As interior designers, we’re accustomed to celebrating the end of a project. But what about the people and process behind those designs? Once Upon a Project delves into the stories of creating the spaces that we inhabit with the designers who dreamed them up. Join AJ Paron, EVP and Design Futurist of SANDOW Design Group, in unraveling what it takes to bring interior design projects to fruition—from the designer’s inspiration to the setbacks, surprises, and serendipitous events along the way.Once Upon a Project is part of the SURROUND Podcast Network by SANDOW Design Group—the home of design brands you know and love like Interior Design magazine, Metropolis magazine, Luxe Interiors + Design, Thinklab and more.See our show notes, and discover more design podcasts at surroundpodcasts.com
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Booking probability
21%
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Signup to Generate a PitchAs interior designers, we’re accustomed to celebrating the end of a project. But what about the people and process behind those designs? Once Upon a Project delves into the stories of creating the spaces that we inhabit with the designers who dreamed them up.
Recent episodes include "Designing History at TSX Broadway" (28 October 2026, 32 minutes), "Designing Discovery at The Gunter Hotel" (21 October 2026, 41 minutes), and "Designing Through Disruption" (19 August 2026, 31 minutes).
Once Upon a Project publishes roughly weekly, with episodes averaging 36 minutes across 33 episodes.
Booking probability for Once Upon a Project is 21%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. Once Upon a Project requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. Once Upon a Project's contact route on record: verified email.
The strongest fits for Once Upon a Project are Design Services. Once Upon a Project has an arts audience.
Once Upon a Project is an arts podcast with 33 episodes published.
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Episode #2
What happens when you don’t just design a building, but rethink how people experience an entire place? AJ Paron speaks with Bill Mandara of Mancini Duffy about TSX Broadway, the ambitious Times Square project that...
Episode #1
How do you bring a historic hotel back to life without losing the character that made it special in the first place? AJ Paron speaks with Valentina Castellon of DLR Group about the transformation of The Gunter Hotel in...
Episode #6
How do you design a workplace that's ready for constant change? AJ Paron speaks with Karen Marie Stonely, founding principal of SPAN Architecture, about how her firm has reimagined its studio through decades of...
Episode #5
What makes an office worth coming back to? This episode explores Roivant's first purpose-built New York headquarters at Penn One, designed to foster connection, collaboration and culture for a hybrid workforce. AJ Paron...
Episode #4
What does it mean to design a workplace that cares for caregivers? This episode explores Northwestern Medicine’s Faculty Office Center in Chicago, a restorative environment created to support physician wellbeing through...
Episode #3
What does equity look like in the hybrid workplace? In this episode, AJ Paron speaks with Alivia Stalnaker and Alexis Kim of SmithGroup about reimagining AlixPartners’ Chicago office for a post-pandemic reality shaped...
Episode #2
What if the workplace felt more like a hotel, a community hub, or even home? In this episode, we unpack the design strategy behind Sanofi’s headquarters; an environment built on choice, inclusivity, and connection...
Episode #1
When design begins with the full spectrum of human experience, it has the power to create spaces where everyone can thrive. Recorded live at NeoCon, AJ welcomes Shannon Crowder Langley, Frances Phillips, and artist...
Once Upon a Project
Michael Ford, “The Hip Hop Architect,” explores his collaboration with Momentum, blending influences from music, architecture, and community into expressive textile and wallcovering design. This episode is presented by...
Episode #6
<p>When a space is designed to heal both body and spirit, it becomes more than a building, it becomes a catalyst for change. In the season four finale, AJ welcomes Lily Diego and Michael Schur to share the story behind...
Episode #5
<p>When a loved one’s health challenge sparks a professional mission, design takes on new meaning. In this episode, AJ welcomes Erin McDannald, CEO of Elevated, to explore how biohacking principles are reshaping the...
Episode #4
<p>Is it possible to design cities that actively promote human wellness? Yes, and to find out how, host AJ Paron speaks with Stefano Tronci, Asia Pacific sustainability leader at SOM, about strategies for embedding...
Episode #3
<p>How can design fuel healing and transform lives before a single brick is laid? Host AJ Paron explores a groundbreaking wellbeing initiative aimed at curing congestive heart failure. This unique collaboration brings...
Episode #2
<p>What if hospitals could heal without exposing patients to harmful toxins? In this episode of Once Upon a Project, host AJ Paron sits down with sustainability provocateur (and stand-up comic) Eric Corey Freed of...
Episode #1
<p>How can designers protect their creativity while thriving in a fast-paced, high-pressure industry? Recorded live at NeoCon 2025, host AJ Paron sits down with a panel of experts from Shaw Contract to explore the vital...
Once Upon a Project
<p>Take a journey to the mountains with architect Michael Upwall and builder Gary Hill. Together, they explore their collaborative process in designing the stunning Pinnacle Sky home in Park City Utah. From their first...
Episode #6
<p>Recorded live at the NeoCon Podcast Lounge, AJ is joined by Bryan Ballegeer, Vice President of Education for KI, and Jason Lazarz, KI's A&D Market Lead. Together the group explores the transformative power of...
Episode #5
<p>Sensory design expert Russell Jones sits with AJ to explore the fascinating world of multisensory design in the built environment. Learn how Russell and his team transformed the iconic John Lewis & Partners...
Episode #4
<p>Explore the powerful connection between design and neuroscience with Suchi Reddy an NYC based architect, designer, and artist. Discover how design can influence our emotions, well-being, and human connection through...
Episode #3
<p>Dive into the world of color with one of host AJ Paron’s design heroes, Laura Guido-Clark. Laura discusses the psychology of color, its impact on our lives, and how her company, Love Good Color, leverages this...
Recent guests on Once Upon a Project. Study who booked and why before you pitch.
creator of The Good Place and author of How to Be Perfect
LEED Fellow Principal, Director of Sustainability, Cannon Design
Certified Child Sleep Consultant, Entrepreneur & Mom of 4, American Association of Pathologists' Assistants
Broadcaster, UW women's basketball
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