NeoCon Preview: Climate Positive NOW with Kenn Busch
In this episode of I Hear Design, we talk to interiors+sources' long-time partner, journalist and educator Kenn Busch, about the launch of the new Climate Positive Solutions Gallery at NeoCon 2024. As the founder of Material Intelligence, Kenn is a go-to expert about educational messaging around architectural materials, informed by years of research. He talks about the evolution of the Climate Positive NOW initiative, what people can expect at his activation space at NeoCon this year, and the vital importance of effective storytelling around sustainability.
Also, visit the i+s booth at NeoCon (#7-1049) to share your thoughts about sustainability at our "Climate Connect Corner" with Chief Content Director, Robert Nieminen, that will be part of a post-show podcast episode. You can also enter to win an e-Bike thanks to our generous sponsors, Bradley Corp. and InPro.
Material Intelligence founder Kenn Busch is a journalist and architectural photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin. He specializes in creating educational content for architects and interior designers, and in-depth coverage of international design and materials fairs.
Since 1990 he has edited and published several magazines in the furniture and materials markets, reaching readers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Bringing an international perspective to regional design challenges has become one of his trademarks, along with introducing materials suppliers to innovative ideas from other materials categories.
For the last dozen years, Kenn has been creating materials-focused Certified Education Unit articles and presentations for practicing architects and interior designers. Through this experience, Kenn realized that every specifier needs more than just information; they must have opportunities to experience the wide variety of materials available to them.
His curated events provide A&D specifiers with an educational, experiential space to explore and experience materials on their own terms. Over a period of nine years, the Materials Pavilion installation at NeoCon in Chicago, produced in partnership with Interiors and Sources magazine, became the busiest exhibit at the fair.
“I love this place,” said one commercial designer, “because I can get three days of work done in 45 minutes!”
In mid-2016 Kenn began working closely with design educators and students to find more effective ways to reach the next generation of interior designers, creating content and presentations geared to their specific needs. The fruits of this effort inspired the updated website you’re visiting right now, and inspired the launch of Climate Positive NOW, an educational messaging project informed by years of research into the sustainability of architectural materials.
“Learning to connect with young designers is key to the future of smart design and the responsible use and preservation of our resources,” says Busch. “Not only are these students the next generation of materials specifiers; they represent the next generation of consumers.”
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.
