Complementary Colors

Episode 20: In this episode of we sit down with Jon Strassner, an industry provocateur known as an environmental storyteller, strategic advisor, and co-host of the Break Some Dishes podcast.With nearly three decades of experience in the commercial interiors industry, Jon brings a passionate and unflinching voice to the climate conversation.We talk openly about greenwashing, material transparency, and the uncomfortable truths designers and manufacturers often avoid. Jon shares stories from his time at HumanScale and ASID, why “less is more” might be the industry’s most disruptive idea, and what it really means to be transparent when talking about sustainability. Jon shares his thoughts on toxic chemicals, broken systems, and the power of imperfect progress. This conversation was recorded live at NeoCon 2024 with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl, Cara Rude, and Casey Kee.Links:Listen to Jon’s podcast: Break Some DishesLearn more about MCG Explore Design: https://www.exploredesign.comFollow Complementary Colors: https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design, an architecture and interior design firm based in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color.#ComplementaryColors #InteriorDesign #Sustainability #BreakSomeDishes #RedList #GreenMyths #Neocon2025 #EnvironmentalStorytelling #JonStrassner

Episode 19: Join Cara Rude for a conversation on with Mike Johnson, Senior Director of Materials team at the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). Mike is a passionate advocate for sustainability, with a focus on wildlife preservation, ecosystem health, and the development of sustainable building materials. We dig into the groundbreaking standards set by the Living Product Challenge, and why we need to be loud and proud when advocating for change. Links: International Living Future Institute: https://living-future.org/about/ Follow Complementary Colors: ⁠https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/⁠ Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design (⁠https://www.exploredesign.com⁠) an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color (⁠https://www.hybridcolor.com⁠) ⁠#InteriorDesign⁠ ⁠#Sustainability #LivingFutureChallenge #ILFI⁠ ⁠#ComplimentaryColors⁠⁠ ⁠#Neocon2024⁠ ⁠#Podcast

Episode 18: In this episode of Complimentary Colors we sit down with Design Futurist, AJ Paron. AJ is the Executive Vice President at Sandow Design Group and is responsible for the B2B brands of Interior Design Magazine, Metropolis Magazine and ThinkLab. She is an accomplished interior designer, a published author, and a strong advocate for neurodiverse design. During the episode she shares her insights on designing spaces for individuals with autism, the importance of creating restorative environments, and the future of interior design. This episode was recorded live at NeoCon 2024 in Chicago with Cara Rude, Melissa Pribyl, and Casey Kee. Links: Once Upon A Project Podcast: https://surroundpodcasts.com/once-upo... Sandow Design Group: https://sandow.com Interior Design for Autism from Childhood to Adolescence: https://a.co/d/0huYhJGk Follow Complementary Colors: https://www.exploredesign.com/ccpod/ Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design (https://www.exploredesign.com) an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color (https://www.hybridcolor.com) #InteriorDesign #Neurodiversity #DesignFuturist #AJPerone #ComplimentaryColors #SandowDesignGroup #ImagineAProject #Neocon2024 #Podcast

Episode 17: Live from NeoCon in Chicago! Join your hosts, Cara Rude, Melissa Pribyl, and Casey Kee for a very special conversation with Doug Shapiro from OFS. Doug is the Vice President of Research & Insights at OFS, and hosts the Imagine a Place podcast. He shares his personal journey and some fascinating insights behind the places and materials that shape our world. Links: Listen to the Imagine a Place podcast: https://ofs.com/imagine-a-place/podcast Watch video from this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TU-dYrJOPZ8 Complementary Colors is a production of MCG Explore Design an Architecture and Interior Design firm in Anchorage, Alaska. Film and sound editing by Hybrid Color. Follow Complementary Colors for future episodes. #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesign #ImagineAPlace #DougShapiro #OFS #Neocon #Sustainability #StorytellingInDesign #ComplementaryColors #MCGExploreDesign

