Design Nerds Anonymous
58 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 58 ratingsWelcome to Design Nerds Anonymous, the interiors industry-focused podcast that sparks curiosity at the intersection of business and design, from ThinkLab and SANDOW.
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Episodes
Season Recap: Insights Around the Future of Work from Gen Z and Design Innovators
November 02, 2023 11:00 - 38 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, we share a highlight reel of all eight episodes from this season. explore the importance of human connection in a post-pandemic world, the unique perspective of younger generations, and the role technology is playing in shaping the workplace. Discover why understanding Gen Z is crucial for the future of the design industry and how their perspectives can reshape your approach to design, work, and mentorship. Whether you are an avid fan or want a c...
Fostering Authentic Relationships with Gen Z
October 26, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, we explore how Gen Z's unique approach to building relationships, trust, and connection in the digital age can transform the workplace. Our guests shed light on the dynamics of face-to-face interactions in a digitally native generation. Explore how to adapt your management styles to meet Gen Z employees where they are in terms of digital-native expectations. Learn why Gen Z's unique upbringing in the digital age positions them as mentors for lea...
Igniting Purpose at Work: Inspiring Employees
October 19, 2023 11:00 - 39 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, we explore the dynamic interplay of purpose and passion in the workplace. Delve into the power of understanding the "why" behind our actions and its potential to transform our choices. Learn how a sense of purpose can forge connections, nurture communities, and foster compassion within organizations. We emphasize the crucial balance between profit and social responsibility and invite you to join us on a journey of self-discovery, unlocking the secret...
Gamifying Career Paths for Gen Z
October 12, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutesIn this episode we explore the evolving landscape of career paths, focusing on how Generation Z approaches and reshapes traditional concepts of career progression. Our guests share invaluable insights into the mindset of Gen Z employees and discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating their preferences into the workplace. Discover why Gen Z's approach to career paths challenges traditional models and how it can benefit your organization. Explore the concept of th...
The Age of Lifelong Learning: Insights from Gen Z
October 05, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutesIn this episode we dive into the dynamic world of learning in the digital era, with a specific focus on how to engage and empower Generation Z. Join us as we uncover effective strategies for adapting to Gen Z's unique learning preferences. Learn why the buddy system works by exploring the shift from traditional face-to-face mentorship to a dynamic peer-based approach, aligning with Gen Z's preference for accessibility. Uncover why Gen Z highly values immediate, constructive feedback, re...
Fostering Belonging in a Phygital world
September 28, 2023 11:00 - 41 minutesIn this episode, we explore the concept of belonging within the architecture and design industry. Megan Henshall (Global Events Stategist from Google), shares three crucial dimensions of belonging: being part of a group, sharing common ideas, and connecting with various related groups. In the second part of the episode, we chat with Kristin Cerutti (Regional Design Director at Nelson Worldwide) and Lilley Thomas (Interior Designer at Nelson Worldwide), to discuss the challenges posed by the...
Is Mentorship Dead?
September 21, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Dost Bardouille, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility of Swinerton; and Nina Johnson, Senior Commercial Insights Manager at Armstrong Craven. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional mentorship and explore three additional solutions for career development and upskilling your talent in a modern era. After listening, you will be able to: Identify a key shift impacting career development today Compare three new methods used for enga...
Sparking Creativity in a Digital World
September 14, 2023 11:00 - 37 minutesAre you ready to unlock the secrets of creativity in the workplace and explore the exciting possibilities of the digital age? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of design, technology, and innovation with Creativity Strategist, CEO Advisor and Author Natalie Nixon. Also in this episode, join our special guests Carmen Cruz and Michelle Rotherham from CannonDesign as we discuss the importance of defining creative time, embracing new digital tools like the Metaverse and AI, ...
Redefining office culture
September 07, 2023 11:00 - 42 minutesPrepare to be captivated by a paradigm-shifting discussion that explores the fusion of innovation and change surrounding office culture and collaboration. In this episode our guests Brian Elliott and Sheela Subramanian, co-authors of the groundbreaking book How the Future Works, offer their unique perspectives on reshaping the workplace narrative. Also, learn what our friends Bill Bouchey and Isabel Das from Gensler have to share about ways to bridge the gap between the physical and virtual ...
Design Nerds Anonymous Trailer
September 06, 2023 11:00 - 2 minutesTune in as we bring you firsthand accounts from individuals entrenched in the industry's dynamic landscape, as well as those revolutionizing the field. Our conversations traverse a multitude of topics. From strategies to attract and retain emerging talents, to the art of harnessing personas within the realm of business-to-business, and even the mastery of leveraging data to propel your business forward. Each season tackles significant challenges in the interior design industry. ThinkLab t...
