The Design Board
The Design Board is a podcast from UpSpring, a PR and marketing agency serving the design and development industries. It features conversations with experts from architecture, design, and related fields. Episodes cover industry news as well as marketing tips, tools, and tactics. The show is aimed at brands and professionals looking to grow their visibility and business.
Episodes
If Workplace Culture Is Failing, How do We Earn the Trust of the Next Generation?
Recorded live from the floor at NeoCon 2026, this special episode of The Design Board gets into one of the most pressing conversations in the industry right now: what does it take to earn the trust of a generation that experiences work and the workplace completely differently than the one before it?Host Caroline Schillaci is joined by Sarah Terzic, President of UpSpring, and Amanda Schneider, foun
The Art and Responsibility of Luxury Hospitality Design
What does it take to design a destination that people travel across the world to experience and leave wanting to return? In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Scott LaMont, CEO of EDSA, to explore the craft and strategy behind some of the world's most celebrated luxury hospitality projects. With over 25 years of experience working with brands like Four Se
What You Don’t See Can Hurt You: Rethinking Water in Design
We spend so much time talking about how buildings look and function. But what about what’s happening behind the walls?Host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Missy Cain, Environmental Planning Principal at HGA, to dive into the often overlooked systems that quietly shape building health, with a focus on water management and its real-world consequences. From adaptive reuse to healthcare environment
Has Sustainability Become the Baseline?
Sustainability used to be a differentiator. Now, it’s expected.In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Arathi Gowda a Principal at ZGF Architects to explore what happens when sustainability is no longer the headline, but the starting point. As new standards, client expectations, and cost pressures reshape the industry, firms are being forced to rethink how susta
The Business Case for Employee Coaching
As engineering firms grow, one of the first things to get squeezed is the time and consistency it takes to actually develop people. In this episode of The DesignBoard, we talk with Brandon Harwick, President of Engenium Group, and Jessica Norton, Partner and Director of Human Resources, about how their firm tackled that problem head-on by hiring a full-time, dedicated internal coach. Brandon and J
How Do You Design a Better Design Firm?
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 lead
Empowering Women: Maximizing Your Membership in Industry Associations
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
Designing the World Around Us: How Creativity Shapes our Lives
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
Cultivating Early Education: From Play to Purpose with Amanda Vierheller
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
Breaking Barriers in Women's Healthcare with Almond ObGyn
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 heal
From Pageant Queen to Payroll: Kori Zwaagstra of TriCelta Development
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 le
What Truly Makes a Trend?
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 inter
Curating a Guest Experience That Keeps Travelers Coming Back For More
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
Disruption by Design: Design Services for the Greater Good
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 m
Elevating Corporate Communication Through Innovative Studio Design
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 D
Optimizing the Fan Experience with Rob Ervin
In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Saba sits down with Founder and Principal Architect of Ervin Architecture, Rob Ervin, to discuss key considerations for designing large assembly structures that are centered around the optimal fan experience. In this discussion, Caroline and Rob will explore his ongoing work at the Maine Savings Amphitheater, the largest venue north of Boston.The
The Rebranding Journey and Design Innovations with Bethany Adams Interiors
Join us in this episode as we dive into the world of rebranding and design with Bethany, a visionary in the interior design industry. Discover the transformative journey behind Bethany's recent rebrand, including the intricacies of website overhauls and the strategic balance between functionality and elegance in design. Learn how Bethany measures the success of her rebranding efforts and expl
Break Some Dishes Gears Up For Season 5
