From luxury seekers to digital nomads to next-gen travelers, hospitality spaces are evolving at record speed—Marriott is opening a new hotel in the U.S. every 20 hours. 

In this episode, we explore the values transforming what guests want—sustainability, personalization, wellness, and tech—and how hotels, rentals, and travel experiences are adapting. Joining us are Jason Robertson, VP of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International, and Aliya Khan, VP of Global Design and Lifestyle Brands at Marriott International, who share insider perspectives on where the industry is headed and who’s leading the charge. 

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does “home” look like to a generation raised on smart tech, climate anxiety, and constant change? Backed by new research, this episode reveals how Gen Alpha is already shaping the future of housing—from the way homes are designed to where they’re located and even how they’re owned. 

We’re joined by Dani Mariano, CEO at Razorfish, and Allison Robl Stransky, strategic insights leader at Samsung, who share their perspectives on trends like modular living, adaptable spaces, and sustainability-driven design. The data tells a story we can’t afford to ignore, because it’s relevant to everyone, no matter where or how you live. 

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Gen Z comes of age in a world shaped by AI, automation, and rapid change, they’re rewriting the rules of work. Backed by new research, this episode explores how their approach to careers, company culture, and the workplace itself is breaking the mold—from demanding flexibility and purpose to embracing entrepreneurial mindsets. 

Joining us is Alexandra Levit, future-of-work strategist, author, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, who shares her perspective on how organizations can adapt now to attract and retain this emerging generation of talent. 

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first generation of true digital natives is about to step into the role of healthcare decision-makers—and they won’t settle for the systems we have today. Backed by new research, this episode explores how future generations could reshape everything from how we design clinics to how care is delivered. Will hospitals shrink? Will wellness go fully digital? And are we ready for what they’ll demand? 

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As learning environments evolve—from AI-enhanced classrooms to creative, skills-based spaces—they’re revealing more than just new ways to teach. They’re shaping the expectations, mindsets, and capabilities of the future workforce. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Vander Ark—education futurist, author, and CEO of Getting Smart—whose influence spans from leading major school districts to advising global organizations on the future of learning. With decades of experience at the intersection of education, innovation, and workforce development, Tom helps us connect the dots between how we learn today and the workplaces we’ll need tomorrow. 

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This isn’t just another episode—it’s a conversation with the man who named Gen Alpha.

Mark McCrindle is one of the world’s leading social researchers and futurists, and he's trusted by global brands and governments alike to decode what’s next. In this exclusive interview, he joins us to unpack the generation born into AI, shaped by tech, and already redefining how we think about design, sustainability, and innovation.

If you’re trying to understand the future, start here with the person who helped define it.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live at NeoCon 2025, this special episode of DNA brings together three voices from across generations for a dynamic conversation on what’s shaping the future of the built environment. From AI and creativity to sustainability and generational shifts, this panel unpacks the challenges — and opportunities — designers must navigate now to stay ready for what’s next.

The panelists:

Cindy Kaufman | Vice President of Marketing, Mannington Commercial

Kaelynn Reid | Certified Design Futurist, Kimball International

Ethan Barbour | Intermediate Designer, IA Interior Architects

This episode was recorded live in the NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND, sponsored by Material Bank, and in partnership with HÅG, Stylex, KI Wall, and Turf. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BASELINE, a new podcast from ThinkLab, brings the product side of the interiors industry together to crowdsource real-time insight, delivered through easy-to-digest reports and a straight-talking podcast. Take a listen to this sample episode and if you enjoy, please go follow wherever you get podcasts.

Baseline is available on all major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and SURROUND

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider goes live at the Worktech Chicago 2025 event. The episode features interviews with event organizers, speakers, and attendees who share insights on the future of work, focusing on workplace design, technology enablement, employee experience, and more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think you know how to win in 2025? Think again.

In this season finale of Design Nerds Anonymous, we break down six bold, data-driven strategies that will define success in the coming year. From frictionless websites to AI-powered sales, immersive showrooms to redefined workspaces, our expert guests share insights that go beyond the buzzwords and into real-world applications that will help you stay ahead.

This season has been all about the phygital revolution—where digital and physical experiences don’t compete but complement each other. Companies that master this balance will attract customers, build lasting relationships, and drive real growth.

After listening, you will be able to:

• Optimize your website to create a frictionless, intuitive, and engaging customer experience.
• Rethink workplace strategy to support hybrid collaboration and digital equity.
• Elevate events by blending in-person experiences with digital tools that enhance—not replace—human connection.
• Transform your showroom into a destination experience that goes beyond product displays.
• Strengthen rep-client relationships by shifting from sales-focused interactions to mentorship and problem-solving.
• Leverage AI strategically to work smarter—not harder—and reclaim valuable time for high-impact tasks.

Links Mentioned:

• Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights
• Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to keep up with industry trends
• Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com

Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.

Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.