Space by Stansons – Details, episodes & analysis

“You don’t have to choose between motherhood and your career.”

From pitching multi-million pound projects while pregnant to launching her own studio for real flexibility, Helena shares why trust — not presenteeism — is what actually drives performance.

Full episode drops next week.

Come listen 👀🎧

Episode Resources

Helena (Studio Masat) on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-masat-671522104/?originalSubdomain=uk

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

🔗 Useful Links:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3JuplSC

🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4924osv

In this episode, Guy sits down with Jenny Edwards, Creative Director at Oktra, for a high-energy conversation covering sustainability, inclusivity, AI, and the realities of design in both traditional consultancy and design & build environments.

The conversation goes deep into what sustainability really means in workplace design. Not just recycled materials or box-ticking accreditations but designing out waste from the start, questioning lifecycle impact, and building spaces that are inclusive, adaptable, and built to last.

They also explore:

• Why AI can’t replace human-led design thinking
• The importance of inclusive design from day one
• Designing for dismantle and zero-waste principles
• Why “cheap” upfront often costs more long-term
• The real impact designers can have across cities
• OneNote, Miro boards, and the creative process behind the scenes

Jenny speaks candidly about having a strong voice in the industry, why sustainability needs advocates, and how even junior designers can influence meaningful change.
This is an episode about intent and the responsibility that comes with shaping the built environment.

Jenny Edwards  on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-edwards-a96b6ab9/

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

🔗 Useful Links:
🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3JuplSC
🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4924osv
💬 Comment below your favourite part!

The conversation on the Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues in the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes winner, Ellie Mumford, Senior Creative at Modus to explore why designers need collaborative partnerships, how to balance aesthetics with acoustic performance and accessibility and the strategies shaping flexible, human-centred workspaces for the hybrid era. 

What You’ll Learn

• Why functionality must precede aesthetics in design strategy
• How to build a collaborative ecosystem instead of being a solo expert
• The shifting purpose of office spaces in hybrid work models
• How to design wellness-centric spaces that serve multiple emotional needs
• Why face-to-face client engagement remains irreplaceable despite digital tools
• The "flexible meeting space" framework beyond traditional boardrooms

Ellie Mumford is a Senior Creative at Modus, specialising in interior design and spatial planning with a focus on functionality-first design strategies. Recently recognised as a Mix 30 Under 30 winner, Ellie brings innovative thinking to complex workplace design challenges, including neurodiversity considerations, sustainability integration and multi-disciplinary collaboration. 

Her expertise spans designing flexible, human-centred spaces that balance aesthetic excellence with practical functionality. Her work exemplifies the next generation of design professionals committed to creating spaces that genuinely serve people's wellbeing and professional needs.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Resources:

Ellie Mumford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-louise-mumford-344b64136/ 

Modus Website: https://www.modus.space/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

☕ Why were coffee shops bustling, while offices were quiet?  👃 How is scent so important to successful interior design?    Sarah Wakefield is Creative Director At Jolie.  Previously, Senior Interior Designer at the world-renowned hotel and private members' club, Soho House. Working on award winning projects, including The Ned in Doha and Soho House in Manchester whilst establishing the first Soho Works in UK and being part of the team to establish the concept in the US.    Now leading the design team at JOLIE she delivers longevity to space design by paying special attention to the invisible aesthetic, creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences.  After she joined Jolie in 2022 and built out their Manchester team and set up the London studio, JOLIE then went on to win Design Practice of the Year, Mixology North, award.

Welcome to Not Just A Pretty Space! We’re real humans, driven by a heartfelt passion for people. We'll be sharing the raw conversations we have with key influences, from our live broadcasts and panel discussions.

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley sits down with winners Hannah Carson, Strategist at M Moser Associates and Tia Brooks, Project Designer at Peldon Rose, for a riveting discussion on creating emotionally intelligent and supportive workplaces using innovative design practices.

