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Artwork for Scratching the Surface

Scratching the Surface

Jarrett Fuller
Architecture
Design
Graphic Design
Design Education
Climate Change
New York City
Digital Design
National Academy Of Design
Cranbrook Academy Of Art
Community Engagement
Voting
Sustainability
Art Education
Contemporary Art
Nonprofit Organizations
Politics
Publishing
Decolonization
Decarbonization
Buildings For People and Plants

Scratching the Surface is a podcast about design, theory, and creative practice. Hosted by Jarrett Fuller, each episode features wide-ranging conversations with designers, architects, writers, academics, artists, and theorists about how design shapes culture. Previous guests include architecture critic Paul Goldberger, MoMA design curator Paola Antonelli, architect and OMA partner Reinier de Graaf... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes318Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Arts

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Artwork for Scratching the Surface

Latest Episodes

Giorgia Lupi is an information designer and partner at Pentagram. Her work synthesizes data and storytelling for clients such as Google, IBM, Gates Foundation, and the New York Times. She’s the author of Speak Data with Phillip Cox, and previously pu... more

Marco Ferrari is the co-founder of Studio Folder, an agency for visual design and spatial research based in Milan, and the head of the Information Design program at Design Academy Eindhoven. His work focuses on information design and data visualizati... more

YouTube

Alan Ricks and Sierra Bainbridge are founding members of Model of Architecture Serving Society (MASS). Alan, an architect and co-executive director, and Sierra, director of the Landscape Studio and Abundant Futures Lab, are co-authors of the new book... more

YouTube

Jeremy Till and Tatjana Schneider are architects, educators, writers, and researchers. With their research collective Mould, they are co-authors of the new book, Architecture is Climate that re-examines architecture as a practice deeply connected to ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Marco Ferrari
Information designer, co-founder of Studio Folder
Studio Folder
Episode: 289. Marco Ferrari
Alan Ricks
Architect, co-executive director at MAS Design Group
MAS Design Group
Episode: 288. Alan Ricks & Sierra Bainbridge
Sierra Bainbridge
Director of the Landscape Studio and the Abundant Futures Lab
MAS Design Group
Episode: 288. Alan Ricks & Sierra Bainbridge
Jeremy Till
Architect and writer, head of Central Saint Martins (2012–2022)
mold / Architectural Research Collective
Episode: 287. Jeremy Till & Tatjana Schneider
Tatjana Schneider
Architect and academic, head of Institute for History and Theory of Architecture and the City
Technical University Braunschweig
Episode: 287. Jeremy Till & Tatjana Schneider
Heidi Korsavong
Co-founder of Marta gallery, LA
Marta
Episode: 286. Heidi Korsavong & Benjamin Critton
Benjamin Critton
Co-founder of Marta gallery, LA
Marta
Episode: 286. Heidi Korsavong & Benjamin Critton
Giovanna Borasi
Director of the Canadian Centre for Architecture since 2020
Canadian Centre for Architecture
Episode: 285. Giovanna Borasi
Walter Hood
Landscape architect, architect, artist, urbanist, educator, writer
Hood Design Studio
Episode: 284. Walter Hood

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 134 ratings
  • A Must-Listen!

    This show is an invaluable treasure trove for the modern creative spirit. Every episode blends wisdom from top-tier creatives with actionable steps for those on the unconventional path. It's more than just inspiration—it's a call to action for every creative soul to follow their dreams and change the world!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Andieo1997
    United States2 years ago
  • Influential

    I have seriously learned so much from this podcast! STS has helped me understand what I want out of my design career. The guests are all always very interesting and their ideas and careers are fascinating.

