Space by Stansons

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy continues his tour of Thirdway’s new home with Liam Spencer , exploring how the building has been designed around the way people actually work, meet and connect. Across the working floors, Liam explains how different teams use the office in different ways, from fixed desks and call pods to informal collaboration areas and quieter spaces away from the main floor. Even the central staircase was a deliberate cultural investment, encouraging people to cross paths, stop for a conversation and stay connected across the business. The office also doubles as a live showroom for Thirdway’s work. Liam shares how materials, finishes and furniture choices have been used to demonstrate what can be achieved at different price points, showing that thoughtful design is often about clever application rather than simply spending more. As the tour moves upstairs, the focus shifts towards clients and hospitality. Purpose-built presentation areas, catering spaces and the rooftop terrace allow Thirdway to host different types of meetings, events and conversations without relying on a traditional boardroom for everything. The result is a workplace designed to support both how people work and how relationships are built. Liam also reflects on the pressure of designing Thirdway’s own home, the difficulty of knowing when to stop chasing perfection and the pride that came with finally seeing people use the space. With flexibility built in for future growth, the office is designed to evolve alongside the business rather than remain fixed in time. Whether you’re thinking about workplace strategy, company culture or client experience, this episode is a reminder that the most effective offices are not just designed to look good — they are designed around how people actually want to use them. In this episode: Designing different working zones around how teams actually use space. Why circulation and a central staircase can help create culture and connection. Using the office as a live showroom for materials, finishes and cost-conscious creativity. Creating client-focused spaces for presentations, hospitality and relationship building. How the rooftop terrace supports work, wellbeing, events and flexible use. Why letting go of perfection and designing for evolution can create a workplace people want to use.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy visits Thirdway’s new home with Liam Spencer to explore how a workplace can reflect the culture, personality and evolution of the business behind it. Set inside a transformed 1950s warehouse on St John Street, Liam explains why Thirdway spent years searching for the right home and how the team approached the building as more than just an office. From replacing an unsympathetic facade with handmade brick to borrowing ideas from hotels, restaurants and galleries, every decision was designed to create a strong first impression without losing the character of the original building. As Guy and Liam tour the space, they discuss how Thirdway has matured from its younger, rebellious roots without losing the values that shaped the business. Playful details, internal artwork and recurring design elements sit alongside quieter hospitality-inspired spaces, helping the building feel as much like a members’ club or hotel as a traditional workplace. The conversation also explores the balance between creativity, cost and practicality. Liam shares why the best design is not necessarily about spending more, why time can be more valuable than budget, and how thoughtful materials, natural light and carefully planned spaces can create an office people genuinely want to use. Whether you’re designing a workplace, shaping company culture or simply interested in how a brand can be expressed through physical space, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at turning an office into a true home for a business. In this episode: Why Thirdway spent years searching for the right building for its new home. Using hospitality and gallery design to rethink the traditional office arrival experience. How Thirdway’s workplace reflects the evolution of its brand and culture. Balancing maturity and quality with personality, playfulness and original values. Why great design is about thoughtful choices, not simply bigger budgets. How natural light, materials and multifunctional spaces shape how people use an office

Introducing Cab Confessions Episode 3! 🚖 Join Guy as he sits down with Dthree Studio Interior Designer Laura Thompson to discuss design education, mastering "bougie on a budget," and her journey with an autism diagnosis. Inside this episode: Studying interior design and education realities 🎓 The biggest industry lessons learnt so far 💡 How to be ‘bougie on a budget’ ✨ Opening up about autism & workplace communication ♾️🌈 Explore how we design happier, healthier workplaces: https://www.stansons.co.uk CONNECT WITH STANSONS WORKSPACE: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stansons/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stansons_/

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy heads to Paris with designer Marta Gordiychuk to explore how taste, emotion and honest material choices can shape spaces that feel memorable rather than simply functional. Marta shares why Paris is a place she returns to for inspiration and recharge, from its food and fashion to the way interiors combine beauty, simplicity and everyday experience. She reflects on the connection between environment and emotion, and why good workplace design should offer people something beyond the basic purpose of getting work done. The conversation also explores breakout spaces, materials, budget and the importance of a strong concept. Marta explains why a breakout area should feel like a genuine getaway for staff, how colour and shape can communicate an idea at almost any budget, and why designers should be honest with materials rather than imitate high-end finishes cheaply. From natural surfaces and organic forms to the balance of old and new found across Paris, the episode looks at how thoughtful design decisions create spaces with identity. Marta also shares how she protects the “heart” of a project: once the core concept is clear and understood by the wider team and client, other elements can flex without losing the idea that holds the design together. Whether you’re designing workplaces, leading a team or simply interested in how physical environments influence emotion, this episode offers practical insight into creating spaces that are honest, purposeful and full of character. In this episode: Why workplace design should offer more than the basic purpose of work. Creating breakout spaces that help people recharge and connect. Using colour and shape to create impact across different budgets. Why materials should be honest rather than imitate what they are not. Balancing heritage, modern design and natural forms within a clear concept. How protecting the core concept keeps a project coherent when details change.

