DESIGN MUSE Podcast

Design Muse Podcast: Intern Series Part 2 with Annika Tervo

In this episode, the Design Muse Podcast welcomes Annika Tervo, a recent interior design graduate who turned a two-year internship at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business into a full-time associate interior designer role. Annika joins Mel and Bridget to discuss what school can’t fully prepare you for, including project coordination, shifting priorities, real-world budgets, and the business side of design.

The conversation also explores how to embrace failure as part of growth, use AI tools thoughtfully, advocate for learning opportunities, and stay organized in a fast-changing design workplace.

Key topics

• How an early fascination with colors, materials, and interiors led Annika to design
• Annika’s transition from intern to associate interior designer at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business
• Why project management and coordination are major parts of professional interior design
• The differences between school projects and real-world budgets, schedules, and materials
• Letting go of perfectionism and treating failure as an opportunity to learn
• How AI-assisted rendering can make design visualization faster
• Annika’s experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit
• Why interns and young professionals should ask for opportunities to learn
• The adaptability and technology fluency younger designers bring to the workplace
• The mentor who encouraged Annika to advocate for herself
• Annika’s list-based approach to organizing daily tasks

Timestamps

• 00:35 — Introducing Annika and her internship at the Ross School of Business
• 01:53 — Where Annika’s interest in interior design began
• 03:40 — From intern to full-time associate interior designer
• 04:31 — The importance of coordination and project management
• 06:36 — Why failure can help designers grow
• 08:19 — Interior design as a business, not just a creative practice
• 10:07 — School projects versus real-world constraints
• 12:20 — Learning to adapt when projects change
• 13:13 — Technology and AI in interior design
• 14:09 — How AI rendering can speed up visualization
• 16:24 — Using AI without losing creativity and storytelling
• 17:56 — Annika’s experience with AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit
• 20:09 — Making the most of an internship and asking to learn
• 22:04 — What the next generation brings to the workplace
• 25:02 — Collaboration and new ways of working
• 30:32 — The mentor who has shaped Annika’s career
• 32:33 — Advice for interns entering the field
• 33:45 — Annika’s approach to organizing her work
• 37:55 — Closing reflections on mentorship and passing knowledge forward

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

"The two things you can control in life are your attitude and effort." - Blake Brinkman

In this episode of Design Muse Podcast, we kick off our Summer Intern Series with Blake Brinkman, a rising senior at TCU studying finance, real estate, and data analytics. Blake shares what he’s learning through his internship with BECK Group and American Campus Communities, where he’s experienced both the corporate and construction sides of the industry—including working on a project at his own university. He talks about choosing real estate, learning the language of the industry, and seeing firsthand how project decisions translate into dollars and data.

We also dive into AI and the future of design and construction, including how Blake is using AI to automate work and build new tools. Melanie, Blake, and Bridget discuss the balance between technology and creativity, the importance of relationships and networking, and what the next generation can bring to the industry. 

Thank you to Tangram Interiors for allowing Design Muse Podcast to record in their beautiful Dallas Showroom! We appreciate your continued support of our mission!

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Step inside the world of real estate development with Alena Savera, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, as she shares the journey, strategy, and vision behind bringing transformative projects to life. From balancing design, financial feasibility, and community impact to breaking down the anatomy of a winning project pro forma, Elena offers practical insights and career advice for aspiring developers, designers, and anyone curious about how great deals come together. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful development, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In this episode, Advocating from the Inside Out, we sit down with veteran interior designer Krystal Lucero to explore her more than 20-year journey in the design industry. She shares how her passion for creating impactful spaces evolved into a commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy within the profession.

From managing complex projects to championing diversity and representation, Krystal discusses the importance of using your voice to create meaningful change from within organizations and the industry as a whole. She also reflects on the lessons she's learned throughout her career, the value of building authentic relationships, and how she balances professional growth with personal fulfillment.

Whether you're an emerging designer, industry leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this conversation offers valuable insights on leading with purpose, advocating for your passion, and making a lasting impact from the inside out.

Meet the Muse:

Krystal Lucero, RID, NCIDQ, IIDA, is a Senior Interior Designer at Edwards + Mulhausen Interior Design in Austin, Texas. With more than two decades of experience, she specializes in workplace, healthcare, and higher education interiors. Krystal is a contributor to Office Insight, where she writes about workplace design, industry trends, and the future of the built environment.

