How do architects, designers and digital creators all speak the same language of human experience? In this episode I sit down with Nick Cawthon, principal at Gauge.io, to explore the intersection between architecture, user experience design and the evolving relationship between people, process and technology.

Nick shares insights from his journey - from hand-drawn drafts to AI-driven design - and reflects on how both architects and virtual creators are redefining creativity in a digital-first world. Together, Nick and I unpack how human centered thinking connects physical space and digital interface, why documenting your process matters more than perfection, and how the next generation of designers can thrive in an era of generative tools.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why architecture and UX share the same DNA of human-centered design
• How post-occupancy analysis and UX research both measure and real impact
• What architects can learn from virtual creators about building authentic communities
• How AI and generative tools are reshaping creativity - and why that's good news for young designers

Nick and I also reflect on the timeless value of sketching, the art of slowing down in a fast-paced digital culture, and the simple act of staying curious as our professions evolve.

#architecture #UXdesign #AIandDesign #Designthinking #HumanCenteredDesign #FutireOf Design #Podcast

Subscribe, share and join the conversation: Where do we go from here?

catalloscott@gmail.com

👾 "How to Serve Man" — a classic Twilight Zone episode — asked a chilling question: when something promises to serve us… do we really know whose table we’re being served on?

Today, that same question applies to AI Alignment.

In this episode, I break down:

• What AI Alignment actually means (and why it’s trickier than it sounds)

• How social media algorithms already show us the dangers of misalignment

• Why even experts fear “reward hacking” and unintended consequences

• The real-world stakes: from fairness in hiring to global regulation

• Why AI alignment is really about human alignment first

AI won’t align to us by accident. It will only align if we put in the work—technically, ethically, and socially.

Thank you for listening and please subscribe to . . Where do we go from here? . . and tell your friends to do the same. Also keep the mail and feedback coming at catalloscott@gmail.com, so far, I have received enough viewer mail that I anticipate providing a quick mail bag episode soon to answer some interesting questions I have received.

"AI anxiety is real—but you’re not as far behind as you think."

In this episode I’m joined by BethZ, speaker, author, and tech strategist, for an unfiltered conversation about:

🔹 Why most companies are still lost on AI strategy

🔹 The #1 investment businesses really need to make in AI (hint: it’s not money)

🔹 How to balance innovation with privacy, ethics, and creativity

🔹 The surprising emotional side of AI—and why it sometimes feels a little too human

🔹 Tools & tactics you can use today to boost productivity without drowning in subscriptions

Whether you’re curious, cautious, or completely overwhelmed by AI, this episode will give you clarity, practical tips, and maybe even a little peace of mind.

I’m always on the hunt for new show ideas and feedback on all episodes so please contact me at catalloscott@gmail.com.

#Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence#FutureOfWork #Leadership #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #AI

💡“Excellence isn’t glamorous. It’s boring.” — Brian Bartes

In this powerful episode, bestselling author, professional coach, and speaker Brian Bartes joins me to unpack thediscipline, intentionality, and purpose behind sustained excellence. From early-morning writing sessions to Olympic-level commitment, Brian shares what it really takes to bridge the gap between where you are—and where you want tobe.

🔥 In this episode Brian and I discuss:

• Why excellence is the work no one sees
• The mundanity of greatness

• Goal setting that actually works

• Why action beats intention

• Building the “bridge” from vision to execution

If you’ve ever asked yourself how to get unstuck or level up your performance—in life, business, or leadership—this isyour episode.

🎧 Listen now and let us know what excellence means to you.

#Leadership #Excellence #PersonalDevelopment #Coaching #GoalSetting #Podcast #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #BrianBartes #LifeExcellence

🎙 New Episode Drop: The (Possible) Conclusion of the Design Methodology Series

Where Do We Go from Here? with Scott Catallo

What happens when designers from radically different disciplines all sit down and unpack how they work? Over fourincredible episodes, we explored just that—getting inside the creative process with:

🏢 Jim Merideth (Workplace Strategy)

🪑 John Kalustian (Furniture Design)

👗 Tracy Reese (Fashion & Sustainability)

📸 Steve Rost (Photography & Graphic Arts)

Now in this final (maybe?) installment, I recap the most powerful insights from the series—like why some designers swear by research and others run from it—and then I share some of my own personal thoughts surrounding a bit of my design philosophy forged through 30 years of experience in design, mentorship, engineering, and music.

