In this episode, host Doug Shapiro sits down with Claire Pijoulat and Odile Hainaut, the dynamic duo behind ICFF and the founders of WantedDesign. From their chance meeting in 2010 to becoming Brand Directors, they share their journey of transforming the International Contemporary Furniture Fair into a vibrant hub for design and community. Discover how they've redefined ICFF by integrating culture with commerce, fostering meaningful connections, and turning the fair into a year-round platform...

Is your information diet holding you back? In this episode, guest Mario Vasilescu, founder of Readocracy, explores how to manage our informational intake in a knowledge-driven workforce. Mario likens "informational health" to physical health, emphasizing the need for selective information consumption in an attention-seeking economy. He discusses the societal impacts of AI, urging a critical examination of its effects on job security and privacy. The conversation also highlights the...

In honor of Earth Day, Doug sits down with journalist and founder of Climate Positive Now—Kenn Busch, to discuss the intricacies of carbon management and its environmental implications. Throughout the episode, Kenn demystifies the complex dynamics of carbon's interaction with our environment and highlights some innovative approaches to utilize carbon management for environmental gain. Looking for continuing education credits related to sustainability? Check out Ken's CEU below! Climate...

In a recent episode, Doug asked a question that sparked considerable discussion: should a college degree be mandatory for the NCIDQ exam, or if work experience and apprenticeships be adequate? Responding to insightful listener feedback, Doug invited Jon Otis, a distinguished figure in interior design advocacy and a Professor, to explore the issue further. The feedback varied; some listeners supported alternative licensure paths for their diversity and affordability, while others advocated for...

Is the private office taking on a new and important role? Is it time for the private office to be reimagined? In this special episode, Doug shares part of a conversation we captured between designer Brian Graham and our very own, Molly Prior. Together, Brian and Molly chat about the rapid shift in management styles that might challenge the traditional use of the private office - from a more hierarchical environment to a more inclusive and flexible space that can encourage open dialogue and...

In this solo episode, Doug looks back at the first quarter of 2024. He reminisces on insightful past episodes exploring creativity, leadership, and the impact of design on the human experience and our well-being. He also poses an interesting question regarding the NCIDQ exam for interior designers—should a college degree be required for this exam or is significant work experience/apprenticeship enough to suffice? Email Doug at [email protected] with your opinions on the NCIDQ degree...

In this episode, Doug is joined by Joey Shimoda of Shimoda Design Group. This reflective conversation spans from Joey's unique upbringing in Alabama and the challenges of growing up in a racially tense environment to the potential impacts of emerging technologies. Growing up in Alabama during a turbulent period in American history—Joey reveals a journey marked by challenges, including his family's history of internment during World War II and the complexities of being one of the few Asian...

Today, Doug talks with Tasha Singh, a design student from Drexel University who's on a mission to make the world more connected. Tasha shares insights from her study of Old Delhi's tight-knit neighborhoods and contrasts them with the more individualistic vibes that we experience here in the U.S. She also shares about her journey from India to Philadelphia and how it has shaped her thoughts on design and community.

Welcome to a special episode recorded LIVE at the "Crafted for Living" event in collaboration with Carolina and Mannington Commercial. Join us as we sit down with Kevin Swanson, a seasoned expert in Senior Living design at Hawthorn Construction Group. Kevin shares his heartfelt passion for creating spaces that truly cater to the needs of seniors, discussing the delicate balance between aesthetics and safety. From the importance of choosing the right words to implementing small yet impactful...

Join Doug Shapiro and Lydia Moya for a very special episode honoring women's history month. They reflect on some of our favorite conversations with past Imagine a Place guests.

Architect Nadia Borrás Marković takes us back to her childhood in Mexico City, reflecting on special memories of the home her father built and the creative spirit he nurtured in her. She opens up about her persistence in achieving her goals as one of the few women studying architecture. Towards the end, she explains how architecture goes beyond the practical to create connection and the importance of understanding people’s stories.

I recently attended IIDA's New Year New You event in Miami and came away with some thoughts on what it's like living in the era of AI and the importance of developing authentic intelligence.

If you love thinking about creativity and sharpening your creative skills this episode is for you. David Polzin oversees a creative team at a global firm so he understands what it takes to level up the skills of the team you're leading. David's insights are fresh and relevant, not the same old stuff you typically hear. We are honored to have him on the show.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. day and we are honored to present an interview with renowned architect Curtis Moody, Founder of Moody Nolan. In today's episode, we delve into the profound impact of truth and self-belief on Curtis's life and pioneering achievements. He shares intimate reflections on his upbringing in Columbus, Ohio, highlighted by a pivotal moment: a school counselor's claim that his skin color barred him from pursuing a career in architecture. This episode is a journey...

Doug sits down to share some holiday appreciation and the story of how he landed at OFS.

IIDA and OFS Imagine a Place hosted a roundtable discussion focused on sustainability. The conversation offered wisdom and advice for the next generation of interior designers and architects aiming to make sustainability a priority in their work.

This is episode with Todd Edstrom covers data, AI, digital twins, but ultimately provides a thoughtful look at embracing technology carefully and strategically to boost productivity and performance in commercial real estate.

You've joined us for a very special episode! Our team at Carolina did some research and pulled together leaders from the Nursing Institute for Healthcare Design (NIHD) to discuss how clinicians and designers are partnering to create better healthcare environments. We also discuss the impact of spaces on burnout, emerging research, and new opportunities for clinicians interested in healthcare design. You'll come away with an understanding of how this collaboration benefits not just patients...

Typically, we chisel down the episode and leave you with just the high impact parts of the conversation. However, this time with George Bandy, it's a bit different. We did this for 2 reasons: 1.) Nearly the entire conversation is high impact and 2.) we want you to feel how Doug felt sitting at the table with George—every story he tells, all the pauses and sincerity in his voice, it brings you in. 

The stakes are high. The employee and employer dynamics have been changing and the waters of "return to office" are still murky...at best. The case for place has yet to be settled and that's why we are talking to Sascha Wagner (Huntsman Architecture) who weighs in and makes a thoughtful case for the importance of in-person interactions.

With the AI revolution upon us, Doug is thinking a lot about "change." So, he sets out to the Pittsburgh MinCon convention to explore the subject of change readiness with 5 industry professionals. You're going to learn from people who love change, you’ll learn from people who are terrible at change, but most importantly—each interview comes with a unique and specific lesson around change. 

Our guest today is Ebehi Ijewere, architect at Jacobs and host of the Layers of Design podcast. While Doug was originally drawn to Ebehi because of her experience as a podcaster, it was her story as a young architect looking for work that would really ignite the heart of the conversation.  Ebehi had the courage—as a graduated international student facing barriers—to take the risk of leaving jobs with unhealthy cultures in search of true value.

We are thrilled to bring you Gary Vance, architect and author with over 45 years of experience. Gary has been the architect for countless healthcare facilities across the country and is the author of his wonderful book series "Kid Architect," which aims to inspire and inform the next generation of architects. Gary gives us a window into much of the change that he's witnessed in healthcare design over his career and it's great to know you can do something for so long and still find so much joy.

Today, Doug sits down with Vijay Gupta—known for both his violin mastery and big heart. Their discussion explores two enlightening themes. First, Vijay shares his foundation for creating truth and connection. And second, thy discuss the importance of generosity and “giving your gifts away” to find purpose. Join us for this wonderful discussion with Vijay Gupta.