We proudly share an exclusive reimagined release of the iconic song "You Gotta Be", now available on Spotify.

Add it to your favorite playlist, or listen now, for an incredible musical experience performed by the amazing Columbus local female artists, Devin Copfer, Liz Fisher and Sydney McSweeney, recorded at local, female owned "Natalie's" and produced by the MA Design Productions team. 

This creative collaboration was created centered around the values of MA Design; honoring diversity, equity and inclusion, celebrating local talented artists in our community and inspiring those that listen to believe in the best that's yet to come.

Enjoy the listen - share with those you love - and may the message, and music, bring you great joy. 

Dr. Ken Yeager, Lead Neuroscience Researcher at The Ohio State University, talks about how to have hope in the face of Post Pandemic PTSD.

Join in for an important discussion about mental health with the lead Neuroscience Researcher at The Ohio State University, Dr. Ken Yeager, changing the way mental health is seen and spoken about. 

Ken serves as the Director of the STAR program and is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. His primary focus of over 30 years throughout his career centers on trauma and trauma resiliency, and how a person can become more resilient.

In this episode, we talk about early warning signs to look out for mental health diagnoses, and how to protect your mental wellness as you find a way to break through, instead of break down. 

Ken shares incredible insight on how to feel more fulfilled - personally and professionally - and the reason to believe the best is yet to come.

Listen to Jeni Britton of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream on MA Design's Podcast "MAke it Innovative"

The best is yet to come for the firm - and for the podcast - launching big with the person who is famous for designing differently when it comes to the world of ice cream.
 
Jeni Britton sat down with the MAke it Innovative team to share the soul behind the woman responsible for the country's most iconic artisan ice cream ever.

Jeni shares what fills her cup, the ages, and stages that have had the biggest impact on who she is now, and an inside look at the innovative insights that are driven by the power of her imagination. 

When you know who you are, it’s easier to know what to do next. 

We’re talking Wendy’s Social Media - most known for their hilarious tweets and savage roasts - and literally used as a best practice curriculum example at Yale University for leaders in social media for Strategic Digital Marketing.  

What you might not know is the genius behind the curtain, Kristin Tormey, and her talented team that runs the “snarky little sister challenger brand” with almost 4 million followers and no signs of slowing down.

Social media isn’t just “tweeting a tweet”, it’s what creates interest in your company, drives customer loyalty, increases brand awareness and if that’s not enough - it’s what brought the spicy nuggets back in 24 hours.

This can’t miss episode shares the “secret sauce” behind Wendy’s social media and takes a turn into how to make your team stronger and leadership better. 

 Homeport's CEO Leah Evans is talking about the "Future of Affordable Housing", featuring guest-host Alison Crumley, M+A's own Project Manager, currently working on Homeport's Mulby Place. 

What is affordable housing? A household spending 30 percent or less of its income on its housing - be it rent or a mortgage. 

Deemed as a crisis with no easy fix, Currently the U.S. has a shortage of 6.8 Million rental affordable homes alone, just for those that fall within the extremely low-income renters whole household incomes are at or below 30 percent of their area’s median income.

That's where projects like Mulby Place, and people like Leah, come into place, finding design solutions and strategies to solve for a more affordable, and equitable future.

Listen and learn about Homeport is solving the affordable crisis need, in Columbus and beyond, working to create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of dignity, security and opportunity.

Listen in as Cardale Jones, Buckeye football legend from The Ohio State University, and Dave Devillers, crime fighting, lawyer legend, two of four partners in Ten Talents NIL - talk all about NIL - Name, Image, and Likeness, and what it means for college athletes to monetize and profit, as well as why this is the newest, most powerful marketing tool for brands.

(18:30) Where Ten Talents is focusing on using NIL to build equity and inclusion while helping student athletes build their brands, focused on authenticity. 

(40:00), Cardale talks about how he and Brian Schottenstein are turning NIL into a meaningful charity to change the Columbus community and beyond

(43:00) Listener questions including a hot take insight on what was going through Cardale's mind when he hurdled over Oregon in the National Championship game and what Dave learned the most during his time on the prosecution team against Saddam Hussein.

