An expert in inclusive environments, Steve Orfield, President at Orfield Laboratories, Inc., offered up the quietest room in the world to record this episode. Host AJ Paron and Steve discuss their collaboration on a groundbreaking project for Fraser, Minnesota’s leading autism treatment provider, focusing on creating scientifically designed, peaceful spaces for individuals with autism. Discover how science and empathy come together to shape environments that enhance human experience.

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI.

Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wild, ambitious projects can be done — or they can be epic.

Neil Ferrier, founder of the design firm Discommon, chose the latter when his team took on the ultimate challenge: designing and installing a 48-foot-long sculpture of the Concorde, suspended inside a London restaurant.

Ferrier shares what it took to bring his firm’s largest project — in both size and scope — to life. The intricate feat of structural engineering was crafted from hundreds of machined aluminum panels, designed to appear nearly seamless. Along the way, it tested every major aspect of the process: safety (“the damn sprinklers”), budget (“we blew through it”), install (a “team of wizards”), and Discommon’s uncompromising ethos (“f*ck mediocrity”).

“Could we have executed a foam one of these? Of course we could have,” Ferrier says. “And every time I went into that restaurant, I’d be like, ‘this sucks.’ We really asked ourselves, what’s the version of this that is epic?”

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI.

Once Upon A Project is produced by Rob Schulte and Rachel Senatore at SANDOW DESIGN GROUP and is a member of the SURROUND Podcast Network.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AJ Paron sits down with designer Yinka Ilori at Neocon! They discuss Yinka’s vibrant, joyful, and award-winning collaboration with Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering, his journey from furniture design to becoming an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist, and how his Nigerian heritage influences his use of bold colors and patterns. Yinka shares insights into his creative process and the importance of making spaces that evoke happiness and connectivity. He also offers valuable advice to young designers. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the transformative power of design.

This episode was produced in partnership with Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering. To learn more, visit:

• Momentum Textiles & Wallcovering
• Yink Ilori X Momentum

This episode was produced in partnership with Momentum Textiles and Wallcovering and recorded live at Design Scene by SANDOW at The MART.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is a special edition episode! We're joined by Gene Wilson, the Vice President of Merchandising and Vendor Management at Room & Board.

Explore a groundbreaking initiative in sustainable design as we learn how Room & Board, a pioneering American furniture company, transforms discarded wood into stunning heirloom furniture through their Urban Wood Project. Discover how this line of products prevents waste, creates jobs, and supports local communities across the country. We’ll hear from Emily McGarvey, Director of Sustainability at Room & Board, who shares insights into their sustainability strategy and the positive impact of their urban wood products. Listen to personal stories and experiences highlighting the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the future of sustainable design and the remarkable journey of turning urban wood into beautiful, meaningful furniture.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

David Shove-Brown, co-founder of //3877, a D.C.-based architecture and design firm specializing in hospitality, shares the story of one of their most challenging projects—a historic building turned restaurant that they redesigned not once but twice! Learn how //3877 balanced the unique challenges of working within a historic structure while creating a vibrant dining experience and how unexpected events like an earthquake can impact a project.

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join host AJ Paron in an enlightening conversation with Jennifer Kolstad, the Global Design and Brand Director at Ford Motor Company, as they delve into the fascinating world of design and its profound impact. Despite her limited background in healthcare design, Jennifer spearheaded the six-million-square-foot Kuwait Children’s Hospital project with HKS. Together, they explore the intricacies of this ambitious endeavor and touch on themes of innovation, empathy, and the lasting influence of design on our world.

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Big business means a big office. For Boston Consulting Group’s Canadian HQ in Toronto, HOK Canada was the architecture, planning, and engineering firm for the job. Regional winner for the Best of Canada Design Awards for Shaw Contract 2023, Caitlin Turner, project lead and Director of Interiors at HOK Canada, discusses how the project became such a success with host AJ Paron. From tenant-improvement fit-ups and championing Toronto’s mighty emerging design scene to planning for serendipitous bump-ins, this episode covers the social, financial, and design aspects of return to work so many of us are figuring out.

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you ever find yourself in court, you’ll hope it’s this family circuit in Orlando, Florida. Designed by Jose Jordan who comes from an architectural family and is a current Principal at DLR Group, his scientific approach to architecture with a focus on tactile materials has led him to this niche of civic architecture. Host A.J. Paron shares a personal story that helps hammer home the importance of Jordan’s design ideas, like planning for privacy, ensuring views of nature, and the inclusion of lively colors. “Safe and secure” is the guiding ethos for the project, which makes sense when you listen to how Jordan talks about his approach to designing for positive change.

This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.