Returning for its third year, NeoCon Talks unites influential voices for twelve thought-provoking 20-minute conversations on the 7th Floor Exhibit Hall. Presented in partnership with Work Design Magazine, the talks will delve into bold perspectives on next-gen creativity, workplace evolution, technology & AI, human-centered design, and brand & storytelling.
Additional programming registration not required.
Casey Martin, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, IIDA
Assistant Professor of Interior Design, George Fox University
In today’s evolving design industry, engaging Gen Z talent is key to building future-focused workplaces. This session explores the unique perspectives and skills Gen Z brings to the field, offering leaders actionable strategies to foster a productive, inclusive, and creative environment. This session includes a panel of the winners of the FORM Student Innovation Competition by Formica, providing firsthand insights into what motivates and empowers the next generation of designers.
About the Speaker:
Casey Martin is an accomplished Interior Designer specializing in education and commercial workplace design. As the founder of Reverie Design Studio, she focuses on creating innovative learning environments, integrating technology and accommodating diverse learning styles. In addition to her professional practice, Casey leads the Interior Design program at George Fox University outside of Portland, Oregon, as an Assistant Professor. Under her leadership, the program has experienced a 200% increase in enrollment over four years and has earned national recognition, winning the IIDA Campus Center of the Year award in both 2023 and 2024. Passionate about design education, Casey is dedicated to shaping the next generation of designers and advancing the field of Interior Design through mentorship and innovative pedagogy.
Susan Chang
Senior Vice President, Workplace Design Advisory, JLL
In this captivating 20-minute presentation, we'll explore the dynamic landscape of today's workplace, unveiling the key factors driving change across industries. As organizations grapple with unprecedented challenges, we'll delve into the fundamental shifts reshaping how and where we work. By the end of this talk, you'll be equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Whether you're a business leader, facilities manager, or simply curious about the future of work, this presentation promises to deliver valuable takeaways for creating more effective and adaptable work environments.
About the Speaker:
With nearly 30 years of experience in Interior Design and Consulting Leadership, Susan Chang has successfully led complex projects across North America and internationally. Her portfolio spans corporate offices, post-secondary institutions, retail, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.
Susan's expertise extends to change engagement facilitation, helping clients navigate operational and organizational transitions. At JLL, she leads the national Workplace Design Advisory division, overseeing Real Estate Optimization, Workplace Strategy, Functional Programming, Design Services, and Change Engagement.
Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall
CEO & A&D Sales Strategist, Thrive In Design
Discover how to use podcasting to tell powerful brand stories, connect with your audience, and stand out in the marketplace. Learn practical tips to turn your voice into a tool for influence and innovation.
About the Speaker:
Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall, MA, is the Founder and CEO of Thrive In Design, where she combines over 17 years of experience in interior design and business strategy to help interior product companies elevate brand awareness and revenue. A graduate of Syracuse University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, Nicole developed the proprietary A.C.E. The Journey™ method to enhance customer experience and empower sales teams. She has partnered with brands like Cambria, Koroseal, and USAI Lighting, driving over $15 million in revenue. Nicole believes that companies thrive when they align design excellence with a human-centered approach.
Rochelle Porter
CEO / Creative Director, Rochelle Porter Design
Discover how doodling can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and spark new ideas. Simple sketches activate the brain’s relaxation response, improve problem-solving, and enhance mental clarity. Doodling is a simple yet powerful tool for boosting creativity and generating breakthroughs, making it a valuable practice for anyone in design, business, and beyond.
About the Speaker:
Rochelle Porter has never met a blank surface she didn’t want to draw on. A lifelong lover of global design traditions, the Atlanta-based artist takes cues from her Caribbean roots, the stark simplicity of Scandinavian design, and West African weaving techniques to create luxury wallpaper and vibrant textiles for hospitality, commercial, and residential interiors. Her patterns feature unexpected bursts of color and classic motifs with a fresh, modern twist.
True to her brand’s tagline, “Design for Abundant Living,” Rochelle aims to infuse joy into everyday objects, making even the mundane extraordinary. She believes everyone who interacts with her products should experience abundance and beauty, from the production team to the end user. To that end, RPD prioritizes sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and the use of organic materials when possible.
