The Design Board

Hosted by UpSpring

Business Marketing

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Episodes

Latest episode

Dec 2024

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EN-US

About the show

The Design Board is a podcast hosted by UpSpring, a PR and marketing agency for the design and development industries. Tune in to hear various experts across the architecture and design community and beyond to chat about everything from the latest industry news to marketing tips, tools, and tactics for brands on their way up.

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57 recent

September 15, 202623 min

The Business Case for Employee Coaching

As engineering firms grow, one of the first things to get squeezed is the time and consistency it takes to actually develop people. In this episode of The DesignBoard, we talk with Brandon Harwick, President of Engenium Group, and Jessica Norton, Partner and Director of Human Resources, about how their firm tackled that problem head-on by hiring a full-time, dedicated internal coach. Brandon and Jessica walk through the business case behind that decision, what it's meant for growth, leadership development, and retention, and why they believe coaching is one of the most undervalued investments an engineering firm can make. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

September 8, 202650 min

How Do You Design a Better Design Firm?

In this episode of The Design Board, host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Megan DeTratto and Linda Wallack of TOKONEXT, alongside TOKONEXT strategic collaborator Marjanne Pearson, to explore what it takes to build a more intentional, future-ready design firm. As talent expectations shift and firms navigate new definitions of growth, the conversation examines how organizations are approaching leadership, succession, culture, and long-term strategy more holistically. Rather than treating hiring as a transaction, our guests share a more holistic perspective, one that ties together people, purpose, performance, and positioning. The discussion also reframes what growth can look like, moving beyond size to focus on quality, impact, and clarity of direction. If firms are in a constant state of evolution, what does it really mean to design the firm itself? The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

December 17, 202433 min

Empowering Women: Maximizing Your Membership in Industry Associations

Join host Caroline Schillaci in conversation with Chris Tucker, CEO of NEWH, Inc., as they explore how women professionals can make the most of industry organizations. From fostering leadership growth to cultivating meaningful relationships and accessing continued education, Chris shares actionable insights on how industry organizations membership can empower women across diverse markets. Discover practical strategies for staying engaged and informed, building a supportive professional network, and leveraging organizational resources to accelerate careers and redefine roles within companies and the broader industry. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

December 10, 202429 min

Designing the World Around Us: How Creativity Shapes our Lives

Host Tiffany Rafii is joined by artist, designer, and maker Amy Devers, host and producer of Clever, to discuss building a podcast platform that gives listeners a window into our own humanity. In this episode, Amy shares insights from her career as a designer, educator, and podcast host, and how she has navigated and overcome barriers in each field. She also discusses nurturing creativity and the importance of uplifting one another within the design industry and beyond. With extensive experience in both the creative and educational fields, Amy expresses her passion for creative exploration and her dedication to helping others unlock their full potential. Tune in for an engaging conversation as Amy reflects on her journey and what has led her to become a true champion of creativity and storytelling. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

December 3, 202424 min

Cultivating Early Education: From Play to Purpose with Amanda Vierheller

This episode explores the personal and professional journey of Amanda Vierheller, COO and Co-founder of Playgarden. Amanda shares her passion for early education and her vision for building an impactful business in this space. From overcoming early challenges to fostering community and mentorship, she provides invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly women striving to make their mark in education and beyond. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

November 19, 202431 min

Breaking Barriers in Women's Healthcare with Almond ObGyn

Host Caroline Schillaci sits down with Tara Raffi, Founder and CEO of Almond ObGyn, to explore the pressing challenges in women’s healthcare and how Almond is working to address them. Tara shares her vision for the future of women’s health, insights on improving access to reproductive care, and the inspiration behind creating Almond. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on revolutionizing the healthcare industry and empowering women. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

November 4, 202432 min

From Pageant Queen to Payroll: Kori Zwaagstra of TriCelta Development

Kori Zwaagstra, Director of Operations at TriCelta Development, joins The Design Board for an engaging discussion about the unconventional career path that led her from hospitality sales to the Mrs. International pageant and ultimately into founding a full-service development company with her husband, Jake. In this episode, Kori sheds light on navigating her role as a wife, mother, and business leader, as well as the key takeaways she’s learned on her journey. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

October 22, 202425 min

What Truly Makes a Trend?

Join us for a deep dive into the trends driving the design world with Stacy Garcia, the visionary leader behind Stacy Garcia Design Studio, a dynamic design hub based in New York, dedicated to inspiring creativity and elevating spaces. With trend-forward designs, unique color combinations, and fashion-forward materials, the studio offers holistic collections that anticipate trends and enrich interiors. In this episode, Stacy will share her insights into what is dominating the hospitality, residential, and commercial design world, and how she forecasts these influences evolving in the coming years. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

August 6, 202424 min

Curating a Guest Experience That Keeps Travelers Coming Back For More

Host Susan Fernandez sits down with Terry Eaton, President & Chief Curator of Eaton Fine Art, who has been curating art collections for distinguished hotels around the world for over three decades. Since co-founding his namesake full-service art consultancy firm in 1992, Terry has collaborated with renowned hoteliers, design firms, and procurement companies as well as high-profile hotel brands and developers. Notable collaborations include Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Related Companies, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, MGM Resorts, and Host Hotels & Resorts. Terry is also a prominent member of the LGBTQIA+ community and EFA has been granted a Minority Business Enterprise certification by the National Gay Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. He joins us to share his perspective on creating a memorable and engaging guest experience that would entice travelers to want to return. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.

July 16, 202419 min

Disruption by Design: Design Services for the Greater Good

Host Susan Fernandez is joined by Benjamin Glunz, CEO of Anguleris Technologies, to discuss how architects are filling gaps in their own market by designing services that better serve their profession. This episode was recorded live at NeoCon at the SURROUND Podcast Studio, located on the first floor of THE MART in a space beautifully designed by SnapCab. The Design Board, by UpSpring , is a proud member of SANDOW Design Group's SURROUND Podcast Network , home to the architecture and design industry’s premier shows.