Side of Design

When the lease on their office space expired, Minneapolis-based engineering firm Loucks sought out a team that could help create their ideal work environment in a new location. With help from BWBR, furniture dealership Henricksen, real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, and some extraordinary luck, Loucks transformed an already promising space into a workplace that supports their culture, enhances well-being, and aligns with today's technology needs—all while keeping existing furniture out of landfills.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The latest Side of Design podcast pulls back the curtain on PFAS, the infamous "forever chemicals" making headlines for their carcinogenic and environmentally damaging properties, and their widespread presence in many common finishes and materials—from stain-resistant couches to flame-retardant clothing to nonstick pans.Host Matt Gerstner welcomes BWBR specialists Sara Biedenbender (Interior Designer), Kat Lauer (Project Planner), and Rachael Spires (Associate Principal and Performance Design & Quality Manager) for a lively conversation.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The most recent Side of Design podcast introduces us to two architecture students whose work demands we reconsider what makes good design. Sierra Espinoza and Pwapadeino Wonosikou, this year's BWBR equity scholarship winners, aren't waiting until graduation to tackle the industry's most pressing questions about who benefits from the spaces we build—and who doesn't.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The path to professional fulfillment isn't always a straight line, and the stories of some of our BWBR team members prove just that. In the latest episode of Side of Design, host Matt Gerstner and three BWBR colleagues share their fascinating journeys of career transformation, revealing how seemingly unrelated experiences can shape unique perspectives and lead to rewarding careers in unexpected places.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Athletic facilities aren't just about sports anymore. As BWBR's Architectural Design Manager Kyle Lunke and Principal Craig Peterson discuss in our latest Side of Design episode, these spaces drive enrollment, enhance student wellness, and strengthen institutional identity. Venues that welcome fans on game day help foster an incredible sense of community and energy—but the benefits go on long after the game clock runs out. That's why we were excited to talk with Kyle and Craig to gain insights into how thoughtful design transforms athletic facilities into dynamic hubs serving entire campus communities.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The research, development, and production that takes place inside science + technology facilities is highly complex and technical. It's no surprise that the design work that brings these environments to life demands the same level of precision. Design, engineering, and contractor teams partner closely to coordinate the advanced MEP systems and intricate space planning that maintain sterile, safe, and efficient operations.On this episode of Side of Design, we're joined by a couple of our own trusted partners, who add their unique perspectives on what sets these complex projects up for success—and how each discipline contributes. Bringing deep experience in the science + tech market, Partner and Mechanical Engineer Nic Igl from Dunham, Horwitz Inc. CEO Emeritus Bill McKoskey, and BWBR Principal Nate Roisen dig into developing high-tech environments.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Employee engagement goes beyond happiness and job satisfaction—those are byproducts of something deeper. As BWBR's Director of People and Culture Tricia Eiswald and Knowledge Manager Kari Shonblom discuss in the latest Side of Design episode, engagement means genuine involvement and enthusiasm at work and in the workplace. Their insights delve into factors that drive engagement, BWBR's own engagement strategies, and how organizations can go beyond employee satisfaction to unlock the full potential of their teams. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Ever wondered how to craft fee proposals that not only win projects but also ensure client success? Join us as we sit down with BWBR's CEO Terry Ulrich and principals Mike Boldenow and Greg Fenton to unlock the secrets behind effective fee development in architectural projects. Discover why understanding client needs—both stated and unstated—plays a pivotal role in creating accurate and competitive proposals. Learn the art of drafting well-written RFPs and strategically incorporating alternate services to cover all bases.In our discussion, we delve into the importance of establishing value, selecting the right team, and fostering robust client relationships. We reveal how aligning work plans with the scope of services can lead to equitable fee proposals, and why a commitment to high-quality design and sustainable materials offers long-term benefits. Hear firsthand how listening to and understanding client needs can minimize change orders and elevate project outcomes, even if it means not always being the cheapest option. Lastly, we explore the power of clear communication and a compelling value proposition in ensuring project success. You'll hear an inspiring story about how BWBR instilled confidence and made the design process enjoyable for a public entity client, reinforcing the importance of creating a trustworthy and pleasant working environment. Don't miss the wrap-up where we encourage listeners to join the conversation, share their insights, and suggest future topics, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that drives the design industry. Tune in and transform your approach to design fees and client success!If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Like any other healthcare facility, behavioral health environments must be comforting places to heal. But these spaces pose unique considerations to keep patients safe, requiring thoughtful balance from skilled design professionals to create environments that are beautiful and manage patient risk. Senior Interior Designer Lauren Frank, Senior Project Manager Susan Golberg, and Senior Architect Ellen Konerza are a few members of the BWBR team who work to design these facilities, and in the latest episode of Side of Design, they dive in to creating environments that prioritize safety without feeling cold or institutional.