Tell Me More

Allsteel is proud to partner with TEDx Chicago for the second year in a row, welcoming the team to the Allsteel Chicago Experience Center ahead of their annual event at the Harris Theatre on Friday, September 26.In this special episode—recorded just one week before the big event—Dr. Lauren Gant brings together three remarkable TEDx Chicago speakers for an inspiring conversation on authenticity, connection, and growth. Dr. Mack, a community psychologist, shares insights on building trust in today’s digital-first world. Natasha Pearl Hansen, comedian and storyteller, explores the transformative power of humor and vulnerability. Nisaini Rexach, public affairs professional at Microsoft, discusses how mentorship and social capital can fuel career advancement.Together, their perspectives offer fresh ideas for navigating both personal and professional life with authenticity and purpose. Tune in for a powerful journey of humor, storytelling, and social connection.Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more | https://www.tedxchicago.com/

This episode concludes our special two-part series on Community and Culture. While part one explored the personal side of community — how individuals build connections and find belonging in the workplace — part two takes a broader, research-driven look at how culture and community are experienced across organizations. Part 2/2: Dr. Lauren Gant and Maria Meschi, Lead Project Strategist at DORIS Research, dive deeper into recent research findings, exploring how culture is shaped by daily interactions and why authenticity is essential to fostering a supportive workplace environment. Together, they uncover the nuances between culture and community and examine the impact of intentional leadership on organizational success.Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

This episode kicks off a special two-part series on Community and Culture. In part one, We focus on the individual’s experience of community in the workplace, while part two will take a broader, research-driven look at how culture and community shape our work lives.Part 1/2: Dr. Lauren Gant is joined by Raphael Williams, a Senior A&D Manager and Co-Chair of the Equity Council at IIDA New York, to explore the profound connection between culture and community in the workplace. Raphael shares his insights on fostering intentional communities that inspire and support individuals. Together, they discuss how creating spaces that encourage collaboration, mentorship, and innovation can lead to a more inclusive and productive work environment — uncovering the magic of community and its impact on our well-being and productivity.Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Taylor Morgan speaks with Tamar Ribnick, a principal at HGA, about the evolving landscape of mentorship in the workplace. They discuss how mentorship has shifted from traditional in-person meetings to more organic interactions, especially in hybrid work environments. The conversation highlights the importance of designing spaces that facilitate mentorship, the challenges of creating meaningful interactions, and the need for accessibility and equity in workplace design. They emphasize that mentorship is essential for personal and professional growth and that organizations must be intentional in fostering these relationships to enhance workplace culture and innovation.Learn More: Allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll speaks with designer Joey Shimoda, Chief Creative Officer of Shimoda Design Group, about his unique approach to design, the influence of travel and personal passions on creativity, and the evolving landscape of the design industry. They discuss the importance of sustainability, the role of technology in design, and the significance of participating in design competitions. Joey emphasizes the need for designers to remain optimistic and connected to their inspirations while navigating the challenges of the modern design world. Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/doing-more | https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Andrea Gauss and Taylor Morgan of Allsteel sit down with Tyler Peterson, Vice President of Talent and Culture at Interior Elements, for a conversation on the complexities of workplace culture. They explore the significance of people, place, and policy in shaping an organization's culture, emphasizing the need for intentionality in creating a positive work environment. The conversation covers the importance of shared language, onboarding practices, and the role of physical space in fostering collaboration and engagement. They also address the challenges of maintaining culture in a hybrid work setting and the necessity of policies that support and reinforce cultural values. Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of Tell Me More, Allsteel's Andrea Gauss, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule offer an exclusive preview of what’s ahead at the Allsteel Experience Center during Chicago Design Week 2025. Framed through the lens of workplace strategy and design innovation, they unpack the event’s central themes: intentional community, sustainability, collaborative environments, the power of co-solutioning with clients, and a new era of comfort with the latest evolution of Evo. From purposeful spaces to product innovation, this conversation sets the stage for a dynamic week at 345 N Morgan Street. Tune in for a first look and a warm invitation to experience it all in Chicago.🔗 Learn more: allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more | fultonmarketdesigndays.com/registration

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Madison Gentry of Allsteel joins Maya Johnson and Melissa Rudolph from EUA Wisconsin to explore the evolving world of demountable walls. They discuss the advantages of flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in construction, while diving into the challenges of planning, coordination, and acoustic performance. Together, they share insights on future trends and how demountable walls support adaptable, sustainable design in an ever-changing built environment.Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Rikki Crowe and Brianna Johnson from Allsteel continue the conversation around evolving workplace design strategies, focusing on three key planning approaches: department-centric, neighborhood-centric, and project-centric. They explore how thoughtful planning can reflect an organization’s culture while supporting a variety of workstyles and activities. The discussion also revisits the concept of living in beta—the idea that workspaces should remain adaptable and evolve over time based on feedback and shifting needs. This episode highlights how the Workplace Advisory and Insights Applications teams collaborate to deliver innovative, flexible solutions for the modern workplace.Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode of Allsteel’s Tell Me More podcast, host Kina Ingersoll sits down with Alexandria Davis—Interior Design Project Lead at Corrigan, New York, and past president of IIDA’s New York Chapter. Together, they explore the role of community in design, sustainability practices, leadership in the A&D world, and how AI is shaping the future of the industry.Alex shares inspiring advice for emerging designers, and reflects on pushing creativity beyond constraints and the lasting power of human connection in design.Learn More: https://www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

