Design Nerds Anonymous

Think about the last showroom you walked into. Was it visually stunning? Now ask yourself:Did it stick with you?Did it make you want to explore and engage?Was it truly remarkable?Many showrooms are caught in a tension between aesthetics and function—following a formula that’s been used for decades. But in 2025, playing it safe is the fastest way to be forgotten.In this episode, retail futurist Doug Stephens and experiential retail pioneer Rachel Shechtman help us reimagine the future of B2B showrooms by blending immersive storytelling, digital integration, and human connection.After listening, you will be able to: Create immersive showroom experiences that engage visitors both digitally and physically.Use storytelling to enhance your showroom design, turning it into a dynamic brand experience.Integrate technology into showrooms in a way that amplifies, rather than replaces, human connection.Transform your showroom into a space that sparks curiosity and emotional engagement, setting your brand apart from the competition.Links Mentioned:ThinkLab’s Secret Shopper Program: Showrooms are expensive. Secret shoppers are priceless. Get unbiased A&D feedback that will inform future showroom and trade show strategies.Doug Stephens' Books: The Retail Revival, Reengineering Retail, Resurrecting RetailFollow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insightsWatch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.comDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The return to in-person events is not a return to business as usual. As trade shows, conferences, and live events thrive, some brands are redefining the event experience, while others risk making events feel outdated.In this episode, Marco Giberti—a leading expert in live event innovation—returns to Design Nerds Anonymous to revisit his 2021 predictions and share insights on what’s next for events, sponsorships, and engagement strategies. After listening, you will be able to:Rethink events beyond logistics—focusing on why people gather, not just howLeverage AI & data to measure event ROI and engagementUse hybrid and virtual experiences strategically (hint: they’re not dead)Integrate events into a year-long marketing strategy, instead of isolated activationsCreate meaningful event experiences that resonate with changing audience expectations Links mentioned:Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk on the future of work: “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com.Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more insights.Sign up for ThinkLab’s Newsletter to stay updated on industry trends.Connect with our guest on LinkedIn:Marco GibertiDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The future of work isn’t just about where we work or what tools we use—it’s about why people choose to show up at all. In this thought-provoking episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by workplace strategy expert Phil Kirshner and Microsoft’s Matthew Marzynski to explore corporate collaboration in the phygital era—where physical, digital, and emotional elements intersect.This conversation goes beyond hybrid work models and office design—it challenges assumptions about what drives human connection, the role of AI in shaping our workplaces, and why designing for experience, not just efficiency, is the real game-changer. After listening, you will be able to:Rethink workplace collaboration beyond hybrid models and into fluid, responsive environments.Understand the role of emotions in workplace design—how social capital, trust, and human connection drive engagement.Learn how AI and emerging tech will redefine meeting experiences, reducing friction and increasing accessibility.Shift from reactive workplace policies to intentional workplace design—where offices serve a clear purpose beyond just a space to work.See how leading companies are balancing self-service and human interaction to create more equitable, inclusive digital workplaces.  Links Mentioned:Watch Amanda’s TEDx talk “Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it” on TED.com.Follow Amanda on LinkedIn for more workplace insights.Explore ThinkLab’s Gen Z researchConnect with our guest on LinkedIn:Phil KirschnerMatthew Marzynski Design Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com. This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel Senatore.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s digital-first world, your website isn’t just a tool—it’s your first impression. If potential clients struggle to navigate your site, find outdated information, or encounter friction at every turn, they’ll leave.In this episode, Amanda Schneider is joined by two experts, Tyler Suomala and Erica Waayenberg, to break down exactly what companies get wrong when it comes to their digital presence—and how to fix it. From architecture firms to product manufacturers, businesses across the built environment must rethink their websites to inspire, inform, and convert visitors into loyal clients.After listening, you will be able to:Rethink your website’s role—it’s not just a portfolio or digital brochure; it should be a frictionless experience that builds trust and drives action.Understand the #1 mistake companies make— not having a clear call to action for their target audience.Learn why simplicity wins—reducing friction, improving navigation, and making the next step clear increases engagement and conversions.Balance self-service with human connection—clients want the ability to explore autonomously, but they also need fast access to real people when they’re ready to move forward.Optimize your website for action—avoid outdated content, overly gated resources, and vague calls-to-action (CTAs) that confuse visitors instead of guiding them.Links Mentioned:Download ThinkLab’s 2025 U.S. Design Industry Benchmark Report: ThinkLab ReportsWatch Amanda Schneider's TEDx TalkDesign Nerds Anonymous is a proud member of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.This episode of Design Nerds Anonymous was produced and edited by SANDOW DESIGN GROUP, with music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to the podcast production team: Hannah Viti, Rob Schulte, and Rachel SenatoreSpecial thanks to our podcast season sponsors, Palladian West, THE MART, and NeoCon – companies doing big things to move the design industry forward.