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Simulation spaces are high-tech, realistic environments designed to train both students preparing for careers in healthcare and medical professionals learning new skills. These environments require both the functionality of real healthcare spaces and classroom elements for teaching and learning, allowing users to practice skills, learn new procedures, or explore techniques that will be applied in real hospital settings.  In the latest episode of Side of Design from BWBR, guest host and Project Manager Jarett Anderson opens the door to the exciting realm of simulation spaces. Joined by BWBR Principal Leigh Streit, Senior Planner Rich Dunham, and Senior Project Manager Brian Lapham, the discussion delves into the unique functionalities, design considerations, and emerging trends in these innovative facilities.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Neuroscience facilities serve patients with a wide range of conditions, from cognitive issues like Alzheimer's to mobility challenges resulting from spinal cord injuries. Patients facing cognitive disorders may feel as though they're experiencing a space for the very first time, even though they've been there dozens of times, while patients with mobility aids require extra space to access and move through a facility. These spaces need to be intuitively accessible and comfortable every time.From facilitating way-finding to incorporating new technologies, thoughtful design helps to create calming, restorative experiences while supporting healthcare advancement for this patient population. In the latest episode of Side of Design, we dive into the unique considerations and challenges of designing neuroscience facilities, joined by BWBR Principal Ryan Johansen, Design Leader Chris Fischer, and Senior Interior Designer Miranda McNamara Mace.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Unlock the secrets to future-proof healthcare design as Jessica Sweeney, Senior Planner at BWBR, takes us behind the scenes of an ever-evolving industry where the stakes are nothing less than our collective well-being. Jessica's unique blend of healthcare leadership experience and design expertise reveals how creating spaces that serve both today's needs and tomorrow's possibilities is more art than science. We traverse her professional journey, uncovering the critical role these spaces play not just for patient care, but as cultural and financial pillars in our communities. Her insights bridge the gap between healthcare providers and architects, ensuring the spaces they create together are not only functional but also nurturing and responsive to the demands of a shifting landscape.Step into the world of operational efficiency in healthcare, where Jessica illustrates the transformative power of Gemba walks and close partnerships with staff in discovering cost-saving opportunities. This episode peels back the curtain on the meticulous strategy that defers major capital investments without compromising care quality. We delve into the real-world implications of operational changes, balancing them with empathy for the people they touch. Jessica also introduces us to the effectiveness of mock-ups in helping staff transition to new workflows and environments, emphasizing the ultimate goal: crafting spaces that are as comfortable for patients as they are functional for providers. Join us for a journey into the heart of healthcare design and efficiency with a visionary guiding the way.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Student housing is commonly associated with bare-bones accommodations designed to be tolerated rather than enjoyed. However, today's residence halls are advancing in remarkable ways to better foster community, support student well-being, and reflect each institution's unique culture. Students increasingly seek inclusive design, communities to enhance learning and living, and a focus on wellness that encompasses everything from meditation spaces to mental health resources.In the latest episode of Side of Design, BWBR team members Amanda Aspenson and Anna Pratt, both Senior Project Managers, and Senior Architectural Designer Kevin Gamelin discuss the evolving world of student housing design.If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The worlds of design and construction are closely related, yet they speak entirely different languages. A lot hinges on maintaining a clear, consistent vision and understanding of every detail, with absolutely nothing getting lost in translation between design and construction. Luckily, Construction Administrators (CA) speak both “languages” fluently, and they're a critical component of an effective design-build process.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Bryan Desma - BWBR - Construction Administration ManagerDevin Little - BWBR - Construction AdministratorMusic provided by Getty and Epidemic SoundAll Night DancePØWIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

