Buildings 2.0
In this episode of Buildings 2.0, Jose speaks with Blima Ehrentreu, Founder and CEO of The Designers Group (TDG). She shares the firm's approach to incorporating AI in design processes for innovative solutions to even the most complex of spaces.
Blima also emphasizes the importance of designing spaces not just for aesthetics but also for functionality, sustainability, and the overall experience of the people who are going to use them. The discussion also touches on adapting to the changing workplace landscape, balancing virtual collaboration with in-person interactions, and TDG's commitment to giving back to the community.
Topics discussed:
- How education and having a strong sense of the fundamentals is crucial, but experience is also very important.
- AI integration in design processes for innovative solutions that focus on functionality, sustainability, and experience, not just aesthetics.
- The perks and challenges to adapting to remote work trends when the landscape has changed so quickly in just the last few years.
- The importance of sustainable design practices and environmental impact considerations.
- The utilization of virtual collaboration tools to enhance communication and project management.
- TDG’s commitment to community impact initiatives and giving back as part of their company culture.
- The exploration of current workplace design trends and strategies for future workspace planning.
Guest Quotes:
#1.)
“On our introductory call to any client when we're onboarding them, we asked them what their mission is, what their vision is, what they want the space to function as. And then we dig deeper. And how can we give people in the space the best experience? So what I always like to refer to is how the space engages all five senses.” (4:57-5:21)
#2.)
Because if the space functions well, you'll have people coming back, you'll have people enjoying it, and that's what you really want. You want the space to really encourage and allow people to have the best time there. (6:15-6:30)
#3.)
So everyone's desk and or not even a desk, but everyone's work area will be outfitted for that virtual experience as well. So when people are not in the office, they still feel like they're in the office. And with the introduction of more in the virtual space, I believe people will be able to feel like they're working together while they're really apart.” (30:28-30:51)
#4.)
We believe that designing with purpose, that's our motto. Designing with purpose, creating a better world. And everything that we do really speaks to that. And that's one of the reasons that we have so many charitable initiatives through the firm.” (39:08-39:22)
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