talks to Chip DeGrace, of Interface, and Joe Connell of Perkins + Will about the realization of the new Interface HQ in Atlanta, GA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NeoCon the commercial design industry’s annual launch pad for innovation, is turning 50! Amy Devers talks to Byron Morton, NeoCon’s VP of Leasing, about how every year 50,000 design professionals flood The Mart in Chicago to take part in the innovations, ideas and introductions that have a direct impact on shaping the built environment. Byron shares how the show has evolved over the years, what to expect, and most importantly, how they plan to celebrate their 50th birthday!   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NeoCon is the commercial design industry’s launch pad for innovation—offering ideas and introductions that shape the built environment today and into the future. Host Amy Devers talks to interesting thinkers, players, movers & shakers in the contract furniture industry about topics like wellness in the workplace, collaboration, innovative space design, and products that help improve well-being and productivity. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.