If our latest podcast discussion is any indication, the future of design is in excellent hands. We were honored to sit down with the recipients of this year's BWBR equity scholarships for an inspiring discussion about inclusion and diversity in design, the recipients' incredible submission projects, and what's next for them.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Valerie Lange - M. Arch/BAA Interior Design Student - University of WashingtonMariam Elizabeth Jacob - M. Arch - Columbia UniversityMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Quality assurance is all about dotting the i's and crossing the t's, confirming that design details meet code regulations, stakeholder requirements, and quality standards. Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Dan Hottinger - BWBR, PrincipalTodd Warren - BWBR, Quality Assurance SpecialistMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The folks in lab design at BWBR have no trouble seeing common ground between their work as designers and their scientist clients' work. In both cases, it's about coming up with innovative, out-of-the-box, and creative solutions to intricate problems.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Terri Ulrick - BWBR, Principal and DirectorBrian Lapham - BWBR, Senior Project ManagerNate Roisen - BWBR, Senior Project PlannerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

When it comes to Critical Access Hospital projects, two themes reign supreme: affordability and strategic thinking. Working on these projects means getting creative in figuring out how to fine-tune design for a community's unique needs, maintaining the highest standards of planning and execution while balancing tight budgets.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Brad Krump - BWBR, Principal and DirectorNick Smith - Wipfli, PrincipalMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

At BWBR, the graphic design team ventures into the physical realm, envisioning three-dimensional spaces and conceptualizing how two-dimensional elements will interact. That means considering an array of materials and components with innumerable moving parts. Window films to wall coverings, acrylic panels, signage, lettering, wayfinding messages…the list goes on.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Rachel Slette - BWBR Senior Graphic DesignerMaddie Smith - BWBR Graphic DesignerEmily Prigge - BWBR Graphic DesignerAvery Gidley - BWBR Graphic DesignerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The future of architecture and design is here. The BWBR internship program is designed to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience, but it's a win for us too. We benefit from their incredible energy, innovative ideas, and fresh perspectives. We also get a sneak peek into where the industry is headed because we know these talented individuals will lead the way.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Nathan Davies - BWBR Architectural InternLauren Burton - BWBR Architectural InternCail Tomlin - BWBR Architectural InternJennifer (Joon) Ta - BWBR Research and Interior Design InternMia Wang - BWBR Graphic Design InternMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Critical Access Hospitals, tasked with providing vital hospital services to their rural populations, face unique challenges while serving their sprawling communities within the confines of budget, space, and oftentimes aging facilities. Strategic healthcare design can be a secret weapon in enhancing patient outcomes and staff wellbeing within these limitations.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Brad Krump, AIA - BWBR Principal, DirectorTom Reinhardt - Cascade Medical Center CEO Music provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

You've heard the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the broth.” Do too many stakeholders in the planning room spoil the design? That depends on how you approach the challenge.Hosted by: Matt Gerstner - BWBR Podcast Host and ProducerGuests:Stephanie McDaniel - BWBR President, CEONathan Roisen - BWBR Senior Project PlannerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

The United States is in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year. And yet, only about half of those who need treatment actually receive it. For this episode of Side of Design, host and BWBR principal Melanie Baumhover sat down with a roundtable of the firm's behavioral and mental health designers to talk about how design can play a role in combatting the crisis.Hosted by: Melanie Baumhover - BWBR PrincipalGuests:Devan Swiontkowski - BWBR Project PlannerEllen Konerza - BWBR Senior Project ArchitectJessica Norton - BWBR Senior Interior DesignerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Designers bridge very different worlds — creative, technical, and consultative — and there can be an air of mystery about the process and the various roles within it. For the latest episode of Side of Design, we invited some of the BWBR team to clear things up, including Sam Griesgraber, Senior Interior Designer; Craig Peterson, Principal, as well as Design Leader and Director of Design; and Steve Busse, Architect and Design Leader.Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR AV ProductionGuests:Sam Griesgraber - BWBR Senior Interior DesignerCraig Peterson - BWBR Principal, Director of Design, and Design LeaderSteve Busse - BWBR Architect and Design LeaderMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

