Flooring Trends, Technology and Sustainability with Mannington Commercial
In this episode, Mannington Commercial's Roby Isaac discusses what informs his design thinking and guides the design process for the company’s newest introductions; the role of technology in experiential design, including how AI can be leverage as a design tool; the incredible work Mannington is doing around sustainability and purpose-driven design; and a whole lot more.
Meet our guest
Roby has been a leader in setting the standards for commercial flooring design for over 20 years. He leads a team of talented product designers with a singular call to action: “to explore and experience,” as they create product designs that span six different flooring categories, including carpet, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), sheet and rubber. His collaborative partnerships with renowned creatives, such as Larry Bell and Gabriel Dawe, have led to unique carpet collections that showcase artistic vision. In addition to his design achievements, Roby is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of designers and actively contributes to IIDA’s Design Your World program, promoting diversity and educational opportunities in the design industry.
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.
