In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of I Hear Design, we explore the cutting-edge innovations showcased in the 2024 IIDA Healthcare Design Awards. From biophilic design that reconnects patients with nature to trauma-informed spaces that prioritize safety and calm, the winning projects highlight five transformative trends that are reshaping healthcare design for 2025 and beyond. Join us as we dive into visionary spaces that blend empathy, sustainability, and functionality to create healing environments that truly care for patients, staff, and communities alike.

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen welcomes Carrie Meadows, Editor-in-Chief of interiors+sources, for her podcast debut and an enlightening conversation with Adam Reeder, president of LightArt. Together, they delve into the fascinating relationship between LightArt and its materials partner, 3form, and explore how these industry leaders are merging biophilic design with innovations in recycled materials. Adam shares insights into LightArt’s groundbreaking approaches to sustainability, from pioneering molecular recycling processes to creating striking 3D-printed luminaires like Clear Coil. Tune in to discover how custom lighting design is shaping a more sustainable and socially responsible future.

In this “In Case You Missed It” (ICYMI) episode, we revisit an article titled, “Moody Nolan Shares School Initiatives that Serve Student Health,” published on iands.design on September 30, and written by Deb Kolesar, senior interior designer at Moody Nolan. You’ll discover how a “community school” or “wraparound services model” in K-12 schools are deeply intertwined with students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being, and how thoughtful design can help create a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes student success both in and out of the classroom.

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen takes listeners on a captivating journey through La Sagrada Familia, the world-famous cathedral in Barcelona. He recounts his recent visit to this architectural marvel, exploring the fascinating history behind Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece and his nature-inspired designs. Discover the ongoing construction efforts, the challenges of preserving Gaudí’s vision with modern technology, and the unique experience of watching history come to life as this project nears completion. Tune in to experience the wonder of La Sagrada Familia and gain insights into how legacy projects continue to shape our understanding of architecture and design.

In this mini In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of I Hear Design, we revisit an article titled, "OneDigital Unveils New Tech-Forward HQ, Designed to Elevate Work-Life and Collaboration," published on the i+s website on August 28, 2024. Designed by Hendrick, discover how this new corporate hub blends cutting-edge technology with a people-first ethos, reflecting OneDigital's evolution as a leader in insurance, financial services, and HR solutions.

As the November political elections draw near, we sat down with designer and trend forecaster Stacy Garcia to discuss her thoughts on how consumer behaviors are shaped by the broader economic and political landscape and what that means for design professionals. From parallels between today’s climate and the 2008 recession to the emergence of bold, saturated hues as a form of rebellion against uncertainty, Stacy explains how history often repeats itself in the world of color trends. This is one episode you don't want to miss!

With hybrid and remote policies as the primary working model, many Gen Z employees are skeptical of the value of the office’s collective experience. Our challenge as workplace designers is finding the balance between these vastly different sets of expectations to ensure the office supports all staff and to prove the value of the physical office so that it is used to its full potential. Listen to this mini-episode article read in which we revisit a story published on the i+s website exploring the evolving workplace and how to create spaces that support communication and comfort.

In this episode of I Hear Design, we’ll dive into a topic that’s sparked a lot of debate over the years: the use of PVC in the built environment. In spite of its ubiquitous usage by designers and specifiers for a variety of applications, questions about its its sustainability claims continue to swirl, and many A&D firms as well as manufacturers have eliminated PVC from their specifications and raw materials. Listen in as Jonce Walker, principal and managing director of BEYOND at HLW, and Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie, discuss the trend toward healthier materials in the industry and what designers need to know about the impact vinyl has on people and the planet.

From this episode: UL’s seven “Sins of Greenwashing”

Choosing finishes that meet the aesthetic needs of a space combined with inherent cleanability makes vinyl wallcovering an easy choice for today’s high-demand spaces like healthcare environments. With the latest innovation of digital wallcoverings, we’re able to take it up another level by creating less waste with custom-designed and measured wallcoverings, incorporating the healing elements of biophilia, art, and visual psychology into the spaces that need calming—healthcare facilities. In this mini-episode, listen to this article read from the July/August issue of interiors+sources. 

In this mini episode of the I Hear Design podcast, host Robert Nieminen rewinds the clock and takes listeners on a journey through the past decade of interior design. He discuses the trends that were shaping commercial interiors in 2014 and how those evolved over time in response to studies and global events to bring us to where we are today with data-driven design powered by artificial intelligence.