Rochelle’s work has been featured in Hospitality Design, Business of Home, Designers Today, House Beautiful, and a host of other media outlets. Her home accessories collections are available on WestElm.com, Wayfair and more. Rochelle Porter Design is a certified Woman-Owned Business. To learn more, visit rochelleporter.com.
Melissa Marsh
Founder and CEO, PLASTARC
Imagine a workplace where your desk nudges you to stretch, your chair adapts to improve focus, and your conference table seamlessly records every idea. Melissa Marsh, a leader in workplace innovation and founder of PLASTARC, teams up with a collaborator from Logitech to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming workspaces into dynamic, responsive environments that engage and support users. AI is no longer just a tool for efficiency; it’s reshaping how we interact with our surroundings. Smart furniture, advanced devices, interconnected technologies, AI-driven building systems, and real-time data analytics are creating spaces that learn, adapt, and actively support healthier, more productive behaviors. By balancing hardware and software, workplaces can go beyond optimizing space and energy use to fostering creativity, movement, and collaboration.
About the Speaker:
Melissa Marsh is an expert in Workplace Strategy and a leader in Change Management services. She has defined a career in workplace innovation by embedding the added value of real estate strategy within design, architecture and master planning projects around the world.
Working in both Europe and the US, Melissa has been on the forefront of delivering alternative workplace solutions, and has led virtual teams throughout her career. She has contributed to courses for CoreNet and Worktech, spearheaded international learning and technology initiatives, and lectured at UVA, Cornell and MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
Filippo Lodi
Director, Senior Architect, UNStudio
Ren Yee
Associate Director, Senior Architect, UNStudio
What if architecture could intuitively respond to human thoughts and emotions? Join Filippo Lodi and Ren Yee from UNS as they delve into the transformative impact of merging cognitive psychology with cutting-edge technologies like eye-tracking and virtual reality. Learn how these groundbreaking innovations are reshaping the design process, crafting environments that actively adapt to improve our well-being and productivity
About the Speakers:
Filippo Lodi is a Director redefining architecture through insight-driven design, experience innovation, and human-centric solutions. Leading a multidisciplinary team of architects, interior designers, urban planners, creative strategists, and product designers, he integrates strategic thinking with design execution, ensuring environments are not just visually compelling but deeply purposeful.
With a background spanning architecture, urban design, and product innovation, Filippo connects digital interfaces, physical spaces, and emerging technologies to anticipate human needs and shape future experiences. Since 2008, he has spearheaded pioneering projects such as the Porsche Retail Experience in Changsha, KTC (Karle Town Centre), a future-forward urban district in Bangalore, WASL Tower, a high-performance mixed-use skyscraper in Dubai, the Osaka Ferris Wheel, an engineering and experiential landmark in Japan, and The Coolest White, an ultra-durable paint mitigating urban heat.
Beyond design, Filippo advances the industry dialogue by challenging conventional thinking. Through workshops, guest critiques, and lectures at Harvard GSD, The Bartlett, TU Darmstadt, and the University of Bologna, he shifts the focus from aesthetics to strategic, research-driven impact.
By bridging research, strategy, and execution, Filippo ensures design is not just seen but truly felt, understood, and transformative.
Ren Yee, Associate Director at UNS, is a recognized leader at the intersection of design, innovation, and technology. Since joining UNS in 2008, Ren has led innovative strategies and design projects across various fields, including architecture, transportation, mobility and urban planning. His expertise goes beyond traditional design to include health, economics, and technology consultancy, where he advises clients on strategies to future-proof their operations and integrate cutting-edge technologies seamlessly.
Leading a multidisciplinary team of strategists and consultants - from placemaking experts and user researchers to technology and innovation specialists, brand strategists, and future forecasters, he bring a unique holistic approach to projects. His work is marked by a strong emphasis on innovation, community value, and user-centered design.
As an Adjunct Professor at IE Business School and a sought-after speaker, Ren advocates for technology solutions that enhance life quality and promote sustainable urban development. Ren’s visionary approach is clearly seen in his contributions to major projects such as the Austin Light Rail, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and the Hardt Hyperloop. His commitment to user-centric, empathetic design merges digital and physical spaces to create environments that are innovative and focused on human needs. This approach not only sets new standards in the industry but also redefines how design can enhance human experiences.