What You’ll Learn

• How to design for neurodiversity and individual needs by moving beyond one-size-fits-all open plan 
• Why emotional design matters more than functional design
• The importance of spaces that look after their occupants as much as occupants invest in them
• The business case for ongoing client partnerships post-delivery of projects
• How to position authenticity as your competitive advantage by leaning into personality and individuality 
• Why in-office presence is non-negotiable for knowledge transfer and innovation
• The importance of having in-person interactions in facilitating cross-generational mentorship
• Why it’s necessary to foster belonging in an atomised, digital-first world

Hannah Carson is a Strategist at M Moser Associates, recognised as part of Mix Magazine's 30 Under 30 in 2025. With a background in workplace strategy and design, Hannah transitioned from her role as a designer to lead client-facing strategy work, specialising in understanding organisational needs and crafting compelling briefs. Her expertise lies in building deeper workplace connections through data-driven insights and human-centred design, making her a key voice shaping how offices foster authentic community and collaboration in the next generation of workplace design.

Tia Brooks is an Interior Designer within the Landlord Team at Peldon Rose, also recognised as a Rising Star in 2025. With a unique journey that began through early exposure to workspace design, Tia brings fresh perspectives on neurodiversity-informed design, adaptable spaces, and challenging conventional office typologies. Her work focuses on creating emotionally resonant environments that celebrate individuality while fostering genuine human connection, a philosophy that's redefining how landlords and tenants approach space activation in London's design community.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction & Meeting the Rising Stars Shaping Office Design
• 01:26 The Road to Mix 30 Under 30 Recognition
• 04:40 Breaking Into Design: Two Unconventional Career Paths
• 10:10 Strategy vs. Interior Design: Understanding the Difference
• 11:51 Design for Human Connection, Not Just Function
• 13:52 Design for Neurodiversity and Individual Choice
• 15:35 The Office as a Place to Meet, Connect, and Belong
• 20:50 Challenging the Market: Design Leaders vs. Client Expectations
• 22:28 When Design Works Too Well: Unexpected Office Demand
• 24:00 Why Full In-Office Presence Matters for Mentorship
• 25:08 Reverse Mentoring: What Interns Teach Senior Designers
• 26:00 AI and ChatGPT: Balancing Tools With Human Learning
• 26:55 Lean Into Authenticity as Your Professional USP
• 31:04 Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Creative Ambition
• 31:43 Book & Podcast Recommendations for Design Leaders
• 33:26 Key Takeaways: The Future of Office Design and Culture

Episode Resources:

Hannah Carson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-carson-30abab1b3/ 

Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/ 

M Moser Website: https://www.mmoser.com/  

Peldon Rose Website: https://www.peldonrose.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley sits down with winners Hannah Carson, Strategist at M Moser Associates and Tia Brooks, Project Designer at Peldon Rose, for a riveting discussion on creating emotionally intelligent and supportive workplaces using innovative design practices.

What You’ll Learn

• How to design for neurodiversity and individual needs by moving beyond one-size-fits-all open plan 
• Why emotional design matters more than functional design
• The importance of spaces that look after their occupants as much as occupants invest in them
• The business case for ongoing client partnerships post-delivery of projects
• How to position authenticity as your competitive advantage by leaning into personality and individuality 
• Why in-office presence is non-negotiable for knowledge transfer and innovation
• The importance of having in-person interactions in facilitating cross-generational mentorship
• Why it’s necessary to foster belonging in an atomised, digital-first world

Hannah Carson is a Strategist at M Moser Associates, recognised as part of Mix Magazine's 30 Under 30 in 2025. With a background in workplace strategy and design, Hannah transitioned from her role as a designer to lead client-facing strategy work, specialising in understanding organisational needs and crafting compelling briefs. Her expertise lies in building deeper workplace connections through data-driven insights and human-centred design, making her a key voice shaping how offices foster authentic community and collaboration in the next generation of workplace design.

