I Hear Design: the i+s podcast

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with design innovators Steven DuFresne and Dave Veeneman to reveal the fascinating journey behind the Anthros chair. Learn how years of experience in wheelchair seating and a commitment to rigorous scientific research led to a groundbreaking, ergonomic office chair that improves posture, reduces pain, and redefines comfort over time. The conversation also explores the impactful work of the Anthros Foundation, which uses profits to support adaptive sports, community events, and mobility initiatives for the disabled worldwide. Whether you’re a design professional or simply passionate about human-centered innovation, this episode offers deep insights into how one chair can be a true investment in your future self.

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) article-read episode, we review an article recently published on the i+s website titled, "Office Furnishings Find a Second Life Through Designers and Distributors Embracing Sustainable Practices." Listen in as we discuss how sustainability and circularity, combined with newer tools and marketplaces for sourcing high-quality used furniture, are driving interest in secondhand office furnishings.

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen is joined by industry experts Robert Siegel (Siegel Design), Steven South (Spectorgroup), and Erin McDannald (Elevated) to explore the business case for sustainability. The discussion covers how companies are leveraging sustainable design to improve ROI, boost employee well-being, and increase building efficiency. Topics include material transparency, smart building technologies, and how sustainability impacts real estate values. Tune in for expert insights on the future of sustainable architecture and design.

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, we revisit a recent article published on the i+s website that explores how woven metal fabric is transforming healthcare infrastructure with its durability, biophilic properties, and versatility. From enhancing safety and privacy to reducing noise pollution, discover how this dynamic material is contributing to the creation of healing environments that prioritize patient and staff well-being.

In this insightful episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with industry leaders Pablo La Roche (Arcadis), Joe Mamayek (SGA), and Jonce Walker (HLW) to explore the evolving landscape of green building standards, including LEED v5 and its far-reaching implications. From cutting-edge technologies like geothermal and passive cooling to the rise of regenerative design and embodied carbon reduction, this conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping sustainable architecture and urbanism. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an emerging designer, tune in for actionable advice on staying ahead in the dynamic world of green building.

In this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode based on a recent article published on the interiors+sources website, we explore how interior designers are uniquely responsible for promoting inclusiveness and meeting non-neurotypical groups’ needs through innovative office design—which can improve the overall occupant experience. Learn how to prioritize inclusivity by accommodating more unique needs while serving the requisites of neurotypical individuals, thereby elevating all occupants’ experiences. 

In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Yure Suarez (Perkins&Will), Ilijana Soldan (Hord Coplan Macht), and Ryan Smith (3form) to discuss the evolution of sustainable design in the second installment of a three-part series on sustainability. Discover how holistic approaches, resilience strategies, and circular design principles are transforming the architecture and interior design industry. Learn actionable insights for integrating wellness, addressing embodied carbon, and designing for the future.

Tune in to explore:

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with leaders driving innovation in sustainable design.

Once considered expensive and difficult to operate, 3D printing has become far more accessible in recent years. Now, design firms can often afford to have 3D printers in-house, but there are also plenty of outsourcing options. The result is that we’re seeing a major increase not only in large-scale projects driven by this technology—such as a fully 3D-printed building—but in the everyday ways that it can assist with creativity and design workflow.

Listen to this article read in our latest In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) episode of the I Hear Design podcast and find out how this technology can support your designs in innovative ways.

Join I Hear Design host Robert Nieminen as he sits down with Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink to unpack their 2025 Design Forecast. Discover how five key trends—experience-driven lifestyle districts, sustainable design innovations, adaptive reuse, attainable housing, and the future workplace—are reshaping the built environment. From cutting-edge advancements in materials to creative conversions of aging buildings, this episode explores how architecture and design are tackling global challenges and creating human-centered solutions. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of design and architecture!

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.