Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact

Sylvanna VanderPark
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Welcome to Workspace Design Lab, the channel for architects, interior designers, and workplace leaders who want to master modern office design, ergonomic furniture solutions, and sustainable workspace strategies.Each episode explores:• Ergonomic office design principles that boost health and productivity• Modern office interiors and hybrid workplace layouts• Sustainable, modular, and parametric furniture systems• Human-centered design strategies that elevate employee experienceIf you’re designing, specifying, or managing workspaces, this channel gives you practical insights, expert interviews, and inspiring stories to help you create offices that truly work.Subscribe to learn how to design ergonomic offices, specify sustainable solutions, and shape the future of work.Learn more here: https://sholink.to/novalink

  1. 4d ago

    What Makes a Workplace Worth Coming Back To? | Jennifer Lloyd on Designing for the Human Experience

    What makes a workplace worth leaving home for? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, Sylvanna VanderPark speaks with Jennifer Lloyd, Associate Workplace Principal at HDR, about designing workplaces around how people actually work—not assumptions about how they work. Jennifer brings a unique perspective to the conversation, having worked on both sides of the table as a workplace designer and as a client. She shares how that experience changed the way she approaches workplace strategy, including an important lesson: clients sometimes arrive with a solution before they've fully identified the problem they're trying to solve.  The conversation explores what organizations can do to create workplaces people genuinely want to return to—from reducing friction in the employee experience to providing greater choice over where and how people work. Jennifer explains why choice is fundamental to designing for multi-generational and neurodiverse workplaces, and why seemingly simple considerations such as task lighting, acoustic privacy and visual privacy can make an environment work better for everyone.  Jennifer also introduces the fascinating idea of the restorative workplace and her interest in fractal design: using patterns and principles found in nature to explore whether our workplaces could actually help us feel calmer, healthier and less cognitively stressed.  Sylvanna and Jennifer also discuss:  Return to office and creating experiences worth the commute  Change management and why employee involvement matters  Trust, flexibility and the changing role of workplace managers  AI as a tool for designers  Neuroinclusive and multi-generational workplace design  Workplace culture, identity and brand  Designing spontaneous “moments of collision”  The importance of mentorship and human connection for younger workers  What the workplace of the future could become Ultimately, Jennifer challenges us to rethink the question organizations ask about their real estate: rather than simply asking what the workplace can do for the company, what can the workplace bring to its people—and what can we create that they would actually want to come back to?  Listen to the full conversation and join us as we explore what it means to design for the human experience. Workspace Design Lab Conversations exploring workplace design, technology and the evolving relationship between people and the places where we work. #WorkspaceDesignLab #WorkplaceDesign #HumanCenteredDesign #FutureOfWork #JenniferLloydDesigner 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

  2. Aug 24

    How AI Will Make Offices More Human featuring Bob Cicero

    How AI Will Make Offices More Human | Bob Cicero of Cisco AI may be transforming how we work—but could it also make the human side of the workplace more important? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, Sylvanna VanderPark speaks with Bob Cicero of Cisco about AI, the future of work, and what happens to the physical workplace as humans increasingly work alongside intelligent agents. The conversation explores one of the biggest questions facing organizations today: If AI can help us accomplish more work from virtually anywhere, what will make the office worth coming to? Bob and Sylvanna discuss how AI is changing productivity, technology and the demands being placed on workplace infrastructure, while considering what humans continue to uniquely bring to work: judgment, relationships, creativity, mentorship and the spontaneous interactions that happen when people share physical space. They also explore how organizations can move beyond simply creating "smart" buildings toward creating workplaces that genuinely support the people inside them. In this conversation:  How humans and AI agents will work together  Why AI may represent one of the biggest changes of our lifetime  What AI means for productivity and the future of work  Why network traffic and digital infrastructure will become increasingly important  Whether AI will replace work—or change the nature of it  How workplaces can "earn the commute"  The continuing importance of human connection  What organizations may get wrong about return to office  Why serendipitous encounters still matter in an increasingly digital world  How the purpose of the office may evolve as AI becomes embedded in everyday work The paradox may be that as our technology becomes more intelligent, the reason we come together becomes increasingly human. What should we use AI to do for us—and what experiences, decisions and relationships should remain distinctly ours? Listen to the full conversation as we explore the relationship between people, AI and the future workplace. Workspace Design Lab Conversations exploring workplace design, technology and the evolving relationship between people and the places where we work. #WorkspaceDesignLab #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceDesign #Cisco 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    How AI Will Make Offices More Human featuring Bob Cicero

