Program Library

Design is the undercurrent to our lives. But how do you create experiences that touch myriad people, with different needs, goals, and interests? Today, innovation in design is critical to the lifeblood of creators, and a top priority for clients and consumers alike. Creating and designing inclusive spaces and experiences doesn't happen by accident.

Annie Jean-Baptiste is a business disrupting tech executive who builds for the 21st century needs of consumers. She transforms companies into human centered, authentic brands that can tap into unlocked growth opportunities. She’s brought her forward-looking, data driven approach to game-changing products serving billions of customers globally. Her talk demonstrated how designers of all kinds can leverage lived experiences to fuel innovation, creating more holistic experiences for everyone.

Annie Jean-Baptiste
Author, Building for Everyone

Annie Jean-Baptiste is a business disrupting tech executive and the author of Building for Everyone, the first book about building inclusive products across the intersections of 12 dimensions of diversity. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in International Relations and Political Science with distinction. She formerly served as an intrapreneur in residence at the University Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, a facilitator for Penn’s Chief Learning Officer Business Acumen program and a member of both the CTA Health Equity and Access Leadership (HEAL) Coalition and sits on the IEEE&’s Executive committee, Ethically Aligned Design committee and co-chairs the DEI committee. She’s been inducted into the Haitian Roundtable’s 1804 society as “One to Watch” and inducted as one of the 30 Black Stars for Face to Face Africa in 2019. Annie is a former American Heart Association spokesperson and a One Young World ambassador, focused on healthy lifestyles in underserved communities. She is also a former Hack the Hood mentor. Annie is also the Director of Product Inclusion & Equity at Google. She leads Product Inclusion & Equity strategy across the company and consults with various Alphabet companies, including consultation, communications, scale and research and created the movement as a way to ensure historically marginalized users felt validated throughout the product design process. She formerly led & created programs related to diversity talent management and career development within several technical product areas within Google. She’s been covered in The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Essence Magazine, TechCrunch, Forbes, Business Insider, Teen Vogue, InStyle, MSNBC, CNBC, ABC, Cheddar, Business Insider, the Huffington Post, the Root, the Council of Fashion Designers of America Annual Report, The Miami Times, Bustle, Boston Globe and Fortune Magazine and was voted into Ebony Magazine’s power 100 list for 2022 and ADCOLOR in tech award, Boston Design Week’s 2024 Social Impact Winner, and currently serves as a Webby’s Executive Judge. She most recently was announced as a United Nations Equity 2030 Executive Champion.

Design is one of the most powerful forces in our lives, and the most exciting. Alice Rawsthorn, author of Design as an Attitude and cofounder of the Design Emergency Podcast, shared her vision of design at NeoCon 2025 as an eclectic, open-ended agent of change that can help us all to live safely, fairly, and prosperously by developing ingenious solutions to the complex social, economic, and ecological challenges we face. She also explored how the NeoCon community can benefit from this new concept of design at a time when we are becoming increasingly sophisticated in our expectations of the spaces where we work and play.

Alice Rawsthorn
Author of Design as an Attitude and Co-Founder of Design Emergency Podcast

Alice Rawsthorn is an award-winning design critic and author, whose books include Design as an Attitude, Hello World: Where Design Meets Life and Design Emergency: Building a Better Future, co-written with Paola Antonelli, senior curator of design at MoMA, New York. Alice’s weekly design column for The New York Times was syndicated worldwide for over a decade. In all her work, she champions design’s potential as a social, political and ecological tool. Born in Manchester and based in London, Alice is a founding member of the Writers for Liberty campaign for human rights and the global advisory council of the DemocracyNext research and action institute. She was chair of trustees at Chisenhale Gallery, Hepworth Wakefield and Michael Clark Company, and a trustee of Whitechapel Gallery and Arts Council England. Alice is a co-founder, with Paola, of the Design Emergency Podcast, YouTube channel and research platform, which investigates design’s role in forging a fairer future.

What will the future of public space look like – and how will design address the evolving needs of the next generation, starting today? IIDA and our Futurist-in-Residence, Mark Bryan of the Future Today Strategy Group, convene an all-star panel for a research-based exploration of how the spaces of the future can create a sense of welcome and a sense of agency for all. They shared a deeply relevant discussion that ranges from neuroscience to cultural competence, and includes actionable insights and strategies that will shape public space for decades to come.

Tom Polucci, FIIDA, AIA
Firmwide Director of Interiors, HOK

Tom Polucci, FIIDA, serves as the Director of Interiors and Chair of Interiors Board at HOK. Tom’s responsibilities and achievements in the firm’s high-profile design market are remarkable. He has over 30 years of expertise in managing the design of corporate office projects for some of the most recognizable companies in the world. He has served as the principal designer on hundreds of projects. Educated, trained, and licensed as an architect, Tom brings a unique perspective to interior design; his focus is on creating an exceptional three-dimensional space for clients. Tom leads numerous initiatives at HOK including the annual publication HOK Forward as well as numerous white papers on neurodiversity, sustainability, tech clients and most recently wealth management. Tom works closely with the leadership of Experience Design, HOK’s studio dedicated to branding and client experience as well as the Consulting and WorkPlace leadership teams. Outside of Tom’s responsibilities at HOK, Tom is a member of the Board of DIFFA National and a member of the IIDA Equity Council.