Tune in to learn:

🔎 Why have I always had the word “WHY” pinned above my design/drafting board?

🎸 What do jazz improvisation and building projects have in common?

💡 And why have I come to believe that design is not about the project—it’s about the people?

If you're a designer, creative, strategist—or just someone obsessed with how ideas become real—this is the episode and series for you !

📩 And all you designers I want to hear from you! Start the conversation here or email me at catalloscott@gmail.com with your thoughts or show ideas

🔗 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#DesignThinking #Architecture #CreativeProcess #Podcast #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #DesignMethodology #Leadership #Mentorship #CreativeIndustries #DesignPhilosophy #HumanCenteredDesign

🎙 New Episode Out Now – Where Do We Go From Here? with Scott Catallo

In this episode, I sit down with designer, artist, and educator Steven Rost for a deeply reflective conversation on design thinking, intuition, and the creative process, together we discuss topics such as:

🛠 What is “good design”?

🎨 How do we learn through making?

🤖 Where does AI fit in a world shaped by human experience?

Steven brings a unique voice shaped by decades of design teaching. From crafting sculpture to reflecting on the role of mentorship, he reminds us that discovery, memory, and experience remain at the heart of design—no matter the tools.

Some important take-a-ways from this episode

💡 “Design should surprise you. It should be something you want to experience again and again—and share with others.”

💡 “Be open to change . . your initial career path may not be where your journey finishes.”

💡 Each design challenge often requires a different path or approach each time

💡 Life experiences are paramount for design creativity

💡Sometimes research can hinder sense of originality

👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Podcast #DesignThinking #art #ScottCatallo #CreativeProcess #Design #Innovation #AIEthics #HumanCenteredDesign #sculpture

In this powerful conversation, fashion icon Tracy Reese shares her journey from Detroit to New York, building a globally recognized brand, and ultimately returning home to launch Hope for Flowers — a sustainable fashion business with deep community roots. From developing prints by hand to designing for real bodies and real lives, Tracy opens up about the values driving her brand Hope for Flowers sustainability, longevity, and beauty that lasts.

Did you know: 80% of garment workers are women—and 80% of them live below the poverty line. Tracy doesn’t just talk about fashion. She’s working to change its systems from the inside out.

Learn how she balances artistry and business, the quiet resistance of rejecting fast fashion, and what circular design can teach us about the future of making.

Hear Tracy reflect on:

• Her Detroit upbringing and the influence of her creative family
• Navigating and challenging the fast fashion industry
• Building an ethical, community-driven design company

• Her design methodology and mission to empower the next generation through arts and sustainability education Whether you're a designer, entrepreneur, or just curious about what truly ethical fashion looks like—you don’t want to miss this one.

Special thanks to Ashley Green and Design Core Detroit for making this connection possible. If you haven’t already, check out the incredible work Design Core is doing for the Detroit design community right here on LinkedIn.

🌱 “It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’sabout refining it with purpose.”

👗 Learn how she balances artistry and business, the quiet resistance of rejecting fast fashion, and what circular design can teach us about the future of making.

#Podcast#FashionDesign #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #DesignThinking #HopeForFlowers#TracyReese #WhereDoWeGoFromHere #ScottCatallo #LinkedInAudio #EthicalFashion#Entrepreneurship #WomenInDesign

Exciting News for Designers and Creatives!

In episode 2 in my Design Methodology Series—I sit down with furniture designer John Kaloustian to explore his uniqueapproach to design, balancing creativity and practicality, and the evolving landscape of sustainable and functional furniture.

Key points discussed in this episode are:

🔹 How do designers navigate client needs and manufacturing constraints?

🔹 What’s the secret to creating timeless, user-friendly designs?

🔹 Where does inspiration truly come from?

John shares firsthand insights on developing innovative yet practical pieces, the importance of understanding materials and production, and why travel and exploration are key to staying inspired.

🎧 Tune in to learn from some of the most talented thinkers and designers and elevate your design approach!

#DesignThinking #Creativity #PodcastSeries#FurnitureDesign #Innovation #SustainableDesign