How Political Shifts Shape Design Trends: Insights from Designer and Forecaster Stacy Garcia
As the November political elections draw near, we sat down with designer and trend forecaster Stacy Garcia to discuss her thoughts on how consumer behaviors are shaped by the broader economic and political landscape and what that means for design professionals. From parallels between today’s climate and the 2008 recession to the emergence of bold, saturated hues as a form of rebellion against uncertainty, Stacy explains how history often repeats itself in the world of color trends. This is one episode you don't want to miss!
Meet Our Guest
Stacy Garcia is a visionary designer based in New York and the Founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Stacy Garcia® Design Studio, established in 2004. Stacy is also the founder of LebaTex, a commercial textile company specializing in high-performance fabrics designed for use in the hospitality, healthcare, and corporate sectors. She inspires creativity through trend-forward products and unique material mixes, leading her team to craft collections that enrich hospitality and residential spaces. The studio has developed brands like Stacy Garcia® Blue Label and SGNY, offering products distributed in 52 countries. Stacy collaborates with manufacturers and designers to foster innovation and excellence. She also serves as Chairholder of the Color Marketing Group, specializing in identifying and analyzing emerging trends in design. Her mission is to collaborate with manufacturers, importers, retailers, and interior designers to bring beauty and innovation to the world, fostering an environment of respect, experimentation, and collaboration.
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: 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.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.