Melanie Goodson Recognized as Design Connections 2.0 Chief Disruptor
The disconnect and tension between humans and technology was the prevailing theme when planning this year’s Design Connections 2.0, held Oct. 7-8 in Palm Springs, CA.
interiors+sources brand director Steven Sloan and conference chairs Kyle Berry, designer II for AECOM, and Jacquelyn Hunter, an associate for Corgan, hosted the event. It comprised group panel discussions, boardroom meetings, networking events and one-on-one meetings for designers and sponsors.
People and Companies Honored
Throughout the event, Sloan and Robert Nieminen, interiors+sources’ editor-at-large, surveyed over 50 designers and dozens of sponsors, searching for an individual to be named Design Connections’ Chief Disruptors. Melanie Goodson, interior designer at MHAworks, was selected as the Chief Disruptor of the conference.
Goodson was presented with the award at a ceremony on the final day of the event. “Our disruptors are questioning the status quo, pushing us to ask why we do what we do, and is there a better way?” says Sloan on the characteristics of what a Chief Disruptor holds.
Also at the show, attendees were given a voting form to cast a ballot for the company that made the greatest impression on them during their one-to-one meetings and during boardroom discussions with company representatives.
Companies that received the most votes in each of five vertical markets were recognized during the awards ceremony as well.
Winners were:
- Education: Teknion
- Healthcare-Medical: Congoleum
- Healthcare-Senior Living: Mecho Shade Systems
- Workplace: Connectrac
- Hospitality: Sunbrella
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About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.
He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.