From Brain to Home: Designing with Friction with Verda Alexander

Send us a textSustainable Design is on the table today!In this episode, we are joined by San Francisco-based designer, artist, and climate activist, Verda Alexander.  After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and advanced studies in landscape architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design, Verda co-founded Studio O+A. Studio O+A is a design firm renowned for creating innovative workspaces for leading technology companies such as Facebook, Microsoft, and Slack. Beyond her design practice, Alexander is the Editor-at-Large at Metropolis Magazine, where she expands conversations around design, climate activism, social justice, and art. Alexander also engages audiences through "Break Some Dishes," a podcast addressing design's role in climate change.Verda Alexander joins Ashley to discuss what she has learned about productivity and comfort in the workspace from designing for some of the biggest tech companies in the world. The two dive deep into Verda’s climate activism and the ways in which climate change, sustainability and design intersect. What results is an astute conversation that interrogates the ways capitalism informs design, and the intentionality necessary to create designs that help our planet and the people living on it. Follow Verda on Instagram.Listen to Verda’s Podcast Break Some DishesCheck out Studio X+ORead Food for Thought Truck by Studio X+OCheck out the Alternative Practice ProjectRead Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal NewportLearn More about John Muir’s Alarm Clock BedRead The Eco PlaybookRead Metropolis MagazineRead Invisible Women - Exposing Data in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado PerezRead How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny OdellFollow On the Table with Ashley on Instagram and TikTok.On the Table with Ashley is presented by Âme Atendre, a luxury home goods and tableware brand with a mission to connect people to all that matters. If you have ideas for new episodes or guests, or just want to share feedback, email us at [email protected].