Tell Me More

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll speaks with designer Joey Shimoda, Chief Creative Officer of Shimoda Design Group, about his unique approach to design, the influence of travel and personal passions on creativity, and the evolving landscape of the design industry. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the role of technology in design, and the significance of participating in design competiti...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Andrea Gauss and Taylor Morgan of Allsteel sit down with Tyler Peterson, Vice President of Talent and Culture at Interior Elements, for a conversation on the complexities of workplace culture. They explore the significance of people, place, and policy in shaping an organization's culture, emphasizing the need for intentionality in creating a positive work environment. The conversatio...

In this episode of Tell Me More, Allsteel's Andrea Gauss, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule offer an exclusive preview of what’s ahead at the Allsteel Experience Center during Chicago Design Week 2025. Framed through the lens of workplace strategy and design innovation, they unpack the event’s central themes: intentional community, sustainability, collaborative environments, the power of co-solutioning with clients, and a new era of...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Madison Gentry of Allsteel joins Maya Johnson and Melissa Rudolph from EUA Wisconsin to explore the evolving world of demountable walls. They discuss the advantages of flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in construction, while diving into the challenges of planning, coordination, and acoustic performance. Together, they share insights on future trends and how demountable walls su...

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Rikki Crowe and Brianna Johnson from Allsteel continue the conversation around evolving workplace design strategies, focusing on three key planning approaches: department-centric, neighborhood-centric, and project-centric. They explore how thoughtful planning can reflect an organization’s culture while supporting a variety of workstyles and activities. The discussion also revisits the co...

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 clients m...

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. ...