    Although I really enjoy every topic that Jarret covers, I get particularly interested in the episodes that discuss alternative higher ed programs and the economics of design school education. Thank you for an incredible podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Kaleb P.
    United States6 years ago
  • Fantastic Variety

    I enjoy the variety of speakers Jarrett invites to his show. Especially the ones who talk about inclusivity and diversity in design and about how important it is to bring different perspectives to the table. A memorable one for me is #18 Andy Chen + Waqas Jawaid, it felt like listening to friends I’ve yet met. The intro music is cheesy but it grew on me. :-)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    connyc23
    United States8 years ago
  • Very inspirational

    Some of the best podcasts I’ve listen to in a long time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    roig.fiol
    United Kingdom9 years ago
  • I always learn something new.

    I've found my way back to this podcast several times. The audio has been clear in all of the interviews I've listened to. Episodes wander through the ideas of both young design writers as well as some of the most influencial people in design. Highly recommend. :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    James McBennett
    United States9 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The host fosters curiosity and follows ideas across disciplines, making episodes feel cohesive and community-oriented.
High quality guests; thoughtful, well-researched interviews.
Genuine, insightful conversations that challenge conventional design wisdom.
Notable for blending theory with practical experience in design and architecture.
Audio quality is generally good, with occasional issues noted by listeners.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#84
Italy/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#113
Singapore/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#194
Argentina/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#214
Taiwan/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#221
Colombia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#240
Israel/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

287. Jeremy Till & Tatjana Schneider
Q: How does this relate to Spatial Agency and the Mold collaboration?
Architecture is Climate builds on Spatial Agency by extending the focus from collective action to how climate realities reshape architectural work, funding, and institutional structures, while Mold provides a practical research platform for collaborative knowledge production.
287. Jeremy Till & Tatjana Schneider
Q: Your new framing asks what the climate breakdown does to architecture—could you summarize why this shift is so crucial?
The shift is crucial because it moves architecture from a posture of isolated expertise to an understanding that building practice is entangled with climate systems, economies, and social justice, demanding a redefinition of education, agency, and collaboration across disciplines.
286. Heidi Korsavong & Benjamin Critton
Q: What role do typography and design play in presenting art and shaping Marta's identity?
Benjamin and Heidi recount how their design backgrounds informs the gallery's presentation, print publications, and even the Marta typeface, creating a cohesive visual language that supports but does not overpower the works and emphasizes tactility and accessibility.
286. Heidi Korsavong & Benjamin Critton
Q: How has the idea of side quests and collaboration influenced the gallery's relationship with artists and the marketplace?
The guests explain that side quests can become main quests, that dialogue and chemistry with artists guide curation, and that market considerations are balanced against artistic freedom, with success measured by meaningful, long-term engagement rather than immediate sales.
283. Oliver Munday
Q: How did your design background influence the way you write?
Oliver explains that his design experience allows him to visualize narratives distinctly, but writing serves a different emotional and creative purpose for him.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Scratching the Surface

What is Scratching the Surface about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A thoughtful design-focused interview series that brings together designers, architects, writers, academics, and curators to explore how design shapes culture, politics, and everyday life. Conversations span information design, architecture, landscape, typography, and cultural critique, with a steady thread of exploring design thinking, practice, and education through critical inquiry and collaboration. Noteworthy is the show's knack for blending theory with practical insight, featuring guests who push design beyond aesthetics into social, ecological, and civic impact. The format tends to prioritize deep-dive conversations, fresh perspectives, and a willingness to tackle big ideas with nuance and curiosity.

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How many listeners does Scratching the Surface get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Scratching the Surface?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Scratching the Surface:

1. Scaffold
2. Time Sensitive
3. The Urbanist
4. Monocle on Design
5. Song Exploder

How many episodes of Scratching the Surface are there?

Scratching the Surface launched 10 years ago and published 318 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Scratching the Surface?

Recent guests on Scratching the Surface include:

1. Marco Ferrari
2. Alan Ricks
3. Sierra Bainbridge
4. Jeremy Till
5. Tatjana Schneider
6. Heidi Korsavong
7. Benjamin Critton
8. Giovanna Borasi

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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