Episode 20: In this episode of we sit down with Jon Strassner, an industry provocateur known as an environmental storyteller, strategic advisor, and co-host of the Break Some Dishes podcast.

With nearly three decades of experience in the commercial interiors industry, Jon brings a passionate and unflinching voice to the climate conversation.

We talk openly about greenwashing, material transparency, and the uncomfortable truths designers and manufacturers often avoid. Jon shares stories from his time at HumanScale and ASID, why “less is more” might be the industry’s most disruptive idea, and what it really means to be transparent when talking about sustainability. Jon shares his thoughts on toxic chemicals, broken systems, and the power of imperfect progress.

This conversation was recorded live at NeoCon 2024 with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl, Cara Rude, and Casey Kee.

Links:

• Listen to Jon’s podcast: Break Some Dishes

• Learn more about MCG Explore Design: https://www.exploredesign.com

• Follow Complementary Colors: https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/

Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design, an architecture and interior design firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color.

#ComplementaryColors #InteriorDesign #Sustainability #BreakSomeDishes #RedList #GreenMyths #Neocon2025 #EnvironmentalStorytelling #JonStrassner

Episode 19: Join Cara Rude for a conversation on with Mike Johnson, Senior Director of Materials team at the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).

Mike is a passionate advocate for sustainability, with a focus on wildlife preservation, ecosystem health, and the development of sustainable building materials. We dig into the groundbreaking standards set by the Living Product Challenge, and why we need to be loud and proud when advocating for change.

Links:

International Living Future Institute: https://living-future.org/about/ Follow Complementary Colors: ⁠https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/⁠ Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design (⁠https://www.exploredesign.com⁠) an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color (⁠https://www.hybridcolor.com⁠) ⁠#InteriorDesign⁠ ⁠#Sustainability #LivingFutureChallenge #ILFI⁠ ⁠#ComplimentaryColors⁠⁠ ⁠#Neocon2024⁠ ⁠#Podcast

Episode 17: Live from NeoCon in Chicago! Join your hosts, Cara Rude, Melissa Pribyl, and Casey Kee for a very special conversation with Doug Shapiro from OFS.

Doug is the Vice President of Research & Insights at OFS, and hosts the Imagine a Place podcast. He shares his personal journey and some fascinating insights behind the places and materials that shape our world.

Links:

Listen to the Imagine a Place podcast: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/podcast

Watch video from this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU-dYrJOPZ8 Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color. Follow Complementary Colors for future episodes. #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #ImagineAPlace #DougShapiro #OFS #Neocon #Sustainability #StorytellingInDesign #ComplementaryColors #MCGExploreDesign

Episode 16: In this episode Melissa Pribyl is sitting down with special guest, Crystal Worl to talk about the importance and impact of public art. Crystal is a talented and multi-faceted artist based in Juneau, Alaska. She shares her experiences working on large scale public art installations, including her stunning new livery design for Alaska Airlines.

We talk about Crystal's cultural heritage and her journey as an artist and storyteller. You'll learn about how she integrates traditional forms and modern techniques to create pieces that resonate with both the past and the future. Crystal also offers valuable insights into working with clients, blending branding guidelines with indigenous art, and the challenges and rewards of creating large-scale public art. This episode is packed with inspiration and knowledge!

Links:

See more from Crystal Worl at: https://crystalworl.com/

Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/trickstercompany

Check out her amazing design for Alaska Airlines, Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) here: https://youtu.be/s2wLoebydIw

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_WAUdT2CTcc

#ComplementaryColors #Podcast #PublicArt #CrystalWorl #TlingitHeritage #CultrualStorytelling #ArtAndCulture

Episode 15: Join Danielle Razo and McKenna Hall from Steelcase on this episode of Complementary Colors. Together with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl and Ashley Killian, we’ll talk about their personal journey and how Steelcase is focused on innovation, and inclusion. What sets them apart and how are they embracing change?

Episode Highlights:

• Danielle and McKenna’s role at Steelcase, and how they've navigated their careers in the design industry.
• The impact of Steelcase's research on hybrid work, inclusivity, and office design.
• The importance of dealer partnerships and how we can bridge the gap between manufacturers and the design community.
• The rise of female leadership within the industry and the positive changes it brings.

How do you think the workplace will continue to evolve? Share your experiences with hybrid work and the role of design in shaping company culture in the comments.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/FPWeh9uWc-0

Subscribe to Complementary Colors for more conversations on interior design, leadership, and the future of work.

#Steelcase #WorkplaceDesign #Leadership #HybridWork #FemaleLeadership #DesignThinking #Innovation #ComplementaryColorsPodcast #exploredesign

Episode 14: Imposter syndrome comes for us all!

Join us for an empowering episode of Complimentary Colors as we take a personal and professional look at self-advocacy in the workplace. Cara Rude leads a conversation with Melissa Pribyl, Ashley Killian, and Casey Key to talk about the challenges of setting boundaries and standing up for your own needs.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: ⁠https://youtu.be/nj_1DwjSPPY

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and be sure to subscribe to our channel for updates on future episodes. If you've ever faced a moment where you had to stand up for yourself, share your experience in the comments!

Episode 13: You're on mute! This is Part II of our series on more effective meetings with creativity and connection.

When is "no meeting" the best option? We all agree that if the purpose isn't clear, you're better off sending an email or better yet, cancelling the meeting all together. But how can we do better? Join Melissa and the team from MCG Explore Design as they reimagine a better meeting experience and give practical strategies for managing the mayhem.

Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/9E49t4zqlAY