On this week’s episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with co-hosts of Break Some Dishes, Jon Strassner and Verda Alexander, for a sneak peek into their upcoming season. Launching on March 20th, the podcast’s fifth season will navigate through topics like circular economy principles, biomimicry, and regenerative agriculture, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative potential of creativi
Behind-the-Scenes to Success with Susan Hayward Interiors
Join us for a journey into the world of interior design with the dynamic duo of Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible from Susan Hayward Interiors. In this episode, Susan and Jillian share the unconventional paths they both took to become designers and how their diverse backgrounds contribute to a unique perspective that sets them apart.The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SAND
ZWA Celebrates 25 Years: Navigating Growth and Embracing Change
In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with the team at ZWA to recap their 25-year journey. Learn how the firm's core principles have evolved, discover its approach to organic development for resilience and growth, and explore the role of adaptability in sustaining success. We chat about expansion strategies, the alignment of team aspirations with the firm's personality, and the e
Nurturing Student Development for the Next Generation of Design Professionals
Host Caroline Saba welcomes two distinguished leaders from the International Interior Design Association’s New York Chapter (IIDA NY): Robin Reigi and Elisabeth Mejia, Co-Vice Presidents of the Chapter’s Student Development. They will explore the different facets of mentorship, career development, and networking strategies for emerging design professionals. Learn how to best support the next gener
Threads of Design: The History of Oriental Weavers Hospitality
Join us as we explore the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and culture, uncovering the secrets behind the design-led approach that sets Oriental Weavers Hospitality apart. From the roots of the American carpet story to the challenges of the modern market, each episode unravels the threads that weave together the story, craft, and education integral to Oriental Weavers' success.The Desi
The Future of the Design Showroom with Havwoods
Seemingly everything has gone virtual over the past several years, but are there sacred experiences that should remain physical and tangible? While advancements like the metaverse and 3D mapping may contribute to a better virtual design showroom experience, nothing can replace the much-important sense of touch. Anthony Scot from Havwoods — a global specialist in wood flooring — has given a lot of
Behind the Scenes with Massimo Buster Minale
Massimo Buster Minale, Founder and Creative Director of Buster + Punch About: In this week’s episode, we sit down with the visionary founder of Buster + Punch, Massimo Buster Minale. From architecture to custom motorcycle building, Massimo’s journey is a testament to the power of blending passions. Massimo discusses the importance of authenticity and shares how his experience and background have s
Exploring Digital Accessibility with Kevin Erickson
In this week’s episode, host Susan Fernandez is joined by Kevin Erickson, a digital accessibility expert. Kevin’s mission is to empower teams to create accessible and usable products. This conversation explores the world of digital accessibility, covering its importance, best practices, and common challenges. Kevin will debunk myths, walk us through project strategies, and share real-world success
How a Life-changing Experience Sparked a Thriving Design Business
In this episode, host Susan Fernandez sits down with Melissa Muszynski, the founder and creative director of MBM Design. From early childhood experiences of rearranging her mother's kitchen to founding her own thriving interior design business, Melissa's journey is inspiring. This episode explores how Melissa turned her lifelong passion for transforming spaces into a successful career. S
From Fashion to BHDM, Unveiling the Art of Versatile Spaces
Before launching multi-faceted interior design firm BHDM Design in 2012, Dan Mazzarini’s expertise in the industry was harnessed during his years spent in fashion and retail design with renowned brands like Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein. Over the past 10+ years, he has built a team of talented design professionals who create evocative spaces that people want to be in, stay in, celebra
Recapping BDNY 2023
This episode takes you on a journey through the world of boutique and lifestyle hospitality design as we recap BDNY 2023, the renowned trade fair and conference that sets the stage for the future of the hospitality 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.