(1:01) Betsy Liska, M+A Business Development Leader, steps in for a game challenging Cardale and Dave to the dream NIL partnerships for brands with the current leading college football athletes. 

Do you ever feel like you can't say anything anymore?

That it's hard to keep up with what's the appropriate terminology from day to day?

Have you noticed a rise in "cancel culture"?

Join us for a powerful conversation designed to create space for change with Dr. Melissa Crum, Diversity Practitioner & Curriculum Developer, is an artist, author, researcher, and founder of the consulting company, Mosaic Education Network, LLC.

Mosaic infuses the arts, research, storytelling, and critical thinking into professional development, community building, and curriculum development.

In this episode, we'll cover what you CAN say, how to make a brave space, what's "normal" and what's "not", and so much more. 

Dr. Crum has facilitated training sessions across the U.S., creating a non-judgmental and refreshingly honest look at privileges and privately held beliefs. Her workshops focus on workplace culture development, equipping educators, leadership, staff, and board members with the skills to implement inclusive and equitable practices.

By creating a brave space, Dr. Crum’s workshops allow organizations to critically investigate policies, workplace and learning culture, and relationship dynamics. Together, she empowers teams to positively dismantle systemic patterns, build authentic communication, and instigate radical growth company-wide. 

Wondering if there is a future in gaming? Curious what e-sports isWondering if there is a future in gaming? Curious what e-sports actually is?

This episode, featuring Bob Morris, the Arenas Opening Manager at Belong Gaming, is for you.

Belong Gaming Arena, the ultimate e-sports arena, is taking the world by storm coming to the United States this year.

Listen in as Bob Morris sheds light on why the U.S. needs a Belong Gaming Arena, a day-in-the-life as an opening arenas manager, and why the global esports audience should be important to you with the architectural partner lead of the project, M+A Principal and Director of our Cincinnati office, Seth Oakley.

According to Forbes, the global gaming market is projected to surpass 200 billion by the end of 2023, and gaming arenas serve as a hub for this growth.

Listen and grow in curiosity as this episode takes a deep dive into all things e-sports.

Listen in as author, speaker and national mental health advocate Achea Redd shares what you need to make your mental health easier.

On today's episode, we're talking about why connection and community are so important, why normal needs to be canceled, how to support yourself and others in their mental wellness and of course, why you need to seek substance versus surface in your relationships to stay mentally healthy.

Achea shares tips, tricks and ways to be mentally healthy, and happy, right now, recognizing that together having vulnerable conversations we can create space for change, and support one another.

Curious what interior design trends will be for 2022, and beyond? 

This is the episode for you, featuring two of M+A's Interior Designers, Abbey Hunter and Katherine Hunter.

The two Gen-Z experts share their insights and the most impactful innovations from their recent trip to the 2021 NeoCon convention, and what the trends will mean for interior design and the future world around us.

Since 1969 NeoCon has served as the most important interior design event of the year, with over 50,000 international attendees traveling to Chicago to see thousands of new products and services in categories including Furniture, Fabrics, Flooring, Interior Building Products, Interior Finishes and Technology from the industry’s major manufacturers as well as hot emerging companies.

Representing markets ranging from Workplace, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Education, Public Space and Government, the commercial design community converges each year at NeoCon to connect, learn and do business.

Listen in for an insider's observations and ideas for application in a way that will create space for change and revolutionize the way a place impacts us like never before.

Moeller Brew Barn, a craft brewery started in Maria Stein, Ohio, is crafting change in the world of beer.

Nick Moeller, Owner, and Brew Master, of Moeller Brew Barn, is joined by Senior Interior Designer, Kaitlin Kingrey, as they talk about entrepreneurial passion led to the ultimate success, evolution, and expansion of one of Ohio’s favorite local breweries. 

Grab a beer and learn more about how Nick convinced people to want something they didn’t even know they needed and the story and experience that led to the idea and concept of Moeller Brew Barn. Originating in Maria Stein, Ohio with locations in Troy, Ohio, and soon-to-be Dayton, Nick and Kaitlin Kingrey dive into how beer and design come together to create a unique experience. 

