User-first In a special NeoCon edition episode of BTE, Bobby and Andrew are joined by tech and design leader Chris Barton, founder of the renowned music app Shazam and Wednesday’s NeoCon keynote speaker. The trio dives into insights, stories, and observations from Chris’s impressive career in tech, which includes founding Shazam “in the 1900s” nearly a decade before the App Store existed, followed by roles at pre-IPO Google and Dropbox. Alongside a series of fascinating anecdotes and a few teasers (not spoilers!) for Chris’s Wednesday keynote, they also explore thoughts on the future of AI and education, the challenges of designing a user-first experience when no comparable product exists, and how that initial spark of an idea evolves over time. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Chris Barton on Linkedin References and resources: Shazam Unsupervised Learning [PODCAST] NeoCon Keynotes Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Making Data Approachable This week, Bobby and Andrew welcome a guest whose career arc has been about finding the fusion between art and data. From bringing data-driven experiences to life for everyone from IBM to the Masters to The New York Times, to dedicating time to her own personal and community projects, Mary blends two practices that many struggle to connect in the first place. Now, as an Experiential Creative Director leading emerging practices at Future Colossal, Mary sits down with the guys to dive deeply into her process and how she maintains this delicate balance while creating digital and data-powered experiences for the physical world. This season of Barriers to Entry is presented by Arktura. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Mary Franck on Linkedin References and resources: FutureColossal Other BTE Episodes to Reference: David Schwartz, Founder, HUSH Kelly Knapp, Experiential Creative Director  Rodolfo Agrella, Founder, RADS Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Architect’s Architect  Bobby and Andrew once again have their hands full this week with a dynamic duo joining them in the podcave. Arktura’s Steven Ranta and HKS’s Nathan Ferrance sit down with the gang to explore the many challenges of partnering to create innovative work. It’s hard enough to do this on your own, but Arktura has made a name for itself by pushing boundaries. In this exploratory episode, we dive into some of their key collaborations, how they’ve overcome challenges and barriers, and how their respective companies have built a solutions-oriented culture and mindset. This season of Barriers to Entry is presented by Arktura. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Steven Ranta and Nathan Ferrance on Linkedin References and resources: Aktura HKS Concept to Completion: Textron System Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Humanity-first For an unprecedented third time, Bobby and Andrew are joined on the pod by ThinkLab President and Design Nerds Anonymous host, Amanda Schneider. In another of their always forward-looking conversations, the trio discusses the rapid adoption of AI in the design industry, the barriers to further growth, and how people could be the key to unlocking technology in the future. From there, they dive into the exciting experience of Amanda’s recent TEDx talk being promoted to TED.com, chat about Bobby and Andrew’s unrealized future TED talk dreams, explore the wealth of resources available to curious designers, and, of course, find a way to throw in a few SANDOW plugs. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Amanda Schneider on Linkedin References and resources: ThinkLab Perplexity (AI model) Claude (AI model) Amanda’s TEDx Talk (Video) Design Nerds Anonymous (Podcast) ThinkLab 2025 US Design Industry Benchmark Study (Download) Everyday AI Podcast Related and referred BTE Episodes: Amanda’s First Visit to BTE Amanda’s Second Visit to BTE Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Where art meets innovation Bobby and Andrew sit down with a leader who’s made his career on the cutting edge of technology, art and design while working with some of the world’s biggest brands and businesses. As the CEO of the experimental ‘new media’ company, Volvox Labs, Michael leads an interdisciplinary team of designers, technologists, artists and creatives who strive to create meaningful and memorable experiences for people in physical spaces. Along the way, we learn about their hands on approach to solving problems through rapid prototyping, what technologies and practices are pushing their practice of ‘new media art’ forward, how to identify a lunchtime gang of technologists in Brooklyn, and much more.   This season of Barriers to Entry is presented by Arktura. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Michael Luck Schneider on Linkedin References and resources: Volvox Labs Kuka Arms ISE Europe Related and referred BTE Episodes: Leading a studio on the edge of design and innovation with David Schwartz, Founder at HUSH Building experiential design at scale with (Michael’s former colleague at Gensler), Sarah DiLeo Thinking at the intersection of design and technology with Rodolfo Agrella, Founder at RADS Studio Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“That’s the job” This week, Bobby and Andrew have the pleasure of welcoming a leader who’s made his way up through the ranks of one of the world’s most prestigious architecture firms by doing it all. Eli Hoisington rose up at HOK working in nearly every facet of the design business, which today gives him a bold and informed take as Co-CEO. Peering into Eli’s data-driven lens on the future, they dive into what’s on the mind of a CEO of a global firm during a time of unprecedented disruption discussing everything from making big bets on expansion, carving out a financially responsible approach to investing in innovation, and staying focused on talent through it all. This season of Barriers to Entry is presented by Arktura. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Eli Hoisington on Linkedin References and resources: HOK Related and referred BTE Episodes: Bill Mandara, CEO at Mancini Duffy Lionel Ohayon, CEO at iCrave, COO at Journey John Edelman, CEO at Heller (from 2023) Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Innovation Roadmap To kick Season 3 off with a bang, Bobby and Andrew welcome not one, but two guests to the pod to get into the meat of how AI and human-centric feedback are driving innovation at one of the largest architecture design firms in the country, CannonDesign.  CIO, Brooke Grammier and Director of Digital Products, Joel Yow, take the guys through a roadmap to remove barriers to their teams to pave the way for efficiency and creative thinking at scale, all with innovation at the core.  Tune in for an inside look at the thought process behind their work as well as insight into the conversations happening at the Innovation Design Consortium’s roundtable. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Brooke Grammier and Joel Yow on Linkedin References and resources: CannonDesign Innovation Design Consortium DeepSeek Related and referred BTE Episodes: Bill Mandera, Mancini Duffy and Lionel Ohayon, iCrave on how innovation is infused into the ways of working at large and growing firms. Fellow Innovation Design Consortium member, Keith Fine from S/L/A/M Collaborative Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrew and Bobby are back together - and in the holiday spirit - revisiting some of the most memorable moments from the BTE universe in 2024.