Designing the Future with Campo Architecture & Interior Design
In this episode of The Design Board, we sit down with architect John T. Campo Jr., who brings over thirty-nine years of professional experience to the table. John shares insights into the world of architecture, discussing the delicate balance between architectural creativity and business acumen. Drawing from his extensive knowledge in the development sector, we explore the challenges, rewards, and
The NELSON Worldwide Story
In this episode, we explore the journey of Ozzie Nelson, CEO of NELSON Worldwide. Discover how he transformed a single-discipline firm into a 'Top 10' industry leader, with insights on growth, design philosophy, favorite projects, and future aspirations. Join us for inspiring conversations with a visionary leader in the architecture and design world.The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a pr
Sustainability Innovations: From Carbon-Offset Tiles to Hemp Advancement
Join us in this episode as we dive deep into pioneering sustainability efforts that are shaping a greener future. From revolutionary carbon offsetting architectural tiles to fostering local hemp advancement, we explore innovative projects aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. Discover how these initiatives empower communities, promote sustainable practices, and bring us one step closer to
The UpSpring Journey: From Dorm Room to Industry Leader
Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of childhood friends Sarah Terzic and Tiffany Rafii, who founded UpSpring in their dorm room with a promise to innovate. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, design enthusiast, or industry professional, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration from UpSpring's journey in the world of design and development.The Design Board, by UpSp
How I Built This: The Art of Design Strategy
In this episode, Nicole Lashae Ben, Design Strategist and C.E.O. of Thrive In Design, shares her incredible journey from working with renowned interior product brands to establishing herself as a prominent figure in the industry. Discover the secret sauce behind her success as Nicole unveils A.C.E. The Journey, her proprietary method designed to transform interior product companies. Learn how this
How I Built This: Designing Destinations
Design enthusiasts won't want to miss this episode! This discussion takes a deep dive into the unique partnership between Sunda and Studio K, uncovering the inspirations and challenges that have shaped their journey. Discover how the design elements have set each Sunda location apart from the rest and how the team conceptualizes their "muse" for each space, drawing influence from lo
How I Built This: The Sustainable Luxury Revolution
Join us for an enlightening episode of The Design Board as we embark on a journey into the captivating world of sustainable luxury design with the visionary Laurence Carr. In this episode, we explore Laurence's incredible odyssey, from building her own design firm from scratch to the launch of Studio Laurence, a luxury, sustainable home goods brand that defies convention.The Design Board, by
Building Dreams: The //3877 Story
In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii is joined by David Tracz and David Shove-Brown, the visionary founders of //3877, a distinguished multi-disciplinary firm based in Washington, D.C. Join us as we take a journey back to the fall of 2010 when David and David embarked on the pursuit of their decade-long dream - forming a professional architecture and design partnership.The Design Board, by UpSpri
How I Built This: Crafting Memorable Spaces with Edith Ponciano
Join us for a captivating discussion as we dive into the world of design with Edith Ponciano, founder of EP Atelier. In this episode, Edith shares her journey from her time as a Design Director at Gensler to founding EP Atelier, a hospitality lifestyle interior design firm dedicated to creating spaces that embody clients' values from concept to completion.The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a p
How I Built This: Shant Madjarian's Journey to Creating Juniper
When Juniper’s Owner and Founder, Shant Madjarian, left his banking career to pursue entrepreneurship, he knew he wanted to build a team of motivated professionals who would create something with purpose and pioneer change. Two years later, he decided to enter an antiquated market and develop two lighting products. Join us in this enlightening episode as we dive into Shant's inspiring journey
How I Built This: Crafting Aesthetic Excellence with Skram
Discover the inspiring journey behind Skram Furniture, a company renowned for its singular marriage of austerity, warmth, and timelessness in their designs. Jacob shares insights into his design process, highlighting the importance of honing craftsmanship, developing a unique design voice, and embracing sustainability.The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's
How I Built This: Designing a Sustainable Future with Kimiko Designs
In this week’s episode, host Tiffany Rafii explores the journey of Dianne Murata, CEO of Kimiko Designs, and the creation of Kimiko Green. Discover the inspiration behind Kimiko Green and how Dianne's 20-year design expertise led to the development of the inaugural Kimiko Green playbook. This practical guide equips businesses with evidence-based tools, resources, and guidelines to responsibly
How I Built This: Building Successful Team Dynamics
Host Tiffany Rafii sits down with Hector Sanchez, CEO of Premier, to discuss leadership tips and tactics for fostering a positive company culture and collaborative environment for architects and interior designers. 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.
