The Future Is Circular: How Swatchbox Is Tackling Material Sampling Waste with Ben Glunz
In this episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with architect and Anguleris CEO Ben Glunz to explore Swatchbox’s new Second Life Samples™ program—a breakthrough initiative that’s redefining sustainability in the design world.
Swatchbox has long helped designers streamline how they request and return product samples, but its new offering goes a step further: enabling the return and reuse of any unused material sample, regardless of where it came from. Leveraging a proprietary AI visual engine, the technology will assess the condition of samples and then the company will either recirculate, donate, or recycle them responsibly.
Together, Robert and Ben discuss:
- The environmental and logistical costs of traditional sampling practices
- Why circular design begins with thoughtful specification
- How Swatchbox’s model empowers both manufacturers and designers
- What Gen Z expects from sample workflows—and how the industry is evolving to meet them
If you’re passionate about reducing waste in the built environment, this episode offers real-world insights on how to start closing the loop—one sample at a time.
🔗 Learn more: secondlife.swatchbox.com
Meet Our Guest
Benjamin Glunz, Assoc. AIA, Founder and CEO of Anguleris
Benjamin Glunz, Assoc. AIA, is an architect-turned-technologist and the Founder and CEO of Anguleris. A high-energy entrepreneur with a passion for BIM technology, Glunz launched BIMsmith®, the industry-leading product research platform, and Swatchbox®, a groundbreaking sample management platform. His work focuses on leveraging technology to bridge the gap between building product manufacturers and AEC professionals, leading the development of hundreds of best-in-class strategies for global BPMs across multiple sectors. Through his leadership, Glunz has reshaped how building product manufacturers engage with AEC professionals in the U.S. and abroad.
Beyond his work in technology, Glunz is a coffee aficionado with a love for classical architecture, cooking, and innovation. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Judson University in Elgin, IL, where he is also a guest lecturer in the Department of Architecture.
Key Moments in This Episode
00:00 – Intro & Guest Welcome
Robert introduces the topic of sustainability in product sampling and welcomes guest Ben Glunz, CEO of Anguleris and founder of Swatchbox.
01:50 – From Architect to Innovator
Ben shares how his background in architecture inspired the development of Swatchbox and its tools for simplifying product sampling.
03:25 – What Is Swatchbox?
Overview of the Swatchbox platform and how it solves inefficiencies in the traditional sample ordering process.
05:20 – The Birth of Second Life Samples™
Ben explains the inspiration behind launching a circular sampling program that accepts all unused samples—regardless of origin.
08:15 – Reuse vs. Recycling: The Double Impact
The environmental and material benefits of reusing pristine samples rather than recycling them.
10:30 – How the Program Works
Step-by-step breakdown of how firms can participate in the Second Life Samples™ program, from signup to sample redistribution.
12:45 – Using AI to Grade Samples
How a proprietary AI visual engine automates quality assurance and enables scale.
15:15 – Sample Waste by the Dumpster Load
The staggering volume of sample waste in design firms—and why it's a hidden contributor to construction waste.
17:35 – Industry Response & Manufacturer Buy-In
How A&D firms and manufacturers are reacting to the program—and why there's surprising enthusiasm.
19:40 – Circular Economy in Practice
Why sample reuse is more than a sustainability talking point—it’s a real-world application of circular design principles.
21:00 – Designer Engagement: 3 Key Actions
How architects and designers can make circular sampling successful: ordering responsibly, encouraging suppliers, and scheduling pickups.
23:30 – Gen Z, Digital Natives & Changing Expectations
Why younger design professionals prefer streamlined, tech-enabled sampling—and what it means for reps and manufacturers.
26:10 – What the Future Looks Like
Ben shares his vision for eliminating “sample hoarding” and improving design decisions through smarter sampling.
28:30 – Donations to Students and Community Impact
How imperfect samples find new life in design education programs across the country.
30:00 – Final Thoughts on Changing Mindsets
Closing insights on making it easier to “do the right thing” when it comes to sustainability and material choices.
32:20 – Where to Learn More
Ben shares how to enroll in Second Life Samples and where to follow his work.
33:00 – Outro
Robert wraps up the episode with a call to action for listeners.
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.