Welcome back to Episode 2 of Cab Confessions, where Guy collects clients from the train station and picks their brains the whole way to work 🚖🎤 Hop into the London cab with Guy as he interviews Zoe Hudson Smith, Junior Interior Designer at Maris Interiors. In this episode, they manage to cover everything from the stark reality of a “sink or swim” industry, to the most daunting aspect of Zoe’s role that she would gladly never do again! Whether you’re pursuing a career in interior design, recently graduated, or just curious about workplace design, Zoe shares invaluable tips to help you prepare for the real world. Inside this episode: The reality of an interior design education & its Pros and Cons 👀 Evolving AI technology and harnessing the use of AI in interior design 🤖 Benefits of travel on interior design & the incorporation of different cultures into modern design 🎭 🎧 Hit the follow button so you never miss an episode! 💬 We want to hear from you: Are you in the same boat as Zoe and have fairly recently completed your design education? We’d love to know if you agree with what she says! Answer in the Spotify Q&A section below! Explore Stansons Workspace: https://www.stansons.co.uk #StansonsWorkspace #CabConfessions #DesignEducation #Travel #Inspiration #BusinessPodcast

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy sits down with Daniel Martin , Senior Designer at AIS , to explore why the best workplaces are designed with purpose rather than simply filled with features. Daniel shares how inspiration can come from anywhere, from Pinterest and Instagram to conversations with colleagues, and why a clear brief is essential to turning ideas into spaces that genuinely work. He reflects on the importance of giving every area a reason to exist, while still allowing a workplace enough room to breathe. The conversation also explores materials, changing design trends and the role of AI in the creative process. Daniel explains why technology can be a useful tool but still struggles to replace the human understanding, experience and decision-making behind great design. From Japanese wabi-sabi and timeless materials to dedicated video-call spaces and warmer colour palettes, the episode looks at how thoughtful choices can shape the way people feel and behave at work. Daniel also shares a memorable example of redesigning a waiting area around the needs of the people using it, reinforcing a simple principle that runs through the episode: good design should make things better. Whether you’re designing workplaces, leading a team or simply interested in how physical environments influence behaviour, this episode offers practical insight into creating spaces that are purposeful, considered and genuinely useful. In this episode : Designing spaces around purpose rather than filling every available area. Why a clear brief can save time, money and unnecessary design revisions. How materials, colour, lighting and sensory details influence how a space feels. Why AI can support designers without replacing human judgement and experience. The shift from overly flexible spaces towards areas designed for specific tasks. How good workplace design can improve comfort, behaviour and everyday experience.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Cab Confessions, where Guy collects clients from the train station and proceeds to dish the dirt. 🚖🎤 In this opening episode, Guy picks up Petr Esposito (Co-Founder of Anomaly) from the train station, and wastes no time in getting deep and personal. Petr spills some of his biggest secrets, including the wildest transaction he’s ever completed on the company card, and opens up on his struggles with ADHD in the workplace. Inside this episode: Petr's largest and most impulsive business credit card purchase 💸 The reality of the impact of ADHD on personal life and business growth 🧠 Working closely with neurodivergent individuals and embracing a different approach to life 🏢 🎧 Hit the follow button so you never miss an episode! 💬 We want to hear from you: What is the craziest transaction you've completed on your company credit card? Answer in the Spotify Q&A section below! Explore Stansons Workspace: https://www.stansons.co.uk #StansonsWorkspace #CabConfessions #CompanyCulture #ADHD #Neurodiversity #BusinessPodcast

