Explore every episode of the podcast Space by Stansons

🏢What would be your dream project or office design?

🧠What early memory shaped your career as a designer?

Greta Kriovaite, Design Principal at Woodalls. In the latest episode of the "Space by Stansons" podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Greta, the design principal at Woodalls, to delve into her experiences, insights, and dreams for the future of the design industry. This captivating conversation touched on a range of topics, from Greta's early career memories to her current projects and her vision for the ultimate workspace.

Listen to the full episode here!

In the latest episode of the "Space by Stansons" podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Greta, the Design Principal at Woodalls, to delve into her experiences, insights, and dreams for the future of the design industry. This captivating conversation touched on a range of topics, from Greta's early career memories to her current projects and her vision for the ultimate workspace.

🪄What does Motive do in terms of "brand integration" and bringing a company's DNA to life?

Listen to the full episode, Rob Venice, founder of Motive. He is passionate about transforming brand identities into compelling physical spaces. In this episode of "Space by Stansons," he reflects on key milestones from his career, including a pivotal moment at Denton that set him on his path when he pitched for LinkedIn's office design with a group of junior designers. Rob also highlights his current project with Ezra, a coaching company, where he’s tasked with bringing their brand to life across offices in London, Toronto, and New York. Looking to the future, he shares his wildest dream of collaborating with Disney, a company he admires for its creative thinking and playful spirit. Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasizes the importance of brand integration and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their journeys.

What does Motive do in terms of "brand integration" and bringing a company's DNA to life.? The visionary founder of Motive and former Creative Director at Thirdway, meet Rob Venice. He is passionate about transforming brand identities into compelling physical spaces. In this episode of "Space by Stansons," he reflects on key milestones from his career, including a pivotal moment at Denton that set him on his path when he pitched for LinkedIn's office design with a group of junior designers. Rob also highlights his current project with Ezra, a coaching company, where he’s tasked with bringing their brand to life across offices in London, Toronto, and New York. Looking to the future, he shares his wildest dream of collaborating with Disney, a company he admires for its creative thinking and playful spirit. Throughout the conversation, Rob talks about the importance of brand integration and encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace their journeys. Full episdoe coming next week!

In a recent panel hosted by Stanson's, experts Mariana Anelli, Becky Spenceley, and Tracy Drury explored how colour affects behaviour, emotions, and productivity in the workplace. Sharing personal stories about how early colour experiences influenced their careers and discussing the scientific impacts of colour, such as how blue can enhance focus and warm tones can encourage creativity. The panel also highlighted shifting trends towards natural colours and the importance of accommodating neurodiverse needs. They encouraged designers to embrace bold, creative colour choices and shared examples of successful implementations. The discussion underscored colour's powerful role in shaping workplace environments and its potential to inspire and energize. To listen to the full episode follow Space by Stansons podcast on Spotify and Apple.

🔮 What is your colour for the future?

🟦How do you use colour for the right behaviours in space?

On the panel we have -

Wesley Bradshaw, Product at Stansons.

Becky Spenceley, Design Director at Gensler.

Marian Anelli, Senior Associate Designer at M Moser.

Tracy Drury, Product Creative at Stansons.

Exploring how colour affects behaviour, emotions, and productivity in the workplace. Sharing personal stories about how early colour experiences influenced their careers and discussing the scientific impacts of colour, such as how blue can enhance focus and warm tones can encourage creativity. The panel also highlighted shifting trends towards natural colours and the importance of accommodating neurodiverse needs. They encouraged designers to embrace bold, creative colour choices and shared examples of successful implementations. The discussion underscored colour's powerful role in shaping workplace environments and its potential to inspire and energize.

🪑What is the approach you took to reuse, resell, and responsibly dispose of the excess furniture?

Dean Connell, with over two decades in interior design, became increasingly critical of the 'take, make, waste' system prevalent in commercial real estate. As the FF&E Creative Director at WeWork in 2019, Dean saw the wastefulness of this linear approach firsthand. For the past five years, he’s been focused on understanding and addressing these issues. Global social media has made design trends instantly accessible, putting immense pressure on businesses. The current system promotes low-quality, single-use furniture that’s difficult to repair or recycle, leading to significant waste. Dean has set his sights on using his design expertise to reduce waste. He is exploring the circular economy and decided to establish design and brand values that drive change. I-AM.D.C grew from his bespoke interior design work, aiming to stand out in a competitive market by integrating circular principles and drawing inspiration from nature. By embedding circularity in his designs and proclaiming them as "I AM DESIGNED CIRCULAR," Dean ensures high standards and helps clients meet their sustainability goals. His designs are meant to be cherished, adapted, and repurposed, addressing the root causes of furniture waste.

