Exploring Digital Design Tools with Armstrong's Nate Baxter
As the architecture and design industry becomes increasingly familiar with digital design tools and pre-construction services, knowing how they work and what to look for is paramount. How can tools like 3D Revit and digital twins address pain points for project teams, for example? Listen in as Armstrong's Nate Baxter answers this questions (among others) and explains how digitally assisted design tools can help create bolder, more sustainable projects on time and on budget.
Resources on Armstrong's ProjectWorks solution:
https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en/programs-services/projectworks.html
Meet Our Guest
Nate Baxter, director of Design and Digital Services, Armstrong World Industries
As Nathan Baxter worked in a variety of design roles at Armstrong World Industries over the past 20 years, one thing has not wavered: a deep passion for design and an innate appreciation for how his work benefits end users’ day-to-day lives. Baxter has played a direct or indirect role in the design and development of much of the Armstrong's current ceiling product lineup, first as staff, senior, and principal designer. His focus then shifted back to design, but with a view toward digital technologies where he managed the Product Design Team, while also leading the development and launch of ProjectWorks Design and Pre-construction Service. Today, Baxter is the Director of Design and Digital Services, working to take the business to the next level—not just in the strategic direction of commercial digitalization and design, but also the development of people and, ultimately, in the spaces they’re helping to create.
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.