If you live in an urban area, you may take for granted that you can call emergency services and have someone on the scene within minutes or hop in the car to reach a hospital before a bad situation gets worse. That's not the case for the tens of millions of Americans who live more than an hour away from the nearest trauma care center. Fortunately, Critical Access Hospitals are there to step into the gap, there to keep care accessible and local, so long-distance transportation isn't a barrier to care.Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR AV ProductionGuests:Brad Krump - BWBR Principal, DirectorScott Kirchner - BWBR Principal, Leader of Omaha OfficeMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Interior design has a massive impact on the way we interact with the spaces around us. It involves macro-level factors (like layout) all the way down to the details (like the finish on drawer pulls). That's a lot to take on, and it takes talented, dedicated professionals to make it work.Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR AV ProductionGuests:Lisa Miller - BWBR Senior Interior DesignerSara Biedenbender - BWBR Interior DesignerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

When you think about health care, you might think about doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals who work tirelessly to save and improve lives. You also might think about all the equipment involved — MRI and Xray machines, CAT scanners, high-tech hospital beds, heart monitors, etc. But what about how it all fits together and flows in space? For this episode of Side of Design, host Jarett Anderson spoke with some of BWBR's talented medical planners to learn about this incredibly important role.Hosted by: Jarett Anderson - BWBR Project ManagerGuests:Brian Zabloudil - BWBR Principal and Senior Medical PlannerSophia Skemp - BWBR Project PlannerScott Holmes - BWBR Principal and Senior Medical Planner, retiredMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Today, we're so excited to recognize the achievements and talent of the recipients of BWBR's second annual equity scholarships. We had the chance to sit down with our recipients for a conversation about their backgrounds, their winning projects, and their vision for the future of architecture and design. It was a fascinating conversation that gives us even more hope for the future of our industry.Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR Podcast ProducerGuests:Saylee Bhogle - Master of Science in Architecture Student at Illinois Institute of TechnologyNicole Niava - Master of Architecture Student at Yale UniversityMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostIf you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review!You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites!https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutionshttps://twitter.com/BWBRhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/

Interior design and architecture are often described as perfectly blending art, science, and technology. Part of the beauty of that blend is being able to craft spaces that look aesthetically pleasing and yet also have a lot going on behind the scenes, with every element meticulously planned to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Perhaps nowhere else does that blend matter more than when designing spaces specifically for the science and technology sector. Hosted by: Jarett Anderson - BWBR Project ManagerGuests:Chris Fischer - Design LeaderKat Lauer - Interior DesignerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

When you say the word “design” to 100 people, they'll likely picture 100 different things. Design is deeply subjective and personal. Still, we can get a sense of what design looks like by asking the people who live it every day. For our most recent episode, we sat down with 13 BWBR team members to ask them: How did you know you wanted to be in the design field? Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR Lead AV ProducerGuests:Chan Scholz - Project ManagerWhitney Martin - Senior Project ArchitectBryan Desma - Construction AdministratorAbbie Zeien - Senior Project ManagerAndrew North, Jr. - Architectural InternAmanda Aspenson - Senior Project ManagerDoug Wild - PrincipalSam Griesgraber - Interior Designer IITre'mon Collins - Architectural InternMiranda McNamar - Interior Designer IIRoss Baker - Job CaptainRachel Slette - Senior Graphic DesignerRichard Stuerman - Senior Project ManageMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostThe Dawn of a New Era by Brander

High-quality design demands a unique blend of art and science — plus a constant, renewable source of inspiration. Without inspiration, the outcomes are rote, derivative, and dull. Put another way, how can you expect to create spaces that inspire without being inspired yourself? For our latest podcast we sat down with a diverse group of employees from BWBR and asked each of them the same question: Where do you find inspiration for your work?Hosted by: Matthew Gerstner - BWBR Lead AV ProducerGuests:Craig Peterson - BWBR PrincipalDaniel Treinen - BWBR Design LeaderEllen Konerza - BWBR Senior Project ArchitectGreg Fenton - BWBR Principal and DirectorJason Nordling - BWBR Principal and DirectorJackie Peck - BWBR Senior Project ManagerMark Baumhover - BWBR Senior Project ArchitectNathan Roisen - BWBR Project PlannerLaura Flynn - BWBR Design LeaderMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian PostAdventure of a Lifetime by CampagnaThe Dawn of a New Era by BranderEarth and Heavens by Sémø

