In this episode of the Create A Place podcast, Kristina talks with Dino Ninassi, founder of Dino+Associates, about why acoustics are no longer an afterthought—they’re foundational to workplace culture, trust and wellbeing.

Dino breaks down his simple ABC framework (Absorb, Block, Cover) for assessing and solving acoustic challenges in today’s hybrid spaces and shares why different environments—from HR offices to open collaboration zones—require different solutions. They also explore the impact of post-pandemic sensitivities, neurodiversity, and why sound is often the most overlooked equity issue in design.

From real-world success stories (like a transformed call center at Wounded Warrior Project) to costly missteps that happen when acoustics are left out too late, this episode makes the business case for getting sound right—and doing it early.

🎧 Listen in to learn:

Why our sensitivity to sound has changed—and what leaders need to know

How to use the ABC method to diagnose the real problem

What sound masking actually does (and what it doesn’t)

Why retrofitting can cost 145% more—and how to avoid it

What you can do right now to create more inclusive, high-performing spaces

🎧 Whether you're planning a workplace refresh, designing for neurodiverse teams, or just trying to make your space sound and feel better, this conversation is for you!

Connect with Dino ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-n-3856411a/

- Dino+Associates : https://www.dino-associates.com/

- Acoustic Solutions : https://www.dino-associates.com/acoustic-solutions

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast  

🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net  

📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com  

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

Furniture can either drive culture forward—or quietly drive people away. And when it really works, your people do too. In this episode of Create A Place podcast, Kristina York sits down with Gilbert Broco, President of CI Group, to explore the deeper role furniture plays in how people feel, work, and connect. From flexible layouts and mock-ups to early collaboration between architects, designers and dealers, Gilbert shares how intentional choices around furniture can support culture, increase engagement, and even prevent turnover.

This conversation isn’t about trends—it’s about building workplaces that work, for the people who use them. Whether you're navigating hybrid return plans or rethinking your next office build-out, this conversation brings a fresh perspective on how furniture can be one of your most strategic tools.

🎧 If you're leading change, shaping culture, or rethinking how space supports performance—this one's for you.

Connect with Gilbert ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbert-broco/

- CI Group : http://www.the-cigroup.com/

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast  

🎙️Podcast : https://createaplace.net  

📐Design : https://www.createandcompany.com  

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

In this episode of the Create A Place podcast, Kristina talks with Randy Shaw, founder and director of sales at BRYTESIGHT, a technology architecture firm. They explore Randy’s unconventional path from professional soccer to tech consulting (with a stop at med school) and why designing technology to work—for people, culture, and collaboration—is more important than ever.

Randy shares stories from the field, including how his team steps in to rescue projects and how their new Technology Contracting Services model helps clients get more value while reducing risk for general contractors. He also dives into the evolving role of IT in hybrid work environments—and why strategic, people-focused tech integration is key to productivity, connection, and long-term success.

🎧 Listen now to learn why your technology architect belongs at the table from day one!

Connect with Randy ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-shaw-4703b414/

- BRYTESIGHT : https://brytesight.com/

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast

🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net

📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

Think HR is just about payroll, policies, and paperwork? Think again. Human Resources is the secret weapon behind thriving workplaces, strong leadership, and lasting business success—but only when it’s done right.

In this episode of Create a Place, Kristina York sits down with Lexi Benner, VP of People & Culture at Living HR, to unpack the true role of HR and why it’s time to rethink how organizations support their people.

We break down the biggest misconceptions about HR, why offboarding is just as important as onboarding, and how companies that get HR right attract and retain top talent. Whether you’re an executive looking to build a stronger culture or an HR leader ready to shake things up, this conversation will change the way you see Human Resources.

🎧 Listen now to discover how HR can be your company’s ultimate competitive advantage!

Connect with Lexi ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiafarnett/

- livingHR : https://livinghr.com/

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast

🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net

📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

Design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about crafting spaces that foster belonging, representation, and inclusion for everyone.

