This New Design Podcast Offers a Behind-the-Scenes Look at Iconic Spaces

Ever walk into a stunning space and instantly want to know more about it? SANDOW Design Group’s Once Upon a Project podcast, which launched today on the SURROUND network, explores exactly that in conversation with top designers.

The show, hosted by AJ Paron, EVP and design futurist, marks the network‘s seventh architecture and design podcast, offering listeners access to the industry’s leading talent and insights into the making of built environments. Episodes will debut biweekly, delving into the setbacks, surprises, and serendipitous events that bring beloved spaces to life.

“My favorite thing about creating these podcast episodes is really getting into designer’s heads about the journey,” says Paron. “They provide so many valuable lessons. I find myself saying ‘I wish someone would have told me this story early in my career’ over and over again.”

The inaugural episode of Once Upon a Project features Keith Rushbrook and Dan Menchions of Toronto-based luxury hospitality firm, II BY IV DESIGN. Tune in as the duo recounts their experience designing 37,000 square feet of hospitality space in New York’s Yankee Stadium, which opened its doors in April 2009.

The season will also showcase the stories behind design projects by Meena Krenek, director of venues interiors and principal at HKS; Besty Vohs, founder and CEO of Studio BV; Amy Mays, interior design director at HDR; Taruan Mabry, formerly senior interior designer at ICRAVE; and David Levo, principal at ZGF.

Check out the Once Upon a Project trailer here. Listeners can follow and stream episodes on SURROUND, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.