Architecture for the AI age: How a major design firm approaches data centers
As AI companies pour trillions of dollars into building infrastructure like data centers, one non-tech sector is seeing a boom of its own: Architecture.
This month on By Design, our guest is Jordan Goldstein, the co-CEO of Gensler, the world's largest architecture firm, which is seeing skyrocketing demand for data center design. He explains how AI has transformed the firm and how Gensler approaches designing facilities for computers, with the human experience in mind.
We also discuss the biggest moments in design from the past few weeks:
The opening of Netflix House and why the streamer is betting on real-life experiences
The Stream ring and why it might be a breakthrough for AI hardware
The Department of War’s $2 billion rebrand
And we’ll close the episode with hot or not — including the Issey Miyake iPhone pocket, Naked Cheetos, Starbucks’ bear cup, and more.
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Mamdani’s poster designer breaks down modern political aesthetics
You might not know the name Tyler Evans, but you’ve definitely seen his work. He designed Zorhan Mamdani’s iconic campaign poster, led design for Bernie Sanders’ campaign, and was the Teamster’s creative director. Now the creative director for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Evans has a front-row seat to some of the biggest players in progressive politics.
This week on “By Design,” Evans shared his takes on modern political designs including the “shameful” rise of AI in politics and why the left haven’t been able to counter the MAGA movement.
We’ll also cover the latest in design news (AI slop, Nike, White House demolition) and play our hot-or-not game.
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Starbucks' $100 million man shares his vision
Brian Niccol is on a mission to change how you get your morning coffee, and on this episode, we learn how in Niccol’s first public interview since taking over as Starbucks CEO a year ago.
We also run down the latest news on NikeSkims’ first lookbook, Apple’s Liquid Glass launch, and Amazon’s settlement over its deceptive UX — the “Iliad Flow.”
Then, we close the episode with a new game: Hot or not…but for design.
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Why Trump just hired Airbnb’s cofounder, Figma’s big moment, and the Cracker Barrel logo that everyone hates
President Trump just created the National Design Studio and tapped Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia to lead the charge. Cracker Barrel has offended or enraged just about everyone with its new logo. Figma hit Wall Street with a bang.
It’s been a big month for design. And on this episode of By Design, hosts Liz Stinson and Mark Wilson give the rundown of the latest news before talking with Figma Chief Product Officer Yuhki Yamashita just after the company’s super successful IPO.
Yuhki shares where Figma goes from here and how he’s thinking about design products in the age of AI and vibe coding.
Then, we’ll round things out the best and worst designs of the month as Teenage Engineering, Apple, A24, and AOL battle for the crown (or not).
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Inside Superman: How do you make another superhero movie stand out?
There have been 11 Superman films released in the past 50 years. How do you make a new one that stands out?
On this episode of By Design, hosts Liz Stinson and Mark Wilson interview the production designer for the latest Superman film, Beth Mickle. They discuss her collaborations with director James Gunn and share how she developed the latest Superman aesthetic. Plus, she explains why her team chose the more difficult route of relying heavily on practical effects.
Liz and Mark also discuss the latest in design news including the vibeless summer , Meta’s tent city, and a certain copycat in the New York City mayoral race.
And at the end of the episode, Liz and Mark debate their best and worst designs of the month: MAGA Coke, Sam Altman’s sunglasses, and Anne Hathaway are all in contention.
Design is no longer just about aesthetics—it's shaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world. Join ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Liz Stinson and global design editor Mark Wilson as they dive into the latest innovations in the world of user experience and product and architectural design. ‘By Design’ focuses on the macro impacts of design trends, covering topics like the future of wearable technology, how AI is affecting product design, and, more broadly, how design intersects with business, tech, politics, and culture.
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