As M+A and Moeller Brew Barn work to create and execute a new concept for the Dayton location, they come together as one team to talk about how they are creating a unique experience while also drawing inspiration from the original location utilizing form, fit, and function

There are high hopes for cannabusiness - but how much do you really know about the legalization of marijuana?

Recent findings show that the combined legal sales of cannabis for recreational and medical purposes are projected to reach $35 billion by 2025 in the United States alone.

Listen and learn from experts in the industry, Zach Weprin - a partner at Certified Cultivators in Dayton, Ohio, and the genius behind Columbus’ favorite fast casual sushi restaurant - Fusian - as well as Greg May, the founder and principal of CannaRev Solution and licensed attorney in the state of Ohio for 30 years and M+A Senior Designer, Tom Lewis. 

The commercialization and legalization of marijuana carries a lot of stigmas, but in today’s episode we’re looking at the facts and focusing on the future, learning about where things stand now, and what we can expect to happen next. 

90% of the global marijuana market is accounted to the US, with the states leading sales ranking in at California ($3.8 billion), Colorado ($1.7 billion), and Michigan (1.21 billion).  

Learn about the history of hemp, the evolution of the industry, and explore the future of dispensaries in this can’t miss episode.

From Bravo TV’s “Top Chef” star to Middle West Spirit’s “Service Bar”, Avishar Barua joined us for this episode of M+Ake it Innovative, talking about what keeps him up at night, where he sources his inspiration, and of course - the Cheesy Brisket Crunch *cue the pavlovian response*

Joined by M+A Managing Principal, Carrie Boyd, today’s episode explores the parallels between food and design, two incredible art forms with unlimited possibilities of expression and great potential to make meaningful experiences. 

Listen and learn about Avishar’s journey from growing up in a traditional Bangladesh household, to dual degrees in biology and psychology at The Ohio State University, and how he ended up bringing Michelin to the Midwest, as the Executive Chef at M+A’s newest client, Middle West Spirit’s “Service Bar” -  one of the city’s most prestigious, diverse and unique foodie spots.

From sharing tips on how regular people can become a “top chef”, to exploring ways to make multisensory experiences innately unique, to what’s next, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In a general sense, liminality is an in-between period, typically marked by uncertainty. 

To think of it simply, it's the journey, not the destination, and today, with Senior Interior Designer Kelly Eyink, we're talking about how that's the most powerful part of the experience - both literally, and figuratively, as liminality applies to spaces.

Inspired by one of the greatest liminal periods of our time - life not pre-COVID, but not quite post-COVID, and its impacts on us mentally, and physically in the built environment, we explore ways to make the most of this in between time. 

Listen in for an incredible conversation about ways physical spaces and mental places can use liminality as a strength, setting yourself, and your company, up for the greatest success in the best that's yet to come.

How can you avoid being color blind?
How do diversity, inclusion and design all impact one another?
How do we work to support each other, instead of letting our differences divide us?

We were honored to sit down with Cheryl Durst, CEO + Executive Vice President of the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) to have a conversation about "difficult" topics and important concepts as they relate to diversity, inclusion and design.

The conversation covers why the eight elements of "normal" need to be forgotten, and why experience, exposure, education - and acceptance - is the answer we're all looking for.

If you're looking to be part of the solution for diversity + inclusion, you must listen in to this powerful conversation, full of passion and purpose, to learn more about the leader that has changed the design world, and beyond. 

A 10 minute guided meditation designed to instantly reduce stress and anxiety for those times you feel like you’re about to lose it and explode. 

You can access it anytime you want, from anywhere, as an instant resource in your toolbox to use as often as you need it - from renowned practioner Marina Zaharan.

We’re talking about a three step process - recognize, strategize, and normalize -  to deal, and heal, from stress, and build resiliency so you can be prepared for what experts and Futurists, like Mark Bryan, are calling the “Roaring 20’s”.