🪑What is the approach you took to reuse, resell, and responsibly dispose of the excess furniture?

Dean Connell, with over two decades in interior design, became increasingly critical of the 'take, make, waste' system prevalent in commercial real estate. As the FF&E Creative Director at WeWork in 2019, Dean saw the wastefulness of this linear approach first hand. For the past five years, he’s been focused on understanding and addressing these issues. Global social media has made design trends instantly accessible, putting immense pressure on businesses. The current system promotes low-quality, single-use furniture that’s difficult to repair or recycle, leading to significant waste. Dean has set his sights on using his design expertise to reduce waste. He is exploring the circular economy and decided to establish design and brand values that drive change. I-AM.D.C grew from his bespoke interior design work, aiming to stand out in a competitive market by integrating circular principles and drawing inspiration from nature. By embedding circularity in his designs and proclaiming them as "I AM DESIGNED CIRCULAR," Dean ensures high standards and helps clients meet their sustainability goals. His designs are meant to be cherished, adapted, and repurposed, addressing the root causes of furniture waste.

🌿What would you say are the most common positive impacts you see on employee health, wellness and productivity when incorporating plants into a workspace?

Katie Le Chevalier is a passionate advocate for biophilia, the innate human connection to nature and its transformative power in enhancing spaces. As the Business Development Manager at Planteria, she focuses on uncovering new business opportunities, breaking into new sectors, and helping clients improve their green credentials and bottom line with Planteria's premium planting and floristry solutions. Katie is dedicated to clear, effective communication and educating more widely on biophilia as part of a holistic approach to workplace wellbeing, delivering Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Sessions on Biophilic Design to the Design and Architecture sector. Through her work, Katie aims to increase awareness and appreciation of biophilia, demonstrating its significant impact on mood, well-being, and productivity. 🌿🌱

Learn all about the benefits and maintenance of real plants that don't require nurturing. Check out this fascinating conversation with a biophilic consultant. 🌿

#PreservedPlanting #RealPlants #BiophilicDesign🪴

🪴what key things do you emphasize to set the project up for success when it comes to plant choices? Katie Le Chevalier is a passionate advocate for Biophilia, the innate human connection to nature, and its transformative power in enhancing spaces. As the Business development Manager at Planteria, she focuses on uncovering new business opportunities, breaking into new sectors, and helping clients improve their green credentials and bottom line with Planteria's premium planting and floristry solutions.

Katie is dedicated to clear, effective communication, driving Planteria's marketing strategy, and raising the company's profile. She manages the company's website, social media, and events, and delivers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions on Biophilic Design to the Design & Architecture sector. Through her work, Katie aims to increase awareness and appreciation of Biophilia, demonstrating its significant impact on mood, well-being, and productivity

Discover the world of preserved planting! 🌿

🌱 Learn all about the benefits and maintenance of real plants that don't require nurturing. Check out this fascinating conversation with a biophilic consultant. 🌿

💡 #PreservedPlanting #RealPlants #BiophilicDesign

🏢 What do you focus on to ensure your designs meet client needs and preferences? Paul is an accomplished commercial interior designer with over 15 years of experience. He began his career in architecture but transitioned to interior design because he wanted to push his creativity further and work on projects at a faster pace. His designs focus on incorporating elements like lighting, acoustics, collaboration spaces, and quiet zones based on psychological research and clients' preferences. Known for his ability to interpret complex briefs, Paul enjoys the challenge of satisfying clients with technology-forward yet not overly opulent designs that represent their brands. His passion is clear - Paul lives to push creative boundaries in commercial space.

🚶🏻How do you approach sustainability in your designs? 

🏢 What do you focus on to ensure your designs meet client needs and preferences?

Paul is an accomplished commercial interior designer with over 15 years of experience. He began his career in architecture but transitioned to interior design because he wanted to push his creativity further and work on projects at a faster pace. His designs focus on incorporating elements like lighting, acoustics, collaboration spaces, and quiet zones based on psychological research and clients' preferences. Known for his ability to interpret complex briefs, Paul enjoys the challenge of satisfying clients with technology-forward yet not overly opulent designs that represent their brands. His passion is clear - Paul lives to push creative boundaries in commercial space.