Up Next: Unveiling Season 5 with Cindy Kaufman
September 06, 2023 11:00 - 22 minutesIn this enlightening episode, Amanda Schneider, Founder and President of ThinkLab, and Cindy Kaufman, VP of Marketing at Mannington Commercial, delve into the profound influence that designers hold in shaping our future. Through engaging conversations and insightful data, they uncover the unique perspective of Gen Z. Underscoring the pivotal role of their decisions in shaping industries and experiences. Key Takeaways: Explore Gen Z's distinctive outlook on the world and their concerns abou...
How to Keep Gen Z from Leaving the Design Industry
March 30, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, we ask the question "How to Keep Gen Z from Leaving the Design Industry." In the past two years, the interior design industry has faced significant changes, with firms struggling to retain and attract talent. But what are the reasons behind this trend, and how can we address them? Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with two industry leaders, Cheryl Durst, CEO of IIDA, and Khoi Vo, CEO of ASID. Together, we'll explore the calls to action for the ...
What Gen Z Wants Most From Product Partners
March 23, 2023 11:00 - 14 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, we pass the mic to the newest generations in the industry to learn what they need most from product manufacturers and distributors. You’ll hear about how their workflow has changed, their biggest issues with websites, how to inspire them with your product, and more. If you’re a product manufacturer or distributor, this episode is a must-listen. Hear directly from Gen Z designers at Interior Design’s “30 Under 30” events about what they need most fro...
What Gen Z loves (and Hates) about the Design Industry
March 16, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutesIn this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous: “The Gen Z Confessionals,” you’ll hear the anonymous voices of top design talent under the age of 30, as we dive into the world of design through the eyes of Gen Z. From what attracted them to the industry in the first place to their take on the most puzzling norms in the field, we’re exploring where Gen Z designers see the biggest opportunities for improvement that could benefit all generations in the design ecosystem. Discover valuable insights fr...
Understand Gen Z’s Entrée Into the Design Industry
March 09, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutesWelcome to Design Nerds Anonymous: “The Gen Z Confessionals,” a miniseries dedicated to exploring the impact of Gen Z’s entrance to the workforce and the ways they are making waves in the design industry. Each episode includes unfiltered, anonymous insights from top Gen Z talent who participated in a “design confessional” hosted by ThinkLab at Interior Design’s 30 Under 30 networking events for 2022. In this episode, we discuss how Gen Z designers are changing the way we communicate and col...
Gen Z is coming to the Design Industry
March 06, 2023 12:00 - 2 minutesGet ready to hear from the freshest voices in the design industry! In a new four-episode miniseries, we’re putting the “anonymous” back in Design Nerds Anonymous, gathering unfiltered insights directly from the next generation of designers. These talented designers share their perspective on the industry, their career paths, and what they're looking for from the design ecosystem. These fascinating interviews took place at Interior Design’s “30 under 30” networking events in 2022, as part of a...
The Case for Investing in Relationships with Dealer Designers
December 01, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab holds a roundtable discussion with Shelley Rosetta, consultant at dealer organization Solomon Coyle, and Meredith Campbell, host of ThinkLab’s The Learning Objective podcast. Both discuss the benefits of treating dealer designers as partners and vital members of your project team. In this episode: [10:33] Shelley explains live design, how it works, and why it’s unique to the dealer designer. [18:00] Meredith and Shelley name what they see as the biggest benefits of...
Introducing Barriers to Entry, a Web3 Podcast for A&D
November 30, 2022 21:19 - 3 minutesWe're so excited to introduce you to a new podcast from the SURROUND podcast network called Barriers to Entry. The show will feature the leaders, the designers, the early adopters, and the influencers who are helping to shape what web3 will mean for the architecture and design industry. Along the way, Barriers to Entry will cut through the hype cycle and attempt to demystify all things Web3, while laying out the real-life implications and applications for our world. Hosted by SANDOW DESIGN GR...
How to Engage the Next Generation of Designers
November 17, 2022 12:00 - 34 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Ryan Jenkins, Wall Street Journal best-selling author and keynote speaker, author of The Generation Z Guide and Connectable and Bobby Bonett, Executive Vice President of Digital and Strategic Growth at SANDOW Design Group, about what makes GEN Z different and how their preferences may have a “ripple up” effect across the design industry. You’ll learn what younger generations expect from brands who are trying to recruit, retain and connect with them, and ho...