This is the conversation you need to consider the mental, and physical, ways you can support your health to prepare for reentry as we emerge from life post-pandemic, with Marina Zaharan. If you've been feeling overwhelmed with the idea of going back to the office, or overstimulated from all that has been happening in the world around us, this is the solution-based, action-oriented conversation you need to regain control and build resiliency.

Marina is a meditation leader at Columbus' renowned Paloma, on the brand strategy and development team for Alchemy Brands - a collection of wellness-inspired food concepts including fast casual cafes, prepared meals, and nutrition services - and licensed Ayruvedic practitioner.

Did you know Columbus, Ohio ranks third in its number of resident fashion designers, trailing only New York and LA, making it one of the largest, and most underestimated, fashion capitals in the entire country?

On today's episode we're sitting down with Yohannan, or Yogi, Terrell to share his insights, and innovations, on why, and how that is happening and what it means for our city.

Yogi was JUST named one of the 2021 Future 50 by USA Today, in addition to running the branding firm Warhol and Wall St, and now leading overall strategy for the Columbus Fashion Alliance.

Why should anyone care outside of the industry? The Columbus Fashion Alliance's goals, and success, for the next 5 years will change the landscape of our cities, positively impacting the job market, local economy, hospitality, and of course, the demand for more housing.

Yogi shares sneak peek inside information on where fashion in Columbus is going, how the Fashion Alliance plans to get there, and the future growth that is the best that yet to come for our incredible city. 

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Post pandemic reentry is becoming a realistic reality for the very near future - so what does that mean for now, and for what’s next?

What IS the future of our space?

JLL Managing Director Clayton Davis + M+A Director of ExperientialAlicia Huber join us on the podcast to discuss what to do with, and what to expect from, offices, stores, and more, and how to position your space to serve you for success.

JLL is a world leader in real estate services, helping their clients create rewarding opportunities and amazing spaces around the globe so people can achieve their ambitions. Clayton’s role at JLL encompasses strategic planning and account management for a wide variety of national and international corporate real estate users by providing innovative, scalable, and comprehensive solutions.

Alicia’s background in Experiential Design is built to make experiences meaningful, through the creation of multi-sensory design that communicates brands in space starts by collaborating with clients to understand their story and message, and then bringing it to life in a meaningful way. With past projects, such as White Castle Corporate HQ’s where she helped bring to life their legendary craver throne, and a host of others such as Danis Construction, Burgess and Niple’s home office, and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s Retail Summit, Alicia continues to set the bar for how experiential design can connect with human behaviors and needs to leave lasting impressions.

Listen and learn from these experts about the future of our space - and how you can stay a step ahead.

A Kid Again started in Central  Ohio 25 years ago, and since Oyauma Garrison was appointed CEO, and President, in 2017, the organization has grown from 3 to 6 chapters, and from 1 to 15 states - with no signs of slowing down.

Listen to this life changing conversation from the man behind the "simple" vision, with a great plan, and path forward. Using years of experience and expertise in identifying paths for development, from more than three decades of corporate leadership, Oyauma's leadership has proven critical to securing support for and building an infrastructure that allows A Kid Again to reach their organizational goals.

Not only will you leave inspired with ideas to innovate in your own life, and organization, but we hope you leave with an idea of how you can support the organization that exists to foster hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening conditions and their families.

 CoHatch CEO, Matt Davis, shares the only option for the office of the future, and how it will change work forever.

Matt takes you inside his approach to innovation, sharing the secrets and strategies that he uses to make his company recession proof and positioned for success, alongside M+A's own Interior Designer, Kaitlin Kingrey, who shares just how to make that happen in your space.

Matt's new way to think about coworking includes office space for flexible work close to home. With locations throughout Ohio and Indianapolis, the overall vision is for CoHatch be in every town with over 10,000 to 15,000 people in the region, and with Matt leading the way, and the most innovative business model in plan, a future of success is inevitable. 

Kaitlin's design expertise in change management and building space for culture adds a perspective of how to adapt, and what to expect, in a physical office space, as we transition into what will become the "new" normal. Having been the lead designer for major office projects, like the White Castle Home Office, Kaitlin's experience has been proven successful time and time again, leading to more engaged employees, higher levels of productivity and overall greater retention and job satisfaction. 

