Tell Me More

In this episode of Allsteel’s Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll sits down with Alexandria Davis—Interior Design Project Lead at Corrigan, New York, and past president of IIDA’s New York Chapter. Together, they explore the role of community in design, sustainability practices, leadership in the A&D world, and how AI is shaping the future of the industry.

Alex shares inspiring advice for emerging designers, and reflects on...

Bringing this one back—just in time for SXSW!

Lauren Gant and Dr. Rachel Drosdick-Sigafoos are taking the stage at South by Southwest next week, so we’re resurfacing this powerful conversation on trauma-informed design in the workplace. Originally released in December 2024, this episode breaks down how our environments impact mental well-being, why design plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, and what organizations can do ...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Allsteel host Mary Kate Cassidy is joined by Rikki Crowe from Allsteel, Olivia Danielson-Veed from HOK, and Mark Coxon from AVI-SPL to discuss the evolving landscape of workplace design. They explore collaboration, space utilization, and user experience, reflecting on insights from a recent industry gathering at the Allsteel Experience Center in Chicago. Key themes include the need for c...

Season three of Tell Me More kicks off with a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of workplace design and culture. Host Andrea Gauss from Allsteel welcomes her colleagues Jordan Arnold, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule to explore key themes shaping the workplace in 2025. The conversation explores space planning strategies, the evolving role of private offices, and the connection between workplace culture, policy, and t...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant and Dr. Rachel Drosdick-Sigafoos explore the concept of trauma-informed design in the workplace. They discuss how trauma impacts employees, share strategies for creating supportive environments, and highlight findings from their latest research on workplace trauma. This insightful conversation serves as a precursor to their upcoming presentation at the South by Southwest Conference, emphasizing how ...

Steven Burgos, a design director, reflects on how his early fascination with the built environment shaped his path to a career in design. With a focus on mentorship and community engagement, Steven discusses the impact of design on people's lives and the importance of sharing experiences within the industry. He offers insights for emerging designers, emphasizing the value of networking, communication, and building a meaningful care...

In the final episode of this series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant, Jordan Arnold, and Rikki Crowe explore its profound implications in workplace environments. They discuss the necessity of inclusive design, the importance of creating spaces that cater to diverse needs, and the evolving dialogue around trauma in professional settings. The conversation emphasizes the value of flexibility, adaptability, and a focus on employe...

In this second episode of the series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant and Rikki Crowe explore how workplace environments can profoundly impact human experiences, particularly in addressing trauma and promoting well-being. They discuss the importance of creating supportive spaces that minimize dysregulation, the value of wellness rooms, and the role of furniture layout in fostering connection and comfort. The conversation also...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Lauren Gant and Jordan Arnold kick off a three-part series on trauma-informed design by exploring its critical role in fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. They unpack the prevalence of trauma, challenge common misconceptions, and highlight the importance of understanding diverse trauma responses. The conversation centers on a human-centric approach, emphasizing wel...

Jasmine Efrussy, an Associate Principal and Director of furniture services at Corrigan, reflects on her journey from a studio art major to a leader in interior design. With 25 years of experience, Jasmine discusses her work on high-profile projects like the Toyota North American headquarters and her dedication to creating meaningful community impact through design. She highlights the importance of mentorship, advocating for sustain...

In this episode of Tell Me More, Andrea Gauss and Brian Kaule explore the "Intentional Office" and how workplace design can boost productivity, collaboration, and engagement. They share insights from the pandemic, highlight the value of mentorship and socialization, and discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptable spaces that foster innovation and digital equity, aim...

In this episode, Jordan Arnold, a Senior Workplace Advisor with Allsteel, interviews Natalie Polvere, the Central Regional Sales Director for Norman Copenhagen, about sustainability in the furniture industry. They discuss the shift towards fast fashion-style production of furniture and the need for more sustainable practices. They highlight some of Norman Copenhagen's sustainable products, including the Bit Stool made from 100%...

In this episode, Andrea Gauss from Allsteel sits down with Heidi Frasure and Kathy Seli of Green Standards to explore the critical role of circularity and responsible decommissioning in the built environment. The conversation highlights the growing demand for companies to report on sustainability initiatives. Green Standards' mission centers on keeping furniture out of landfills, donating items to non-profits, and helping clien...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant guides listeners through an ergonomic adjustment walkthrough, offering practical home-based ergonomics tips. She defines ergonomics as the study of the interaction between humans and their work environment, emphasizing the importance of considering factors like posture, work tasks, tools and technology, work location, psychosocial state, individual differences, and the overall work environment. Dr. ...

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant and Tony Ash, Product Marketing Manager at Allsteel, explore how ergonomic principles can be seamlessly integrated into product design, ensuring ergonomics is an inherent feature rather than just a marketing tool. Dr. Gant brings her expertise in ergonomics to the discussion, which covers the four key areas—fit, movement, comfort, and intuitiveness—and the use of data-driven methods like anthropomet...

In this episode, Jordan Arnold sits down with Dr. Lauren Gant, a Senior Workplace Advisory Manager at Allsteel, to explore the nuances of ergonomics. They dive into what ergonomics truly means—beyond just furniture setup—examining how it addresses the interaction between people and their work environments. Dr. Gant shares insights on the personalized nature of ergonomic design, emphasizing that it's not a one-size-fits-all appr...

Peter Randolph, Architect and Director at geniant + Eastlake Studio in Chicago, IL., shares his insights and experiences in the architecture and design industry. He discusses his inspiration to join the industry and the impact of architecture on people's lives. Peter also highlights a project he is particularly proud of, the design of the Chicago Tribune headquarters. He emphasizes the importance of a client-centered approach a...

In this episode, host Rikki Crowe and Madison Gentry from Allsteel, along with Dima Daimi-Lewis, founder of Provoke Designs, discuss the benefits of demountable walls in workplace design. They highlight how these walls provide flexibility and adaptability, embodying the concept of "living in beta" by supporting current and future work needs. The guests explain that demountable walls save time for interior architects and s...

Season two of Tell Me More kicks off with a discussion on co-solutioning and collaboration across brands and businesses. Host Jordan Arnold from Allsteel welcomes Eric Pfeifer from Corral and Peter Simonsen from Kvadrat to share insights on their joint effort in developing Pier Shelving, a sustainable product made from textile waste. They explore how the material inspired the design of Pier Shelving and how it addresses office spac...