  3. Jun 25

    The Hidden Turnover Cost of Treating Office Space as Overhead ft. Morgan Mosher | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 17

    Intentional workspace design may be the most overlooked retention strategy in business. In this episode, Syl Vanderpark sits down with Morgan Mosher, Director of Workplace at Furngully, to explore how organizations can use workplace design to reduce friction, improve employee experience, and make better real estate decisions. Morgan explains why planning around headcount often leads to overspending, how worker personas reveal actual workspace requirements, and why activity-based working frequently fails when organizations skip the foundational research required to make it successful. The conversation covers workplace utilization data, employee surveys, mentorship-focused environments, hybrid work challenges, and the hidden connection between workspace friction and employee burnout. If you're responsible for designing, managing, or investing in workplace environments, this episode provides a practical roadmap for creating spaces that people genuinely want to use. Connect with Morgan Mosher: LinkedIn Furngully LinkedIn 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    The Hidden Turnover Cost of Treating Office Space as Overhead ft. Morgan Mosher | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 17

  4. Jun 24

    Why RTO Mandates Backfire When the Office Contradicts Culture | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 16

    What makes people want to come back to the office? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, Sylvanna VanderPark sits down with Collin Burry, Design Director and Principal at Gensler. With more than 27 years at one of the world's leading design firms and projects spanning Apple, Pixar, Nike, Samsung, Airbnb, Dolby, and San Francisco International Airport, Collin brings a unique perspective on how workplace design is evolving. They explore why return-to-office mandates often fail, how workplace experience has become more important than square footage, and why the future of work depends on creating environments that support culture, wellbeing, flexibility, and human connection. Collin shares insights from decades of designing award-winning workplaces, discusses the rise of neuro-inclusive and human-centered design, and explains why the most successful organizations are focusing less on hierarchy and more on creating spaces where people can do their best work. Connect with Collin Burry: LinkedIn Gensler Website 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    Why RTO Mandates Backfire When the Office Contradicts Culture | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 16

  5. May 28

    Hybrid as Mirror: Why Mandates Fail (And How to Make the Office a Destination) | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 15

    What if hybrid work is not the problem, but the mirror showing leaders what was already broken? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab Episode 15, Sylvanna VanderPark speaks with Sam Sahni, Founder and Principal of Work Transformers, about hybrid work, return to office mandates, workplace strategy, and how to design offices people actually want to use. Sam is a global workplace strategy consultant, technology entrepreneur, and author of Destination 2.0: The Playbook Every Executive Needs to Master Hybrid Work. Together, Sylvanna and Sam explore why proximity does not equal productivity, how workplace design can support focus, collaboration, wellbeing, and performance, and why the future of office design depends on creating workplaces that act as magnets, not mandates. Sam also shares lessons from more than 20 years in consulting, design, and construction, including his work across 16 countries and his experience helping organizations rethink how work really happens. Connect with Sam Sahni: LinkedIn Work Transformers Website 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    Hybrid as Mirror: Why Mandates Fail (And How to Make the Office a Destination) | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 15

  6. May 14

    Why Adjustable Furniture Fails Without Proper User Education | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 14

    What if the biggest ergonomic risk in today’s workplace is sitting on your laptop? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, host Syl VanderPark speaks with Dr. Nikki Williamson Weiner, OTD, OTR/L, AOEAS, CEAS-II, President and Lead Ergonomic Specialist at The Rising Workplace, about how clinical ergonomics, occupational therapy and human-centered workspace design can prevent injuries before they become costly problems. Nikki shares how her background in occupational therapy shaped her preventive approach to workplace ergonomics, why adjustable desks and chairs are not enough on their own, and how personal, environmental and occupational factors all shape performance, comfort and wellbeing at work. This conversation explores laptop use, hybrid work, home office setup mistakes, ADA accommodations, inclusive workspace design, ergonomic education and the importance of bringing ergonomic specialists into the design process early. Connect with Nikki: LinkedIn (Nikki) LinkedIn (The Rising Workplace) Instagram The Rising Workplace 🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    Why Adjustable Furniture Fails Without Proper User Education | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 14

