Space by Stansons – Details, episodes & analysis

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

1. Why functionality must precede aesthetics in design strategy
2. How to build a collaborative ecosystem instead of being a solo expert
3. The shifting purpose of office spaces in hybrid work models
4. How to design wellness-centric spaces that serve multiple emotional needs
5. Why face-to-face client engagement remains irreplaceable despite digital tools
6. 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.

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1. 00:00 Introduction to Space by Stansons
2. 00:56 Meet Ellie Mumford: Senior Creative at Modus & 30 Under 30 Honoree
3. 04:08 Why Functionality Reigns Supreme in Workspace Design
4. 05:25 Multi-Disciplinary Partnerships vs. Solo Mastery
5. 08:41 Is Gen-Z Tired of Tech?
6. 11:55 Innovative Workplaces: Design Studio, Pitch Room & Music-Inspired...

• 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

• How indigenous principles of community and hospitality can transform modern workplace design
  
  
• Why structured routines enable rather than restrict creative design thinking
  
  
• The evolution of design-and-build from startup to global enterprise, maintaining entrepreneurial spirit
  
  
• How to balance global brand consistency with local cultural authenticity in workplace design
  
  
• Why workplace needs remain fundamentally unchanged post-COVID, despite shifting dynamics
  
  
• The importance of understanding individual client culture in workplace strategy
  
  
• Why successful workplace design must consider both psychological and practical needs
  
  

• 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Antonia Walmsley at Unispace HQ
• 03:35 Cultural Heritage: How Māori Values Shape Modern Design
• 12:05 Strategies to Navigate Cultural Diversity in Design
• 29:03 Design: Where Structure Meets Creativity
• 29:21 The Psychology of Workplace Design
• 35:10 Unispace Journey: From NZ Startup to Global Design Leader
• 42:10 Adaptability in Design: Embracing Change and Innovation
• 47:25 Final Thoughts: Expert Insights and Podcast Recommendations

• How indigenous principles of community and hospitality can transform modern workplace design
  
  
• Why structured routines enable rather than restrict creative design thinking
  
  
• The evolution of design-and-build from startup to global enterprise, maintaining entrepreneurial spirit
  
  
• How to balance global brand consistency with local cultural authenticity in workplace design
  
  
• Why workplace needs remain fundamentally unchanged post-COVID, despite shifting dynamics
  
  
• The importance of understanding individual client culture in workplace strategy
  
  
• Why successful workplace design must consider both psychological and practical needs
  
  

• 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Antonia Walmsley at Unispace HQ
• 03:35 Cultural Heritage: How Māori Values Shape Modern Design
• 12:05 Strategies to Navigate Cultural Diversity in Design
• 29:03 Design: Where Structure Meets Creativity
• 29:21 The Psychology of Workplace Design
• 35:10 Unispace Journey: From NZ Startup to Global Design Leader
• 42:10 Adaptability in Design: Embracing Change and Innovation
• 47:25 Final Thoughts: Expert Insights and Podcast Recommendations

• [00:00] Introduction and Abi’s Background in Architecture & Workplace Design
• [00:03:17] The Power of Storytelling in Presenting Design Concepts
• [00:04:25] Learning from Early Career Projects & Workplace Strategy
• [00:12:43] Exploring the Future of Workspace Design and Culture
• [00:25:00] Creating Flexible Spaces to Attract a Modern Workforce
• [00:34:00] The Role of AI in Enhancing Employee Interactions
• [00:42:00] The Shift Towards Employee-Centric Design Philosophy
• [00:47:30] Lessons Learned from Abi’s Career in Workplace Design
• [00:50:00] The Future of Workplace Flexibility and Employee Experience

• [00:00] Introduction and Abi’s Background in Architecture & Workplace Design
• [00:03:17] The Power of Storytelling in Presenting Design Concepts
• [00:04:25] Learning from Early Career Projects & Workplace Strategy
• [00:12:43] Exploring the Future of Workspace Design and Culture
• [00:25:00] Creating Flexible Spaces to Attract a Modern Workforce
• [00:34:00] The Role of AI in Enhancing Employee Interactions
• [00:42:00] The Shift Towards Employee-Centric Design Philosophy
• [00:47:30] Lessons Learned from Abi’s Career in Workplace Design
• [00:50:00] The Future of Workplace Flexibility and Employee Experience

• How to use storytelling as the foundation for workplace design
  
  
• Why starting with a strong “why” keeps projects aligned and clients engaged
  
  
• How to uncover a client’s culture, tone of voice, and values - even without direct access
  
  
• The power of discovery elements in keeping a design story alive over time
  
  
• Why deep research and early thinking pay off in faster, more confident delivery
  
  
• How to integrate sustainability as part of the story, not an afterthought
  
  

• 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Jordy Dent of Area
• 01:49 Creative Director vs. Design Director: The X Factor 
• 03:04 Why Practical Experience Outweighs a Degree 
• 06:51 Breaking into Workplace Design the Non-Traditional Way
• 08:15 Storytelling as the Foundation for Design
• 11:05 Uncovering a Client’s Story: Process & Deep Dives
• 13:47 How 2 Days of Thinking Can Save 2 Weeks of Rework
• 17:03 Winning a Pitch With the “Wrong” Concept 
• 20:30 The Essence of Storytelling and its Campfire Roots
• 24:22 The “Why” Of Your Project: Advice and Lessons Learnt 
• 27:06 Why Overthinking Can Give You a Creative Edge 
• 29:31 Unusual Discoveries in Client Research
• 33:26 Creative Inspiration from Disney Imagineers
• 35:26 Closing Thoughts & Recommendations

• How to use storytelling as the foundation for workplace design
  
  
• Why starting with a strong “why” keeps projects aligned and clients engaged
  
  
• How to uncover a client’s culture, tone of voice, and values - even without direct access
  
  
• The power of discovery elements in keeping a design story alive over time
  
  
• Why deep research and early thinking pay off in faster, more confident delivery
  
  
• How to integrate sustainability as part of the story, not an afterthought
  
  

• How to translate retail design principles into engaging workplace environments that reflect brand values
• The "Curtain Architecture" framework for creating flexible spaces that adapt to different needs
• The "Design Essence" principle for maintaining brand consistency throughout workplace design
• How to create multi-functional spaces that support both creative processes and practical business needs
• Why soft materiality and thoughtful zoning can enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity
• How to future-proof office design through flexible, scalable solutions that support business growth

• 00:00 Introduction: Meeting Craig White at Sweaty Betty HQ
• 02:06 Brand-Led Design: The Whiteroom Agency Way
• 04:38 Unpacking the Sweaty Betty HQ & Bringing Values to Life
• 07:52 Executing Design Through COVID & Doing It Well 
• 10:00 The Power & Fluidity of Curtain Architecture
• 11:37 Pre & Post COVID: How Design Changed
• 14:22 How Design Boosted Sweaty Betty’s Growth 
• 15:50 A Virtual Tour of The Sweaty Betty HQ
• 32:17 The End-to-End Process of Executing Brand-Led Design 
• 33:48 Finishing Touches & The Impact of Retail Strategy on Design 
  
  

• How to translate retail design principles into engaging workplace environments that reflect brand values
• The "Curtain Architecture" framework for creating flexible spaces that adapt to different needs
• The "Design Essence" principle for maintaining brand consistency throughout workplace design
• How to create multi-functional spaces that support both creative processes and practical business needs
• Why soft materiality and thoughtful zoning can enhance workplace wellbeing and productivity
• How to future-proof office design through flexible, scalable solutions that support business growth