Complementary Colors

Episode 20: In this episode of we sit down with Jon Strassner, an industry provocateur known as an environmental storyteller, strategic advisor, and co-host of the Break Some Dishes podcast.

With nearly three decades of experience in the commercial interiors industry, Jon brings a passionate and unflinching voice to the climate conversation.

We talk openly about greenwashing, material transparency, and the uncomfortable truths designers and manufacturers often avoid. Jon shares stories from his time at HumanScale and ASID, why “less is more” might be the industry’s most disruptive idea, and what it really means to be transparent when talking about sustainability. Jon shares his thoughts on toxic chemicals, broken systems, and the power of imperfect progress.

This conversation was recorded live at NeoCon 2024 with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl, Cara Rude, and Casey Kee.

Links:

• Listen to Jon’s podcast: Break Some Dishes

• Learn more about MCG Explore Design: https://www.exploredesign.com

• Follow Complementary Colors: https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/

Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design, an architecture and interior design firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color.

#ComplementaryColors #InteriorDesign #Sustainability #BreakSomeDishes #RedList #GreenMyths #Neocon2025 #EnvironmentalStorytelling #JonStrassner

Episode 19: Join Cara Rude for a conversation on with Mike Johnson, Senior Director of Materials team at the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

Mike is a passionate advocate for sustainability, with a focus on wildlife preservation, ecosystem health, and the development of sustainable building materials. We dig into the groundbreaking standards set by the Living Product

Links:

International Living Future Institute: https://living-future.org/about/

Episode 18: In this episode of Complimentary Colors we sit down with Design Futurist, AJ Paron. AJ is the Executive Vice President at Sandow Design Group and is responsible for the B2B brands of Interior Design Magazine, Metropolis Magazine and ThinkLab. She is an accomplished interior designer, a published author, and a strong advocate for neurodiverse design.

Episode 17: Live from NeoCon in Chicago! Join your hosts, Cara Rude, Melissa Pribyl, and Casey Kee for a very special conversation with Doug Shapiro from OFS.

Doug is the Vice President of Research & Insights at OFS, and hosts the Imagine a Place podcast. He shares his personal journey and some fascinating insights behind the places and materials that shape our world.

Links:

Listen to the Imagine a Place podcast:

Watch video from this episode on YouTube:

Episode 16: In this episode Melissa Pribyl is sitting down with special guest, Crystal Worl to talk about the importance and impact of public art. Crystal is a talented and multi-faceted artist based in Juneau, Alaska. She shares her experiences working on large scale public art installations, including her stunning new livery design for Alaska Airlines.

We talk about Crystal's cultural heritage and her journey as an artist and storyteller. You'll learn about how she integrates traditional forms and modern techniques to create pieces that resonate with both the past and the future. Crystal also offers valuable insights into working with clients, blending branding guidelines with indigenous art, and the challenges and rewards of creating large-scale public art. This episode is packed with inspiration and knowledge!

Links:

See more from Crystal Worl at: https://crystalworl.com/

Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/trickstercompany

Check out her amazing design for Alaska Airlines, Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) here: https://youtu.be/s2wLoebydIw

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_WAUdT2CTcc

#ComplementaryColors #Podcast #PublicArt #CrystalWorl #TlingitHeritage #CultrualStorytelling #ArtAndCulture

Episode 15: Join Danielle Razo and McKenna Hall from Steelcase on this episode of Complementary Colors. Together with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl and Ashley Killian, we’ll talk about their personal journey and how Steelcase is focused on innovation, and inclusion. What sets them apart and how are they embracing change?

Episode Highlights:

How do you think the workplace will continue to evolve? Share your experiences with hybrid work and the role of design in shaping company culture in the comments.

Watch this episode on YouTube here:

Subscribe to Complementary Colors for more conversations on interior design, leadership, and the future of work.

#Steelcase #WorkplaceDesign #Leadership #HybridWork #FemaleLeadership #DesignThinking #Innovation #ComplementaryColorsPodcast #exploredesign

Episode 14: Imposter syndrome comes for us all!

Join us for an empowering episode of Complimentary Colors as we take a personal and professional look at self-advocacy in the workplace. Cara Rude leads a conversation with Melissa Pribyl, Ashley Killian, and Casey Key to talk about the challenges of setting boundaries and standing up for your own needs.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: ⁠https://youtu.be/nj_1DwjSPPY

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and be sure to subscribe to our channel for updates on future episodes. If you've ever faced a moment where you had to stand up for yourself, share your experience in the comments!

Episode 13: You're on mute! This is Part II of our series on more effective meetings with creativity and connection.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/9E49t4zqlAY

Episode 12: This could have been an email!

But seriously, how can we make our meetings more effective, both in-person and virtual? Join Melissa Pribyl and the team for an in-depth discussion about how to combat digital exhaustion, and how our workdays have actually increased since 2020. We'll also be talking about the “40-20-40 Rule” for meeting productivity and how to apply it to your schedule.

This is the first of two episodes on more effective meetings, so don’t miss it!

Watch this episode on YouTube here:

Episode 11: When it comes to DIY, are you nailing it or failing it?? Join Interior Designers, Casey Key, Cara Rude, Ashley Killian, and Melissa Pribyl, as they share their own trials and triumphs when it comes to DIY. From the nostalgia of wallpapering with Mom to the challenges of blending styles with a partner, this episode is packed with stories and laughs.

Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting to explore your personal style, you'll find inspiration, tips, and a few cautionary tales to guide you on your creative journey. Plus, get a dose of history as we delve into the origins of the DIY movement and ponder the influence of Pinterest and HGTV on our crafting ambitions.

Don't miss out on the fun! Tune in and let's get crafty together.

Watch this episode online here: https://youtu.be/31l7QgkIdlw