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy visits Victoria Park with designer Lizzie Hand to explore how nature, creativity and thoughtful workplace design can shape the way people feel and work. Joined by Lizzie Hand of Thirdway , the conversation explores how natural light, sound, texture and even scent can bring a stronger sense of the outdoors into the workplace. Lizzie challenges familiar nature led trends such as moss walls and explains why successful design is less about filling an office with plants and more about creating an experience that feels natural and personal. As they walk through the park, Guy and Lizzie discuss collaboration without hierarchy, the importance of zoning quiet and energetic areas, and why practical details such as power, location and layout determine whether shared spaces are genuinely used. Lizzie also reflects on creativity, explaining why ideas often arrive when the pressure is off and how different people need different ways to decompress. Whether you’re designing workplaces, leading a team or simply interested in how physical environments affect creativity and wellbeing, this episode offers practical ideas for building spaces around the people who use them. In this episode: • Creative ways to bring nature indoors beyond plants and moss walls. • How natural light, sound, texture and scent shape the workplace experience. • Creating collaborative spaces without hierarchy. • Why zoning quiet, focused and energetic areas matters. • Designing around different ways people work and decompress. • Why the best ideas often arrive when the pressure is off.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ This week on Space by Stansons , Guy visits Together to explore how thoughtful design can completely transform the way people experience meetings, conferences and events. Joined by founder Elliott Sparsis , the conversation uncovers why Together sees itself as a hospitality business rather than a traditional venue. Elliott explains how every detail has been designed around the people using the space, from natural light, flexible layouts and seamless wayfinding to air quality, acoustics and food that keeps delegates energised throughout the day. As they tour the venue, Guy and Elliott discuss what it means to create a truly human-first environment, why wellbeing should be at the heart of workplace and event design, and how spaces that prioritise comfort and experience can lead to better conversations, stronger engagement and more meaningful connections. Whether you’re designing workplaces, planning events or simply interested in the relationship between people and space, this episode offers practical insights into the details that make the biggest difference. In this episode: Why Together operates more like a hospitality business than an event venue. Designing spaces around wellbeing, not just capacity. The role of natural light, air quality and acoustics in keeping people engaged. Why flexibility is essential for modern event spaces. How food, flow and thoughtful design shape the delegate experience. What it really means to be a human-first business.

Stay tuned 👀 ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ “We’re a human-first business.” What happens when every design decision starts with people? 🎧 Elliott Sparsis joins Guy on next week’s episode of Space by Stansons.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode of Space by Stansons, Guy meets Kimberley Chant, Head of Pre-Construction at EC1 Build, to explore the often unseen world behind successful workplace projects. From estimating and cost planning to managing teams and guiding clients through complex decisions, Kimberley shares what really happens before a project reaches site. Kimberley reflects on how she found her way into fit out after studying civil engineering, and why pre-construction sits at the centre of the process. She explains the common details clients underestimate, from installation costs and trims to lighting, mechanical systems, and the hidden extras that can quickly push a budget up. The conversation also explores Kimberley’s personal journey as a Thai-British woman in a male-dominated industry. She speaks honestly about confidence, resilience, imposter syndrome, and learning to stand up for herself after difficult experiences in her career. Along the way, Kimberley shares the work ethic she inherited from her mum, the importance of being in a workplace where you are valued, and why good management is about supporting people, not just assigning work. She also opens up about wanting to help her own team grow, flourish, and feel invested in. A candid and insightful conversation about construction, culture, resilience, leadership, and why the best workplaces are built by people who understand both the detail and the humans behind it.

Stay tuned 👀 ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ “Every job, you’re either learning or you’re earning.” What do you do when you’re doing neither? 🎧 Kimberley Chut joins Guy on next week’s episode of Space by Stansons .

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode of Space by Stansons , Guy meets Jacinta Ashby, Senior Designer at BW Design & Build, to explore the spaces that inspire her most, from a bustling café in Greenwich to the open landscapes of Greenwich Park. Together, they discuss how different environments shape the way we think, feel, focus, and connect. Jacinta shares why variety has become one of the most important ingredients in workplace design, explaining the growing demand for collaborative lounges, focus spaces, wellness rooms, and environments that encourage movement throughout the day. She reflects on what offices can learn from hospitality, cafés, and nature to create more meaningful experiences for employees. The conversation also explores the role of wellbeing in design. From acoustics and natural light to biophilic principles and intentional quiet spaces, Jacinta explains how workplaces can support people beyond productivity and help them feel calmer, healthier, and more connected. Along the way, Jacinta opens up about moving from Australia to London, the importance of spending time in nature, and how designing memorable experiences, not just beautiful spaces, has become central to her philosophy as a designer. She argues that the most successful environments are those that encourage people to be themselves, create meaningful moments, and leave with lasting memories. A thoughtful conversation about workplace experience, wellbeing, biophilic design, and why the best spaces help people feel something.