Behind the Scenes with THEMART and Mannington Commercial
November 10, 2022 12:00 - 31 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab holds a roundtable discussion with Byron Morton, VP and co-head of leasing for THEMART in Chicago, and Amanda Darley, VP of marketing for Mannington Commercial. Both bring their perspectives on how brands, events, and even buildings can be leveraged to create and customize experiences — and why creating these experiences matters more than ever for our industry as we move into 2023. In this episode: [0:23] Amanda references a new blog post about ThinkLab’s Five Bu...
How to Create Loyal Superfans for Your B2B Brand
November 03, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Zappos chief experience officer Stacey Wagner on what B2B companies can learn from the retailer’s renowned customer service model, which has won them legions of superfans. We also speak to two residential designers — Mark Woodman and Andrea Goldman — about what they look for in a brand partner and the new roles that innovative brands are creating in response to recent disruptions. In this episode: [8:00] “If you’re truly continuing to try to raise the ...
How to Amplify Your Impact Demystifying Sustainability
October 27, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews David Schwarz, founding partner at HUSH, about the design firm’s innovative approach to sustainability, and Rebecca Best, head of sustainability at Material Bank, on how the world’s largest material aggregator is helping designers make more sustainable decisions. Our first guest is David Schwarz, founding partner at HUSH, an experience design firm. Schwarz shares forward-thinking ways HUSH is leveraging design to connect the occupants of a space to how t...
How to Build Trust with B2B Clients in Today’s Digitally Transparent Era
October 20, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Julia McClatchy, an associate partner at McKinsey & Company, on how and why hybrid selling is becoming the dominant B2B sales role. We also share an excerpt from an episode of ThinkLab’s new podcast, MPowered, which gives practical advice on what design specifiers are looking for on brand websites. Our first guest, Julia McClatchy, explores detailed research findings on how the B2B sale is evolving. She also shares four pieces of advice for brands trying t...
How to Build Personal Connections with Today’s B2B Clients
October 13, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Colleen Stanley, author and leading sales expert on emotional intelligence, and Meena Krenek, global practice leader of interiors for HKS, about the insights and advantages you can gain from using your EQ and tapping into your clients’ perspective. Our first guest, Colleen Stanley, author of Emotional Intelligence for Sales Success, discusses why harnessing the power of your emotional quotient (or EQ) is more important now than ever. She also describes ...
Why Your Brand Needs Specifier Personas Now More than Ever
October 06, 2022 11:02 - 32 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews two experts on the importance of buyer personas and how these profiles can help guide brands on how they go to market, as well as ease frustration with the specifying process in a phygital world. Our first guest is Jim Kraus, president of the Buyer Persona Institute, who defines how these personas work by walking through what he calls “the five rings of buyer insights.” Kraus also discusses how the wider world leverages personas for sales and marketing an...
[BONUS] Do Something Different: Surprising Advice from Design Industry Pros
October 06, 2022 11:00 - 29 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews three design industry pros: Anya Ostry, head of a multi-market tenant representation team at CBRE; Shannon White, district manager for Mannington Commercial, covering the Colorado territory; and Meena Krenek, a global practice leader of interiors for HKS. These three women participated in one of ThinkLab’s earlier hackathons, and here, they share their current concerns and advice on how to adjust to the emerging “new normal” as sellers. In this episode:...
Getting Unstuck: Navigating Today’s Ecosystem of Design Clients
October 04, 2022 11:00 - 2 minutesWhat do design clients want most right now? Where should I focus my efforts to amplify my impact? How can I engage the next generation of designers? Join ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneider for a series of impactful conversations with visionary leaders as we answer all of those questions and more to navigate what’s next for today’s ecosystem of B2B interior design clients – welcome to season 4 of the Design Nerds Anonymous podcast! This season, we’re sharing data-driven insights from our groundbreaki...
Introducing MillerKnoll's Looking Forward Podcast
June 30, 2022 23:50 - 19 minutesWe are thrilled to welcome MillerKnoll's podcast, Looking Forward: Conversations about the Future of Work to the SURROUND Podcast Network by SANDOW! Host Ryan Anderson takes time to share some highlights from Season 1 and set the stage for Season 2 by answering the two most frequently asked questions he gets asked once people find out what he does for a living: What is the current state of return-to-office? And what does it mean for the future of the workplace? Check out more episodes at sur...
The Future of NeoCon Shows + Hot Topics in the Design Industry
May 05, 2022 11:00 - 38 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab interviews Byron Morton, vice president of sales and leasing for NeoCon and theMART, and Avinash Rajagopal, editor-in-chief of Metropolis. Morton discusses the changes that are coming to NeoCon 2022 and beyond, as well as sharing details about MART 2.0, a renewal and renovation project of theMART that will expand on its amenities and sense of community. Rajagopal touches on three hot-button topics currently influencing the interior design industry and which will driv...
