Leadership, Technology and Innovation in Design with Mancini Duffy's Jessica Mann-Amato
In this episode, Jessica Mann-Amato, principal and co-owner of Mancini Duffy in New York, shares her journey of rising to a leadership role as a woman in an industry that’s still very much male dominated, as well as how the firm is using technology to innovate and inform the design process for their clients.
Meet our guest:
Jessica Mann-Amato, IIDA
Jessica utilizes Mancini’s cutting-edge technology to further the design process and bring each client’s vision to life. She uses the company’s state-of-the-art Design Lab to lead clients through proprietary 360 Design Sessions, which immerse them in their future spaces and allow for a truly collaborative and interactive design process, which Jessica has always promoted with her clients.
Jessica cut her teeth by devising beautiful and functional interiors for consumer goods companies, digital media movers and shakers, and boutique financial firms. Her career highlights include design projects for a wide array of clients that met unique business goals, integrated new workplace strategies, and delivered designs that significantly impacted clients’ company culture. She has created spaces for clients such as Indeed, Rent the Runway, McGraw-Hill, Rauxa, Pernod Ricard USA, ALM Media, and Citigroup, among many other innovative companies.
Jessica believes that true design inspiration is achieved with real collaboration within her group and each client. She readily shares what she knows with the designers of Mancini, making mentoring and professional development a key component in her work.
A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, Jessica worked with Spector Group, HLW International LLP, NELSON, Furnstahl & Simon Architects, and Conant Architects before joining Mancini. In addition, she served as the 2009-2010 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) NY Chapter President.
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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.