In this Women’s History Month episode of I Hear Design, host Robert Nieminen sits down with Sara Balderi and Deidre Hoguet of Designtex for an inspiring conversation on the growing field of neuroaesthetics. They explore how neuroscience, biophilia, and the psychology of space are reshaping commercial design—from healthcare to hospitality—with a focus on emotional wellness, sensory comfort, and inclusive experiences.
Sara and Deidre share their research on color, texture, and pattern, explain how “positive distractions” reduce stress in high-pressure environments, and discuss how natural materials can promote well-being on a subconscious level. They also highlight the role of evidence-based design and emerging technologies in creating spaces that adapt to users’ emotional and cognitive needs.
Tune in to learn how thoughtful design choices can uplift, inspire, and truly make a difference in the places where we live, work, and heal.
Show Notes
Deidre Hoguet, Senor Director of Sustainability and Applied Research, Designtex
Deidre is Senior Director of Sustainability and Applied Research at Designtex, a Steelcase company, where she plans for sustainable product platforms, brings research-based insights to the product design and business practices at the company, and implements systems that benefit the circular economy. Deidre Hoguet has over two decades of demonstrated experience in sustainable materials development, product sustainability metrics, and implementing circular programs. She has a background in research and a passion for positive impact on global health and wellbeing.
Deidre is an author of accredited training courses for architects and designers on topics related to innovation, materials, and sustainability. She guest lectures regularly for universities including New York School for Interior Design, Tyler School of Art and Architecture, and Pratt Institute. She also serves as Advisor to Lot 21, a nonprofit working on education and tools about climate actions in the built environment. In civic life, Deidre has been an ongoing delegate to the New York City Council’s Participatory Budgeting delegation.
Sara Balderi, Executive Design Director, Designtex
With a focus on performance textiles, Sara applies the tuned palettes of ingenuity and experience to her current contract design work; she draws on her knowledge of base theory to fully conceptualize the constructions and colors that make each pattern sing.
Her designs have been honored with the Best of NeoCon Awards: Gold, Silver, and Editor’s Choice; IIDEX Awards: Gold and Silver; Healthcare Facilities Distinction Awards: Best in Show and Architect’s Choice; as well as a citation in Architectural Record’s Innovative Product Report. She has also been named Most Innovative Product Designer by Healthcare Design.
Sara received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design. With both a woven and printed textiles background, Sara brings her extensive knowledge of history, theory, construction and application to each new project. For the past 12 years, Sara has designed high performance and healthcare textiles, taking on the unique challenges specific to those market segments.