Jessica Bantom, Assoc. IIDA
Global Leader of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging, DLR Group

Jessica Bantom, Assoc. IIDA, serves as the Global Leader of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging at DLR Group. With over 20 years of experience, she works diligently to help designers increase their cultural competence so they can create in ways that honor humanity. At DLR Group Bantom develops and leads equity initiatives and outreach to ensure their culture and commitments resonate with all employee-owners, instilling an authentic sense of belonging. She is a member of their executive team and partners with firm leaders to move the firm to a consistently equitable, diverse, and inclusive design culture.

Joey Shimoda, FAIA, FIIDA
Co-Founder, Shimoda Design Group

Joey Shimoda is curious about anything beautifully designed. A lifetime of searching has created an exceptional architect, planner, and interior designer. His expertise, passion and thoughtfulness lead to inspired and tailored solutions. Born in Alabama and educated in California, wanderlust has led him to live in Florence and London. In 2000, he and Susan Chang founded Shimoda Design Group in a loading dock in the artist district of Los Angeles. Notable clients include; Rolex, Bad Robot Productions, TOMS, Steelcase, Bloomberg and Tishman Speyer. Joey is one of the rare designers who is a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Erin Jennings, IIDA, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB
Principal, Luminaut

Erin Jennings, IIDA, AIA, NCIDQ, NCARB is Principal for Luminaut. She fosters passion and compassion through elevating the human experience in the built environment; with focusing on how the design imprint can impact positive behavioral, cognitive, and physical growth. Jenning’s research and design practice brings over 20 years of experience studying the psychology of space and the impact the environment has on overall human well-being. She has worked on several award-winning new construction and renovation projects with many public and academic libraries, schools and communities, integrating best practices and evidence-based design techniques into every project. Her deep passion subsists in creating dynamic and immersive learning environments, where she brings strong leadership and a multi-disciplinary approach to each project she designs. Jennings believes that successful spatial experiences are built from innovative approaches coupling empathy, design technicality, and environmental responsibility.

Mark Bryan, NCIDQ, IIDA (Moderator)
Senior Foresight Manager, Future Today Strategy Group

Mark Bryan is a Senior Foresight Manager at the Future Today Strategy Group and leads the Built Environment, Hospitality, Retail, Restaurants & CPG practices. He has also authored and provided insights into the Supply Chain, Logistics, and Manufacturing industries. Prior to FTI, Mark worked as a workplace strategist, designer, design researcher, and futurist for clients across the country, most recently through his role as Director of Innovation + Research and Senior Interior Designer. Mark’s portfolio of clients includes national foundations, global CPG companies, international associations, product manufacturers, national retail brands, higher education institutions, nonprofits, multi-family developers, healthcare systems, senior living facilities, restaurants, and large corporate clients. Mark has developed research surrounding what leaders need to know about the future of workplace culture and authored several whitepapers on topics such as co-living strategy, distance learning, and senior living facilities. In his work at FTI, Mark has explored the future of communities, digital interactions, supply chain and logistics, geographic cities, the workplace, immersive experiences, hotels and restaurants, design, manufacturing, urban planning, engineering, and artificial intelligence’s impact on various industries and sectors.

Four years after offices shut down for the pandemic and working from home became commonplace, the debate rages on as to whether employees need to return to a literal office to innovate.

For this lively discussion, we’ve assembled perspectives from an office designer, corporate end user and workforce strategist, who established, not just if we are returning to the old way of work but what a progressive future of work could be.

Lee Pasteris, NCIDQ
Design Principal, Gensler

Lee Pasteris partners with clients to create distinctive designs that transform context into compelling stories and unparalleled experiences. She is dedicated to expressing the individual character of each space through extraordinary interior design solutions. Blending her passion for design, global culture and wellness, Lee brings a distinctive perspective to her work. She leverages her broad experience and insatiable curiosity to craft experiential designs that resonate with each clients' unique personality and brand. Drawing inspiration from her own fitness-focused lifestyle as an avid runner, swimmer and martial artist, Lee designs spaces that foster connections between people while enhancing wellness and sustainability. Her enthusiasm, creativity and collaborative spirit translate to inspiring and timeless design solutions on a variety of high-profile projects. As a Design Principal in the Gensler LA office, Lee promotes a research-driven process, continually seeking innovative ways to incorporate materials into architectural spaces. Through a holistic approach to design, she seeks to spread a vision of enduring beauty, functionality and refinement. Lee’s knack for bringing rich textures and unexpected finishes together with practical functionality has made her a go-to expert on a wide variety of projects. One of her passions is researching materials and how they can be incorporated in innovative ways—from architecture and interior design to carpet and furniture design. She has also received Gensler Research Grants for the study of high-performance fibers and is an accomplished product designer.