Bringing this one back—just in time for SXSW! Lauren Gant and Dr. Rachel Drosdick-Sigafoos are taking the stage at South by Southwest next week, so we’re resurfacing this powerful conversation on trauma-informed design in the workplace. Originally released in December 2024, this episode breaks down how our environments impact mental well-being, why design plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, and what organizations can do to create more supportive, human-centered spaces.If you missed it the first time—or want a refresher before their big talk—now’s the perfect time to listen.Learn More: AllsteelOffice.com/Tell-Me-MoreThe Well Workforce

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Allsteel host Mary Kate Cassidy is joined by Rikki Crowe from Allsteel, Olivia Danielson-Veed from HOK, and Mark Coxon from AVI-SPL to discuss the evolving landscape of workplace design. They explore collaboration, space utilization, and user experience, reflecting on insights from a recent industry gathering at the Allsteel Experience Center in Chicago. Key themes include the need for continuous improvement, the role of education and training in utilizing new spaces, and the value of partnerships in creating effective workplace environments. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to change and fostering a culture of innovation within organizations.Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

Season three of Tell Me More kicks off with a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of workplace design and culture. Host Andrea Gauss from Allsteel welcomes her colleagues Jordan Arnold, Rikki Crowe, and Brian Kaule to explore key themes shaping the workplace in 2025. The conversation explores space planning strategies, the evolving role of private offices, and the connection between workplace culture, policy, and technology. They discuss the importance of community in a dispersed workforce and how organizations can foster meaningful connections among employees. The guests highlight the need for intentionality in building workplace culture and examine both the challenges and opportunities of remote work in shaping the future of office environments. Learn More: allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Gant and Dr. Rachel Drosdick-Sigafoos explore the concept of trauma-informed design in the workplace. They discuss how trauma impacts employees, share strategies for creating supportive environments, and highlight findings from their latest research on workplace trauma. This insightful conversation serves as a precursor to their upcoming presentation at the South by Southwest Conference, emphasizing how thoughtful design can enhance mental health, boost employee satisfaction, and foster a positive workplace culture.Learn More: AllsteelOffice.com/Tell-Me-More | TheWellWorkForce.com

Steven Burgos, a design director, reflects on how his early fascination with the built environment shaped his path to a career in design. With a focus on mentorship and community engagement, Steven discusses the impact of design on people's lives and the importance of sharing experiences within the industry. He offers insights for emerging designers, emphasizing the value of networking, communication, and building a meaningful career.Allsteel's 'Doing More' series shares authentic voices, stories, and perspectives from design leaders in the A&D community.Learn More:⁠ allsteeloffice.com/doing-more⁠

In the final episode of this series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant, Jordan Arnold, and Rikki Crowe explore its profound implications in workplace environments. They discuss the necessity of inclusive design, the importance of creating spaces that cater to diverse needs, and the evolving dialogue around trauma in professional settings. The conversation emphasizes the value of flexibility, adaptability, and a focus on employee well-being, while offering actionable steps to create more inclusive spaces. They also address generational perspectives on workplace support, providing insights for fostering thoughtful and responsive environments.Learn More: www.AllsteelOffice.com/Tell-Me-More

In this second episode of the series on trauma-informed design, Lauren Gant and Rikki Crowe explore how workplace environments can profoundly impact human experiences, particularly in addressing trauma and promoting well-being. They discuss the importance of creating supportive spaces that minimize dysregulation, the value of wellness rooms, and the role of furniture layout in fostering connection and comfort. The conversation also emphasizes the need for design variety to cater to diverse needs and meet the evolving expectations of a workforce increasingly prioritizing mental health and well-being, especially among younger generations.Learn More: AllsteelOffice.com/Tell-Me-More

In this episode of the Tell Me More podcast, Lauren Gant and Jordan Arnold kick off a three-part series on trauma-informed design by exploring its critical role in fostering inclusive and supportive workplace environments. They unpack the prevalence of trauma, challenge common misconceptions, and highlight the importance of understanding diverse trauma responses. The conversation centers on a human-centric approach, emphasizing well-being, inclusivity, and the power of thoughtful language in these discussions. Through open dialogue, the hosts advocate for creative design strategies that empower individuals and create spaces that truly support their needs.Learn More: ⁠www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more

Jasmine Efrussy, an Associate Principal and Director of furniture services at Corrigan, reflects on her journey from a studio art major to a leader in interior design. With 25 years of experience, Jasmine discusses her work on high-profile projects like the Toyota North American headquarters and her dedication to creating meaningful community impact through design. She highlights the importance of mentorship, advocating for sustainability, and the need for diverse perspectives in the design industry. Jasmine also shares insights for emerging designers, focusing on the value of communication and business acumen alongside creative expertise. Allsteel's 'Doing More' series shares authentic voices, stories, and perspectives from design leaders in the A&D community. Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/doing-more

In this episode of Tell Me More, Andrea Gauss and Brian Kaule explore the "Intentional Office" and how workplace design can boost productivity, collaboration, and engagement. They share insights from the pandemic, highlight the value of mentorship and socialization, and discuss the evolving landscape of learning and development. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptable spaces that foster innovation and digital equity, aiming to create a more purposeful and effective work environment.Learn More: www.allsteeloffice.com/tell-me-more