What will life look like in 2040? In this special season finale, we fast-forward to the future and ask our guests to share their most radical—but entirely possible—predictions for what’s ahead.

From breakthroughs in design and technology to shifts in culture, climate, and the way we live, these ideas push the boundaries of what we think is possible. Some will inspire you. Some might shock you. All will make you see the future in a new way.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From luxury seekers to digital nomads to next-gen travelers, hospitality spaces are evolving at record speed—Marriott is opening a new hotel in the U.S. every 20 hours.

In this episode, we explore the values transforming what guests want—sustainability, personalization, wellness, and tech—and how hotels, rentals, and travel experiences are adapting. Joining us are Jason Robertson, VP of Global Design Strategies at Marriott International, and Aliya Khan, VP of Global Design and Lifestyle Brands at Marriott International, who share insider perspectives on where the industry is headed and who’s leading the charge.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What does “home” look like to a generation raised on smart tech, climate anxiety, and constant change? Backed by new research, this episode reveals how Gen Alpha is already shaping the future of housing—from the way homes are designed to where they’re located and even how they’re owned.

We’re joined by Dani Mariano, CEO at Razorfish, and Allison Robl Stransky, strategic insights leader at Samsung, who share their perspectives on trends like modular living, adaptable spaces, and sustainability-driven design. The data tells a story we can’t afford to ignore, because it’s relevant to everyone, no matter where or how you live.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As Gen Z comes of age in a world shaped by AI, automation, and rapid change, they’re rewriting the rules of work. Backed by new research, this episode explores how their approach to careers, company culture, and the workplace itself is breaking the mold—from demanding flexibility and purpose to embracing entrepreneurial mindsets.

Joining us is Alexandra Levit, future-of-work strategist, author, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, who shares her perspective on how organizations can adapt now to attract and retain this emerging generation of talent.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The first generation of true digital natives is about to step into the role of healthcare decision-makers—and they won’t settle for the systems we have today. Backed by new research, this episode explores how future generations could reshape everything from how we design clinics to how care is delivered. Will hospitals shrink? Will wellness go fully digital? And are we ready for what they’ll demand?

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As learning environments evolve—from AI-enhanced classrooms to creative, skills-based spaces—they’re revealing more than just new ways to teach. They’re shaping the expectations, mindsets, and capabilities of the future workforce.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Vander Ark—education futurist, author, and CEO of Getting Smart—whose influence spans from leading major school districts to advising global organizations on the future of learning. With decades of experience at the intersection of education, innovation, and workforce development, Tom helps us connect the dots between how we learn today and the workplaces we’ll need tomorrow.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This isn’t just another episode—it’s a conversation with the man who named Gen Alpha.

Mark McCrindle is one of the world’s leading social researchers and futurists, and he's trusted by global brands and governments alike to decode what’s next. In this exclusive interview, he joins us to unpack the generation born into AI, shaped by tech, and already redefining how we think about design, sustainability, and innovation.

If you’re trying to understand the future, start here with the person who helped define it.

This season of Design Nerds Anonymous is presented by Mannington Commercial and Kimball International.

Click here for more info on this episode, plus to learn more about Design Nerds Anonymous and ThinkLab.

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 NeoCon 2025, this special episode of DNA brings together three voices from across generations for a dynamic conversation on what’s shaping the future of the built environment. From AI and creativity to sustainability and generational shifts, this panel unpacks the challenges — and opportunities — designers must navigate now to stay ready for what’s next.

The panelists:

Cindy Kaufman | Vice President of Marketing, Mannington Commercial

Kaelynn Reid | Certified Design Futurist, Kimball International

Ethan Barbour | Intermediate Designer, IA Interior Architects

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.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.