Panelists Discuss Women in Design Leadership During Inaugural Dinner+Discourse Event
Hightower co-founder and CEO Natalie Hartkopf talks to interiors+sources editor-at-large Robert Nieminen about the recent Dinner+Discourse event in Seattle where she participated in a panel discussion about the role of women in design leadership, and how the industry can become more equitable.
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Natalie works closely with our global designers to identify unique, fresh, and functional pieces—many of which are then manufactured in the US; a model that sets Hightower apart while setting up interior designers to stand out in a highly competitive field.
A University of Washington grad with a degree in International Economics, Natalie champions involvement with the design community through membership in associations such as IIDA, believing these affiliations are foundational to the vitality of our relationship-based industry.
In addition to leading Hightower, Natalie’s non-profit work is very important to her. A current Board Member of Reading Partners Seattle, Natalie received the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for her tutoring work at a Title I public school. Natalie is passionate about contributing consistently to the student she works with as well as educational causes overall.
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About the Author
Robert NieminenRobert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of four leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:
- ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
- TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
- WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
- FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
- Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.