Episode 16: In this episode Melissa Pribyl is sitting down with special guest, Crystal Worl to talk about the importance and impact of public art. Crystal is a talented and multi-faceted artist based in Juneau, Alaska. She shares her experiences working on large scale public art installations, including her stunning new livery design for Alaska Airlines. We talk about Crystal's cultural heritage and her journey as an artist and storyteller. You'll learn about how she integrates traditional forms and modern techniques to create pieces that resonate with both the past and the future. Crystal also offers valuable insights into working with clients, blending branding guidelines with indigenous art, and the challenges and rewards of creating large-scale public art. This episode is packed with inspiration and knowledge! Links: See more from Crystal Worl at: https://crystalworl.com/ Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/trickstercompany Check out her amazing design for Alaska Airlines, Xáat Kwáani (Salmon People) here: https://youtu.be/s2wLoebydIw Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/_WAUdT2CTcc #ComplementaryColors #Podcast #PublicArt #CrystalWorl #TlingitHeritage #CultrualStorytelling #ArtAndCulture

Episode 15: Join Danielle Razo and McKenna Hall from Steelcase on this episode of Complementary Colors. Together with your hosts, Melissa Pribyl and Ashley Killian, we’ll talk about their personal journey and how Steelcase is focused on innovation, and inclusion. What sets them apart and how are they embracing change? Episode Highlights: Danielle and McKenna’s role at Steelcase, and how they've navigated their careers in the design industry. The impact of Steelcase's research on hybrid work, inclusivity, and office design. The importance of dealer partnerships and how we can bridge the gap between manufacturers and the design community. The rise of female leadership within the industry and the positive changes it brings. How do you think the workplace will continue to evolve? Share your experiences with hybrid work and the role of design in shaping company culture in the comments. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/FPWeh9uWc-0 Subscribe to Complementary Colors for more conversations on interior design, leadership, and the future of work. #Steelcase #WorkplaceDesign #Leadership #HybridWork #FemaleLeadership #DesignThinking #Innovation #ComplementaryColorsPodcast #exploredesign

Episode 14: Imposter syndrome comes for us all! Join us for an empowering episode of Complimentary Colors as we take a personal and professional look at self-advocacy in the workplace. Cara Rude leads a conversation with Melissa Pribyl, Ashley Killian, and Casey Key to talk about the challenges of setting boundaries and standing up for your own needs. Watch this episode on YouTube here: ⁠https://youtu.be/nj_1DwjSPPY Stay tuned for more insightful discussions and be sure to subscribe to our channel for updates on future episodes. If you've ever faced a moment where you had to stand up for yourself, share your experience in the comments!

Episode 13: You're on mute! This is Part II of our series on more effective meetings with creativity and connection. When is "no meeting" the best option? We all agree that if the purpose isn't clear, you're better off sending an email or better yet, cancelling the meeting all together. But how can we do better? Join Melissa and the team from MCG Explore Design as they reimagine a better meeting experience and give practical strategies for managing the mayhem. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/9E49t4zqlAY

Episode 12: This could have been an email! But seriously, how can we make our meetings more effective, both in-person and virtual? Join Melissa Pribyl and the team for an in-depth discussion about how to combat digital exhaustion, and how our workdays have actually increased since 2020. We'll also be talking about the “40-20-40 Rule” for meeting productivity and how to apply it to your schedule. This is the first of two episodes on more effective meetings, so don’t miss it! Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/RyPlL-tGBUQ

Episode 11: When it comes to DIY, are you nailing it or failing it?? Join Interior Designers, Casey Key, Cara Rude, Ashley Killian, and Melissa Pribyl, as they share their own trials and triumphs when it comes to DIY. From the nostalgia of wallpapering with Mom to the challenges of blending styles with a partner, this episode is packed with stories and laughs. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or just starting to explore your personal style, you'll find inspiration, tips, and a few cautionary tales to guide you on your creative journey. Plus, get a dose of history as we delve into the origins of the DIY movement and ponder the influence of Pinterest and HGTV on our crafting ambitions. Don't miss out on the fun! Tune in and let's get crafty together. Watch this episode online here: https://youtu.be/31l7QgkIdlw

