Advertise on podcast: The Learning Objective

In this episode, ThinkLab’s hospitality research takes center stage as Amanda Schneider and Erica Waayenberg unpack how decision-making is shifting across hotel and hospitality projects. From rising risk aversion and burnout to growing expectations around business acumen and the practical role of AI, this episode explores what hospitality end users need most right now and how teams can move forward with more clarity and confidence.    LINKS:   End-User Decision Making  Join Thinklab’s research  Podcast Discussion Guide  5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits  Thank you to our episode sponsor: Mohawk See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from the Healthcare Design Conference in Kansas City, this episode explores how healthcare end users are navigating increasingly complex decisions for the built environment. Hear why early problem-spotting beats crisis response, what’s breaking alignment at the start of projects, and how clearer communication and stronger partnerships can help healthcare teams move faster with more confidence.  LINKS:   End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide   5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsors: Haworth and Clarus.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Live from Chicago, this episode of Design Nerds Anonymous dives into how corporate end users are making decisions differently in today’s built environment. Hear real conversations straight from ThinkLab’s Corporate Hackathon on why flexibility matters more than cost, what’s slowing projects down, and how clearer, more empathetic partnerships can move work forward faster. LINKS:   End-User Decision Making Join Thinklab’s research Podcast Discussion Guide 5 Question Quiz to Earn CEU Credits Thank you to our episode sponsors: Shaw Contract and Clarus.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Explore the evolving role of sustainability in architecture and design with our guest, Avi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief at Metropolis, as we dive into key metrics, material selection, and the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. After listening, you will be able to:  ·     Explore the Evolution of Sustainability in Architecture and Design   ·     Identify Emerging Tools and Innovations for Sustainable Design   ·     Assess the Impact of Collaborative Efforts in Driving Sustainability   ·     Decode the Metrics of Sustainability in Design. Take this short, 5-question quiz to receive your CEU credits: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8PJNLNB This episode is accredited for IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU Special thanks to our CEU episode sponsors, Humanscale, for partnering with us to provide valuable insights on compelling topics for the design industry.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we dive into the emotional and sensory connections people have with water and address rising concerns about its quality. Experts Mike Sale (Delta Faucet) and Dr. Elena Berg (The American University of Paris) discuss water conservation, thoughtful design, and innovations like tankless reverse osmosis. Discover how sustainable water use and design impact water systems and our collective responsibility in tackling water challenges.  Special thanks to our CEU episode sponsor Delta Faucet for partnering with us to provide valuable insights on compelling topics for the design industry.  Want CEU credit for your time? Head to our page to find out how. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode we explore how technology is transforming real estate strategy and design processes. Our guests, Brian McCourt from Cisco and Michael Gordon from Deloitte, discuss the critical role of tech in enhancing end user experience, indoor environmental quality, and informing strategic real estate decisions. Listeners will learn about the importance of early tech integration in the design process, and how leveraging data can lead to more informed, cost-effective outcomes. Here's how to complete your entire CEU podcast process in 3 simple steps: Step 1: Listen to the episode. Step 2: Visit this link, to take a short 5 question quiz.            *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU. Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from the CEU provider. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we explore the future of customer decision-making in the built environment. Our guests, Amanda Schneider and Meredith Campbell, share insights from their Design Hackathon project which encompassed six months of intensive research. Engaging with end users across various sectors, their research worked to uncover the challenges and changes taking place in the end user decision-making processes. Listeners will learn about the key factors causing delays, the impact of increased focus on costs, and the strategies needed to navigate these complexities. After listening, you will be able to:  Understand how the doubling of internal decision-making committees over the last five years has increased complexity and risk aversion in the built environment sector.Identify the importance of value engineering (VE) as a proactive approach to manage cost uncertainty and why it should be an integral part of the project process.Recognize the need for storytelling with data, transforming raw data into actionable insights that help clients make informed decisions more effectively.Apply strategies to manage complex decision-making processes by aligning with clients' decision-making procedures and simplifying the presentation of data for better communication. READ THE TRANSCRIPT Here's how to complete your entire CEU podcast process in 3 simple steps: Step 1: Listen to the episode.  Step 2: Visit this link to take a short, 5-question quiz.        *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU credits. Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from the CEU provider. Special thanks to our CEU episode sponsors, Allsteel, Keilhauer, Kimball International, and Teknion, for partnering with us to provide valuable insights on compelling topics for the design industry. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Learning Objective presented by Baresque, we discover how to up our awareness of noise in every sensory domain—exploring solutions for designing inclusively to provide higher levels of comfort and function for the everyday user.  In part one, you’ll learn from Steve Orfield, researcher and President at Orfield Labs, as he analyzes multi-sensory experiences and their impact on human cognitive behavior and perception. In part two, you’ll hear from Evan Benway, managing director at Moodsonic, to evaluate one specific sense, our auditory sense. Looking at a newer development, soundscaping and the challenges and advantages of manipulating sound to benefit the user experience.   