Space by Stansons

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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:

1. The reality of an interior design education & its Pros and Cons 👀
2. Evolving AI technology and harnessing the use of AI in interior design 🤖
3. 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:

1. Petr's largest and most impulsive business credit card purchase 💸
2. The reality of the impact of ADHD on personal life and business growth 🧠
3. 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 👀

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“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 👀

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“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.

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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.