Re-Release: Design Inspiration in a Digital World | A Conversation with Nestor Santa-Cruz
In early summer of 2021, the Gensler Research Institute surveyed a variety of companies in the U.S. and found that 70% of business leaders were expecting a return to the office after Labor Day weekend. We now know that was wishful thinking. The delta variant has since delayed many companies’ plans.
Exactly how, and when, a broader transition back to the workplace will occur is of course still in flux as the world continues to reckon with the changing landscape of the coronavirus and the delta variant. All signs point towards a hybrid work future, with the ability to continue working remotely and companies offering flexibility and choice as part of their eventual return to the office.
As designers, the pandemic has challenged us to create better opportunities for interconnectivity as most people continue to work from home. In a remote work world, we’ve innovated with new technologies to facilitate our everyday tasks. Without our physical studios, materials libraries, and fully in-person teams, our design processes shifted and our sources of inspiration have evolved. And in light of social justice movements, we’ve taken the time to listen to our colleagues and establish better practices to make sure everyone feels they belong.
Next week marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is a month long celebration honoring the culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. To kick off the month, we’re re-sharing an episode that aired just under a year ago where Cuban-born Gensler D.C. Design Director Nestor Santa-Cruz explains how his work process has changed through the pandemic and offers insights on how to stay plugged in to find design inspiration in a hybrid world.
With more than 21 years of corporate interiors experience, Nestor is noted for his award-winning designs, which have been published in Interior Design, Contract Design, Elle Décor, Architectural Record, and The Washington Post. Nestor has earned a reputation as a trendsetter whose designs appeal to a diverse and international audience. With his innate architectural style sensibility and expansive knowledge of design history, Nestor serves a wide variety of law, financial, government, association, hospitality, and residential clients to design projects of all scales.
Read the full show notes for this episode HERE. Listen to Nestor’s episode on style and his design philosophy HERE.
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