Links:

http://edwardsmulhausen.com/

https://officeinsight.com/opinions/a-journey-of-design-growth-and-gratitude/

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In a world where notifications never stop, inboxes are overflowing, and “being available” has become the norm, creativity is paying the price.

This week on DESIGN MUSE, Bridget Santos and Melanie Hanna, unpack the hidden creative toll of constant connectivity in the interior design industry. From hustle culture and client expectations to instant responses and burnout, this conversation explores what designers are sacrificing in the pursuit of productivity and why reclaiming creative space is no longer optional. Design Muse leaves listeners with three tangible action items to bring concentration back to your work week. 

The truth is creativity cannot thrive in survival mode. It's time we advocate for change.

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In this engaging episode, we delve into the world of design with Angel Gonzales, a Regional Resource Director at Gensler Dallas. Angel shares his inspiring journey in the design industry, highlighting his unique role at Gensler. He discusses the importance of collaboration, communication, and mentorship, emphasizing how these elements drive innovation and growth within the industry.  Angel passionately advocates for sustainability, detailing Gensler’s global initiatives, including their GPS standards and commitment to material transparency. 

He shares strategies for organizing resources, managing palettes, and leveraging manufacturer relationships to enhance design practices. Through travel, factory visits, and shared industry experiences, Angel finds inspiration that fuels his innovative approach to design. His advocacy extends beyond the workplace as he engages with universities, mentors students, and fosters cross-office collaboration.

A huge shout out to Design Muse's sponsor, Tarkett. We are forever grateful for your support of our mission to inspire, educate, and advocate for all things commercial interior design. 

Resources & Links:

• Resilience by Design | Gensler
• United Nations Climate Change | UNFCCC
• Home - Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute
• LEED rating system | U.S. Green Building Council
• WELL - International WELL Building Institute | IWBI
• BIFMA
• mindful MATERIALS CMF Reference Guide
• Materials Pledge | AIA
• Home - Tarkett Commercial

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In this episode of DESIGN MUSE podcast, Scott Birdsong and Rob Barganier with Tangram Interiors discusses the integration of technology in design, the challenges faced by technology consultants, and the evolution of meeting spaces.  They emphasize the importance of early involvement in projects, the role of AI in enhancing workplace technology, and the significance of data-driven design decisions. The conversation also touches on health and wellness in design, advocating for environments that cater to diverse needs and promote productivity.

This round table discussion highlights how the "Tech Revolution" in commercial interiors has shifted from static spaces to intelligent, data-driven, experience-focused environments to help all work smarter and not harder. 

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In this episode of the DESIGN MUSE Podcast, Vito F. Lotta and Jon Cakert explore vicarious hospitality—the power of shared experiences. Drawing from their personal journeys and leadership roles, they discuss designing for emotion and memory, the value of collaboration, and navigating challenges such as renovations, ROI, brand identity, advocacy for the hospitality industry, and ever-evolving guest expectations. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor Symmons Industries! Symmons is a family-owned manufacturer of commercial and residential plumbing products who is known for their quality craftsmanship and innovation in plumbing fixtures. They are proudly approved on multiple Hotel Brand vendor lists. 

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

In this episode of DESIGN MUSE, Melanie Hanna and Bridget Santos pull back the curtain on the art and science of restaurant design. From spatial flow and storytelling to lighting, materials, and sensory cues, they explore how every element shapes the dining experience. Discover how collaboration between designers, consultants, and restaurateurs brings a restaurant’s vision to life — and how thoughtful design can transform a  meal into an unforgettable moment. 

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

So you want to start a podcast—but where do you even begin?

In this episode, co-hosts, Bridget and Melanie, pull back the curtain on the journey of launching DESIGN MUSE —from napkin sketch ideas to a full-fledged podcast. They’re sharing the real story: what worked, what didn’t, what tech and tools helped them get off the ground, and the creative (and emotional) lessons they’ve learned along the way.

If you’re dreaming of starting something of your own—especially a podcast—this episode is your permission slip to dive in scared.

Muse Lesson of the Week: You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.

Support the show

Follow us on instagram at @designmusepodcast and Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-muse-podcast)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Track: Zero — Declan DP [Audio Library Release]
Music provided by Audio Library Plus
Watch:    • Zero — Declan DP | Free Background Mu...
Free Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/zero
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––