Scratching the Surface

Sarah Ichioka is an urbanist, strategist, curator, and writer. She’s the author, with Michael Pawlyn, of Flourish: Design Paradigms for our Planetary Emergency and the founder of Desire Lines, a disciplinary studio that helps places, communities, and organizations chart paths toward thriving futures. In this conversation, Jarrett and Sarah talk about moving beyond sustainability towards regenerative practices, how thinking about the climate crisis as a cultural problem changes the role of designers, and why curiosity is a driving force in her work. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/270-sarah-ichioka. 
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Matt Owens, co-founder and Chief Design and Innovation Officer at Athletics, discusses the evolution of graphic design from the 1990s to today. He highlights the significant gap between design education and real-world application, stressing the need for critical thinking. The conversation dives into the influence of Flash on early digital creativity, contrasting it with today's tools. Matt also emphasizes the importance of curiosity and a rebellious spirit as designers navigate their careers, seeking personal expression amidst the industry's challenges.

Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg are the founders of Space Popular, an architecture studio that explores relationships between media and the built environment through research, design, and artworks. They are also professors at the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts Vienna where they run the Architectural Design Studio 2. In this conversation, Jarrett talks with Lara and Fredrik talk about the relationship between virtual and physical spaces, how media shapes architecture, and the role of the architect in shaping digital environments. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/268-lara-lesmes-fredrik-hellberg. 
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In this discussion, Julian Bleecker, a visionary researcher and founder of Near Future Laboratory, dives into the fascinating world of design fiction, blending art, technology, and imagination. He shares insights on its origins and how it can reshape corporate innovation and design education. Bleecker emphasizes the importance of storytelling and collaboration in envisioning future possibilities, drawing from pop culture influences. This conversation also explores how design students can rediscover creativity and reshape their approaches to architectural learning.

Mike Pepi, a critic and technologist known for his insights on art and technology, discusses his book, "Against Platforms: Surviving Digital Utopia." He emphasizes the essential role of criticism in shaping societal ideologies and argues that Silicon Valley needs the art world to help navigate its complexities. The conversation delves into the ideological implications of AI marketing, the conflict between user-centered design and corporate interests, and the need for stronger institutional frameworks to balance the influence of tech platforms.

Elizabeth Diller is a partner and co-founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro where she’s worked on a range of buildings including New York’s The Shed, the Highline, and an expansion of MoMA. Since 1981, the studio’s practices has spanned architecture, urban design, installation art, multi-media performance, digital media, and print, all of which is featured in their new monograph Architecture, Not Architecture. In this conversation, Jarrett and Elizabeth talk about the evolution of her practice and approach to architecture, thinking about design both as problem solving and cultural production, and how a generation of paper architects changed the field. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/265-elizabeth-diller. 
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Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin are the founders of Formafantasma, a research-driven design studio based in Milan and Rotterdam that investigates the ecological, historical, political, and social forces shaping the discipline of design. In this conversation, Jarrett talks with Andrea and Simone about the role of research in their studio, moving between critical investigations and commercial commissions, and how the studio is trying to redefine the role of design today.

Nicolay Boyadjiev is an architect and creative director based between Copenhagen, Sofia and Mexico City. He is the Director of the Practice Lab at re:arc institute, where he oversees research, strategy and new explorations prototyping alternatives models for philanthropy in architecture. Previously, he was Co-Director of Strelka Institute’s influential design-research program in Moscow. In this conversation, Jarrett and Nicolay talk about his work at re:arc, new forms of funding architectural projects, and thinking about philanthropy as a design project.

Jack Murphy is the executive editor of The Architect’s Newspaper. He studied architecture at MIT and Rice University and previously edited PLAT Journal and Cite, the publication of the Rice Design Alliance. In this episode, Jarrett and Jack talk about the history of The Architect’s Newspaper, the value of printed publications, and the relationship between design practice and design publishing. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/262-jack-murphy. 
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Gregory Wessner is the Executive Director of the National Academy of Design, the New York-based non-profit founded in 1825 that promotes art and architecture in America through exhibition, education, and research. Before joining the National Academy, Gregory served as executive director of Open House New York, and in a variety of roles at the Architectural League of New York. In this episode, Jarrett and Gregory talk about the structure of the National Academy and how it serves artists and architects as it approaches its 200th anniversary, the changing definitions of design, and the value of non-profits in architecture and design media. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/261-gregory-wessner. 
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