Hybrid and remote work are now the norm across a wide range of industries, and while the shift was a long time coming, it was clearly accelerated by the pandemic. But what happens when you work in an industry where place is everything? At BWBR, we literally design spaces for people to connect and collaborate. How do we reconcile that with our own work policies? BWBR project manager and architect Jarett Anderson hosted a conversation with senior project manager Mallory Furlong and principal and operations director Stefnee Trzpuc to talk about it.Hosted by: Jarett Anderson - BWBR - Project ManagerGuests:Stefnee Trzpuc - BWBR - Principal and Operations DirectorMallory Furlong - BWBR - Senior Project ManagerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

There's an assumption that summer internship programs are primarily for the benefit of the students who participate, but what about amazing contributions they make to the organizations they're working for? We recently sat down for a discussion with four of BWBR's 2022 summer interns to learn more about their experiences and show some appreciation for everything they've done.Hosted by: Jarett Anderson - BWBR - Project ManagerGuests:Hasnaa Elaraby - BWBR - Interior Design Student InternLauren Burton - BWBR - Architectural Student InternCail Tomlin - BWBR - Architectural Student InternZeekra Baset Nadi - BWBR - Student Architectural DesignerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

Project management is not a small job. A project manager should provide overall team leadership and coordination. Project managers are accountable for the success of their projects, and to that end, they plan the work, organize the team, get ahead of issues, and serve as the primary contact for clients. To more fully explore the impact of project management on a design or build, as well as dive into what makes project management at BWBR unique, we assembled a team of in-house pros — Andrea Cecelia, Jarett Anderson, Anna Pratt, and Charles Orton — for an informal conversation about their work and what makes great project management so rewarding.Hosted by: Jarett Anderson - BWBR - Project ManagerGuests:Charles Orton - BWBR - Head of Project ManagementAndrea Cecelia - BWBR - Project ManagerAnna Pratt - BWBR - Project ManagerMusic provided by Artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

The close of Women's History Month – as with any designated time period to honor a specific community – is bittersweet. On one hand, we've just been immersed in myriad, under-told stories highlighting people and causes that more than deserve time in the spotlight.On the other hand, the close of the designated time means, typically, that things go right back to “normal” – a normal, that is, that continues the imbalance.We're committed to continuing to tell stories. And, more than that, we're committed to continuing to spotlight inequities. For the most recent episode of our podcast, Side of Design, BWBR President and CEO Stephanie McDaniel sat down with BWBR head of interior design Nan Langevin, current principal Terri Ulrick, and retired principal Katherine Leonidas. The mission: discuss the fields of architecture and design through the experiences of women – pioneers, really. What have we accomplished? What's still missing? And what happens next?Hosted by: Stephanie McDaniel - BWBR - President, CEOGuests: Katherine Leonidas - BWBR - Principal (retired)Terri Ulrick - BWBR - Principal, DirectorNan Langevin - BWBR - Head of Interior DesignMusic provided by artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

While ESG has been a hot topic in Europe for quite some time, more and more business leaders are starting to tune in here in the United States. ESG, which stands for  “Environmental, Social, Governance,”  represents a lens that investors are using to examine business health and risk management as they make decisions about where to invest. Joining us to dig into this important topic are Kelly Worden from the US Green Building Council, and Phillipe Bernier, Vice President of Strategy, Operations, and Sustainability for JLL Canada. Hosted by:Jennifer Stukenberg, Principal at BWBRGuests:Kelly Worden, Public Health and Sustainability Researcher at USGBCPhillipe Bernier, Vice President of Strategy, Operations, and Sustainability at JLL CanadaMusic provided by artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