How I Built This: The Path to Creating the SURROUND Podcast Network
Host Susan Fernandez sits down with Bobby Bonett, EVP of Digital and strategic growth at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and co-host of the podcast Barriers to Entry at NeoCon, to chat about the creation of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Bobby will share the lessons learned along the way and the invaluable insights they gained throughout their remarkable journey to create a podcast network for the architecture
How I Built This: Honoring John Stein, Founder of Kirei
In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with Anne Kulinski, Director of Marketing at Kirei, Michael DiTullo, an independent designer and creative director for Kirei, and Gordon Boggis, CEO of Carnegie Fabrics, to honor Kirei’s founder, John Stein, and his impact on the acoustics industry. Guests share stories and examples of how John's leadership style helped shape the culture at Kirei
How I Built This: The Artaic Journey
Join us on an inspiring journey as we delve into the founding story of Artaic, an innovative company that seamlessly blends art and technology to redefine the world of mosaic art. In this podcast, host Susan Fernandez sits down with Ted Acworth, Founder & CEO of Artaic, to explore the vision behind Artaic and the motivations that drove its inception.The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a proud me
How I Built This: The Rise of Daniel House Club
In this episode, host Susan Fernandez sits down with the founders of Daniel House Club, a transformative design trade marketplace that simplifies the business of interior design. Alexander and Peter share their inspiration behind Daniel House Club and how they saw an opportunity to create a new kind of e-commerce platform to streamline project planning, product sourcing, and logistic processes. Th
Design Thinking | Shaping Our Built Environment: A Conversation on the Future of Architecture and Design
It’s no secret architecture and design firms play a critical role in creating and shaping the built environment. So what does the future hold? With the rapid pace of technological innovation and the growing concern for sustainable practices, the future of architecture and design is shaping up to be very different from what we know today. In this episode, host Caroline Saba explores how our industr
Design Thinking | The Power of Reinvesting in Our Communities
In this episode, Jay Valgora, Founder and Principal at STUDIO V Architecture, and Majora Carter, CEO of Majora Carter Group, an urban revitalization, strategy, and real estate group firm, explore the importance of community reinvestment and the power of design to transform neglected spaces into vibrant, thriving places. Our case study is Bronxlandia, a community-led initiative in the South Bronx
Design Thinking | Balancing Form and Function: The Art of Product Design
Good design has the power to shape our built environment and enhance the quality of our lives. In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii sits down with Michael DiTullo, an independent designer and creative director for Kirei, and Nick Gillissie, Principal - modus ID, to chat about the importance of functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and everything in between when it comes to product design. The
Design Thinking | Design Thinking and The Importance of Consumer Market Research
Join Caroline Saba and Amanda Schneider, founder and president of ThinkLab, as they dig deep into how design thinking and consumer market research can be used to uncover solutions for various challenges we’re facing in the 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.
Strategies for a Greener Future | Championing Sustainability in the A&D Industry and Beyond
Championing sustainability in the architecture and design industry and beyond can help to create a more sustainable future. This episode unpacks the importance of fostering a culture that drives sustainability goals and highlights how we can all become advocates for sustainability. Host Caroline Saba chats with Pablo La Roche, Principal & Sustainable Design Director, CRTKL, Steven South, LEED
Strategies for a Greener Future | The Rise of Commercial-to-Residential Conversions
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the demand for commercial real estate as more people work remotely, reducing the need for office space. At the same time, there is a growing demand for housing, especially in urban areas. Host Caroline Saba sits down with Dan Sullivan, Vice President of Kova, Nick Boever, Writer and Editor at Emerald, and Rick Whitney, Vice President of FitzGerald, to discuss the
Strategies for a Greener Future | Specifying Sustainable Products to Create Sustainable Buildings
Specifying sustainable products in the built environment is an important step in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. In this episode, host Susan Fernandez is joined by Phanos Hadjikyriakou, Co-Founder and CEO of 2050 Materials, and Ana Rita Martins, Sustainability Senior Associate at Woodalls Design, for a lively discussion on third-party certifications, resources available for designers,
Strategies for a Greener Future | What is B Corp Certification and Why Does it Matter?