Andrew Lane and Bobby Bonett revisit the year that was in the BTE universe.

Enjoy Sense of Space by Turf now available on all podcast platforms. An architect and designer are on a journey to help their community understand the nuances of designing for the built environment. Join Ella Hazard and Faraz Shah through questions and conversations while they explore all the stuff we interact with as designers, architects, and people. Please enjoy the following episode: What are the elements of a vibe? Is “vibe” something we can curate, or is it best when it occurs organically? Faraz and Ella unpack some SAT words to describe how our bodies respond to spaces and ways to design for all senses. By better understanding ourselves and our senses, can we learn how to integrate this approach into the creation of a “vibe”? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Bobby and Andrew get into their flow state with an enlightening conversation about the intersection of technology and creativity with Magic Leap’s Joel Krieger.

How visualization technology is helping HBF re-imagine how to launch their latest product line, the Firma Collection.

Re-thinking the role of architecture

Technology meets sustainability This week, we’re back at the NeoCon SURROUND podcast studio with friend of the pod and two-time guest, Karli Slocum for the second of our 3part (see what we did there?) NeoCon ‘live’ broadcast specials. Bobby and Andrew hear an update from Karli on a range of exciting processes that 3form is implementing to make production more sustainable and how they’re pushing the conversation through both innovation as well as education. As Bobby points out, Sesame Street can be a great place to start in understanding the exciting advancements happening in the space, so you won’t need to be a full-fledged scientist to tune in and enjoy. This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Karli Slocum on Linkedin References and resources:3formVariaMolecular Recycling at 3formMechanical Recycling explained [Video]3form Virtual ShowroomSANDOW Design Scene at NeoConSesame Street Recycling Short [Video] Related and referred BTE Episodes:Karli Slocum’s first visit to the pod at NeoCon 2023 talking about 3form’s Virtual ShowroomAvi Rajagopal, Editor-in-Chief, METROPOLIS, on the intersection of technology and sustainabilityPatti Carpenter, Trend Ambassador, on the importance of sustainability in design Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re keeping it in the (SANDOW) family this week as we welcome the Editor-in-Chief of Metropolis Magazine, and leading thinker on industry sustainability, Avi Rajagopal. Buckle up as the team nerds out with Avi on everything from how blockchain technology can impact supply chain, to judging the first Interior Design Metaverse Architecture & Design Awards, to what Indigenous culture is teaching us about how how to use AI. If you’ve ever thought that your Alexa might need a hug from time to time, it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss. Connect with Avi Rajagopal on LinkedIn! Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn Bobby Bonett Tessa Bain Andrew Lane References and resources: Metropolis Magazine Ronald Rael on Instagram Interior Design Metaverse Architecture & Design Awards finalists and winners Seven Generation Sustainability Metropolis Deep Green Podcast Metropolis Climate Toolkit Chat GPT Indigenous Artificial Intelligence Working Group Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Designer and Product come together This week, Bobby and Andrew are live from NeoCon with a guest who’s lived the majority of last two decades at the intersection of design and technology, Canoa CEO and Co-founder, Federico Negro. A world-class storyteller, Fed takes the guys through his early startup ethos of “buildings equal data”, his time leading design through the explosive growth of WeWork and how a chair sitting beside a freeway changed everything and eventually led to the creation of Canoa.   This episode was recorded in the NeoCon Podcast Studio Powered by SURROUND and Sponsored by SnapCab. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Federico Negro on Linkedin References and resources: Canoa Canoa Circle Student Cohort WeWork Related and referred BTE Episodes: Amanda Schneider, President of ThinkLab, on the impacts of technology on the design industry looking forward Greg Lindsay, Urban Tech Fellow at Cornell University on the intersections of technology with urban design Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Looking back and forward It’s a conversation wrapped in nostalgia when Bobby and Andrew welcome Mancini Duffy’s Bill Mandara to the pod. From remembering childhood aspirations through to the aspirations of the present, the conversation is one focused on being authentic and being willing to try new things. Bill shares how he and partner Christian Giordano have re-thought their business at Mancini Duffy to transform the firm into a multi-disciplinary practice that lifts up intrapreneurs and embraces new tech and ways of thinking at every opportunity. As a bonus, this episode also features BTE’s first ever ‘hat day’ as well as - after months of talking AI - our first Skynet reference. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Bill Mandara on Linkedin References and resources: Mancini Duffy Careers at Mancini Duffy TSX Broadway Bill on Spotify The Anti-architect Podcast with Christian Giordano Skynet  Related and referred BTE Episodes: Innovating and evolving at a large architecture firm with Eran Chen, ODA Bringing clients into virtual experiences with Keith Fine, S/L/A/M Collaborative  The future of architecture in 3D spaces with Lisbeth Jimenez, MKDA Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Influencing the Sphere If finally happened.  After months of name dropping, Bobby and Andrew finally visited the Sphere and they brought along a new friend to talk about it.  Kelly Knapp has been at the forefront of immersive experiences for much of her career and she joins the pod to talk about the process of creating projects like Sphere, where she was a pre-launch creative lead, as well as a host of other exciting work she’s been a part of around the world.  From planning experiences no one has ever experienced before, to the search for talent and even (of course) some hot takes on the role of AI in the creative process, this conversation has it all.  Join us as we kick off Season 2 of Barriers to Entry! Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Kelly Knapp on Linkedin References and resources: Sphere Sleep No More  Robot Butlers Related and referred BTE Episodes: Sarah DiLeo, Studio Co-Director, Digital Experience Design, Gensler David Schwartz, Founder Partner, HUSH Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

