Beyond the Surface

About Beyond the Surface

Beyond the Surface is a Chicago based architecture and design podcast highlighting unique voices in architecture and design. The podcast focuses on stories from designers to uncover who they are beyond the surface; it is a platform for meaningful conversations that spark innovation, challenge assumptions, and open new ways of thinking about the future of design. It serves as a space where listeners can learn from the personal experiences of designers and be inspired to grow in their own paths.

Publisher

Beyond the Surface

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

15 Apr 2023

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

42 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   39: Tanner Woodford | Championing Design Spirit

   Tanner Woodford is a Chicago-based designer, artist, and founder of Iterative Work. He previously served for fourteen years as founding executive director of the Design Museum of Chicago. Listen in for a conversation about how exhibiting design and art becomes a conversation with the general public about how ideas are expressed.

2. 

   31 Aug 2026

   38: Taruna Gupta | Curiosity, Connections, & Community

   Taruna Gupta is a planner at HGA and the co-founder and president of the non-profit, Defining Humanity. Hear how her journey across different countries has shaped an approach to architecture grounded in curiosity, cultural exchange, and building connections. Listen to conversations about how architecture organizations have been a crucial part of Taruna's career journey, including when she chose to step away from practicing to focus on her family life.

3. 

   28 Jul 2026

   37: Iker Gil | Design is Discovery

   Iker Gil is a founding partner at MAS Studio and editor in chief of the nonprofit MAS Context. Listen in to hear about how his experiences have led to a path in architecture, publishing, and exhibitions stemming from a curiosity about different ways to see design.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

14 ratings

Contact Beyond the Surface

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.