Megan DeTratto
Director of Workforce Strategy, DesignForce

Megan DeTratto is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of global Talent Acquisition expertise in the design and building industries. Her career combines consulting and corporate experience, specializing in strategies for multi-generational workforces within the AEC sector.

Ms. DeTratto has a proven track record of recruiting and developing talent across all levels, from early-career professionals to senior executives. She fosters a culture of growth and mentorship, nurturing early-career professionals into senior leaders. This commitment to sustainable workforce development is a hallmark of her expertise.

At DesignForce, Ms. DeTratto focuses on building high-caliber, diverse teams that drive excellence. Her dedication to creating inclusive and effective teams underscores her role as a leader in talent acquisition. With a strong background in both consulting and corporate environments, she brings a unique perspective to her work, ensuring that her strategies are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA
Founder & President, ThinkLab

Amanda Schneider is the Founder & President at ThinkLab, the research division of Interior Design Magazine. As a former blogger for the Huffington Post Amanda has been exploring the future of work through the lens of design for more than two decades. Her latest research around Gen Z was featured in a viral Forbes article titled Gen Z and the Great Office Debate Won’t End in 2023. She also co-authored the #1 article in the MIT Sloan management review July of 2024, and took the TedX stage in 2024 which can now be found on TED.com. Her degree in Industrial Design coupled with an MBA formed her foundation at the intersection of design and business and the power of that intersection to transform our world. Learn more by tuning into her award-winning podcast, Design Nerds Anonymous.

Grace Snelling (Moderator)
Editorial Assistant, Fast Company

Grace Snelling is a journalist focusing on product design, branding, art, and all things Gen Z. Her work has included an exploration into the wacky world of Duolingo’s famous mascot, an interview with the New Yorker’s art editor about the scramble to prepare a cover image of Donald Trump post-2024 election, and an analysis of how the pineapple became the ultimate sex symbol. Before joining Fast Company in 2023, she wrote about the local arts and culture scene for St. Louis Magazine.

In this panel discussion, attendees discovered how the upper floors of the Macy’s building were transformed into office space for a food ingredients company and, how an old bank building in Chicago’s Financial District became the new HQ for a software firm. Both were designed to make employees truly want to get back to the office in this post-pandemic hybrid work environment.

Ian Preston
Project Designer, Partners by Design

With years of experience, and more than six at Partners by Design, Ian Preston, Project Designer, brings creativity, dedication, and fun to each project, aiding clients from design conception through completion. His background in hospitality management gives him a uniquely fresh approach to design that translates into thoughtful, considered spaces. Ian’s experience includes a range of project scopes and scales, from local businesses to globally recognized firms, in the technology, healthcare, media, residential, and finance industries. Acting as lead designer, Ian is able to communicate effectively to the project team and can speak to both the technical and creative sides of his role. His design translation skills, attention to detail, and creative eye produce forward-looking spaces and experiences, all while being a dependable teammate to his project teams. In his free time, Ian enjoys exploring the great city of Chicago, finding new places to drink and dine, and taking his willful-spirited dog, Dusty, on long walks along the lake.

Mar Tenas i Bastida
Senior Director of Procurement, Real Estate, and Workplace Operations, Relativity

Mar Tenas i Bastida is the Senior Director of Procurement, Real Estate, and Workplace Operations at global legal technology company Relativity. With more than 15 years of experience in the technology sector, specializing in high-growth companies, Mar is a versatile leader driving the continuous development of workplace programs to enhance employee experience and operational efficiency. In her role, she oversees global real estate transactions and portfolio management, workplace experience strategy and execution, and future of work enablement initiatives. Mar is a trusted thought partner to Relativity employees across functions and around the world with a strong reputation for developing high-performance teams. Over the span of just 3 years, she spearheaded the relocation and buildout of three of Relativity’s offices (London, Krakow, and the company’s headquarters in Chicago), all major undertakings that required careful coordination with thousands of people. Mar was pivotal in ensuring the new work environments were designed to be spaces where innovation, comfort, and well-being come together to enhance the overall employee experience.

Al Fiesel
Al Fiesel

Al Fiesel is executive director at LJC, is a full-service design and architecture firm based in Chicago. Al has over 30 years of experience in the design industry. His areas of expertise include programming, lease negotiations, schematic design, design development, initial budget development, issuance of contract documents, and construction administration. Throughout Al’s career, he has delivered over 58M SF of architecture, corporate shell and core, and interior projects

Jan Parr (Moderator)
Contributor, Crain's Chicago Business

Jan Parr, a contributor to Crain's Chicago Business, has been creating quality content for magazines and the web for more than 30 years. Most recently, she was assistant managing editor of Crain’s Chicago Business, where she created the publication’s popular “Coolest Offices” feature. A longtime editor at Chicago magazine, she became a specialist in start-ups, founding three magazines for the city brand: Chicago Home + Garden, Chicago Shops, and Chicago Visitor. Jan created Chicago magazine’s first online blog, Design Dose. She also founded Online Investor magazine, a consumer publication; Dividends, a custom publication for Staples small-business customers; and was on the start-up team for Connect-Time, a magazine newspaper insert instructing readers about what was then the fledgling world of the Internet. Jan was a reporter for Forbes in its Chicago bureau and news editor of Crain’s Electronic Media. She is the author of three books, including Chicago Spaces: Inspiring Interiors, as well as two titles for young adults: The Young Vegetarian’s Companion and Amelia Earhart: First Lady of Flight. Her byline has appeared in national and local publications.

