This episode of Tell Me More unveils the new Allsteel D.C. Design Lab, a purpose-built space for design exploration, creativity, and collaboration. Hosted by Rikki Crowe, the conversation features insights from key contributors Natalie Johansen, Beth Gall, and lead design partner Emma Chang of Gensler. Together, they discuss the vision behind creating a living lab rather than a traditional showroom—one that supports human-centric, flexible, and future-ready design. The group explores how the Lab thoughtfully integrates both physical and digital elements, encourages real-time co-solutioning with the design community, and opens doors to new ways of redefining workplace solutions.

Plan your visit to the D.C. Design Lab: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/where-to-buy/find-us/showrooms/washington-dc-design-lab

Learn more about Tell Me More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll speaks with Katy Mercer, Principal and Interior Design Leader at Woods Bagot, about her people-first approach to creating spaces that reflect brand, culture, and context. Katy shares her unexpected path into architecture and design, drawing connections between storytelling, empathy, and leadership. Their conversation explores the importance of authenticity, collaboration over competition, and the role of AI as a creative partner. Katy emphasizes the power of vulnerability, clarity, and curiosity in shaping meaningful work and inspiring others across the design community.

Learn More: ⁠https://www.allsteeloffice.com/doing-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll speaks with Katy Mercer, Principal and Interior Design Leader at Woods Bagot, about her people-first approach to creating spaces that reflect brand, culture, and context. Katy shares her unexpected path into architecture and design, drawing connections between storytelling, empathy, and leadership. Their conversation explores the importance of authenticity, collaboration over competition, and the role of AI as a creative partner. Katy emphasizes the power of vulnerability, clarity, and curiosity in shaping meaningful work and inspiring others across the design community.

Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/doing-more

Allsteel is proud to partner with TEDx Chicago for the second year in a row, welcoming the team to the Allsteel Chicago Experience Center ahead of their annual event at the Harris Theatre on Friday, September 26.

In this special episode—recorded just one week before the big event—Dr. Lauren Gant brings together three remarkable TEDx Chicago speakers for an inspiring conversation on authenticity, connection, and growth. Dr. Mack, a community psychologist, shares insights on building trust in today’s digital-first world. Natasha Pearl Hansen, comedian and storyteller, explores the transformative power of humor and vulnerability. Nisaini Rexach, public affairs professional at Microsoft, discusses how mentorship and social capital can fuel career advancement.

Together, their perspectives offer fresh ideas for navigating both personal and professional life with authenticity and purpose. Tune in for a powerful journey of humor, storytelling, and social connection.

Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more | https://www.tedxchicago.com/

This episode concludes our special two-part series on Community and Culture. While part one explored the personal side of community — how individuals build connections and find belonging in the workplace — part two takes a broader, research-driven look at how culture and community are experienced across organizations.

Part 2/2: Dr. Lauren Gant and Maria Meschi, Lead Project Strategist at DORIS Research, dive deeper into recent research findings, exploring how culture is shaped by daily interactions and why authenticity is essential to fostering a supportive workplace environment. Together, they uncover the nuances between culture and community and examine the impact of intentional leadership on organizational success.

Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

This episode kicks off a special two-part series on Community and Culture. In part one, We focus on the individual’s experience of community in the workplace, while part two will take a broader, research-driven look at how culture and community shape our work lives.

Part 1/2: Dr. Lauren Gant is joined by Raphael Williams, a Senior A&D Manager and Co-Chair of the Equity Council at IIDA New York, to explore the profound connection between culture and community in the workplace. Raphael shares his insights on fostering intentional communities that inspire and support individuals. Together, they discuss how creating spaces that encourage collaboration, mentorship, and innovation can lead to a more inclusive and productive work environment — uncovering the magic of community and its impact on our well-being and productivity.

Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Taylor Morgan speaks with Tamar Ribnick, a principal at HGA, about the evolving landscape of mentorship in the workplace. They discuss how mentorship has shifted from traditional in-person meetings to more organic interactions, especially in hybrid work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of designing spaces that facilitate mentorship, the challenges of creating meaningful interactions, and the need for accessibility and equity in workplace design. They emphasize that mentorship is essential for personal and professional growth and that organizations must be intentional in fostering these relationships to enhance workplace culture and innovation.

Learn More: Allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll speaks with designer Joey Shimoda, Chief Creative Officer of Shimoda Design Group, about his unique approach to design, the influence of travel and personal passions on creativity, and the evolving landscape of the design industry. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the role of technology in design, and the significance of participating in design competitions. Joey emphasizes the need for designers to remain optimistic and connected to their inspirations while navigating the challenges of the modern design world.

Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/doing-more | https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Andrea Gauss and Taylor Morgan of Allsteel sit down with Tyler Peterson, Vice President of Talent and Culture at Interior Elements, for a conversation on the complexities of workplace culture. They explore the significance of people, place, and policy in shaping an organization's culture, emphasizing the need for intentionality in creating a positive work environment. The conversation covers the importance of shared language, onboarding practices, and the role of physical space in fostering collaboration and engagement. They also address the challenges of maintaining culture in a hybrid work setting and the necessity of policies that support and reinforce cultural values.

Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of Tell Me More, Allsteel's Andrea Gauss, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule offer an exclusive preview of what’s ahead at the Allsteel Experience Center during Chicago Design Week 2025. Framed through the lens of workplace strategy and design innovation, they unpack the event’s central themes: intentional community, sustainability, collaborative environments, the power of co-solutioning with clients, and a new era of comfort with the latest evolution of Evo. From purposeful spaces to product innovation, this conversation sets the stage for a dynamic week at 345 N Morgan Street. Tune in for a first look and a warm invitation to experience it all in Chicago.
🔗 Learn more: allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more | fultonmarketdesigndays.com/registration