Side of Design

When BWBR's design team talks about creating spaces that "welcome and work for everyone," it isn’t PR speak or a feel-good talking point. They’re addressing one of architecture's most complex challenges. Truly equitable design requires intention and thoughtful consideration of elements that go far beyond code compliance. Design Leader Lisa Miller, Interior Designer Katie Reed, and Senior Architectural Designer Josh Simma recently sat down to untangle the often-confused concepts of accessible, universal, and inclusive design. Their conversation reveals why these distinctions matter and how they're reshaping the way spaces get built. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review! You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites! https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions] https://twitter.com/BWBR [https://twitter.com/BWBR] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/] https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/ [https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/]

When the lease on their office space expired, Minneapolis-based engineering firm Loucks [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Floucksinc.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmgerstner%40bwbr.com%7C17905c3cbb8e4d32509f08dd97c5f4a6%7Cb82268c8a104439ba5562abb006394f9%7C0%7C0%7C638833598645026291%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=FEAmvb%2FFpcCzs6ClSH5CLq6SsUsnlc9jOz%2FyOo9J0Tk%3D&reserved=0] sought out a team that could help create their ideal work environment in a new location. With help from BWBR, furniture dealership Henricksen [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.henricksen.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmgerstner%40bwbr.com%7C17905c3cbb8e4d32509f08dd97c5f4a6%7Cb82268c8a104439ba5562abb006394f9%7C0%7C0%7C638833598645051260%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=5YplsCzKnEQ3I8Rjxo34PLXc5%2BgZjdSzJ%2FHg42H%2FdI4%3D&reserved=0], real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cushmanwakefield.com%2Fen%2Funited-states&data=05%7C02%7Cmgerstner%40bwbr.com%7C17905c3cbb8e4d32509f08dd97c5f4a6%7Cb82268c8a104439ba5562abb006394f9%7C0%7C0%7C638833598645067304%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=mvbrrUYQ%2FgB5tgfQr%2Bj7jlWGKGU80QnYxkBxKLOYFI4%3D&reserved=0], and some extraordinary luck, Loucks transformed an already promising space into a workplace that supports their culture, enhances well-being, and aligns with today’s technology needs—all while keeping existing furniture out of landfills. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review! You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites! https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions] https://twitter.com/BWBR [https://twitter.com/BWBR] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/] https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/ [https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/]

The latest Side of Design podcast pulls back the curtain on PFAS, the infamous "forever chemicals" making headlines for their carcinogenic and environmentally damaging properties, and their widespread presence in many common finishes and materials—from stain-resistant couches to flame-retardant clothing to nonstick pans. Host Matt Gerstner welcomes BWBR specialists Sara Biedenbender [https://www.bwbr.com/team-member/sara-biedenbender/] (Interior Designer), Kat Lauer [https://www.bwbr.com/team-member/kat-lauer/] (Project Planner), and Rachael Spires [https://www.bwbr.com/team-member/rachael-spires/] (Associate Principal and Performance Design & Quality Manager) for a lively conversation. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review! You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites! https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions] https://twitter.com/BWBR [https://twitter.com/BWBR] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/] https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/ [https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/]

The most recent Side of Design podcast introduces us to two architecture students whose work demands we reconsider what makes good design. Sierra Espinoza and Pwapadeino Wonosikou, this year's BWBR equity scholarship winners, aren't waiting until graduation to tackle the industry's most pressing questions about who benefits from the spaces we build—and who doesn't. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review! You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites! https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions] https://twitter.com/BWBR [https://twitter.com/BWBR] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/] https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/ [https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/]

The path to professional fulfillment isn't always a straight line, and the stories of some of our BWBR team members prove just that. In the latest episode of Side of Design, host Matt Gerstner [https://www.bwbr.com/team-member/matt-gerstner/] and three BWBR colleagues share their fascinating journeys of career transformation, revealing how seemingly unrelated experiences can shape unique perspectives and lead to rewarding careers in unexpected places. If you like what we are doing with our podcasts please subscribe and leave us a review! You can also connect with us on any of our social media sites! https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions [https://www.facebook.com/BWBRsolutions] https://twitter.com/BWBR [https://twitter.com/BWBR] https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/bwbr-architects/] https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/ [https://www.bwbr.com/side-of-design-podcast/]