Imagine stepping into a space that makes you feel calm and focused—a space that feels restorative. This is the profound impact of the ScienceDesignLab’s innovative work in fractal-based designs. Dr. Richard Taylor, Anastasija Lesjak and Martin Lesjak- founding members of the ScienceDesignLab, an international collaboration of scientists, artists and designers shared how they have channeled the power of these intricate, stress-reducing, and repeating patterns found in nature to create fractal-based designs scientifically proven to reduce stress, enhance creativity and promote wellbeing.

Richard P. Taylor, PhD
Professor of Physics, Psychology and Art, University of Oregon, Fractals Research

Richard Taylor is a Professor of Physics, Psychology and Art and currently is Head of the Physics Department at the University of Oregon. He has a Ph.D. and D.Sc. in physics and a Masters degree in art theory. He has worked in the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, Sweden, and New Zealand, and has published more than 300 papers. This includes 11 papers in Nature and 3 in Science. In addition to his career in science, he is a trained painter and photographer. He adopts an interdisciplinary approach to studying natural patterns called fractals. His main focus is Bioinspiration – exploring the favorable properties that make fractals so prevalent in nature and applying them to artificial systems. He has studied fractals in physics, psychology, physiology, geography, architecture and art.

Martin Lesjak, Architect and Designer
Co-Founder and Design Director, INNOCAD architecture and 13&9 Design

Architect Martin Lesjak co-founded Austrian-based INNOCAD architecture in 1999 and has since completed numerous projects of diverse sizes and scopes in architecture and interior design such as residential, office, hospitality, healthcare, mixed-use, educational, public, and retail. His transdisciplinary team is renowned for their “out of the box” thinking and their analytical and pragmatic approach to architecture and design by creating solutions with purpose and meaning.

Lesjak's foresight and expertise in architecture, design, and craft – as well as an affinity for art – has guided his firms in innovative directions. Together with partners, he leads multifaceted international projects combining creativity without boundaries.

In addition to many signature corporate, housing, and institutional works, current projects include an international school in King Abdullah Economic City (UAE), a competence center for MAM Health & Innovation and the first Radisson RED hotel in Vienna (AT) as well as a new housing product, that combines serviced living and co-living.

Together with Dr. med. univ. Anastasija Lesjak, he founded the product design studio 13&9 Design. The award-winning firm develops concepts that take users out of their daily routines in an aim to experience personalization, creativity, innovation, well-being, biophilia, and social and environmental connectivity. The team works as a design studio for international companies developing product collections, while also operating as a label producing their own products with small-scale manufacturers, in turn supporting creative growth in their local area. Their design process seeks to find an added value, “the soul,” to explore consciousness in design and its craft so that users are able to bond emotionally and intuitively to the subject. This open relationship between user and design confronts unsustainable consumption with a holistic commitment to the environment.

Pursuing design strategies that are based on the scientifically well-founded analysis of stress-reducing concepts in the built environment, 13&9 formed the ScienceDesignLab with leading scientist and physicist, Professor Dr. Richard Taylor from the University of Oregon and Fractals Research Laboratory (USA). The lab developed a Fractal Library with refined patterns for broader applications that serve as a versatile resource for designers and architects.

Lesjak is a frequent lecturer and speaker at several universities and worldwide events, and also received one of the architecture and design community’s top honors, “Designer of the Year 2015” by Contract Magazine in the United States, followed by “Architect of the Year 2016” by BUILD Magazine in the United Kingdom. Over the years, his work has been published internationally and recognized with various awards, honors, and nominations in both architecture and interior design.

Anastasija Lesjak, Dr. med. univ.
Co-Founder, CEO and Creative Director 13&9 Design, Co-Founder of ScienceDesignLab

Dr. med. univ. Anastasija Lesjak is CEO and Creative Director of 13&9 Design, a transdisciplinary product design firm in Graz (AT) that develops projects across multiple categories such as furniture, lighting, acoustics, textiles, accessories, as well as exhibition and sound design. Her diverse background, with a doctor degree at Medical University of Graz and product design expertise, she bridges the gap between science and use in practice as well as enhances her team’s cross-disciplinary process. As head of concepts and product development at 13&9 Design, she works with an international team of designers, scientists, universities, product developers, manufacturing partners contributing to the innovative concepts for health and well-being in the workplace, education, hospitality, public and private spaces. One of her main areas of focus concerns research into perception and the effects of specific patterns that occur in nature. These patterns have the greatest significance in the built environment, where people have little to no access to nature. From this scientific interest came the collaboration with one of the leading scientists and physicists in this field, Professor Richard Taylor from the University of Oregon and Fractals Research (USA). In 2017, they co-founded ScienceDesignLab with the mission to create science-informed, human-based fractals for application in the built environment. In addition to her role as Creative Director of 13&9, she also consults for INNOCAD architecture. Lesjak is a frequent speaker at diverse universities and international events and was awarded with the title “Product Designer of the Year 2019” by Interior Design Magazine (US).