 Coming to America  Fresh off having moderating a packed house panel at SXSW, Bobby and Andrew are joined by luxury brand-building powerhouse, and fellow podcast host, Lisa Gralnek.  Recently named the US Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability & Impact for the prestigious iF DESIGN organization based in Hannover Germany, Lisa drops in for a conversation about everything from the future of design, to pushing boundaries, to the impact of technology on the design industry.  Of course they also deep dive into the importance of sustainability in design’s future all before introducing Bobby and Andrew to their new favorite portmanteau, “Glocalization”.  Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn:  Bobby Bonett Andrew Lane Follow Lisa Gralnek on Linkedin References and resources: iF DESIGN  iF DESIGN AWARD 2025 application opens on April 26th  2024 Winners’ Gala takes place in Berlin April 29th  The 3rd Annual iF Design Trend Report will be published on April 30th  Lisa’s podcast - Future of XYZ Andrew guests on Future of XYZ - April 25, 2024 Find it on: Apple, Spotify, Instagram, ripbs.org/XYZ, future-of.XYZ  Related and referred BTE Episodes: Avi Rajagopal, on sustainability Rodolfo Agrella, on pushing boundaries in design Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing the BTE Hotline In a special episode, Producer Rob joins the show to share the first voicemails left at the new Barrier to Entry audience hotline.  On tap are a handful of reflections, aspirations and predictions from previous guests to the show along with reactions and predictions of their own from the gang - as well as a slew of memorable (?) new audio amuse bouches from Producer Rob. Come for the predictions and stick around to be inspired to contribute your own thoughts & questions to the hotline when BTE returns after with all new episodes following our early ‘spring break’. Connect with our hosts on LinkedIn; Bobby Bonett Tessa Bain Andrew Lane Related and referred BTE Episodes: Amanda Schneider - President, ThinkLab Erin McDannald - CEO, Lighting Environments, Elevated Sarah DiLeo, Studio Co-Director, Digital Experience Design, Gensler David Schwarz, Founder Partner, HUSH Greg Lindsay, Urban Tech Fellow at Cornell Tech Keith Fine - Partner, Innovation Lead, S/L/A/M Collaborative  Karli Slocum - Vice President of Product and Marketing, 3Form Rodolpho Agrela - Founder & Design Director, RADS  Producer Rob’s plug: How to Write an Email by Justin Kerr Get in touch with us with your questions on emerging technology, innovation and more at bte@sandowdesign.com or drop us a voicemail at the BTE Hotline at 1-917-934-2812. Discover more shows from SURROUND at surroundpodcasts.com.  This episode of Barriers to Entry was produced by Rob Schulte. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.