Meena Krenek
Global Sector Director, Interiors, Principal, HKS
Explore how sensory intelligence blends data, consumer behavior, and emotions to shape immersive environments. Learn how tools like biometric data and ethnographic studies reveal patterns to optimize design for personalized, impactful experiences. Discover how mapping the "ideal experience" enhances spaces like stadiums, retail stores, and cultural venues.
About the Speaker:
Meena Krenek is the Interiors Global Sector Director and a Principal at HKS. As the firm’s Global Sector Director, Interiors, she oversees HKS’ Interior Design and Experiential Branding services. She excels in experiential design that tells a story, provokes a feeling, and encourages the end user to embark on a unique brand experience. Meena’s design leadership fosters innovative thinking and has been recognized in top publications such as the New York Times, Psychology Today and Monocle on Design.
Jenna Szczech, NCIDQ, IIDA
Senior Designer, RMW
Imagine a workplace that is focused on technology while prioritizing human experience. This talk explores designing visionary office spaces for cutting-edge companies, emphasizing kinship and human-centered design. You'll be inspired to move beyond outdated futuristic ideas and design workplaces that truly bring people together.
About the Speaker:
The study of art, theater, and dance in her youth gave Jenna Szczech the creative foundation she needed for a successful career in design. Fascinated by the way people move through space, she pursued interior design to create environments that are beautiful, adaptable, and comfortable.
Jenna has collaborated with various clients, ranging from advanced technology to corporate and residential. This experience refined her ability to balance aesthetics and function in her designs. She credits her love of people-watching with giving her insight into the human experience, enabling her to design better workplace environments that enhance the user experience. Jenna earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from the University of California, Davis, and is certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
José M. Jordan, RID, IIDA
Principal, DLR Group
How can design transform lives within the justice system? The Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment (NYCE) reimagines juvenile justice architecture, prioritizing healing, dignity, and community well-being. Jose Jordan shares how trauma-informed interior design can reshape intimidating environments into spaces that foster resilience, reduce recidivism, and inspire positive change.
Speaker:
José Jordan, RID, IIDA, is an Interiors Leader and Principal at DLR Group, bringing nearly two decades of expertise in restorative and trauma-informed justice design. He specializes in creating interior environments for civic courthouses, secure treatment facilities, and transitional spaces, ensuring that design supports human dignity, rehabilitation, and well-being. His work demonstrates how thoughtful spatial planning and material choices can foster healing, equity, and functionality in public spaces. José is passionate about reimagining environments to better serve those who interact with them, from justice-involved individuals to staff and community members. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to integrate evidence-based design principles that enhance safety, reduce stress, and promote positive outcomes. As a recognized leader in his field, José continues to advance conversations around the intersection of interior design, social impact, and justice reform, advocating for spaces that reflect empathy, purpose, and progress.
Jessica Haley
Principal and Director of Interior Design, RODE Architects
How can hospitality design principles enhance workplaces, healthcare facilities, and residential developments – spaces that increasingly need to be reimagined? Using actionable insights and real-world examples, this session explores how to rethink traditional spaces by incorporating service-driven, comfort-focused design elements and how flexible workspaces, luxury amenities, and smart technologies create more engaging, community-oriented environments.
About the Speaker:
As Principal & the Director of Interior Design, Jessica Haley leads the firm’s interiors team, which works across all sectors including Hospitality, Multi-family, Institutional and Workplace. She also works within leadership on firm operations and strategy. Pioneering RODE's interiors department in 2013, Jessica has cultivated a rigorous design approach within the firm that is collaborative and integral to the project teams from an early stage of design. This ensures thoughtful, human-centric programming and flow. She describes RODE's design style as being a mix of the tried and true with originality and innovation. Jessica received a BFA from the New England School of Art & Design and a Master of Interior Architecture from the Boston Architectural College, where she was recently awarded the 2022 Distinguished Alumni in Interior Architecture Award for her exemplary accomplishments, service and commitment to the field of interior design. Prior to joining RODE, Jessica worked on complex Institutional and Higher Ed Interior Design. She has been featured in NBC’s Restaurants Reinvented, Restaurant Development + Design Magazine, Interiors + Sources Magazine and other national publications.