Tia Brooks is an Interior Designer within the Landlord Team at Peldon Rose, also recognised as a Rising Star in 2025. With a unique journey that began through early exposure to workspace design, Tia brings fresh perspectives on neurodiversity-informed design, adaptable spaces, and challenging conventional office typologies. Her work focuses on creating emotionally resonant environments that celebrate individuality while fostering genuine human connection, a philosophy that's redefining how landlords and tenants approach space activation in London's design community.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:21 Meet the Rising Stars Shaping Office Design
• 03:32 From Complete Shock to Mix 30 Under 30 Recognition
• 06:46 Breaking Into Design: Two Unconventional Career Paths
• 12:14 Strategy vs. Interior Design: Understanding the Difference
• 14:12 Design for Human Connection, Not Just Function
• 16:08 Design for Neurodiversity and Individual Choice
• 18:14 The Office as a Place to Meet, Connect, and Belong
• 19:51 Bringing Your Authentic Self to Work Culture
• 21:44 Moving Beyond Open Plan: The Case for Cosy Workspaces
• 22:45 Challenging the Market: Design Leaders vs. Client Expectations
• 24:04 Post-Delivery Partnership: Evolving Spaces With Your Clients
• 25:06 When Design Works Too Well: Unexpected Office Demand
• 26:30 Why Full In-Office Presence Matters for Mentorship
• 27:06 Reverse Mentoring: What Interns Teach Senior Designers
• 28:52 AI and ChatGPT: Balancing Tools With Human Learning
• 30:52 Lean Into Authenticity as Your Professional USP
• 34:08 Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Creative Ambition
• 34:43 Book & Podcast Recommendations for Design Leaders
• 36:19 Key Takeaways: The Future of Office Design and Culture

Episode Resources:

Hannah Carson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-carson-30abab1b3/ 

Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/ 

M Moser Website: https://www.mmoser.com/  

Peldon Rose Website: https://www.peldonrose.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries kicks off on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes Eleanor Penny, Head of Workplace at Layrd and Sarah Astill, Interior Designer at Jolie Studio. Tune in for an inspiring masterclass in going against the tide and asking the tough questions. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design for neurodiversity without creating sterile, overstimulating spaces
• Why sensory design goes beyond aesthetics to influence behaviour and emotional well-being
• How to leverage colour psychology, fragrance, sound, and texture to create spaces where people want to work
• The business case for designing soft, collaborative meeting spaces over cold boardrooms
• How design impacts psychological safety in the workplace 
• How to break through gatekeeping in male-dominated construction and property sectors as a young woman designer
• Why portfolio presentation and personality matter as much as technical skills when hiring emerging talent
• The emerging 2026 design trends shaping workplace culture

Eleanor is Head of Workspace Design at Layrd, recognised as a rising star in design for her innovative approach to creating inclusive, neurodiversity-conscious workspaces. With a background in interior design, Eleanor was inspired to pursue autism assessment after exploring how neurodiversity influences spatial design, a discovery that fundamentally shaped her professional philosophy. Her work emphasises designing spaces that consider sensory experiences for all users, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Featured in Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025, Eleanor champions the integration of warmth, texture, and accessibility into workplace environments while leading a talented design team across the UK.

Sarah Astill is an Interior Designer at Jolie Studio, a Manchester-based studio specialising in sensory-driven design experiences. With an architectural background and a dissertation focused on colour theory's psychological impact, Sarah brings technical rigour and creative vision to every project. Recognised on Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025 list, her expertise spans colour psychology, fragrance integration, and multi-sensory design strategies that enhance how people feel and function in spaces. Sarah's commitment to sustainable material innovation and holistic design approaches—from hotel concepts to collaborative workspaces, reflects a new generation of designers prioritising human wellbeing alongside environmental responsibility.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Intro: Mix 30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Workplace Design
• 00:03 Meet Eleanor & Sarah: Layered and Jolie Interior Design
• 00:07 How Team Excellence Drives Industry Impact
• 00:12 Sustainability as a Holistic Design Philosophy
• 00:13 Sensory Design: Layering Colour, Scent, Sound and Texture for Impact
• 00:16 Why Neurodiversity-Informed Design Benefits All Users
• 00:20 Inclusive Design Doesn’t Have to Be Bland
• 00:24 Young Women in Male-Dominated Construction and Property
• 00:28 Why Gen Z Learns Faster Than Previous Generations
• 00:31 Getting Your Foot in the Door: Portfolio Strategy and Culture Fit
• 00:35 Why Physical Portfolios Cut Through Digital Noise
• 00:36 Your Personality Won't Appeal to Everyone (And That's Good)
• 00:38 Book Recommendations: The Colour Bible, Sense Hacking, Designing Inclusively
• 00:40 2026 Design Predictions: Warm Burgundy, Soft Meeting Spaces, Kitchen Islands
• 00:43 The Death of Cold Office Aesthetics
• 00:45 Rich Yellows, Browns, and Warm Tones: The Future of Workplace Colour
• 00:45 Reimagining Break Room Culture
• 00:48 Key Takeaways: Inclusive, Sensory-Rich Design Is the Future of Work