Discussing all things design and construction challenges with a focus on accessibility and adaptability. Kayleigh is the Head of Design at Ambit Moat, a company known for its innovative approach to workplace design. In her role, Kayleigh focuses on creating environments that enhance well-being, productivity, and sustainability. Kayleigh is an active participant in industry events and discussions. Her insights emphasize the importance of sustainable design and the integration of advanced technologies to create efficient, health-oriented workplaces​.Ambit Moat's projects under Kayleigh's leadership often highlight the use of sustainable materials and ethical production practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact while promoting a healthy work environment​.

🤞🏻How do we adapt the design to actually make the concept still look like what the client signed up for

♻️What do you think Sustainability it will look like in five years?

We chatted to Kayleigh, discussing all things design and construction challenges with a focus on accessibility and adaptability. Kayleigh is the Head of Design at Ambit Moat, a company known for its innovative approach to workplace design. In her role, Kayleigh focuses on creating environments that enhance well-being, productivity, and sustainability. Her work integrates principles such as ergonomics, biophilic design, and the strategic use of color to influence mood and mental state positively. Kayleigh is an active participant in industry events and discussions. Her insights emphasize the importance of sustainable design and the integration of advanced technologies to create efficient, health-oriented workplaces​. Ambit Moat's projects under Kayleigh's leadership often highlight the use of sustainable materials and ethical production practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact while promoting a healthy work environment​.

🏢 What are some of the common mistakes that people make when they're looking for a space?

We chatted to Jeni Dursken, Senior Associate at M Moser Associates.Jeni provides innovative design solutions for forward-thinking companies; transforming bespoke strategies into inspiring experiences & environments through cohesive visioning and thoughtful decision-making. Working in partnership with her clients, she fuses the exceptional opportunities of each project with that of a company’s culture and values, leading a design team from high-level master planning down to differentiating details. An award-winning multidisciplinary designer, her experience stretches from product launches and marketing showrooms to designing boutique hotels and workplaces for tech start-ups and law firms.

🪙what's a golden rule you live by?

🏢what do you look for when in a building?

We chatted to Jeni Durksen, Senior Associate at M Moser Associates. Jeni provides innovative design solutions for forward-thinking companies; transforming bespoke strategies into inspiring experiences & environments through cohesive visioning and thoughtful decision-making. Working in partnership with her clients, she fuses the exceptional opportunities of each project with that of a company’s culture and values, leading a design team from high-level master planning down to differentiating details. An award-winning multidisciplinary designer, her experience stretches from product launches and marketing showrooms to designing boutique hotels and workplaces for tech start-ups and law firms.

🏢How has your experience working in different sectors and company sizes influenced your approach to design? 🧑‍🤝‍🧑What are the most important people to involve when working on a design project for a client? Matthew Constantinou is the founder of ORCA Studios, a boutique creative studio based in London. He has over 13 years experience in interior design. Matthew studied interior design at the University of Kent and graduated in 2010. He started his career at Superior Interiors, gaining experience in workplace design. Matthew then worked for several large firms such as Tetris-Bluu and Thirdway, gaining exposure to larger projects. In 2023, Matthew founded ORCA Studios to continue pursuing creative projects in various sectors whilst nurturing a positive work culture. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career journey in both small and large design firms.

🧑🏻‍🎓What advice would you give to students or people exploring career options who want to pursue a creative career? 🏢How has your experience working in different sectors and company sizes influenced your approach to design? Matthew Constantinou is the founder of ORCA Studios, a boutique creative studio based in London. He has over 13 years experience in interior design. Matthew studied interior design at the University of Kent and graduated in 2010. He started his career at Superior Interiors, gaining experience in workplace design. Matthew then worked for several large firms such as Tetris-Bluu and Thirdway, gaining exposure to larger projects. In 2023, Matthew founded ORCA Studios to continue pursuing creative projects in various sectors whilst nurturing a positive work culture. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career journey in both small and large design firms.

🏢 What is the purpose of the office?

🫂How should people feel when in a space?

We chatted to Etain Neary, One of the founders of Cast Interiors. Cast was established in 2020 by founders Zoe Moss, Etain Neary and Steve Gayle. The trio had a shared philosophy and vision to create a business which would ‘rise above’ our soon to be peers, by taking a special approach to delivering office fit out. From day one, our 3 founding principles were established and a shared promise to uphold these wherever the journey ahead may lead!By March 2023, despite a global pandemic, Cast had grown from the 3 original founders into 4 distinct businesses within a group structure turning over almost £36m across the group in our 2022-23 financial year

🫂 How should people feel when in a space?