Achieving neuroinclusion in the workplace requires an integrated corporate culture built upon intentional strategies covering design standards through operational policies. In this featured presentation, subject matter experts drew upon their deep experience and research to share best practices in designing for a neuroinclusive environment and supporting a neurodivergent workforce.

Attendees gained insight on how creating a neuroinclusive environment celebrates various ways of thinking and the value this brings to a corporate culture.

Kay Sargent, FASID, FIIDA, CID, LEED® AP, MCR.w, WELL AP
Senior Principal, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, HOK

Kay Sargent, FASID, FIIDA, CID, LEED® AP, MCR.w, WELL AP; Senior Principal, Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors; HOK With 40 years of experience, Kay is an award-winning designer and recognized expert on workplace design, strategy and designing for neuroinclusion. Issues. She currently serves as Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors, for HOK and sits on HOK’s Board of Directors. In 2023 Kay was appointed to the Delos Advisory Board, the founding organization behind the WELL Standards and the IWBI, International Well Building Institute. In 2020 she was named ASID’s Designer of Distinction. Kay is a member of both American Society of Interior Designers’ College of Fellows and the International Interior Design Association’s College of Fellows, a select body of designers whose work has significantly influenced the profession. Kay currently serves on the ASID’s Foundation Research Taskforce; George Washington University Advisory Council; CoRETech / Real Comm advisory; the IWBI Health Advisory Team and the Advisory Boards for I+S and WorkDesign magazines. During her career she has also served on the International Boards of CoreNet Global, AVIXA, IFI - International Federation of Interior Designers /Architects, ASID, IIDA, NCQLP and the Advisory Board of Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Design and NVCC. She is an active member of IFMA and co-founder of the IFMA Workplace Evoluntionaries, WE community and serves as an Executive committee for WE. In 2021 she was selected from her field of peers to provide Congressional Subject Matter Expert Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives on “Federal Real Estate Post-COVID-19: A View from The Private Sector.” Kay also serves on the GSA Diversity taskforce and has authored a comprehensive book on neurodiversity entitled “Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces.”

Tara Cunningham
CEO, Beyond-Impact

Tara Cunningham; CEO; Beyond-Impact Tara Cunningham is the CEO of Beyond-Impact, a social enterprise focused on creating neuroinclusive workplaces. Tara is an internationally recognized leader in neurodiversity and disability inclusion, with extensive experience in transforming corporate cultures and public policy from Goldman Sachs to Luke’s Lobsters. Brian Cowan, Ireland’s An Taoiseach, appointed Tara to the National Disability Authority where she also served as the Irish representative as an Expert Evaluator for the European Commission. Tara's impactful advocacy includes speaking at the United Nations on World Autism Awareness Day. As an Adjunct Professor at Ocean County College in New Jersey and a widely published author on DEI and neuroinclusivieness, Tara continues to influence and educate on best practices for creating and harnessing truly inclusive environments.

Janet Roche, MDS, CAPS
CEO and Co-Founder, Trauma-informed Design Society

Janet Roche, MDS, CAPS; CEO and Co-Founder; Trauma-informed Design Society Janet Roche is a leader in designing for health and wellness. She received her Master's in Design for Human Health from the Boston Architectural College (BAC), where she remains an adjunct instructor teaching Environmental Health, Human Conditions + Design, Biophilia, and courses on Trauma-informed Design. She mentors BAC students in various work-study programs to examine health determinants within the built environment. With a B.S. in Social Work from Boston University, a Certificate of Business and Management from Harvard University Extension School, and nearly two decades of owning her own production company, she is now combining her passions through Janet Roche Designs, LLC to pursue real design solutions to the human condition. In 2019 she launched her podcast, Inclusive Designers™. In 2020 she started the Trauma-informed Design Society along with J. Davis Harte, PhD., and later, Christine Cowart. The society presents on Trauma and Trauma-informed Design for marginalized populations and consults on projects around the world through Trauma-informed Design Consultants, LLC. The society's book, Trauma-informed Design Framework: A Framework for Designers, Architects, and Other Practitioners, is out now.

Dr. Tracy Brower, PhD, MM, MCR.w (Moderator)
Vice President of Workplace Insights, Steelcase

Tracy Brower, PhD, MM, MCR.w; Vice President of Workplace Insights; Steelcase Dr. Tracy Brower is a PhD sociologist studying happiness, work-life fulfillment and the future of work. She is the author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work and Bring Work to Life. She is the vice president of workplace insights with Steelcase and a senior contributor to Forbes and Fast Company. Tracy’s work has been translated into 22 languages, and her TEDx talk has been viewed 8.1 million times. In addition, she is an award-winning speaker with over 25 years of experience working with global clients to achieve business results. Tracy is on the advisory board for Kids Food Basket and for the CoDesign Collaborative. In addition, she is a coach and advisor for the Center for Leadership at Hope College and an advisor to the Michigan State University Master of Industrial Mathematics Program. She is a award-winning faculty member for CoreNet Global and for Hacking HR. Tracy’s work has been featured on CBS News, TEDx, The Wall Street Journal, Work-Life Balance in the 21st Century (book), Globe and Mail (Canada), InsideHR (Australia), HR Director (UK), T3N (Germany), Morning Wave in Busan (South Korea), Real Estate Review Journal, Fortune, Inc. Magazine, HBR (France), multiple podcasts and more. Tracy holds a PhD in Sociology, a Master of Management in Organizational Culture, and a Master of Corporate Real Estate with a workplace specialization. You can find her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Goodreads, Unsplash (photography) or at tracybrower.com.

