NeoCon 2024: Conversations that Inspire with IIDA’s Cheryl Durst, Hightower’s Natalie Hartkopf and Many More
Well, folks, that's a wrap! We just returned from NeoCon and Design Days in Chicago, and the energy at THE MART and Fulton Market was palpable. In this extended episode of I Hear Design, i+s Chief Content Director Robert Nieminen sits down with NeoCon movers and shakers, including IIDA's CEO Cheryl Durst, Hightower's co-founder and CEO, Natalie Hartkopf, Mantra Inspired Furniture's CEO Susan Pilato, and many more designers and manufacturers from the show to talk about the future of the industry and how design professionals can make a significant impact in sustainability through the decisions they make every day. Listen in as we capture the passion and enthusiasm that was felt at the industry's biggest event in North America.
Meet Our Guests (in order of appearance):
- Cheryl Durst, CEO, IIDA
- Natalie Hartkopf, CEO, Hightower
- Vickie Rybl, Director of LCA, WAP Sustainability
- John Black, Project Business Specialist, Luna Wood
- Raya Elias-Pushett, Graduate Student and Research Associate, The Chicago School
- Susan Pilato, CEU, Mantra Inspired Furniture
- Cara Rude, Principal, MCG Explore Design
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Market Content Director
Market Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Market 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.
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.