Stay tuned 👀 ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ “The most important thing for me as a designer is that people feel something in that space.” What if the success of a workplace wasn’t measured by how it looked, but by how it made people feel? 🎧 Jacinta Ashby on next week's episode of Space by Stansons.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this special edition of Space by Stansons, Guy heads out into Clerkenwell Design Week to capture the ideas, trends, and conversations shaping the design industry right now. Designers, makers, and exhibitors share what they’re hoping to discover, the products catching their attention, and the changes they’d like to see in the workplace of the future. A recurring theme throughout the day is the return of boldness. From colourful palettes and statement furniture to innovative materials and standout details, many designers talk about moving beyond safe, neutral schemes in search of something more expressive and inspiring. The episode also explores how design can create more inclusive experiences. One exhibitor discusses an installation designed around colour vision deficiency, encouraging visitors to experience how different people perceive the same environment and sparking conversations around accessibility and neurodiversity. Along the way, Guy uncovers perspectives on sustainability, biophilic design, creativity, and the importance of designing spaces that connect people. From paint inspired by ice cream flavours to visions of public buildings transformed by nature, the episode offers a snapshot of the ideas energising the design community today. A fast-paced tour of Clerkenwell Design Week, packed with fresh thinking, emerging trends, and the people pushing the industry forward.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this special edition of Space by Stansons , Guy heads into the heart of Design Week to explore the emotional side of creativity through a live interactive installation built around six designer personality types. From The Overthinker and The Distracted to The Night Owl and the elusive Zen , designers share honest reflections on how they work, what blocks them creatively, and the routines they rely on to stay inspired. Across the conversations, recurring themes emerge around distraction, collaboration, overthinking, and the importance of stepping away to reset. Designers discuss everything from needing background noise to focus, to taking walks, leaning on teammates, and finding inspiration through materials, colour, sustainability, and human connection. The episode also captures the spirit of Design Week itself — a week built around discovery, creativity, reconnecting with the industry, and experiencing new ideas together. From acoustic sustainable products and bold colour trends to “funky non glue-down flooring,” this is a snapshot of what today’s creative community is really thinking about. A fast-paced, people-led special exploring the realities behind creative work — and the shared experiences that bring designers together.

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode, Guy joins Vyshali on a journey through King’s Cross to explore where creativity, storytelling, and workplace design collide. Together, they discuss how urban regeneration, sketching, culture, and human behaviour all shape the way modern workplaces are designed. Vyshali shares how drawing on her daily commute helps her slow down, observe people, and spark ideas that feed directly into her design process. As they walk through transformed spaces around King’s Cross, the conversation explores how thoughtful design can completely change the way people feel, connect, and experience a place. The discussion covers the psychology behind workplace design, the importance of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in, and why retrofit and regeneration projects are becoming increasingly important in a more sustainable future. They also explore: How creativity and observation influence workplace design Why urban regeneration is about community, not gentrification The role of storytelling in shaping workplace experiences How design impacts mood, behaviour, and wellbeing Why flexible, human-centred workplaces matter more than ever The importance of mentorship, kindness, and collaboration in design teams How heritage buildings can be reimagined for modern ways of working This episode is a conversation about creativity, culture, and designing spaces that make people feel connected, inspired, and welcome.

Stay tuned 👀 ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ A conversation with Vyshali on creativity, workplace design, regeneration, and the psychology of space. From sketching on the tube to designing human-centred workplaces, this episode explores how great spaces make people feel, connect, and belong. Full episode coming on 19th May

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode, Guy sits down with Kathryn O’Callaghan-Mills, founder of Studio Sevyn, to explore her journey through the design and build industry and what she has learned about leadership, listening, and backing yourself. Kathryn reflects on her path from starting out as a receptionist to rising through the industry, joining leadership teams, and eventually launching her own studio. She shares how hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose shaped her career, alongside a drive to make the journey easier for other women coming into the industry. A key theme throughout the conversation is equality in design and build. Kathryn speaks openly about the lack of female role models at senior level, the importance of true support and mentorship, and why better leadership means creating opportunities for people to grow in ways that work for them. The discussion also explores what makes great design. Kathryn explains why listening is one of the most important skills in the process, arguing that the best outcomes come from understanding the client properly rather than chasing the biggest idea in the room. For her, workplace design is about creating environments that genuinely improve people’s day-to-day wellbeing. Now building Studio Sevyn, Kathryn also shares what it means to step out on her own, grow something from scratch, and create a legacy her daughter can look up to. This is an episode about ambition, leadership, equality, and designing with people in mind.

Stay tuned 👀 ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode, Guy sits down with Kathryn O’Callaghan-Mills, founder of Studio Sevyn, to explore her journey through the design and build industry and what she has learned about leadership, listening, and backing yourself. This is an episode about ambition, leadership, equality, and designing with people in mind.