In this ICYMI article-read episode of I Hear Design, we revisit an article titled, “ASID’s 2026 Trends Outlook: Designing for Resilience, Dignity, and Long-Term Impact” written by staff writer and editor Lauren Brant, originally published by interiors+sources. Based on ASID’s 2026 Trends Outlook Report, the article explores how interior designers are being called to lead through disruption by creating spaces that support wellness, flexibility, independence, and long-term value. It also looks at demographic shifts driving demand for more adaptable living environments, the purposeful return of maximalism, and the sustainability questions raised by AI and other high-performance technologies.

To commemorate Women’s History Month, in this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen speaks with Studio RYS principals Lisa Haude and Bhavini Hardev about what women’s leadership looks like in today’s AEC industry—and what still needs to change.

Lisa and Bhavini discuss progress worth celebrating, including more women stepping into leadership and reshaping collaboration, while also naming persistent gaps: credibility and visibility challenges, mentorship access, toxic “always-on” expectations, and the stark reality of pay inequity. The conversation explores what “principal-level leadership” means beyond hierarchy, such as showing up with empathy, building psychological safety, mentoring with intention, and learning through real project context.

The guests also share how their complementary backgrounds in interior design and architecture help break down discipline silos, and how Studio RYS’s recent rebrand reflects an evolution toward a fully integrated practice rooted in storytelling through design. The episode closes with practical advice for emerging and mid-career women aiming for leadership roles in the next phase of their careers.

The Anatomy of a Spec-Worthy Product dives into what really makes a product worthy of specification—beyond surface-level aesthetics and marketing claims. Host Lauren Brant breaks down the essential elements designers and architects need to evaluate today’s products, from certifications and documentation to material transparency, digital spec tools, and embodied carbon.

Drawing on reporting from interiors+sources, this episode explores how tools from Mohawk Group, Fitwel, and sustainability leadership from MillerKnoll are helping specifiers make smarter, lower-impact decisions. You’ll also hear insights on carbon reduction from Rutgers University, learn how manufacturers like Shaw Industries are approaching circularity, and unpack why certifications from organizations such as Forest Stewardship Council and GREENGUARD can be both helpful—and complicated.

Plus, Lauren shares practical red flags designers shouldn’t ignore, and why “not a molecule more than needed” has become a powerful lens for purposeful product design.

Whether you’re specifying furniture, finishes, or fixtures, this episode is your guide to choosing products that support performance, transparency, and planetary health—because great design doesn’t stop at aesthetics. It lives in the details.