After listening, you will be able to:  Understand the multi-sensory factors that contribute to noise. Incorporate a key principle of universal design. Uncover the psychological effects of auditory noise on human behavior and well-being.Discover the role of soundscaping on the user experience.   Complete the QUIZ HERE to get your IDCEC credits. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Learning Objective presented by BlueScope Building, we focus on the challenges and opportunities in the commercial construction industry. Exploring topics such as trust-based team formation, early collaboration, off-site construction, the role of technology, and team dynamics in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry. This episode goes into how teams can adapt and work effectively together to achieve successful project outcomes.   After listening, you will be able to: Learn about the importance of humanizing team members, creating a culture of trust and open communication in construction projects. Uncover how off-site construction is revolutionizing the building industry, with insights into its environmental benefits, cost efficiency, and more.  Discover how architects can reframe problems and find innovative solutions, ultimately leading to more sustainable and cost-effective building projects.   Connect with our guest Rex Miller. Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz and earn your certificate of completion.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of The Learning Objective presented by Delta Faucet Company, ThinkLab explores the profound impact of water on our mental and physical health within the built environment. Our guests help us uncover the remarkable connection between exposure to water and improved psychological health, sharing intriguing statistics about the positive effects of water on creativity and idea generation.  We discuss the 15 patterns of biophilic design, ranging from nature in the space to natural analogs and nature of the space, and how architects and designers can apply them effectively to create environments that resonate with our innate connection to nature.   After listening, you will be able to: Learn why water in the built environment can have a more significant positive effect on mental well-being than green spaces. Explore the future possibilities of water-inspired designs and how they can contribute to a more sustainable and well-balanced built environment. Uncover practical strategies for incorporating water features into architectural projects to enhance occupants' mental and emotional states.  Connect with our guests: Dr. Wallace J. NicholsCatie Ryan Balagtas  Here's how to complete your entire CEU podcast process in 3 simple steps: Step 1: Listen to the episode. Step 2: Visit this link to take a short quiz. Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from the CEU provider  Accredited for: IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, presented by Teknion, ThinkLab interviews Dost Bardouille, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility of Swinerton, and Nina Johnson, Senior Commercial Insights Manager at Armstrong Craven. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional mentorship and explore three additional solutions for career development and upskilling your talent in a modern era. Accredited for: IDCEC | 0.5 CEU.   After listening, you will be able to: Identify a key shift impacting career development today Compare three new methods used for engagement.Assess the D.E.I. benefits of champions Summarize the 7 considerations needed in designing a shadow board.   In part one, we sit down with Dost Bardouille of Swinerton to evaluate the pitfalls of traditional career development and compare two new methods of connection: sponsorship and champions. In part two, we sit down with Nina Johnson of Armstrong Craven to identify how implementing a shadow board, a tactic that major fashion house Gucci used, can provide employees with high-level engagement and, in turn, prove long-term success for a company's growth.   Want CEU credit for listening? Take the quiz and earn your certificate of completion. How it works: Step 1: Listen to the episode. Step 2: Visit this link to take a short, 5-question quiz. *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from CEU provider Teknion.  Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn: Nina Johnson Dost Bardouille  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, ThinkLab interviews Amanda Schneider, president and founder of ThinkLab, and Jessica Jenkins, co-host of The Learning Objective and part of the research and development team at ThinkLab. Together, they discuss the findings of this year’s design hackathon, sharing their aha moments. They dismantle assumptions about what other generations think Gen Zers want from their workplace — and use data and interviews to uncover what Gen Zers actually want, what inspires them, and how to capture their loyalty.   Accredited for: IDCEC | 0.5 CEU  After listening, you will be able to:  Analyze how Gen Z is an arrow to the future of the design industry.  Contrast how the assumptions about Gen Z differ from what the data revealed.  Identify the five challenge areas for connecting with Gen Z.  Implement solutions for each of those five challenges.  In this episode, we dig into the findings of this year’s design hackathon, which included a survey of more than 1,800 designers, as well as more than 20 hours of focus groups on these topics.  Specifically, we focus on the following challenge areas: culture, creativity, relationships, loyalty, and learning. Each area revealed crucial ways in which Gen Zers differs from previous generations. This ranged from the practical, such as which way they prefer to communicate (no calls, please!) to the more profound: Gen Zers consider both physical and digital to be part of one unbroken experience, instead of two distinct and separate ways to work. Alongside these insights, Schneider and Jenkins describe concrete actions that firms can take to integrate Gen Zers and take advantage of their fresh perspective.  Quiz: Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz, and earn your certificate of completion.   How it works:    Step 1: Listen to the episode.   Step 2: Visit this link to take a short, 5-question quiz.   Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion. Look out for this at the end of the quiz.  Step 4: No need to self-report, the provider of this episode will do so for you. A huge thank you to our Design Hackathon CEU partners who made this episode possible: Mannington, 3form, Allsteel, Material Bank, and Milliken.  