Design Nerds Anonymous

From luxury seekers to digital nomads to next-gen travelers, hospitality spaces are evolving at record speed—Marriott is opening a new hotel in the U.S. every 20 hours. 

In this episode, we explore the values transforming what guests want—sustainability, personalization, wellness, and tech—and how hotels, rentals, and travel experiences are adapting. Joining us are Jason Robertson, VP of Global Design Strategies at Mar...

What does “home” look like to a generation raised on smart tech, climate anxiety, and constant change? Backed by new research, this episode reveals how Gen Alpha is already shaping the future of housing—from the way homes are designed to where they’re located and even how they’re owned. 

We’re joined by Dani Mariano, CEO at Razorfish, and Allison Robl Stransky, strategic insights leader at Samsung, who share their pers...

As Gen Z comes of age in a world shaped by AI, automation, and rapid change, they’re rewriting the rules of work. Backed by new research, this episode explores how their approach to careers, company culture, and the workplace itself is breaking the mold—from demanding flexibility and purpose to embracing entrepreneurial mindsets. 

Joining us is Alexandra Levit, future-of-work strategist, author, and advisor to Fortune ...

The first generation of true digital natives is about to step into the role of healthcare decision-makers—and they won’t settle for the systems we have today. Backed by new research, this episode explores how future generations could reshape everything from how we design clinics to how care is delivered. Will hospitals shrink? Will wellness go fully digital? And are we ready for what they’ll demand? 

This season of Des...

As learning environments evolve—from AI-enhanced classrooms to creative, skills-based spaces—they’re revealing more than just new ways to teach. They’re shaping the expectations, mindsets, and capabilities of the future workforce. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Vander Ark—education futurist, author, and CEO of Getting Smart—whose influence spans from leading major school districts to advising global organization...

This isn’t just another episode—it’s a conversation with the man who named Gen Alpha.

Mark McCrindle is one of the world’s leading social researchers and futurists, and he's trusted by global brands and governments alike to decode what’s next. In this exclusive interview, he joins us to unpack the generation born into AI, shaped by tech, and already redefining how we think about design, sustainability, and innovation.

If you...

Recorded live at NeoCon 2025, this special episode of DNA brings together three voices from across generations for a dynamic conversation on what’s shaping the future of the built environment. From AI and creativity to sustainability and generational shifts, this panel unpacks the challenges — and opportunities — designers must navigate now to stay ready for what’s next.

The panelists:

Cindy Kaufman | Vice President of Marke...

BASELINE, a new podcast from ThinkLab, brings the product side of the interiors industry together to crowdsource real-time insight, delivered through easy-to-digest reports and a straight-talking podcast. Take a listen to this sample episode and if you enjoy, please go follow wherever you get podcasts.

Baseline is available on all major podcast platforms like Apple, Spotify, and SURROUND

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In this special episode of Design Nerds Anonymous, host Amanda Schneider goes live at the Worktech Chicago 2025 event. The episode features interviews with event organizers, speakers, and attendees who share insights on the future of work, focusing on workplace design, technology enablement, employee experience, and more.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priv...

Think you know how to win in 2025? Think again.

In this season finale of Design Nerds Anonymous, we break down six bold, data-driven strategies that will define success in the coming year. From frictionless websites to AI-powered sales, immersive showrooms to redefined workspaces, our expert guests share insights that go beyond the buzzwords and into real-world applications that will help you stay ahead.

This season has been...

The sales landscape is shifting, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation. The best sellers today aren’t just choosing between in-person or digital—they’re mastering both. In this episode, we explore how AI can help sales professionals scale their time, automate routine tasks, and focus on what really moves the needle: building relationships and growing their business. Whether you’re a seasoned sales leader or jus...

The rep-designer relationship has changed. Hour-long lunch presentations and spontaneous drop-ins are becoming rare, and digital demands are reshaping how reps connect with designers. Today, reps must redefine their roles to remain indispensable, while designers who engage with the right reps can gain a competitive advantage. In this episode, we discuss what’s behind this shift, the biggest challenges reps and designers fa...

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 an...

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 engage...

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 of...

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. Fr...

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 re...

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...

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 over...