Alternative Design

Send us Fan Mail What if you could borrow a person the same way you borrow a book? In this episode, we sit down with Human Library founder Ronni Abergel to explore the simple but radical idea that the best way to fight prejudice isn't through debate, but through conversation, and how the spaces we design either make that possible or get in the way. https://humanlibrary.org/

Send us Fan Mail What if aging wasn’t about slowing down, but about redefining oneself and embracing new opportunities? In this episode, we explore an innovative approach to campus design that brings generations together, creating vibrant communities where education inspires lifelong growth and self-discovery. We talk with Alejandro Giraldo, Principal and Senior Living practice leader at Perkins Eastman, about a growing trend that’s quietly reshaping higher ed and senior living alike: older a...

Send us Fan Mail What if the next game-changing amenity in office design isn’t a rooftop lounge or wellness room—but data? In this episode, we talk with Peter Choi, Design Principal at HOK, who challenges us to rethink the very systems that power our built environment. As AI, edge computing, and digital speed reshape how we live and work, Choi makes a compelling case for treating data infrastructure like we treat daylight—essential, embedded, and experience-defining. We explore how this invis...

Send us Fan Mail We all know what joy feels like, but what does it mean to design for it? In Episode 34 of the Alternative Design Podcast, we sit down with Ron Swidler, CEO of The Gettys Group, to uncover how joy can transform from a simple emotion into a powerful design objective in hospitality spaces. We explore the elements that create sensory delight and surprise, such as color, play, and technology, and discuss how even the most sophisticated environments can invite smiles, spark wonder,...

Send us Fan Mail In a world that's increasingly anxious, overstimulated, and surprisingly less colorful, the need for calming and supportive space design has never been greater. Episode 33 of the Alternative Design Podcast examines the essential role of trauma-informed design in public spaces. Host Kaelynn Reid sits down with Rebecca Fairman, Chief Design Officer at Flip4Good, to explore how small, intentional design choices—such as texture, layout, and color—can help regulate the nervous sys...