Nisha Sewell, NCIDQ, ARIDO, IDC
Sales Executive, The Collective
Jodi Williams, AICP | LEED AP ID+C | Prosci, Principal
Global Solutions Director, Optimized Asset Portfolios, Arcadis Inc.
Helia Taheri, Ph.D., EDAC, WELL AP, LEED GA
Global Human-Centric Research Manager, Arcadis
Instead of doing what's easy, how can we do what's right? What can we learn from history that can help us navigate how we build in a meaningful way? What core values are shifting today and how can we take a moment to pause and evaluate the way we are pivoting? What is the future we aspire to build?
About the Speakers:
Nisha Sewell is a talented interior designer with a strong business background, which allows her to craft design solutions that align with corporate goals and cultures. After transitioning from practicing interior design, she joined The Collective, a furniture dealer in Toronto. Nisha’s education from Dalhousie University, Toronto Metropolitan University, and Parson's New School for Design equips her with a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight.
Jodi Williams AICP, LEED AP ID+C Principal; Global Solutions Director, Future Workplace, Arcadis Washington, D.C. Jodi Williams brings over 20 years of experience in workplace strategy, facility planning and change management. She leads strategic planning efforts for public and private sector clients, and has been a featured speaker at industry events such as CoreNet, IFMA World Workplace, and Greenbuild.
Dr. Helia Taheri is an award-winning researcher with 8+ years of experience in strategizing and conducting mixed-methods human-centric research, cross-pollinating between architecture, human behavior, and sustainability, and committed to bridging the gap between academia and industry. She has led and conducted human-centric research for global client projects across sectors such as workplace, retail, residential, and mixed-use, as well as spearheaded internal initiatives such as the KPI-Driven Design Toolkit and workplace post-occupancy evaluation (POE) template. In her research, Dr. Taheri designs inclusive methods to collect credible data from diverse stakeholders and synthesizes insights to inform design decisions that positively impact people, the planet, and business. She is a lifelong learner, so she actively contributes to the design research community by presenting at conferences, publishing papers, mentoring, and delivering guest lectures, and advocating for data-driven and impact-oriented design. Dr. Taheri is the co-chair of the Researchers in Professional Practice Knowledge Network and holds a Ph.D. in Design from NC State University, along with an M.S. in Sustainability and a B.Arch. in Architectural Engineering from the University of Tehran.
Eric Gannon, AIA
Principal, Gensler Chicago
Joey Lawton
Creative Director, Brand, Gensler Chicago
The physical office was once a status symbol of our professional identity. But in March 2020, that foundation was shaken, and there was a seismic shift in how we work. Next came WFH, hybrid models, and experimentation, along with office vacancies. Five years later, we are still navigating a complex, evolving relationship with our work environment. The big question is: where do we go from here?
About the Speakers:
Eric Gannon is a Principal and Studio Director in Gensler’s Chicago office. A leader in the firm’s workplace practice, Eric has extensive experience partnering with clients across industries to create purpose-driven office environments unique to the clients that they enable. He works at the leading edge of workplace design, blazing the trail for new processes, acting as a connector of boundary-pushing ideas and solutions, and seeking inspiration from a variety of disciplines and experiences. Eric frequently contributes thought leadership to a variety of publications and audiences and has served on the board of The Wabash Lights and the CoreNet Global Chicago Chapter.
Joey Lawton is the Creative Director for Gensler Chicago’s Brand studio and is a key contributor to the firm’s Product Development, Strategy, and Digital Experience Design practice areas. His 18-year professional journey includes founding and leading the acclaimed experiential design studio, Media-Objectives, where he worked on branding, wayfinding, exhibition, and placemaking based projects across a wide range of typologies. Throughout his career, Joey has earned numerous accolades, including the Interior Design Magazine’s HiP award for Brand Leader, five SEGD Global Design Awards, multiple Interior Design Best of Year Awards, and the AIA National Service Award. He’s been recognized by Metropolis Magazine as the “Windy City Wunderkind” and by the New York Times for his role in creating “Wonder Woods.”
