In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Megan DeTratto and Linda Wallack of TOKONEXT, alongside TOKONEXT strategic collaborator Marjanne Pearson, to explore what it takes to build a more intentional, future-ready design firm.

As talent expectations shift and firms navigate new definitions of growth, the conversation examines how organizations are approaching leadership, succession, culture, and long-term strategy more holistically. Rather than treating hiring as a transaction, our guests share a more holistic perspective, one that ties together people, purpose, performance, and positioning.

The discussion also reframes what growth can look like, moving beyond size to focus on quality, impact, and clarity of direction.

If firms are in a constant state of evolution, what does it really mean to design the firm itself?

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Join host Caroline Schillaci in conversation with Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc., as they explore how women professionals can make the most of industry organizations. From fostering leadership growth to cultivating meaningful relationships and accessing continued education, Chris shares actionable insights on how industry organizations membership can empower women across diverse markets. Discover practical strategies for staying engaged and informed, building a supportive professional network, and leveraging organizational resources to accelerate careers and redefine roles within companies and the broader industry.

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Host Tiffany Rafii is joined by artist, designer, and maker Amy Devers, host and producer of Clever, to discuss building a podcast platform that gives listeners a window into our own humanity. In this episode, Amy shares insights from her career as a designer, educator, and podcast host, and how she has navigated and overcome barriers in each field. She also discusses nurturing creativity and the importance of uplifting one another within the design industry and beyond. With extensive experience in both the creative and educational fields, Amy expresses her passion for creative exploration and her dedication to helping others unlock their full potential. Tune in for an engaging conversation as Amy reflects on her journey and what has led her to become a true champion of creativity and storytelling.

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

This episode explores the personal and professional journey of Amanda Vierheller, COO and Co-founder of Playgarden. Amanda shares her passion for early education and her vision for building an impactful business in this space. From overcoming early challenges to fostering community and mentorship, she provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly women striving to make their mark in education and beyond.

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Tara Raffi, Founder and CEO of Almond ObGyn, to explore the pressing challenges in women’s healthcare and how Almond is working to address them. Tara shares her vision for the future of women’s health, insights on improving access to reproductive care, and the inspiration behind creating Almond. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on revolutionizing the healthcare industry and empowering women. 

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Kori Zwaagstra, Director of Operations at TriCelta Development, joins The Design Board for an engaging discussion about the unconventional career path that led her from hospitality sales to the Mrs. International pageant and ultimately into founding a full-service development company with her husband, Jake. In this episode, Kori sheds light on navigating her role as a wife, mother, and business leader, as well as the key takeaways she’s learned on her journey. 

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Join us for a deep dive into the trends driving the design world with Stacy Garcia, the visionary leader behind Stacy Garcia Design Studio, a dynamic design hub based in New York, dedicated to inspiring creativity and elevating spaces. With trend-forward designs, unique color combinations, and fashion-forward materials, the studio offers holistic collections that anticipate trends and enrich interiors. In this episode, Stacy will share her insights into what is dominating the hospitality, residential, and commercial design world, and how she forecasts these influences evolving in the coming years.

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Host Susan Fernandez sits down with Terry Eaton, President & Chief Curator of Eaton Fine Art, who has been curating art collections for distinguished hotels around the world for over three decades. Since co-founding his namesake full-service art consultancy firm in 1992, Terry has collaborated with renowned hoteliers, design firms, and procurement companies as well as high-profile hotel brands and developers. Notable collaborations include Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Related Companies, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Host Hotels & Resorts. Terry is also a prominent member of the LGBTQIA+ community and EFA has been granted a Minority Business Enterprise certification by the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. He joins us to share his perspective on creating a memorable and engaging guest experience that would entice travelers to want to return. 

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Host Susan Fernandez is joined by Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Anguleris Technologies, to discuss how architects are filling gaps in their own market by designing services that better serve their profession. This episode was recorded live at NeoCon at the SURROUND Podcast Studio, located on the first floor of THE MART in a space beautifully designed by SnapCab.

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows. 

Tune into this episode to uncover the power of studio design in corporate communication with Provost Studios. From crafting broadcast studios for Fortune 500 companies to infusing brand identity into on-camera spaces, join us as we explore innovation, collaboration, and the art of setting trends. Discover how high-quality environments captivate audiences and redefine corporate communication. 

The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's  SURROUND Podcast Network, home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.