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Schneider takes listeners through the biggest insights, funniest moments, and thought-provoking themes from Season 6. This special “Best Of” episode revisits key conversations with thought leaders across industries, highlighting the evolving nature of end-user decision-making in the built environment. With topics ranging from creativity and consensus-building to pricing volatility and emotional intelligence, this recap pulls together the essence of what made Season 6 so impactful. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Amanda Schneider welcomes soft skills expert Kendra Johnson to discuss the evolving importance of soft skills in today’s hybrid workplace. As organizations navigate new challenges with dispersed teams and intergenerational differences, this conversation dives deep into the need for managers and employees alike to refine their communication, empathy, and adaptability. Learn how each generation, particularly Gen Z, is redefining expectations around work, collaboration, and boundaries in the professional environment. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Amanda Schneider leads a discussion with three industry leaders on one of the biggest challenges in the workplace today: turning overwhelming amounts of data into actionable insights. As decision-making teams grow larger and more diverse, integrating information from IT, HR, and workplace practitioners has become more crucial for success. The panel dives into how businesses can combat "infobesity"—the overload of data—and shift to a more intentional, outcome-driven approach to workplace decisions. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode explores the growing complexity of decision-making in the built environment, focusing on how to reach consensus in larger, more diverse teams. Amanda is joined by Halle Hannaford, Senior Principal Team Lead at Chick-fil-A, who shares insights on how her team navigates decision-making challenges within the hospitality sector. Hannaford discusses how clear roles, cross-functional collaboration, and understanding the customer journey are key to effective decision-making. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for anyone managing complex decision-making processes, whether in corporate, healthcare, education, or hospitality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Amanda Schneider and Rob Sadow dive deep into the outdated metrics that have traditionally guided workplace design and management, such as "people per square foot." With the rise of flexible and hybrid work models, these conventional metrics are becoming obsolete. Rob shares insights from FlexIndex, a platform that aggregates data from over 100,000 office locations to provide companies with benchmarks for the modern era. This conversation explores how data-driven decisions can improve workplace design, optimize space, and boost employee productivity.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Schneider and her panel of experts tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing the industry today: pricing volatility. With the aftermath of inflation and fluctuating costs impacting all aspects of project planning and execution, the discussion highlights how these uncertainties are reshaping the way decisions are made. The guests share insights on how project teams can adapt and thrive by fostering better partnerships, encouraging transparency, and embracing new strategies to manage unpredictable costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Amanda Schneider sits down with Dr. JJ Peterson from StoryBrand to explore how the art of storytelling can be a powerful tool for mastering "managing up" in the increasingly complex decision-making process in B2B environments. Dr. Peterson walks listeners through the StoryBrand framework, offering actionable insights on how to communicate clearly, engage stakeholders, and move teams towards action, even in today’s hybrid and time-constrained work environment. Learn how to position your audience as the hero of the story and use empathy and authority to guide them to success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recorded live at NeoCon 2024, Amanda Schneider is joined by corporate, hospitality, and healthcare leaders to explore decision-making dynamics in the built environment. Featuring insights from Staci Patton of Hilton, Tope Sadiku of McDonald's, and healthcare architect Andrew Navarro of HPLEX Solutions, the discussion delves into ThinkLab’s 'Pain Map,' highlighting key friction points and how product and service providers can offer solutions.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Season 6! Amanda Schneider reflects on the growth of Design Nerds Anonymous and dives into the future of customer decision-making in the built environment. This episode highlights proprietary insights and data from ThinkLab and contrasts them with well-known global B2B research, such as Gartner and Forrester, illustrating how our industry differs in significant ways. Guest Amy Devers brings her perspective as a designer, educator, and podcast host, exploring creativity, equity, and the challenges facing the design industry today. Together, they discuss how data, decision-making, and storytelling play critical roles in shaping the future of work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 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 concise way to share insights with a colleagues, this episode has many profound insights you won’t want to miss.     Uncover the secrets to building trust and connection, especially in a digitally native era.  Learn strategies for fostering a sense of purpose and passion in the workplace to engage and motivate employees.  Explore how Gen Z's unique perspective, shaped by a digital-native upbringing, is challenging traditional career paths and redefining the corporate ladder.    Connect with our co-hosts from this episode on LinkedIn:  Cindy Kaufman  Byron Morton    Tune in to our episodes for more, and subscribe you never miss an episode.  Thank you to our sponsors Mannington Commercial, THEMART and NeoCon. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 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 leaders of older generations, offering solutions that can drive business success.  Discover how emerging technologies like Chat GPT and AI are poised to unlock untapped potential when paired with the next generation of talent.    Guests:   Hannah Grady Williams  Gabriela Silverman  Jeff Kabat  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.