Twenty episodes. One year. That's a lot of content. We've been incredibly privileged to have so many guests willing to be generous with their time and insights, and we packed everything we could into the first season of Side of Design.Hosted by:Jarett AndersonCo-host:Matt GerstnerMusic provided by artlist.ioSiberian Summer by Sunny FruitDuDa by Ian Post

Host: Coral DigatonoGuest: Peter Smith, Stephanie McDanielTranscript provided by Otter.aiMusic provided by Artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

Design plays a critical role in making people feel welcome and safe. From accessibility to gender inclusivity, design is about more than who can enter a space – it also sends a strong message about who is warmly invited to enter a space, just as they are. In this episode of Side of Design, BWBR Interior Designer Sophia Good speaks with special guest Dr. Kathryn Anthony, a national spokesperson on gender issues in design and the author of several books on inclusive design. Host: Sophia GoodGuest: Dr. Kathryn Anthony, Ph.D.Transcript provided by Otter.aiMusic provided by Artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

In this episode of Side of Design, we discuss the EmPATH (emergency psychiatric assessment, treatment, and healing) model of emergency health services with Ryan Johansen, AIA, and Dr. Lewis Zeidner, PhD. Together, the speakers define what it means to experience a mental health crisis, review the clinical and operational outcomes of EmPATH services, and suggest how we can continue to improve the patient experience.Host: Coral DigatonoGuests: Ryan Johansen, AIA and Dr. Lewis Zeidner, PhDTranscript provided by Otter.aiMusic provided by Artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

In this episode, Michael Meehan, AIA, LEED AP, discusses the future of equitable and diverse design with the winners of BWBR's first-annual equity scholarships: Allison Loth and Freeland Livingston. Each award is designed to support equity in the built environment by providing a $1,000 prize to a student of architecture, interior design, or graphic design. Applicants submitted both a personal statement and a sample design project, resulting in a truly impressive caliber of submissions for these inaugural awards.Host: Michael Meehan, AIA, LEED APGuests: Allison Loth and Freeland LivingstonTranscript provided by Otter.aiMusic provided by Artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

Design can be a powerful tool to create change and impact organizations and communities. However, it is important that we are striving to understand through research exactly how the design of the built environment impacts our everyday lives. BWBR recognizes the value of research in practice and seeks research collaboration opportunities through academic and student partnerships, such as the University of Minnesota School of Architecture's Research Consortium and the Masters of Science and Research Practices program (MSRP program). In this episode, BWBR Principal and Design Researcher Stefnee Trzpuc, CID, EDAC, LEED AP,  connects with MSRP Program Director Professor Malini Srivastava, AIA, DDes (School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota), as well as former MSRP student Lucas Glissendorf (BWBR) to hear more.Host: Stefnee Trzpuc, CID, EDAC, LEED APGuests: Lucas Glissendorf and Professor Malini Srivastava, AIA, DDesTranscript provided by Otter.aiMusic provided by Artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

Architects are often asked to do more than just design buildings, with clients turning to them for support outside of traditional project scopes and timelines. To meet this need, BWBR created BWBR+, a collection of services focused on human performance and building performance that bridges the gap between architecture and traditional business consulting. Coral Digatono takes a deeper dive into BWBR+ Advisory Services with BWBR's Brandon King, AIA, MBA and Jason Nordling, AIA.Music provided by artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

Coral Digatono discusses Advisory Services with BWBR's Brandon King, AIA, MBA. Together they take a high level look at a few Advisory Service offerings and why they are important to building owners.Music provided by artlist.ioFunk It Up : Steve PoloniCircle : Luke Melville

In part two of this two part series, Jennifer Stukenberg joins Coral Digatono to discuss how to successfully plan and execute the return to work with a Hybrid work model. Discussing the pitfalls to avoid and how to prepare for an equitable environment.

In part one of this two part series, Jennifer Stukenberg, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, joins Coral Digatono to discuss how to successfully plan and execute the return to work with a hybrid work model. This episode also considers pitfalls to avoid and how to prepare for an equitable environment.