🏢 What are the typical challenges when designing a space?

We chatted to Etain Neary, One of the founders of Cast Interiors.

Cast was established in 2020 by founders Zoe Moss, Etain Neary and Steve Gayle. The trio had a shared philosophy and vision to create a business which would ‘rise above’ our soon to be peers, by taking a special approach to delivering office fit out. From day one, our 3 founding principles were established and a shared promise to uphold these wherever the journey ahead may lead!By March 2023, despite a global pandemic, Cast had grown from the 3 original founders into 4 distinct businesses within a group structure turning over almost £36m across the group in our 2022-23 financial year.

We chatted to Bex, discussing a shared vision for happy, healthy workplaces this episode is sure going to be exciting as we both pick out what that means for each other.

Bex is here with tonnes of exposure from holding top leadership roles in the corporate world including Regus and Nike.

Now the founder of Invigorate Spaces Bex is working with an impressive portfolio including JLL, Barclays, Westfield Health as a consultant to breathe life into the corporate world, through careful curation of workplace culture, environment and experiences. 

🏢 What goes wrong in office design the most?

🗣️What type of talent do you want to attract?

We chatted to Bex, discussing a shared vision for happy, healthy workplaces this episode is sure going to be exciting as we both pick out what that means for each other. Bex is here with tonnes of exposure from holding top leadership roles in the corporate world including Regus and Nike. Now the founder of Invigorate Spaces Bex is working with an impressive portfolio including JLL, Barclays, Westfield Health as a consultant to breathe life into the corporate world, through careful curation of workplace culture, environment and experiences. 

On the panel we welcome -

Luke Ward, Experience Strategist at Gensler

Megan Dobstaff, Design Director at Gensler

Michelle Heath, Associate Director at TP Bennett

Wesley Bradshaw, Product Creative at Stansons.

Our objective is to empower and enable workplace strategists to lead change in the creation of inclusive spaces that unlocks everybody’s full potential. We gathered Stansons showroom in Clerkenwell to explore the importance of embracing neurodiversity in corporate environments and how organizations can create inclusive spaces that support the unique needs of all employees. From accommodating sensory sensitivities to fostering flexible work arrangements, we'll delve into practical strategies for promoting neurodiversity acceptance and empowerment. Our esteemed panelists, experts in the fields of design and advocacy, share their insights, experiences, and best practices for building workplaces that celebrate neurodivergent individuals.

Join us as we navigate the journey towards greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity in the modern workplace.

Welcome to our panel discussion on Neurodiversity in the Workplace.

On the panel we welcome -

Luke Ward, Experience Strategist at Gensler

Megan Dobstaff, Design Director at Gensler

Michelle Heath, Associate Director at TP Bennett

Wesley Bradshaw, Product Creative at Stansons.

Our objective is to empower and enable workplace strategists to lead change in the creation of inclusive spaces that unlocks everybody’s full potential. We gathered Stansons showroom in Clerkenwell to explore the importance of embracing neurodiversity in corporate environments and how organizations can create inclusive spaces that support the unique needs of all employees. From accommodating sensory sensitivities to fostering flexible work arrangements, we'll delve into practical strategies for promoting neurodiversity acceptance and empowerment. Our esteemed panelists, experts in the fields of design and advocacy, share their insights, experiences, and best practices for building workplaces that celebrate neurodivergent individuals. Join us as we navigate the journey towards greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity in the modern workplace.

We chatted with Typhaine Raoult, with 8 years of experienced in the fast changing world of workplace design.

Typhaine has a lot to offer to the conversation. Being responsible for design coordination and selecting and specification interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. She shares intelligence around her passion for delivering great-looking, well-thought-out interiors. Whilst being at DENTON, Typhaine has worked on the majority of the pivotal jobs that have come through the door and has quickly gained the experience and respect required to work amongst the senior members of the team.

📌 When looking for a location, what's important to consider?

📃 Are EPD's necessary?

We chatted to Typhaine from Denton, Design Director as one of the leading design and fit out companies in London. With 8 years of experienced in the fast changing world of workplace design Typhaine has a lot to offer to the conversation Being responsible for design coordination and selecting and specification interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. She shares intelligence around her passion for delivering great-looking, well-thought-out interiors.