Episode Resources:

Eleanor Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-penny-096058157/ 

Sarah Astill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-astill/ 

Layrd Website: https://www.layrddesign.co.uk/ 

Jolie Studio Website: https://wearejolie.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries kicks off on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes Eleanor Penny, Head of Workplace at Layrd and Sarah Astill, Interior Designer at Jolie Studio. Tune in for an inspiring masterclass in going against the tide and asking the tough questions. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design for neurodiversity without creating sterile, overstimulating spaces
• Why sensory design goes beyond aesthetics to influence behaviour and emotional well-being
• How to leverage colour psychology, fragrance, sound, and texture to create spaces where people want to work
• The business case for designing soft, collaborative meeting spaces over cold boardrooms
• How design impacts psychological safety in the workplace 
• How to break through gatekeeping in male-dominated construction and property sectors as a young woman designer
• Why portfolio presentation and personality matter as much as technical skills when hiring emerging talent
• The emerging 2026 design trends shaping workplace culture

Eleanor is Head of Workspace Design at Layrd, recognised as a rising star in design for her innovative approach to creating inclusive, neurodiversity-conscious workspaces. With a background in interior design, Eleanor was inspired to pursue autism assessment after exploring how neurodiversity influences spatial design, a discovery that fundamentally shaped her professional philosophy. Her work emphasises designing spaces that consider sensory experiences for all users, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Featured in Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025, Eleanor champions the integration of warmth, texture, and accessibility into workplace environments while leading a talented design team across the UK.

Sarah Astill is an Interior Designer at Jolie Studio, a Manchester-based studio specialising in sensory-driven design experiences. With an architectural background and a dissertation focused on colour theory's psychological impact, Sarah brings technical rigour and creative vision to every project. Recognised on Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025 list, her expertise spans colour psychology, fragrance integration, and multi-sensory design strategies that enhance how people feel and function in spaces. Sarah's commitment to sustainable material innovation and holistic design approaches—from hotel concepts to collaborative workspaces, reflects a new generation of designers prioritising human wellbeing alongside environmental responsibility.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Resources:

Eleanor Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-penny-096058157/ 

Sarah Astill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-astill/ 

Layrd Website: https://www.layrddesign.co.uk/ 

Jolie Studio Website: https://wearejolie.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

What if the future of your workplace is already walking through the door? In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley flies solo to frame an exciting new miniseries featuring the Mix 30 Under 30 award winners, exploring how the next generation thinks differently about sustainability, wellbeing, mentorship, and workplace culture. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to reframe sustainability from an abstract future concern to an immediate operational priority,
• Why remote-first work experience during formative education years is reshaping expectations around workplace design
• How to shift recruitment strategy from overweighting experience to valuing mindset and core beliefs
• The bidirectional mentorship model: why reverse mentoring creates competitive advantage over traditional one-way knowledge transfer
• How to harness ambition as a differentiator rather than a liability, positioning the next generation's drive as a cultural asset
• The wellness-as-longevity framework: How to design workplaces and policies that support this generation's focus on holistic health

The new era of workplace design looks nothing like it did before - listen in for a sneak peek at the future! 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction to the Brand New Series: Mix Class of 2025 
• 02:02 Sustainability, Remote Work & Holistic Wellbeing: The New Generation
• 03:23 Rethinking Recruitment: Mindset Over Experience
• 04:03 Bidirectional Mentorship: Why Reverse Mentoring Matters
• 04:34 Harnessing Ambition as a Competitive Cultural Asset
• 05:10 Magazine, Show Notes, and How to Stay Connected

Episode Resources:

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

🔗 Useful Links:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3XmuFKZ
🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/47PN0oK 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!