  7. Apr 24

    8 Things to Evaluate Before Buying Mission Critical Desks | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 13

    What should you really evaluate before buying mission critical desks for control rooms, trading floors, and other high performance environments?  In this solo episode of Workspace Design Lab, Syl VanderPark shares a practical framework for choosing mission critical furniture that can perform reliably for 20 to 30 years. If you work in control room design, trading floor design, ergonomic workspace planning, or mission critical console specification, this episode will help you look beyond the catalog and think in terms of lifecycle, support, and long term operational value. Syl breaks down the factors that matter most before you buy, including future flexibility, durability, reliability, warranty, equipment accommodation, simple ergonomics, cabling and infrastructure, finishes, and long term manufacturer support. He explains why the best mission critical desks are not just built for today’s technology, but designed to adapt, perform, and stay serviceable over decades of continuous use. If you are an architect, interior designer, facility leader, or workplace professional responsible for high stakes environments, this episode offers a clear and grounded way to evaluate mission critical desk solutions with confidence. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    8 Things to Evaluate Before Buying Mission Critical Desks | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 13

  8. Apr 9

    Why Your Office Is Designed Wrong (And Data Proves It) | Stephen Smith, Reworc | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 12

    What if the biggest mistake in workplace design is starting with the building instead of the people? In this episode of Workspace Design Lab, Sylvanna VanderPark sits down with Stephen Smith, VP of People Analytics at Reworc, to explore how people data can reshape the way architects, designers, and workplace leaders think about office design, hybrid work, and employee performance. With experience spanning human resources, corporate real estate, and people analytics, Stephen shares what data from more than 500,000 employees reveals about flexibility, workspace intentionality, and why the best environments are designed from the inside out. From return to office mandates to activity based working, this conversation looks at what organizations should really be measuring if they want spaces that support better work. Stephen explains why days in office can be a misleading metric, why choice without intentionality falls short, and how organizations can use holistic measurement to connect culture, performance, and workplace design. If you are an architect, interior designer, facility manager, or workplace strategist looking to create more human centered workspace solutions, this episode offers practical insight into how better data can lead to better design decisions. Guest Links Stephen Smith on LinkedInReworc WebsiteFail Forward ProjectPodcast Links Novalink WebsiteYouTubeInstagramLinkedInFacebookBook a Consultation🔗 Explore NovaLink’s product and process for effortless workspace design. Workspace Design Lab | Healthy Spaces, Lasting Impact Join host Sylvanna "Syl" VanderPark as we explore ergonomic office design, modern interiors, and sustainable workspace solutions with architects, designers, and industry leaders. Watch and subscribe on YouTube. 💡 If this conversation helped you reimagine what a workspace can be, share it with a colleague or client. Together we can design offices that support wellbeing, productivity, and lasting impact. Produced by APodcastGeek

    Why Your Office Is Designed Wrong (And Data Proves It) | Stephen Smith, Reworc | Workspace Design Lab Ep. 12
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Welcome to Workspace Design Lab, the channel for architects, interior designers, and workplace leaders who want to master modern office design, ergonomic furniture solutions, and sustainable workspace strategies.Each episode explores:• Ergonomic office design principles that boost health and productivity• Modern office interiors and hybrid workplace layouts• Sustainable, modular, and parametric furniture systems• Human-centered design strategies that elevate employee experienceIf you’re designing, specifying, or managing workspaces, this channel gives you practical insights, expert interviews, and inspiring stories to help you create offices that truly work.Subscribe to learn how to design ergonomic offices, specify sustainable solutions, and shape the future of work.Learn more here: https://sholink.to/novalink

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