Relevant topics such as inclusivity and connectivity are top of mind for interior designers and end users alike when creating spaces of consequence. What do these themes mean when put into action and practice through design? How can we co-create a new definition of design that encompasses these goals?

Attendees received an aspirational panel discussion with industry leaders from the ASIDx10 Collective. The collective is comprised of interior designers and industry partners that share insights about the A&D community through the lens of Live, Work, Learn, Play, and Heal.

Haley Nelson, NCIDQ, ASID, LEED AP, WELL AP
Design Director, IA

With expertise as a workplace designer and strategist, Haley Nelson focuses on the cultivation of original insights that support the creation of places for people and organizations to thrive. Haley Nelson is a Design Director with IA Interior Architects in the Austin studio. She builds trust with her clients and her teams to cultivate original insights that support the creation of places for people and organizations to thrive. She believes in the power of design to inspire, engage emotions, shape behavior, promote health and well-being, and positively impact the planet. Many of Haley’s projects have achieved the highest levels of certification for sustainability and well-being, have been published, and have won numerous design awards. Her work has been featured on the cover of Metropolis magazine as well as by Interior Design and Contract magazines. Haley is a thought-leader, and she loves talking about how design can positively impact people. Many of Haley’s projects have achieved the highest levels of certification for sustainability and well-being, have been published, and have won design and sustainability awards. Haley is a thought-leader and has presented at numerous venues on how design can positively impact people.

Suzanne Lefebvre, CID, IIDA, WELL AP
Associate Vice President, Senior Project Designer, CannonDesign

Suzanne Lefebvre takes an empathetic, holistic approach to creating transformative spaces. She tailors designs to each community and organization, ensuring every decision enhances human experience and well-being. She leads her teams in translating client brands and visions into progressive, responsive environments. With a deep understanding of storytelling and experiential design, she creates spaces that engage the senses, evoke emotion, and leave lasting impressions. For her, great design is about listening, patience, and perseverance—ultimately crafting spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

Jessica Collins, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED GA, WELL AP
Principal | Director of Design, Interiors, HOK

Jessica Collins is the Director of Design, Interiors in HOK’s Dallas studio. As a process driven creative, she works collaboratively with clients and project teams, taking pride in not just the end result but also the service, delivery and design experience. Jess approaches design with ingenuity, client-driven solutions and interdisciplinary thinking to create curated and authentic spaces that celebrate the client’s brand, values and ethos while elevating the human experience. Jess has participated in panel discussions about workplace strategy and employee engagement and has appeared in multiple publications as author and designer. She previously served on the International Interior Design Association’s Southern California Board of Directors and was included in the American Society of Interior Design’s “Ones to Watch” awards in 2022. Jess is currently involved in The Real Estate Council as part of the Programs Committee and is a founding member of ASID’s x10 Collective.

Faraz S. Shah
Brand Director, Turf Design

At Turf, Faraz Shah is the Brand Director, where he’s building a brand that connects with aspiring architects and interior designers. He’s all about creating an experience that speaks directly to the people who shape the built environment. Whether he’s teaming up with designers, connecting with future industry leaders, or shaping the brand’s story, Faraz ensures that Turf leverages its acoustic solutions to add beauty, creativity, and well-being to spaces where people live, work, and create. Great design goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about how spaces can make you feel and how well they serve the people using them. Faraz approaches every project with curiosity and empathy, always striving to understand what makes a space truly resonate. With over 15 years of experience spanning product development, branding, and marketing, Faraz brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative insight. Faraz’s foundation in Industrial Design has fueled his passion for building better products and spaces through understanding, narrative, and purposeful design. He is also a host of the Sense of Space podcast.

Joanne Duka-Ragadio
Senior Interior Designer, TETER

Joanne Duka-Ragadio earned her BFA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. With over 15 years of experience, she is a multidisciplinary designer who has led the design of transformative interiors for some of California’s largest and most influential clients across various sectors, including workplace, hospitality, and education. As a Senior Interior Designer at TETER, Joanne supports all California offices, where she is a people-first leader. She leverages her thought leadership, industry connections, and best practices to elevate the firm’s design portfolio. Known for her collaborative and creative approach, Joanne brings an energetic and engaging style to the design process, making it both exciting and enjoyable for clients and colleagues alike. Joanne is also a passionate advocate for making a difference in the industry. She currently serves as the Director of the IIDA Fresno City Center, was recognized as one of the ASID Ones to Watch winners in 2023, and volunteers as a mentor for design students.