How This Commercial Real Estate Firm is Redesigning Design
April 14, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab explores disruption in commercial real estate and the sector’s entrée into design services. We focus on JLL’s new solution to simplify the design process and accelerate the time from design to build. First, we speak with Thales Teixeira, former Harvard professor and co-author of Unlocking the Customer Value Chain: How Decoupling Drives Customer Disruption. Drawing on his work in consulting and his book, Thales shares his advice on how to avoid disruption, including ...
The Future of Events in the Design Industry
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 41 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab explores the changing landscape of events in the design industry, whether they’re digital, physical, or hybrid. Our guests each provide a unique perspective — from how manufacturers, distributors, and event producers should create events to how architects and designers should leverage them. First, Chuck Saylor, principal at Designvox, speaks about tailoring events to the current moment so that designers will be inspired to attend in person. Marco Giberti, entrepr...
Pioneering the Future of Product Specification
March 24, 2022 11:00 - 31 minutesAmid so much upheaval in the design industry, product specification is undergoing a sea change. In this episode, ThinkLab examines pain points in the process and dives into how two leading-edge companies are developing phygital solutions to chart a new course (no pun intended.) Our first guest, Amanda Darley, vice president of marketing at Mannington Commercial, discusses how the company has responded to industry-wide challenges, such as an uptick in re-specifications, by developing its own ...
The Future of the Firm Library
March 17, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutesThe pandemic has forced many functions of the design library online. Does this mean that library will pivot to primarily virtual in the future, or will there be a move to return to more physical spaces? In this episode, ThinkLab explores both sides in a discussion with two expert guests. Erica Buss, research and information services manager at Ankrom Moisan Architects, emphasizes the remaining importance of physical spaces along with expert guidance and curation. And Kristin Cerutti, a desi...
The Future of the B2B Showroom Experience
March 10, 2022 12:00 - 38 minutesWe’re at a critical point in the evolution of showrooms in the design industry. New digital dimensions are expanding what a showroom can do and how it can engage with architects, designers, and end users in a radically altered experience. In this episode, ThinkLab explores the possibilities of all this upheaval and asks the experts – what steps should we take now? First, Kelly Bacon, global practice lead of Workplace Advisory at AECOM, discusses the physical/digital convergence of the show...
The Future of Product Specification
March 03, 2022 12:00 - 39 minutesThe design industry is going hybrid. Our latest research shows that the production selection process is increasingly blending both physical and digital. In this episode, ThinkLab explores this intersection (what we call “phygital”) and the reinvention of the offline/online experience. First, ThinkLab’s lead researcher, Erica Waayenberg, reveals the five key elements of product selection identified in our latest hackathon. Our next two guests are Matt Rebbe, design director for AECOM in Chi...
The Future of Product Selection
March 03, 2022 12:00 - 39 minutesThe design industry is going hybrid. Our latest research shows that the production selection process is increasingly blending both physical and digital. In this episode, ThinkLab explores this intersection (what we call “phygital”) and the reinvention of the offline/online experience. First, ThinkLab’s lead researcher, Erica Waayenberg, reveals the five key elements of product selection identified in our latest hackathon. Our next two guests are Matt Rebbe, design director for AECOM in Chi...
Trailer, Season 3. A new era in the evolution of design
February 24, 2022 12:00 - 2 minutesJoin ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneider for meaningful conversations with industry experts as we explore a new era in the evolution of design. This season we’re tackling the future of product specification and what it means for several key elements of the design industry: showrooms, resource libraries, events, and more. If you want inspiration and insights for the intersection of business + design, this podcast is for you. Listen and subscribe for impactful findings drawn from six months of ThinkL...
The Future of Growth
October 14, 2021 13:16 - 31 minutesAs the pace of change accelerates, it becomes increasingly important that the design ecosystem connect the many different dots that enable our clients to make decisions faster. We believe human connections in the physical space matter more than ever as we enter this hybrid world. Join us in this special bonus episode as we ask the question “how will the commercial design industry leverage physical space for growth?” Host Amanda Schneider explores growth opportunities, partnerships and coll...
The Future...
August 05, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutesOur final, but most important episode this season, brings you expert advice on to where to start when it comes to making meaningful change in our organizations, our industry and our world. We’re exploring how small, intentional efforts can have the biggest future impact on topics around Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with Sam Aquillano, founder of Design Museum Everywhere, as well as the industry’s biggest sustainability initiatives with Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief of Metropol...
