Once Upon a Project

How do you design a workplace that's ready for constant change? AJ Paron speaks with Karen Marie Stonely, founding principal of SPAN Architecture, about how her firm has reimagined its studio through decades of disruption, from 9/11 and the pandemic to the rise of AI. Together, they explore how flexibility, biophilic design, and a culture of continuous adaptation have shaped a workplace where collaboration, wellbeing, and creativity continue to thrive. 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 .

What makes an office worth coming back to? This episode explores Roivant's first purpose-built New York headquarters at Penn One, designed to foster connection, collaboration and culture for a hybrid workforce. AJ Paron speaks with Sommer Schauer of Perkins&Will about transforming the workplace into a destination through a dramatic central hub, hospitality-inspired amenities, flexible gathering spaces and thoughtful design strategies that encourage movement, visibility and belonging. Episode art photo credit: Magda Biernat 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 .

What does it mean to design a workplace that cares for caregivers? This episode explores Northwestern Medicine’s Faculty Office Center in Chicago, a restorative environment created to support physician wellbeing through biophilic design, flexible workspaces, and hospitality-inspired amenities. Mark Hirons of CannonDesign and Jill from Northwestern Medicine discuss how the project is redefining the physician office experience around focus, recovery, connection, and care. 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 .

What does equity look like in the hybrid workplace? In this episode, AJ Paron speaks with Alivia Stalnaker and Alexis Kim of SmithGroup about reimagining AlixPartners’ Chicago office for a post-pandemic reality shaped by flexibility, wellbeing, and connection. The team shares how equitable access to daylight, amenities, technology, and varied work settings informed a hospitality-inspired workplace designed to support both high-performance collaboration and individual choice. 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 .

What if the workplace felt more like a hotel, a community hub, or even home? In this episode, we unpack the design strategy behind Sanofi’s headquarters; an environment built on choice, inclusivity, and connection. Whitney Eveler discusses how materiality, sensory cues, and spatial variety drive productivity and belonging. The project offers a compelling blueprint for the future of work. 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 .

When design begins with the full spectrum of human experience, it has the power to create spaces where everyone can thrive. Recorded live at NeoCon, AJ welcomes Shannon Crider Langley, Frances Phillips, and artist Caroline Zimbalist for a conversation about Shaw Contract’s Design For All movement and the ideas shaping the future of inclusive design. Together, they explore how a research initiative evolved into a framework built around connection, wellbeing, experience, learning, and thriving, while examining the role of neurodiversity, psychological safety, and creativity in the built environment. 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 .

Michael Ford, “The Hip Hop Architect,” explores his collaboration with Momentum, blending influences from music, architecture, and community into expressive textile and wallcovering design. This episode is presented by Momentum and recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND. Thank you to our Lounge sponsor, Unika Vaev, and partners: B+N, DARRAN, Framery, Momentum, and UpSpring. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

When a space is designed to heal both body and spirit, it becomes more than a building, it becomes a catalyst for change. In the season four finale, AJ welcomes Lily Diego and Michael Schur to share the story behind the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness in Detroit. Together, they explore how thoughtful environments can empower individuals, support families, and inspire hope through every detail. What began as a mission to improve lives has evolved into a model for community connection. 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 .

When a loved one’s health challenge sparks a professional mission, design takes on new meaning. In this episode, AJ welcomes Erin McDannald, CEO of Elevated, to explore how biohacking principles are reshaping the modern workplace. From clean air and thermal comfort to the subtle influence of lighting and CO₂ levels, Erin shares how her personal journey inspired a new way of thinking about wellness at work. Together, they uncover how genetics, research, and interior design can converge to create healthier, more effective environments where people and ideas can thrive. 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 .

Is it possible to design cities that actively promote human wellness? Yes, and to find out how, host AJ Paron speaks with Stefano Tronci, Asia Pacific sustainability leader at SOM, about strategies for embedding health and sustainability into the built environment. From biophilic design and air quality to holistic spatial planning, Stefano shares how his team collaborates with developers, engineers, and city officials to create spaces that reduce stress, support wellbeing, and shape the future of thriving communities. 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 .