We chatted with Enrique Soler who holds almost 20 years of experience in the architecture world and is currently Head of Design for billion pound design and fit out contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors. The UK’s highest ranked contractor in the FT’s Diversity Leaders list for 2 years.

One of only 6 companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility.

The company also have some pretty impressive goals it is set to achieve. Including;

·       Becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030

·       Net Zero on all buildings delivered after this date.

·       Gender parity across all levels of the workforce by 2030.

♻️How do you define sustainability, when everyone is saying this is sustainable?

👃Can we use all our five senses in workspace design?

We chatted with Enrique Soler who holds almost 20 years of experience in the architecture world and is currently Head of Design for billion pound design and fit out contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors. Leading the design and creative direction for the UK’s highest ranked contractor in the FT’s Diversity Leaders list for 2 years. One of only 6 companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility.

The company also have some pretty impressive goals, they are set to achieve. Including;

Becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030  

Net Zero on all buildings delivered after this date.

Gender parity across all levels of the workforce by 2030.

We chatted to Angelia Liard, Creative Director at Area.

She has over 25 years of experience in workplace consultancy and design across the UK, Europe, and the US. Angelia has worked on extensive projects with leading brands such as JP Morgan, BP, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. The transition from Sheppard Robson to Area marked a shift from traditional consultancy to a more fast-paced, collaborative approach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and reasons for seeking workspace solutions, especially in light of changing perceptions post-COVID. Angelia believes that the office serves as a hub for collaboration and coming together, facilitating efficient problem-solving and idea generation. She stresses the role of both physical collaboration and technology in supporting modern work practices, highlighting the office as a destination for business activities and networking.

🏢 What is the office for?

👩‍💻Why exactly do companies want to bring people back to the office?

Angelia Liard, Creative Director at Area has an impressive 25+ years of experience in both workplace consultancy and design across UK and Europe. This has seen Angelia instrumental in the space planning and office design on numerous, extensive projects. She has worked on extensive projects with leading brands such as JP Morgan, BP, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Angela's transition from Sheppard Robson to area marked a shift from traditional consultancy to a more fast-paced, collaborative approach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and reasons for seeking workspace solutions, especially in light of changing perceptions post-COVID. Angela believes that the office serves as a hub for collaboration and coming together, facilitating efficient problem-solving and idea generation. She stresses the role of both physical collaboration and technology in supporting modern work practices, highlighting the office as a destination for business activities and networking.

A discussion between our inspirational panel;

• Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM
• Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM
• Tracy Drury, Product Creative at Stansons
• Wesley Bradshaw, Product Creative at Stansons

👀 Why its important to have a clear vision and understand what you want to achieve before designing a space, rather than simply adding various elements that may not be necessary.   🗣️ Are ongoing dialogues and collaboration with clients, rather than relying solely on surveys and quick consultations important? Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM. Deepak’s outstanding career, launched from his BA Honors in Interior Design at Kingston University, then rapidly progressing into leadership roles at Claridge Architects, Morey Smith and Edge. The past 8 years has seen Deepak in the honourable position of Design Director for the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture.   Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM, Prior to entering the world of workplace design, Emily graduated from Northumbria University achieving Master of Architecture, Distinction in Architecture and a BA Honors 2:1 in Architecture. Entering IA Interior Architects as a junior designer, to becoming an associate and working on projects across EMEA, all within 4 short years. Emily then moved over as a senior workplace consultant at the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Here Emily has been focusing on client workplace strategy, spanning across tech giants, legal and financial through to public authority sectors.

🤖 How do we to combine human and AI capabilities to unlock the full potential of AI in workplace design? 📖 Why must designers must incorporate storytelling into their work to effectively communicate? Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM. Deepak’s outstanding career, launched from his BA Honors in Interior Design at Kingston University, then rapidly progressing into leadership roles at Claridge Architects, Morey Smith and Edge. The past 8 years has seen Deepak in the honourable position of Design Director for the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM, Prior to entering the world of workplace design, Emily graduated from Northumbria University achieving Master of Architecture, Distinction in Architecture and a BA Honors 2:1 in Architecture. Entering IA Interior Architects as a junior designer, to becoming an associate and working on projects across EMEA, all within 4 short years. Emily then moved over as a senior workplace consultant at the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Here Emily has been focusing on client workplace strategy, spanning across tech giants, legal and financial through to public authority sectors.

We chatted to Sarah Wakefield, 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.

☕ 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.