The Biophilic Portal: Wellness Inspires Winning Pod Design
It should come as no surprise that there is a movement to redefine and promote wellness across the landscape of the built environment—from our cities, schools, workplaces, homes and just about every space between. It’s fitting then that the winner of this year’s second annual “Space to Be You” pod design contest, produced by SnapCab and i+s, goes to an entry aptly named “The Biophilic Portal.” In this episode, contest winner Shiri Shubbar, an interior designer at Alphatec DC, talks to us about her winning design which was selected from an impressive number of entries from our readers who were invited to customize their dream pod on the SnapCab website and submit it along with a brief conceptual write-up about their designs. Listen in as she talks about how her concept came to life.
Meet Our Guest
Shiri Shubbar, NCIDQ is a licensed interior designer and architectural designer on a path to NCARB in Washington D.C, and a part of the ALPHATEC PC team. She has extensive experience working on large-scale projects for the federal government ranging from the historic National Gallary of Art Museum to the new-construction Fire and EMS Department fleet facility. Her background includes Architectural Engineering from Baghdad and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma. Shiri focuses on wellness in design & inclusivity as means to improve perceivable occupants experience, especially in contemporary work environment. She is passionate about expanding the limits of what wellness means through a holistic approach of space and furniture design.
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.