NeoConversations

What does it take to bring bold ideas to life at one of the design world’s biggest stages? Faraz Shah, Brand Director at Turf, takes us on a creative journey from sparks of inspiration to the final showroom reveal at NeoCon 2025. Along the way, he chats with Rob Perri, President of Turf and VP at Armstrong, about the magic (and madness) behind the scenes. But first, he kicks things off with Rob Schulte, Senior Producer at the SURROUND Podcast Network, to dive into why NeoCon isn’t just a trade show, it’s where design dreams take center stage.This season of NeoConversations is sponsored by Material Bank, Pallas Textiles, and Turf.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What did we learn during NeoCon 2024? In the final episode of this year’s NeoConversations series, SURROUND producer Hannah Viti turns the tables on this year’s host, inviting Rajagopal to share his top takeaways from NeoCon—and what they mean for the future of interior design. You'll also hear from Gia Kieu, the winner of SnapCab's Be You Pod Design Contest. You don’t want to miss this recap episode. NeoConversations is produced by the SURROUND Podcast Network in partnership with Turf. This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio, Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we create a better future through inclusive design? In his episode of NeoConversations, host, and editor-in-chief of METROPOLIS Avi Rajagopal sits down with design powerhouses and speakers at this year’s NeoCon—Cheryl Durst, executive vice president and CEO of IIDA, and Jason Pugh, principal design manager and global director of diversity equity and inclusion at Gensler—to discuss the importance of diverse perspectives in interior design. Listen as Durst and Pugh share their journeys to their various leadership roles, the values and methods at the core of their work, the missed opportunities for diversity they see in the design professions, and the concepts and ideas they are most excited about today.NeoConversations is produced by the SURROUND Podcast Network in partnership with Turf. This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio, Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we engage touch, smell, sound, and sight for more meaningful design? In this episode, host and editor-in-chief of METROPOLIS Avi Rajagopal sits down with Faraz Shah, senior manager of brand marketing and communications for Turf; Ella Hazard, managing director of Arktura Ventures; and Carolyn Noble, principal and director of design at Ames Design Collective, to discuss the power of our senses in Interior design. Listen as Shah, Hazard, and Noble share their thoughts on the importance of a more holistic sensory approach to design, breakthrough research and innovations in the area, the relationship between sensory design and wellness, and more. You’ll also hear a very special announcement about an upcoming podcast in the works! NeoConversations is produced by the SURROUND Podcast Network in partnership with Turf. This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio, Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The former president of Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob Weis, knows a thing or two about narratives and design. In the kick-off episode of this year’s NeoConversations series, host and editor-in-chief of METROPOLIS, Avi Rajagopal, sits down with Weis, one of this year’s NeoCon keynote speakers, to discuss the power of storytelling in interiors. Currently the global entertainment leader at Gensler, Weis has a truly bird’s-eye perspective on cities, spaces, and experiences. Listen as he and Rajagopal discuss the big opportunities for storytelling in the built environment, how architects and designers can leverage storytelling in their creative process, and how we can make our buildings, communities, and cities vibrant again.NeoConversations is produced by the SURROUND Podcast Network in partnership with Turf. This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio, Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Devers guides listeners through audio collected at the fantastic NeoCon Podcast Studio, powered by SURROUND and sponsored by SnapCab. From First NeoCon-ers and IIDA CEO Cheryl Durst to ThinkLab Trendspotters and moss walls—this episode is jampacked with NeoCon gems. NeoConversations is part of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Check out other amazing architecture and design-related shows at surroundpodcasts.com Music: Ketsa - Pills See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The bets are in! In this episode, host Amy Devers delivers the top five big predictions we heard from across the design industry for this year’s NeoCon. Do the predictions in this episode match yours? Let us know in person at the NeoCon Podcast Studio powered by SURROUND and sponsored by SnapCab.   Register for NeoCon, find the full list of programming and check out this year's exhibitor list at neocon.com NeoConversations is part of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Check out other amazing architecture and design-related shows at surroundpodcasts.com Music: Ketsa: Pills See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Keynotes, Presentations, and CEUs - all on today's episode of NeoConversations. Amy Devers chats with Joseph Cephas, SVP, Novita, about his experience at NeoCon and the panel he's moderating, before breaking down all the keynotes and presentations this year's NeoCon has to offer. After that Amy meets with Meredith Campbell, Host of The Learning Objective, to talk all things education, and how you can grab multiple CEUs while attending the conference. But that's not all—Amy welcomes back Chicago native Lindsey Martin to share some of her favorite Chicago spots for you to visit when you're not learning and making connections at NeoCon.   Register for NeoCon, find the full list of programming and check out this year's exhibitor list at neocon.com NeoConversations is part of the SURROUND Podcast Network. Check out other amazing architecture and design-related shows at surroundpodcasts.com Music: Ketsa: Pills See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Devers welcomes NeoCon veteran AJ Paron, host of Once Upon A Project, to sift through the best onsite strategies and practical tips for surviving NeoCon—hint bring comfortable shoes. Then a lesson in NeoCon history and some insider intel about THE MART from Lindsey Martin, Director of NeoCon marketing.   NeoConversations is part of the SURROUND podcast network. Check out other architecture and design shows at surroundpodcasts.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does it take to effectively design brand character into a space? How can brand values and purpose be communicated through materiality, visual language, ambiance and experience? What’s in the tool kit needed to implement a design program company-wide? In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Renee Hytry Derrington, International Design Lead for Formica Group, and Abbott Miller, a partner at world-renowned design studio Pentagram to explore all the nuances of translating a brand into a physical experience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trusty and timeless tile is making its way into exciting new territory with large format panels, countertop slabs and high-resolution digital printing. The design opportunities are almost limitless. In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Laura Muller, CEO of Four Point Build Inc., Frank Douglas, VP of Business Development for Crossville, and Noah Chitty, Directory of Technical Services for Crossville, to learn all about the technology and possibilities of this new frontier in tile surfacing. 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 we are taking on the challenge of designing flexible workplaces - specifically, designing in power and data distribution solutions that can keep up with the speed of evolving technology, business transitions, budget demands and the ever-changing need for adaptable power configurations - frequently in pre-existing buildings. What are the creative solutions? Amy Devers talks to Steve Batchelder of Connectrac, Kevin Saindon of Brigholme, and David Meckley of Huntsman Architectural Group. 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 NeoConversations, we are asking: What is the circular economy and what role do architects and designers play in it? How can we design truly sustainable spaces and specify materials in which the entire lifecycle has been considered, including eventual reuse? What are the implications, misconceptions and benefits associated with materials made from regenerated waste? Listen as host Amy Devers talks to Giulio Bonazzi, CEO + Chairman, Aquafil and David Oakey, founder of David Oakey Designs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Details can impact us on every level—they can add an extra element of, structure, protection or aesthetics, while also being on trend. In this episode, Amy Devers talks to Dana Madden, Architectural Product Manager at Tamlyn, and Wayne Braun, Principal at PDR about architectural trim and how it can be used to enhance spaces by adding sophistication, depth, color and drama to walls. Listen to learn more about design possibilities, as well as practical concerns like sustainability, durability, and costs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What are the challenges and opportunities involved in bringing teams from disparate offices together into a unified headquarters? If that HQ doesn’t exist yet, what is involved in the design and construction of that project so that it emcompasses the brand’s DNA, supports company culture and sends a strong message to the world about the company’s mission? Amy Devers talks to Chip DeGrace, of Interface, and Joe Connell of Perkins + Will about the realization of the new Interface HQ in Atlanta, GA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.