Listen, learn, and get inspired, as we share a vision for the future, and the tactics to get there, that will impact every single person now. 

Pour yourself a cup of ambition - as most of us are working from home, and living from work, beyond 9-5, we’re looking for ideas and insights to fuel innovation, and there’s no one better to have that conversation with, than Crimson Cup’s own Q-Grader, Brandon Bir. Voted “One of the 10 Best Coffee Pros to Follow on Instagram”, Brandon is one of the world’s rare coffee “Q-Graders”, the equivalent of a wine sommelier, and in charge of Crimson’s international relationships with their fair trade partners, as well as a leading mind behind the brand’s “Innovation Lab”, and sustainability efforts and initiatives. 

Listen and learn about the craft of coffee, and the intentionality behind Crimson Cup’s brand, as they prioritize being an ethically sourced, and sustainable, coffee company. From Ohio to Bangladesh - and even a cameo in the Pentagon - Crimson is changing the way coffee is done, one cup at a time. Featuring M+A own Director of Sustainability, Johnna Keller, the two sustainability leaders share some secrets behind our company’s partnership, and the plans we have to work together in creating a more sustainable future.

Brandon Bir shares his own international experiences, stories, and dreams for the future, as one of the coolest - and most caffeinated - guests we’ve ever hosted. 

Crimson Cup is celebrating 30 years of coffee and community, and since its creation in 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced specialty and craft coffee in small batches. The company also teaches entrepreneurs to run successful coffee houses through its coffee franchise alternative program, which includes a coffee shop business plan. Crimson Cup coffee is available through a community of more than 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, colleges and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 30 states, Guam and Bangladesh, as well as the company’s own Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com.

The brain is designed to predict, and protect.

Futurism does just that - preparing you for what's to come next, without ever having lived it yet.

We're breaking out the crystal ball in this episode hosted by our firm's Futurist, Mark Bryan, and Director of Strategic Communications, Sam Moeller, to share insights and innovations as they apply to what you can expect in the future, and the evolution of emotional intelligence.

Listen to learn, and stay ahead, of the trends to come in the second part of the episode. In Futurist terms we're talking about the local experience for retail, community care for healthcare and rewilding higher education.

For emotional intelligence, consumer sentiment and behavioral psychology, we're sharing the ideas and understanding of the reminiscence bump, emotional plurality, and how to get your resiliency back during challenging times.

This is a must listen that will leave you informed, entertained, and inspired to find the innovative changes that will add the most value possible to your life, and beyond. 

A two part episode featuring M+A's Certified Futurist, Mark Bryan, and Director of Strategic Communications, Sam Moeller, sharing inside ideas and insights on the leading trends of 2021, and beyond.

Listen to get ahead for the upcoming year, with intel on a year of ideation, and innovations, and how you can stay ahead, and get involved with it all. 

On this episode we're talking about a "phygital" world,  PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), the workplace of the future as an "Inclusive Community Center", and how progressive leaders, and innovative companies, will focus on being a "safe space."

Mark covers topics as they pertain to trends, forecasts and innovations across industries, and Sam will compliments forecasts with those pertaining to behavioral psychology, consumer sentiment and mental health so that you walk away with a comprehensive understanding that will set you up for success, and your best year yet.

The final episode of the year has the answer you've been looking for to become the leader you've always wanted to be. 

Peg Buehrle, Managing Partner of ActionCoach Columbus, is the 9th ranked leadership coach in the world, and 3rd in the country, sharing her best pro tips on successfully leading, for any size group, and how to unlock your greatest professional success yet.

Joining Peg is M+A Partner, Director of Interior Design, Carrie Boyd, one of Peg's client, and a leader in the space of design and beyond. In this exclusive interview, Carrie shares the ways she has embraced fear and bravery at the same time that have shaped her career, and success.

 Listen in on Peg's expertise, and Carrie's first hand experience, focusing on improving and leveraging people skills to achieve dramatic improvement in business results and ways to increase effectiveness for business owners that will improve results with less effort.