In this episode of Create A Place, Kristina York sits down with Maria VanDeman—interior designer, children's book author, and Director of Design Strategy at OFS—to explore the deep connection between design, diversity, and workplace culture.

They discuss why representation in creative careers matters, how diversity of thought leads to smarter, more human-centered spaces, and the ways our environments shape behavior, belonging, and success. Maria also shares the inspiration behind Design Your World, a book introducing kids to design, and how we can create workplaces that welcome everyone to the table.

Tune in to rethink how design can drive inclusivity, innovation, and real impact!

Connect with Maria ::

- LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavandeman/

- OFS : https://ofs.com/

Buy the book ::

- English : https://amzn.to/3XrRBci

- Español : https://amzn.to/4ijK1sb

Connect with KY ::

👊🏼 LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/createaplacepodcast

🎙️ Podcast : https://createaplace.net

📐 Design : https://www.createandcompany.com

📺 YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@CREATEAPLACE

🎧 Apple : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-a-place/id1779942208

🎧 Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/7fIVCgnR433sniYRvrRwNZ?si=b77e418c27524bc4

🎧 Podbean : https://createaplace.podbean.com

Can service dogs foster a more inclusive, innovative workplace? In this episode of Create a Place with Kristina York, ReviveK9 founder Coreena Breazeale shares how these highly trained animals empower employees with disabilities, from medical alerts to mobility assistance. Business leaders will gain insights into ADA compliance, workplace accommodations, and common misconceptions that can lead to unintentional discrimination. Learn how to foster an inclusive culture, educate teams on service dog etiquette, and implement policies that attract and retain diverse talent. As workplaces embrace neurodiversity and accessibility, understanding the role of service dogs is critical for HR professionals and executives alike. Don’t miss this essential conversation on how inclusivity, education, and thoughtful design can create a better workplace environment for all employees.

Where to reach Coreena:

https://revivek9.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreena-breazeale/

In this episode of Create a Place, co-founders, Kristina York [Alchemist] and Angela Davis [Firestarter] discuss the journey of their architecture and interior design firm, CREATE+CO. They share their origin story, the challenges they faced, and the transformative projects that shaped their design philosophy. The conversation highlights the importance of listening to clients, understanding their needs, empowering teams, as well as the significant impact of their work on the industry. They share stories of how their unique and personalized approach has led to successful projects, including 'rescue' situations where they transformed experiences that were not meeting client expectations. Kristina and Angela also focus on the significance of building long-term relationships with clients, advocating for their needs throughout the design process, and the future direction of their firm as they continue to innovate in the design industry.

Where to Find Angela:

Website : www.createandcompany.com

LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-davis-0869536/

In this episode of Create A Place podcast, Kristina York engages in a deep conversation with David Biondolillo, Director and Head of US TD Securities and Retail Business Partnerships at TD Bank, about the evolving landscape of workplace design and culture, especially in the context of post-COVID strategies. They discuss the importance of aligning workplace strategies with organizational culture, the need for flexibility in design, and the critical role of employee engagement and feedback in creating optimal work environments. David shares insights from his extensive experience in workplace planning and emphasizes the necessity of listening to employees to ensure successful change management.

Where to find David:

In this episode of Create A Place podcast, host Kristina York interviews Kelly Primeau, a marketing expert and business owner. They discuss the challenges small businesses face post-COVID, the shift to remote and hybrid work, and the importance of in-person collaboration. Kelly shares her experiences in navigating these changes, the role of workspace design in productivity, and the potential of podcasting as a tool for connection and storytelling in business. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and intentionality in workplace culture as businesses adapt to the evolving landscape.

In this episode of Create A Place podcast, Kristina York speaks with Joshua Pearson, co-founder of PepRally, Inc. They discuss the evolution of PepRally, the importance of brand identity in hospitality, and the role of diversity and inclusion in creative spaces. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in design, celebrating community through art, and creating inclusive spaces for all. Josh shares his vision for the legacy of PepRally and the importance of personal artistic expression and vulnerability in the creative process.

book: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/incidental-art

Website: www.joshuatpearson.art  

Instagram @joshuatpearson