Egress challenges and fire safety codes are common issues that can have a big impact on architectural project design and success, whether new construction or renovation. The existing components of a building used for one purpose might simply not be up to code for another.Telgian Engineering & Consulting's April Musser, PE, CFPS, and BWBR's Roger "Lars" Larson, AIA, discuss why egress and fire codes are so vital to a building's safety, as well as solutions that performance-based code approaches can offer to make designs more flexible and valuable. In the end, a successful performance-based egress solution will strike a balance between safety and fidelity within an architectural design.Hosted by Coral DigatonoGuests: April Musser, PE, CFPSRoger "Lars" Larson, AIA

Since 2013, Hanna Kuehl, Steve Berg, and the BWBR team have addressed a specific design challenge: to reimagine the special education environment and what it means for students, families, and staff.Based on research, case studies, and evidence-based reports, BWBR uncovered the elements of an ideal special education environment, which provided an opportunity to help set a new design standard for this student population's unique learning needs. By utilizing simple, yet effective, design strategies, the team reduced a large amount of environmental stimuli and helped to improve the daily lives and educational growth of students in these specialized settings.As students have attested to over the years, the therapeutic learning environment is about more than adaptability and safety — it's about belonging. Hosted by Coral Digatono

This Memorial Day Holiday we take time to honor our military service members who've made the greatest sacrifice in service to our country and we celebrate by inviting our staff to share with you, some thoughts and traditions.Hosted by Coral Digatono

Today we're taking you down to the heart of Minneapolis, not into downtown, but south of it, where there's a cross section that is a definition of America. On Minneapolis's Lake Street, you'll find a vibrant and eclectic mix of locally owned businesses, from clothing stores to restaurants to grocery stores. They are owned by people dreaming of something bigger and better. They are Black, Central American, Mexican, Southeast Asian, and Indian people/business owners, as well as people/business owners from the various First Nations indigenous to Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. To be clear, it's a  neighborhood that sees challenges, one often defined by housing for those with low incomes, absentee landlords, and lack of investment. Drugs and sex trafficking have also plagued the neighborhood. And then last year, the area was set on fire, literally, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd. A mile and a half away from George Floyd Square, though, rises a shining new light on the corner of Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street. The colorful multi-million dollar building sits as a beacon of hope and aspiration for the community, with windows to the street that will allow traffic for both those in cars and on foot to see positive energy and transformation. It's an investment in the lives of people, who, to be frank, many of us look past; an investment coming from a 142-year-old non-profit. Today, we're taking you inside the new center, soon to be opened by The Family Partnership. Molly Greenman, President and CEO, gives us a tour of the new facility. With its preschool classrooms, therapy rooms, counseling rooms, playground, and laundry facilities, the center brings hope and dignity to individuals and families who have found the world to be less than hospitable. In her own words, Greenman sheds light on what this modern, warm, welcoming building means to the organization, to this community rising from years of disinvestment, and to people struggling through deep poverty and trauma. Welcome to The Family Partnership.Hosted by James Lockwood

For more than 60 percent of our population, living a healthy life can be a challenge.Communities bounded by interstates, located near industrial areas releasing toxic particulates, and ground water infiltrated by pollution such as lead have shown higher rates of asthma, cancer, seizures, and learning disabilities. Add to that a missing urban forest canopy and lack of green space in many of these communities that contribute to the heat-island affect, and the stress of living day-to-day can take years off of one's life. In both urban and rural communities like these there are zip codes where the life expectancy is years lower than those in zip codes with more green space and better zoning separating residential areas from sources of pollution. People living in these areas, on average, are heavily people of color and systemically have little political clout. All of this is despite a two-decade movement to focus on sustainability aimed at reducing our impact on the environment and improving our air and water quality. Like all systems in America, the sustainability movement has often overlooked how equitably it's focused, and this past year demonstrated why a broader lens is needed. In those communities where pollution is so prevalent, COVID-19 infection rates are 40 percent higher than in other communities and mortality rates are 19 percent higher. In this episode, BWBR's James Nutt, AIA, LEED AP, and Sara Goenner Curlee, AIA, LEED AP, join Stephanie Leonard from the U.S. Green Building Council to discuss sustainability through the lens of equity: how should we own our oversights in the past, and what does this journey look like that can put us on the right path towards benefitting all through better design…all forms of design? Hosted by James Lockwood