DESIGN MUSE is a collective of Interior Designers bringing professionals of various expertise together to share big ideas, lessons learned, and products to inspire, educate, and advocate for all things commercial interior design.
Hosted by Bridget Santos and Melanie N. Hanna.
Summer Intern Series - Part 2: Insights from Annika Tervo
Design Muse Podcast: Intern Series Part 2 with Annika Tervo In this episode, the Design Muse Podcast welcomes Annika Tervo, a recent interior design graduate who turned a two-year internship at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business into a full-time associate interior designer role. Annika joins Mel and Bridget to discuss what school can’t fully prepare you for, including project coordination, shifting priorities, real-world budgets, and the business side of design. The conversati...
31 Aug 2026
Summer Intern Series: Insights from Blake Brinkman
"The two things you can control in life are your attitude and effort." - Blake Brinkman In this episode of Design Muse Podcast, we kick off our Summer Intern Series with Blake Brinkman, a rising senior at TCU studying finance, real estate, and data analytics. Blake shares what he’s learning through his internship with BECK Group and American Campus Communities, where he’s experienced both the corporate and construction sides of the industry—including working on a project at his own university...
30 Jul 2026
Where Proforma Meets Design with Alena Savera
Step inside the world of real estate development with Alena Savera, Vice President of Development at The NRP Group, as she shares the journey, strategy, and vision behind bringing transformative projects to life. From balancing design, financial feasibility, and community impact to breaking down the anatomy of a winning project pro forma, Elena offers practical insights and career advice for aspiring developers, designers, and anyone curious about how great deals come together. If you've ever...
23 Jun 2026
Advocating from the Inside Out with Krystal Lucero
In this episode, Advocating from the Inside Out, we sit down with veteran interior designer Krystal Lucero to explore her more than 20-year journey in the design industry. She shares how her passion for creating impactful spaces evolved into a commitment to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy within the profession. From managing complex projects to championing diversity and representation, Krystal discusses the importance of using your voice to create meaningful change from within organizati...
26 May 2026
The Creative Cost of Constant Connectivity with Bridget Santos & Melanie Hanna
In a world where notifications never stop, inboxes are overflowing, and “being available” has become the norm, creativity is paying the price. This week on DESIGN MUSE, Bridget Santos and Melanie Hanna, unpack the hidden creative toll of constant connectivity in the interior design industry. From hustle culture and client expectations to instant responses and burnout, this conversation explores what designers are sacrificing in the pursuit of productivity and why reclaiming creative space is ...
20 Apr 2026
Where Materials Meet Sustainability & Leadership: Inside Gensler’s Resource Director Role with Angel Gonzales
In this engaging episode, we delve into the world of design with Angel Gonzales, a Regional Resource Director at Gensler Dallas. Angel shares his inspiring journey in the design industry, highlighting his unique role at Gensler. He discusses the importance of collaboration, communication, and mentorship, emphasizing how these elements drive innovation and growth within the industry. Angel passionately advocates for sustainability, detailing Gensler’s global initiatives, including their ...
23 Feb 2026
The Tech Revolution | From Design to Innovation with Scott Birdsong & Rob Barganier
In this episode of DESIGN MUSE podcast, Scott Birdsong and Rob Barganier with Tangram Interiors discusses the integration of technology in design, the challenges faced by technology consultants, and the evolution of meeting spaces. They emphasize the importance of early involvement in projects, the role of AI in enhancing workplace technology, and the significance of data-driven design decisions. The conversation also touches on health and wellness in design, advocating for environments...
26 Jan 2026
Vicarious Hospitality with Vito F. Lotta & Jon Cakert
In this episode of the DESIGN MUSE Podcast, Vito F. Lotta and Jon Cakert explore vicarious hospitality—the power of shared experiences. Drawing from their personal journeys and leadership roles, they discuss designing for emotion and memory, the value of collaboration, and navigating challenges such as renovations, ROI, brand identity, advocacy for the hospitality industry, and ever-evolving guest expectations. Thank you to our episode sponsor Symmons Industries! Symmons is a family-own...