Visit here if you want them to bring these insights directly to your firm or if you want to take the digital on-demand CEU course.   Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn:  Amanda Schneider  Jessica Jenkins  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, presented by Panolam, ThinkLab interviews Amanda Schneider, president and founder of ThinkLab; Mardi Najafi, vice president of retail strategy and design at Figure3; and Kari Anderson, an interior designer–turned–UX designer. They discuss the blending of physical and digital and how to take the best of both worlds to supercharge projects, processes, and relationships with clients and customers.  Accredited for: IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU  After listening, you will be able to:  Interpret what “phygital” means.  Analyze the shifts happening in the specification process.  Examine the customer journey in retail for inspiration.  Relate phygital thinking to interior design.  Our first interviewee, Amanda Schneider, is president and founder of ThinkLab. She describes shifts in five key areas at the intersection of design and product: showrooms, libraries, events, product presentations and product discovery, and the role of the local rep.  Our second interviewee, Mardi Najafi, is vice president of retail strategy and design at Figure3. He discusses major changes to the B2B consumer experience from before, during, and after the pandemic and why interest in physical retail has bounced back. And he shares which B2B brands he considers cutting-edge in providing a harmonized buying experience.  Our third interviewee, Kari Anderson, is an interior designer–turned–UX designer. She shares three learnings from effective UX design that interior designers can use to optimize physical spaces, and she explains why AR and visualizers are the digital technologies most empowering designers today.  Quiz: Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz, and earn your certificate of completion.  How it works:   Step 1: Listen to the episode.  Step 2: Visit this link to take a short, 5-question quiz.  *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU.  Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion from CEU provider Panolam.  Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn:  Amanda Schneider  Mardi Najafi  Kari Anderson  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, presented by Delta Faucet Company, ThinkLab interviews Mike O’Neill, lead of data science research for the Gensler Research Institute, and Mitch Dalton, chief innovation officer at Core Spaces. O’Neill discusses shifts in how we currently use data, how that will change in the future, and which technologies will have the largest impact on the design industry. Dalton speaks about how to leverage data throughout the design and development process, and how designers’ inherent empathetic mindset can unlock data’s insights.    Accredited for: IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU   After listening, you will be able to:  Contrast how we currently use data with how that will change in the future.  Analyze the role of designer and researcher.  Evaluate the two main types of data.  Examine which technologies have the largest implications for our industry.    Our first interviewee, Mike O'Neill, is leader of data science research for the Gensler Research Institute. He talks in detail about powerful new tools that are providing opportunities to analyze the complex interplay between people and their spaces. He urges designers to seek to understand these technologies better and also explains how designers and researchers can learn to meet in the middle.   Our second interviewee, Mitch Dalton is chief innovation officer at Core Spaces, a national student housing developer, owner, and operator. He explains how the developer gathers data with the goal of building better places for people to live. By creating personas specific to their end users, the designers can understand more about who it is that they are actually designing for and map their day-to-day use of the space.  Quiz: Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz, and earn your certificate of completion.    How it works:     Step 1: Listen to the episode.    Step 2: Sign in at this link to take a short, 5-question quiz.    *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU.   Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion via email from CEU sponsor Delta Faucet Company.      Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn:  Mike O’Neill  Mitch Dalton    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, presented by DIRTT, ThinkLab interviews Daniel Hall, assistant professor at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherlands, and Amy Marks, VP at Autodesk, on what industrialized design means, how it works, and how it can help designers and manufacturers collaborate more closely.  Accredited for: IDCEC, AIA | 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU  After listening, you will be able to:  Summarize what industrialized construction encompasses.   Contrast how industrialized construction differs from conventional construction.  Analyze how industrialized construction changes the traditional design process.  Examine how industrialized construction enables new product and process innovation.  Our first guest, Daniel Hall, assistant professor at TU Delft, provides his own definition of industrialized construction. He also explains how designers who adopt this holistic approach and move away from the conventional design process will experience three mindset shifts. Hall also stresses how industrialized construction can enable more circular design in the built environment.   Amy Marks, vice president of industrialized construction at Autodesk, shares her vision for the future of industrialized construction — especially as a way to connect designers and manufacturers earlier in the design process. She describes how industrialized construction requires thinking of the built environment as a product rather than a project, and that finding a way to “productize” process development can lead to better business and sustainability outcomes.  Quiz: Want CEU credit for listening? Click here to take the quiz, and earn your certificate of completion.  How it works:   Step 1: Listen to the episode.  Step 2: Sign in at this link to take a short, 5-question quiz. We recommend you take this on a desktop. *Scoring an 80% or above on the quiz will earn you 0.5 CEU/0.5 LU.  Step 3: Upon passing the quiz, receive your certificate of completion via email from CEU sponsor DIRTT.    Connect with our expert guests on LinkedIn:  Daniel Hall  Amy Marks    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.