Teresa Humphrey, ASID Affiliate, LEED AP ID + C (Moderator)
Director Commercial Specifications, Wilsonart

Teresa Humphrey is the Director, Commercial Specifications for Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces. Her career with Wilsonart spans 30 years through various roles within the sales organization. Supporting Wilsonart Surfaces destined for applications in commercial spaces across the globe, Teresa spearheads the North American Commercial Specifications and National Account teams. Through a positive attitude and dedicated work ethic, Teresa guides a Sales team of individuals who are committed to building and maintaining customer relationships within the Architectural and Design community. As a results-oriented leader who is passionate about accomplishing corporate objectives, her positive outlook and approach allow her to enjoy each experience that comes her way. Teresa Humphrey LEED AP ID+C Director, Commercial Specifications Wilsonart

Royce Epstein, ASID Affiliate, LEED AP (Moderator)
Senior Director of Design Insights, Mohawk Group

Royce Epstein is a 30+ year veteran in the commercial Architecture and Design industry, with experience practicing in design firms and product development for carpet and textiles. She is currently the Senior Director of Design Insights for Mohawk Group. As both historian and futurist, Royce shares design insights and the meaning of materials in a broad context, finding significance in cultural shifts and how they shape the language of design. Royce feeds this into our industry’s touch points as a designer, trend forecaster, educator, lecturer, and writer. Her interests are in environmental and social sustainability for positive impacts.

Designing a Better Chicago highlights our city’s extraordinary design legacy — the local talent, resources, and community efforts that have long advanced civic good through design. Launched in 2020 with the NeoCon Design Impact grant program and expanded in 2024 through the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Built Environment grant program, this initiative celebrates the individuals, organizations, public art, and programs that shape Chicago. It invites residents and visitors to reflect on how design improves civic life. In this presentation, the 2025 grant winners shared their work, the impact they are making on Chicago, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Jessica Davis
Development and Programs Manager, Global Gardens Chicago

Jessica Davis is the Development and Programs Manager at Global Gardens Chicago, where she leads efforts to build a more sustainable and equitable food system in Illinois. Passionate about environmental stewardship and community well-being, Jessica ensures the organization prioritizes sustainable practices, including the integration of native prairie and pollinator plants. She is also committed to food access, working to make sure fresh, locally grown vegetables reach lower-income residents. In addition to overseeing summer programming, Jessica manages volunteers and contributes to fundraising initiatives that support the garden’s mission. Outside of her work, she enjoys baking with foraged goods and crocheting.

Eric Hotchkiss
Assistant Professor of Designed Objects, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Founder, Made in Englewood; Founder, Hotchkiss Design LLC

Eric Hotchkiss is a designer, educator, and community builder whose work blurs the line between social practice and object-making. As Assistant Professor of Designed Objects at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he leads courses focused on community-centered design, cultural engagement, and fabrication. He is also the founder of Made in Englewood, a design/build studio that collaborates with Chicago’s South and West Side communities to create public art, cultural spaces, and infrastructure rooted in local histories and futures. Eric’s work spans from solar-powered sculptural installations and culinary placemaking projects to youth-led design councils and public furniture. Whether building grills with students or murals with neighbors, he believes design is most powerful when it’s shared, lived, and deeply local.

Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford
Assistant Professor of Sculpture, Indiana University Northwest

Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford is a visual artist and assistant professor of sculpture at Indiana University Northwest. He is also a co-director and co-founder of the collective Floating Museum. His work has been shown at the Art Institute of Chicago, Malmö Konstmuseum, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, American Academy of Arts and Letters, The UCSD Art Gallery, and The Hyde Park Art Center, among other spaces.

He has held fellowships at the Sculpture Space, the MacDowell Colony, Vermont Studio Center, the Brown Foundation Program at the Dora Maar House, and the Skowhegan School of Sculpture and Painting. His work has been supported by grants from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, the Harpo Foundation, the Propeller Fund, the Chauncey and Marion Deering McCormick Foundation, an Illinois Arts Council Fellowship, and a Fulbright Fellowship in Sicily. Reviews of his work have been included in outlets like Sculpture Magazine, Hyperallergic, Artforum, and the Chicago Tribune.

Jordan Campbell (Moderator)
Founder and Director, Alt_

Jordan Campbell is one of last year's Designing a Better Chicago awardees and is the driving force behind the creative energy that pulses through Alt Space Chicago. With a passion for innovation and an eye for design, Jordan has transformed Alt Space into a thriving hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries alike. Although Jordan wasn’t born or raised in the Windy City, Jordan's passion for Chicago's vibrant culture and history has greatly influenced Alt Space's mission. He believes in harnessing the city's rich artistic heritage while pushing boundaries to explore the frontiers of creativity through art, faith and community.

In today’s evolving design industry, engaging Gen Z talent is key to building future-focused workplaces. This session explored 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 included 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.

Casey Martin, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, IIDA
Assistant Professor of Interior Design, George Fox University

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.