Episode 10: In this episode we're diving into the expansive topic of neurodiversity and designing spaces that are inclusive for everyone. Your hosts, Melissa Pribyl, Cara Rude, Casey Key, and special guest, Ashley Killian, discuss their personal experiences with neurodiversity, the impact of neurodiverse and neurodivergent individuals in the workforce, and how interior design can enhance the lives of those who process the world differently. We also talk about the significance of flexibility, adaptability, and naturalness in creating inclusive spaces, as well as practical tips for improving focus and productivity. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/19-h3sDdxLs Don't forget to subscribe to for more insightful discussions on interior design and architecture. Share your thoughts on neurodiversity in design in the comments!

Episode 9: Join professional Interior Designers, Casey Key, Melissa Pribyl, and Cara Rude, as they unpack the buzzwords, jargon, and slang that have them rolling their eyes and sometimes scratching their heads. What do these buzzwords really mean and how do they impact communication within the design world? In this episode we’re diving deep into our love-hate relationship with overused jargon - and discussing new terms the could shape the future of design. Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/yfppPusQ45o

Episode 8: Can we really cultivate inspiration and commoditize creativity or does that just stifle the process? Join Cara, Melissa, and Casey (yes, Casey is back!) as they talk about finding a balance between meeting deadlines and incubating new ideas. Let’s dig in and brainstorm a better approach.   Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/DZAIyaXjXpg Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/three-reasons-why-creativity-high-demand-skill-actionable-zmuda/ https://www.fastcompany.com/1648943/most-important-leadership-quality-ceos-creativity

Episode 7: It's time to talk about Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) as a crucial aspect of interior design and space planning. Why does it feel so complicated and how can we make it easier, while building a greater sense of connection and culture in the process? Join Melissa, Cara, and Furniture Specialist, Ashley Killian, as they discuss the ins and outs of FF&E. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE

Episode 6: Let's crack the code when it comes to all the industry acronyms and abbreviations we have for programs, rating systems, credentials, products, processes, and code references. In this episode we're talking about the ones we feel are most helpful and important, and the impact they've had on the design community. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE

Episode 5: How can we adapt and use artificial intelligence to design more creative spaces? In a world of limitless options, it’s more important than ever to celebrate our humanity. Join Cara, Melissa, and Casey as they talk about their hopes, fears, and the opportunities available with AI. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE

Episode 4: We've all had our moments confronting "My Wife Does That" mentality. It's easy to feel undervalued and unappreciated in this industry. How can we better advocate for our profession and flip the script? In this episode Casey, Melissa, and Cara talk about what it means to be an Interior Designer (not a decorator) and how we communicate what we do to the world. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE

Episode 3: How do you define space? Is your definition the same in your personal life as your work life? Cara, Melissa and Casey talk about how we create space, and the many ways that public art can evoke emotion and expand our perspective. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE Resources:   https://www.americansforthearts.org  https://publicartarchive.org/  https://createquity.com/issue/equity/

Episode 2: When do you feel the most authentic as a professional? Being vulnerable, especially in a work setting, can be tricky business. In this episode we're talking about the challenges of being real to yourself and your core values, and how that can impact (maybe even elevate) our work as designers. Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠⁠HERE

Episode 1: Why is Grandma so hot again? Join us as we talk about the nature of trends, why we follow them, and what we think is coming next. How can we best serve our clients and help them understand the difference between something that's truly timeless and just a passing fad? Watch this episode on YouTube ⁠⁠HERE

Introducing Complimentary Colors, a podcast for Interior Design professionals with Melissa Pribyl, Cara Rude, and Casey Kee. Join us to talk about the challenges we all face as commercial interior designers, and the insights and inspirations we find along the way.