The Future of Customer Experience
July 29, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutesAs the consumer experience gets increasingly frictionless, B2B buyers expect the same. Join us as we explore the power of internal alignment, empathy and perspective to elevate the experience your clients have with your brand AND the ecosystem that surrounds design. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to reinvent the sales and design process in the Amazon era The video game industry tactic that you can apply to a client-focused mindset. Three tangible ways to develop empathy across th...
The Future is Hybrid
July 22, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutesHow should your team structure hybrid work for maximum benefit? Betsy Bula, remote evangelist for Gitlab, a company leading the charge for remote working, brings us intentional, tangible tips that will inspire your own business transformation AND the spaces we design. In this episode, you’ll learn: 1. The 3 key benefits to remote working 2. The one intentional tactic that has huge implications on physical space 3. How to create equitable benefits those in office –and those who are not 4. Why ...
The Future of Communication
July 15, 2021 09:00 - 40 minutesDesign’s role in the built environment is to evoke an emotional response. But what happens when cultural communication norms shaped by decades of human interactions are rocked by a global pandemic? ThinkLab’s Amanda Schneiders talks to Cactus founder Noah Waxman and Kantar futurist Don Abraham about ways to elevate communication – and how to adjust, adapt, and reframe. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. The weak signals that indicate we are entering into a new marketplace 2. Strategies for ...
The Future is Phygital
July 08, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutesAs the future of work becomes more and more hybrid, leveraging the virtual world to connect to a physical experience is crucial to create a journey that positively impacts the customer experience. Host Amanda Schneider talks with Mannington Commercial director of marketing Amanda Darley and Keilhauer's Chief Marketing Officer Meghan Sherwin, about why digital doesn’t mean de-personalized, how to apply outside industry tactics effectively – and what we can learn about digital strategy from Guc...
The Future of Lead Generation
July 01, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutesThe digital world is a flattener – is your brand differentiated enough? Capture opportunities for success and learn how to turn great relationships into business with this expert advice from the design industry and beyond. In this episode, we talk to content marketing strategist Danielle Gray, Hubspot’s Jonathan Greenberg, and our own Bobby Bonett on the evolution of lead generation – and how to turn relationships and networks into business and leads. In this episode you’ll discover: 1) T...
The Future of Networking for the Design Industry
June 24, 2021 09:00 - 30 minutesHave you struggled to reframe your business and make key connections in this new digital era? In the absence of soccer field chats and in-person happy hours, thought leadership becomes our lead-in. Hear from innovators within the design industry and beyond and discover how they are making the shift from relationships as currency to information as currency. In episode 1, you’ll learn: 1) How to implement a simple methodology that creates a practical tool for a new type of networking. 2) Th...
Why Research?
June 22, 2021 09:00 - 2 minutesJoin us this season as we share insights from six months of coveted cross-functional research about driving economic success for the interiors industry in an increasingly digital world. We will dig deep into the intricacies of business development as we tap into experts from both inside the design industry, and out, to uncover how they’ve approached this paradigm shift and their tangible tips for moving forward.
Meet Design Nerds Anonymous: Season 2 Trailer
June 17, 2021 09:00 - 3 minutesYou solve problems for your clients but who is problem solving for you? Welcome to season two of Design Nerds Anonymous, the podcast that sparks curiosity at the intersection of business and design. We’re ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group, and sister company to media brands you know and love like Interior Design, Metropolis, Luxe and more. Listen in as we share data-driven design industry insights that can empower you to make informed decisions and help you drive economic...
The Mic Trailer
December 18, 2020 13:00 - 41 secondsHosted by Debbie Millman, The Mic is NYCxDESIGN's podcast that offers an inside look into New York City's most creative minds. New York City is home to the world’s most diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and when we share stories, we always find means of connection. Each month, The Mic features two inspiring guests to explore the meaning behind their work or study and undercover how their creative worlds collide. Tune in to hear from the most innovative creators and emerging talents as th...
Diversity in Design II
November 20, 2020 12:00 - 24 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab explores one designer’s personal story that covers racial diversity, diversity of experience, and perspective with rising designer Alannah Vann. Be sure to follow our guest speaker Alannah Vann on LinkedIn. Want to join big thinking happening in the design industry? Become a ThinkLab Insider today by visiting: https://info.thinklab.design/insider-program
Diversity in Design I
November 20, 2020 12:00 - 31 minutesIn this episode, ThinkLab explores issues around diversity and inclusion within the design industry, and the role design can play in change. Episode features interviews with Libby Gillen, AJ Paron and Kay Sargent. Be sure to follow our guest speakers AJ Paron, Libby Gillen, and Kay Sargent on LinkedIn. Want to join big thinking happening in the design industry? Become a ThinkLab Insider today by visiting: https://info.thinklab.design/insider-program