B Corp certification is a third-party certification program offered by B Lab, a non-profit organization. B Corps are for-profit companies that meet rigorous social and environmental standards. Pursuing B Corp certification can be important for several reasons. In this episode, host Tiffany Rafii explores the process behind pursuing B Corp certification with Dave Shove-Brown, co-founder and partner
Sales Tactics and Tools | How Paid Media Can be Used as a Driver for Business Development
When should organizations use paid media, and how do you get the most value out of paid ads? Host Tiffany Rafii is joined by UpSpring’s paid media strategists, Taylor Noffsinger and Maggie Austin, to discuss effective paid media strategies, how paid media and SEO work together, and why continuous monitoring is essential. Tune in to learn how to better understand and implement paid media for your b
Sales Tactics and Tools | Sales Strategies and Channels in a Changing Market
Architects and designers specify billions of dollars in products and materials annually. Bringing a product to market in a way that gets into a designer's consideration set is a complex journey. Tom Buck, owner of the Buck Agency, James Cull, design director at Rottet Studio, and Teddi Guilfoy, senior associate at M Moser, discuss the ecosystem of sales and distribution channels between manu
Sales Tactics and Tools | Demystifying CEU Presentations
Are Continuing Education Unit (CEU) presentations a relevant sales tool? Listen and learn as host Tiffany Rafii chats with Meredith Campell, research and content development from ThinkLab, and Susan Fernandez, vice president of digital marketing at UpSpring, to explore the value of CEU presentations and how to leverage them as a sales tool to maximize exposure. The Design Board, by UpSpring, is a
Sales Tactics and Tools | To Join or Not to Join: Getting Involved with Professional Organizations
Thinking about networking but trying to figure out where to start? Wondering about the value professional organizations have within the architecture and design industry? In this episode, host Caroline Saba chats with Natalie Darham, marketing manager at Urban Atelier Group (UAG), about the benefits of getting involved with industry organizations and strategies for maximizing the knowledge, resourc
People and Perspectives | A Celebration of Women in Architecture and Design
Men have traditionally dominated the interior design and architecture industries. In this episode, Tiffany Rafii, CEO of UpSpring, is joined by Stacy Shoemaker Rauen and Margaret McMahon to discuss what it means to be a woman in this field. From the beginnings of their careers to now, find out how the industry has evolved, how female designers can network to find mentors and role models, and how w
People and Perspectives | Designing for Neurodiversity in our Spaces
What is neurodiversity? In this episode of The Design Board, Tiffany Rafii, CEO of UpSpring, is joined by AJ Paron, EVP + Design Futurist with SANDOW Design Group, to discuss the ins and outs of neurodiversity and why it's important to consider when designing spaces. From our airports to sports arenas and our schools, AJ highlights why we need to accommodate neurodiversity and the strategies
People and Perspectives | Architecture as Art: Empowering People and Places Through Design
Can architecture empower people and places? In this episode, UpSpring's Caroline Saba chats with Jared Bradley, President and Founder of The Bradley Projects, where he shares his perspective on what it means to be an architect and how the role of the architect has changed over time. Listen in as we discuss the importance of placemaking through design and the power architecture has to transfor
People and Perspectives | Authentically Supporting DEI Initiatives
An honest, authentic effort toward DEI initiatives requires transparency, accountability, and the notion that as we know better, we will do better. UpSpring's Caroline Saba invites Elsie St. Leger and Shawnasia Black of IIDA NY’s Equity Council to discuss the importance of DEI initiatives and the foundations and roadmaps organizations can put in place to create inclusive environments. The Des
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