How can design fuel healing and transform lives before a single brick is laid? Host AJ Paron explores a groundbreaking wellbeing initiative aimed at curing congestive heart failure. This unique collaboration brings together a design firm, a healthcare system, and an organization devoted to happiness. Joined by Nancy O’Brien of Experience Happiness and Deanna Hokanson, who worked with Hennepin Healthcare, AJ gets to the bottom of a revolutionary use of experience-based co-design. Together, they reveal how authentic happiness, deep listening, and community-building can shape environments that empower both patients and healthcare professionals. 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 .

What if hospitals could heal without exposing patients to harmful toxins? In this episode of Once Upon a Project, host AJ Paron sits down with sustainability provocateur (and stand-up comic) Eric Corey Freed of CannonDesign to explore radical new approaches to the built environment. From designing a toxin-free hospital to leveraging neuro-architecture and assumptions mapping, Eric shares how questioning defaults can unlock healthier, more sustainable design solutions. 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 .

How can designers protect their creativity while thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry? Recorded live at NeoCon 2025, host AJ Paron sits down with a panel of experts from Shaw Contract to explore the vital topic of creative wellness in design. Together, Shannon Crider Langley, Kaley Decker, and Ashley Olson share practical tools and strategies for preventing burnout, sustaining passion, and finding balance between work and well-being. Tune in for candid insights and actionable takeaways that will help you nurture both your creativity and your career. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by Shaw Contract . This episode was recorded live in the NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND. Thank you to our Lounge sponsor, Material Bank, and product partners: HÅG, Stylex, KI Wall, and Turf. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Take a journey to the mountains with architect Michael Upwall and builder Gary Hill. Together, they explore their collaborative process in designing the stunning Pinnacle Sky home in Park City Utah. From their first project to the intricacies of constructing modern homes in harsh mountain environments, Michael and Gary share stories, challenges, and their unique bond. Passion, and effective communication are important in long-term collaborations, which Michael and Gary bring to every project. This episode is brought to you by Marvin, a must-watch for anyone interested in architectural design and construction. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Recorded live at the NeoCon Podcast Lounge, AJ is joined by Bryan Ballegeer, Vice President of Education for KI, and Jason Lazarz, KI's A&D Market Lead. Together the group explores the transformative power of well-designed educational environments. Learn about KI's inspiring Classroom Furniture Giveaway program, which empowers teachers and students to create dream classrooms tailored to diverse learning needs. Discover how inclusive design can improve student engagement and outcomes, and why the future of educational design lies in addressing the sensory and neuroaesthetic needs of all learners. This season of Once Upon A Project is presented by KI. This episode was recorded live in the NeoCon Podcast Lounge Powered by SURROUND, sponsored by Material Bank, and in partnership with HÅG, Stylex, KI Wall, and Turf. 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 .

Sensory design expert Russell Jones sits with AJ to explore the fascinating world of multisensory design in the built environment. Learn how Russell and his team transformed the iconic John Lewis & Partners department store into a testbed for sensory innovation, balancing the needs of neurodiverse visitors, enhancing brand experience, and creating environments that are both immersive and inclusive. Russell's eBook: Designing For Humans: How cross-modal neuroscience can transform the built environment. 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 .

Explore the powerful connection between design and neuroscience with Suchi Reddy an NYC based architect, designer, and artist. Discover how design can influence our emotions, well-being, and human connection through compelling stories and innovative projects. Suchi shares her journey from architectural practice to art installations at Salone del Mobile and discusses the groundbreaking work in neurasthenics. This thought-provoking conversation uncovers how spaces can evoke physiological and psychological responses to enhance human potential. 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 .

Dive into the world of color with one of host AJ Paron’s design heroes, Laura Guido-Clark. Laura discusses the psychology of color, its impact on our lives, and how her company, Love Good Color, leverages this knowledge to transform spaces. Learn about her inspiring work with Project ColorCorps, where she brings vibrant transformations to underserved communities, creating environments that reflect joy, belonging, and empowerment. Discover how careful consideration of hues, temperaments, and cultural factors can make a profound difference in design and society. Project Color Corps E.C. Reems Academy Project 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 .

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 .