10 Nov 2025
From Floorplan to Flavor | The Art of Restaurant Design
In this episode of DESIGN MUSE, Melanie Hanna and Bridget Santos pull back the curtain on the art and science of restaurant design. From spatial flow and storytelling to lighting, materials, and sensory cues, they explore how every element shapes the dining experience. Discover how collaboration between designers, consultants, and restaurateurs brings a restaurant’s vision to life — and how thoughtful design can transform a meal into an unforgettable moment. Support the show Follo...
11 Sept 2025
Life of a DESIGN MUSE | The Untold Truth About Starting a Podcast
So you want to start a podcast—but where do you even begin? In this episode, co-hosts, Bridget and Melanie, pull back the curtain on the journey of launching DESIGN MUSE —from napkin sketch ideas to a full-fledged podcast. They’re sharing the real story: what worked, what didn’t, what tech and tools helped them get off the ground, and the creative (and emotional) lessons they’ve learned along the way. If you’re dreaming of starting something of your own—especially a podcast—this episode is yo...
7 Aug 2025
25.07 - Be The Artist You Are | Brand + Collaboration with Kyle Bunting
In this episode of DESIGN MUSE, we’re joined by the Patchwork Picasso, Kyle Bunting, for a candid conversation about the power of branding, the art of collaboration, and what it really takes to stand out in the design world. Kyle shares what fuels his creative journey and why finding your unique voice is the foundation of any successful brand. With his signature humor, he explores how a strong brand presence is built not just through aesthetics, but through adaptability, experience, and...
16 Jun 2025
25.06 - Mastering FF&E | Insights from Industry Experts - Bridget Santos & Melanie Hanna
Industry experts Bridget Santos and Melanie Hanna explore the complexities of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) across multifamily, corporate, and hospitality sectors, highlighting the need for organization and collaboration in interior design; this is an interview.
2 May 2025
25.04 Part 2 - RFI Time with Jessica Collins
In this episode, DESIGN MUSE has RFI Time with Jessica Collins. An RFI in Interior Design is formally known as a "Request for Information" which is a request for formal clarification or additional information on a project's plans, drawings, specifications, or agreements. DESIGN MUSE uses RFI Time to obtain additional wisdom from our Muse of the Month. You won't want to miss this episode as we dive into questions regarding how you juggle being an interior design leader, defining WELL AP ...
15 Apr 2025
25.04 Part 1 - From Vision to Visibility: Defining the Essence of Interior Design with Jessica Collins, Dir. of Design, Interiors - HOK Dallas
In this episode, DESIGN MUSE interviews Jessica Collins (the Director of Design, Interiors for HOK Dallas' Studio) and dives into the true essence of commercial interior design, the design process, neuroinclusive design, and the visibility of the interior design profession. We also discuss what a Director of Design's day to day consists of and hot topics like "the great move." We would like to thank Jessica Collins for sharing her brilliant insights and Tangram Interiors hosting Design Muse P...
1 Apr 2025
25.03 Part 2 - RFI Time with Kristina Fischer
In this episode, DESIGN MUSE has RFI Time with Kristina Fischer. An RFI in Interior Design is formally known as a "Request for Information" which is a request for formal clarification or additional information on a project's plans, drawings, specifications, or agreements. DESIGN MUSE uses RFI Time to obtain additional wisdom from our Muse of the Month. You won't want to miss this episode as we dive into questions regarding common change orders in construction, how to prioritize budgets ...
19 Mar 2025
25.03 - Kristina Fischer: The Journey from Designer to Developer
In this episode, DESIGN MUSE interviews Kristina Fischer, Development and Construction Manager for Toll Brothers Apartment Living, to explore her journey from the world of design to development. Kristina shares insights on navigating early career challenges, how networking and relationships shaped her career, her transition to Multifamily Development, and valuable lessons learned along the way. We learn how developers build budgets, select design teams, manage timelines, top amenity trends, a...
29 Jan 2025
25.02 - Introduction: How We Met Our Muse
In today's episode, Bridget Santos and Melanie N. Hanna introduce the ethos of DESIGN MUSE Podcast. They share their individual interior design journeys, how they met, and how they reconnected thirteen years later with the shared vision and passion to make a big impact on the commercial interior design industry. They walk through upcoming episode topics such as lessons learned, documentation, storytelling through design, brand identity, contracts, and so much more. Tune in and follow D...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
8
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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