In this captivating 20-minute presentation, Susan explored the dynamic landscape of the contemporary workplace, unveiling the key factors that drove change across industries. As organizations grappled with unprecedented challenges, she delved into the fundamental shifts that reshaped how and where we worked. By the end of the talk, the audience was equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and practical insights to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. Whether they were business leaders, facilities managers, or simply curious about the future of work, the presentation delivered valuable takeaways for creating more effective and adaptable work environments.

Susan Chang
Senior Vice President, Workplace Design Advisory, JLL

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.

Participants discovered how to use podcasting to tell powerful brand stories, connect with their audience, and stand out in the marketplace. They learned practical tips to turn their voice into a tool for influence and innovation.

Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall
CEO & A&D Sales Strategist, Thrive In Design

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.

Participants discovered how doodling could unlock creativity, reduce stress, and spark new ideas. Simple sketches activated the brain’s relaxation response, improved problem-solving, and enhanced mental clarity. Doodling was a simple yet powerful tool for boosting creativity and generating breakthroughs, making it a valuable practice for anyone in design, business, and beyond.

Rochelle Porter
CEO / Creative Director, Rochelle Porter Design

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.

Imagine a workplace where your desk nudged you to stretch, your chair adapted to improve focus, and your conference table seamlessly recorded every idea. Melissa Marsh, a leader in workplace innovation and founder of PLASTARC, teamed up with a collaborator from Logitech to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) was transforming workspaces into dynamic, responsive environments that engaged and supported users. AI was no longer just a tool for efficiency; it was reshaping how we interacted with our surroundings. Smart furniture, advanced devices, interconnected technologies, AI-driven building systems, and real-time data analytics were creating spaces that learned, adapted, and actively supported healthier, more productive behaviors. By balancing hardware and software, workplaces went beyond optimizing space and energy use to fostering creativity, movement, and collaboration.

Melissa Marsh
Founder and CEO, PLASTARC

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.

What if architecture could intuitively respond to human thoughts and emotions? Filippo Lodi and Ren Yee from UNS delved into the transformative impact of merging cognitive psychology with cutting-edge technologies like eye-tracking and virtual reality. They explored how these groundbreaking innovations were reshaping the design process, crafting environments that actively adapted to improve well-being and productivity.

Filippo Lodi
Director, Senior Architect, UNStudio

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, Senior Architect, UNStudio

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.

Attendees explored how sensory intelligence blended data, consumer behavior, and emotions to shape immersive environments. They learned how tools like biometric data and ethnographic studies revealed patterns to optimize design for personalized, impactful experiences. They discovered how mapping the "ideal experience" enhanced spaces like stadiums, retail stores, and cultural venues.

Meena Krenek
Global Sector Director, Interiors, Principal, HKS

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.

Imagine a workplace that was focused on technology while prioritizing human experience. This talk explored designing visionary office spaces for cutting-edge companies, emphasizing kinship and human-centered design. Attendees were inspired to move beyond outdated futuristic ideas and design workplaces that truly brought people together.

Jenna Szczech, NCIDQ, IIDA
Senior Designer, RMW

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.

How could design transform lives within the justice system? The Nashville Youth Campus for Empowerment (NYCE) reimagined juvenile justice architecture, prioritizing healing, dignity, and community well-being. Jose Jordan shared how trauma-informed interior design reshaped intimidating environments into spaces that fostered resilience, reduced recidivism, and inspired positive change.

José M. Jordan, RID, IIDA
Principal, DLR Group

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.

How could hospitality design principles enhance workplaces, healthcare facilities, and residential developments—spaces that increasingly needed to be reimagined? Using actionable insights and real-world examples, this session explored how to rethink traditional spaces by incorporating service-driven, comfort-focused design elements, and how flexible workspaces, luxury amenities, and smart technologies created more engaging, community-oriented environments.

Jessica Haley
Principal and Director of Interior Design, RODE Architects

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.

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?

Nisha Sewell, NCIDQ, ARIDO, IDC
Sales Executive, The Collective

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 | Prosci, Principal
Global Solutions Director, Optimized Asset Portfolios, Arcadis Inc.

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.

Helia Taheri, Ph.D., EDAC, WELL AP, LEED GA
Global Human-Centric Research Manager, Arcadis

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.

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?

Eric Gannon, AIA
Principal, Gensler Chicago

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.

Cindy Coleman
Director of Strategy, Gensler

Cindy Coleman is a strategic planner with more than 40 years of experience in the design industry. In her previous role as Editorial Lead of the Gensler Research Institute, she oversaw the development and content of key publications including Global Workplace Survey, Climate Action Survey, Resilience by Design, and City Pulse. Since joining Gensler in 2011, Cindy has guided the effective alignment of a client's organizational goals to a well-informed design response. Her collective experience as a designer, writer, and researcher enables her to synthesize and disseminate complex information emanating from research, stakeholder needs, and business goals into concise reporting to ensure the design Gensler delivers is informed by research and strategy. Cindy holds a faculty position in the Department of Architecture and Interior Architecture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was named a Design Future Council Senior Fellow in 2010. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Architecture from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master of Design Methods from IIT’s Institute of Design.