From smart technology and creative process to business insights and emerging trends, the Connected Design Podcast explores the ideas, projects, and people pushing design forward—across residential, commercial, and everything in between.
Latest Episode

TheCoTeam’s Chris Smith Wants Integrators to Stop Unicorn Hunting
Drawing on more than two decades in the CI channel and hundreds of successful placements through TheCoTeam, Chris Smith breaks down why “unicorn hunting” is holding companies back, where integrators can find talent beyond the obvious candidate pool, and how a more intentional hiring process can help businesses grow stronger teams.
More Episodes

LK & Associates Designed an Experience Center for Themselves
To be clear, the experience center that’s owned by LK & Associates in Southeast Florida may be theirs on paper. But, as Seth Kaplan told us, this space is intended to be a playground for the industry. Shortly after the official grand opening, we sat down with Seth to explore how they got to this point, plans for the space moving forward, and much more.

A Couple of Content Creators Chat About the State of Media and More
Though from different generations, our Editor in Chief Rob Stott and Strata-gee Founder and Chief Content Creator Ted Green have a lot more in common than you’d expect. Here, the two journos commiserate on the current conditions impacting media and the custom integration channel, how their stories have intertwined, and much more.

Kyle Steele On the Importance of Adaptability as an Integrator
Global Wave Integration Founder and CEO Kyle Steele has had quite the professional journey. From an aspiring rock star to a standout in the custom integration industry, he’s learned how to remain adaptable in life, let alone his profession. Here, we dive into the many challenges facing CIs today, including new technologies, AI, business operations, and more.

From Industry Newbie to CEDIA Board Chair
Amanda Wildman’s career arc is one she would’ve never predicted. Custom integration wasn’t even a term she was familiar with before leaving the jewelry business and getting into the channel with her husband over two decades ago. Now, she’s getting set to serve as the first-ever female Chair of CEDIA’s Global Board of Directors.

The Story Behind this New Chapter of Connected Design
The premiere episode of the Connected Design Podcast features an interview with our co-founders Rob and MEO.



