Space by Stansons

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Matt Osborne, Head of Furniture at AIS, a rapidly growing provider of commercial office furniture that boasts one of the most impressive stories of growth and success in the office furniture market, to discuss the evolving role of furniture design and its impact on modern workspace design. From catering to neurodiversity to creating versatile office environments, Matt shares his insights on designing spaces prioritising employee well-being and adaptability.

Matt Osborne is a furniture specialist with over 20 years of experience in design, manufacture, and global supply, and an accomplished professional in the architectural furniture community. His previous roles have involved working on the design and manufacture of furniture and delivering large-scale projects worldwide. Matt has worked on high-profile projects such as Disney in Manchester and Expedia in Amsterdam, where innovative design solutions were key to success.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Intro and Matt’s Journey into the Furniture Industry
• [00:03:30] From Product Design to Leadership at AIS
• [00:11:00] Tackling High-Profile Projects Like Disney and Expedia
• [00:18:00] Addressing Neurodiversity in Workspace Design
• [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 Matt’s Career in Furniture Design

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Shaun Simons, Founder of Compton, a leading commercial real estate agency redefining the industry. Shaun shares how Compton simplifies complex real estate processes, focuses on consumer needs, and uses bold branding to stand out in a competitive market. From launching his career at 16 to disrupting norms with Compton TV, Shaun’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, culture, and creating meaningful impact.

Shaun Simons began his real estate journey in 2010, founding Hatten Real Estate during the global financial crisis, a bold move that set the tone for his career. He quickly became a pioneer in leveraging social media for commercial property marketing, helping reshape how the industry connected with its audience. After selling Hatten to Colliers and gaining valuable experience, Shaun launched Compton in 2021 amidst the pandemic with a mission to modernise commercial real estate processes and challenge outdated practices.

In this episode of Design Insights, host Guy is joined by Blair, a Senior Designer at Savills, to discuss the journey from junior designer to senior roles, the importance of budget management in design, and the evolving landscape of sustainability in architecture. Join us for an engaging conversation that offers valuable insights for both aspiring and seasoned designers!

📝What are some of the key learnings and challenges Ana Rita and MCM have encountered in designing and operating their own office space as a sustainability showcase?

Ana Rita is an architect specializing in sustainability—what she refers to as regenerative design. She is well-known for her innovative approach and the transformative effects she brings to the businesses she collaborates with. Firmly believing that environmental and social sustainability should be central to all architecture and interior design, Ana Rita incorporates cutting-edge solutions into her projects while ensuring their lasting integration into sustainable strategies for companies and their employees. Prior to her current position, she gained significant experience leading sustainability initiatives at Woodalls Design and BDG architecture + design studio, overseeing numerous global projects and utilizing certification systems such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL.

💭What is Ana Rita's vision for her "dream project"?

Ana Rita is an architect specializing in sustainability—what she refers to as regenerative design. She is well-known for her innovative approach and the transformative effects she brings to the businesses she collaborates with. Firmly believing that environmental and social sustainability should be central to all architecture and interior design, Ana Rita incorporates cutting-edge solutions into her projects while ensuring their lasting integration into sustainable strategies for companies and their employees. Prior to her current position, she gained significant experience leading sustainability initiatives at Woodalls Design and BDG architecture + design studio, overseeing numerous global projects and utilizing certification systems such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL. Recognized for her expertise, Ana Rita is a frequent speaker at industry events and actively participates in research and discussion groups within the field.

🚶🏽What are some practical steps people can take to upskill and explore AI in their work?

Unlocking the Future: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Design. In a captivating panel discussion, we delved into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on the design industry. The session brought together two esteemed experts – Lucrezia, an AI Architect at Google, and Hamza, a Digital Artist and Architect from the renowned design firm, Gensler. Moderated by Stansons very own Wesley Bradshaw.

Enjoy!

🤖Do you think AI will potentially replace human jobs?

🚶🏽What are some practical steps people can take to upskill and explore AI in their work?

Unlocking the Future: Exploring the Intersection of AI and Design. In a captivating panel discussion, we delved into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its profound impact on the design industry. The session brought together two esteemed experts –

Moderated by Stansons very own Wesley Bradshaw.

Enjoy!