Space by Stansons

We’re switching things up in the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley looks back at some of the best conversations we’ve had on the series so far. From insights on creative thinking, personal development, and workplace design to the playbook on designing neuroinclusive workplaces, this compilation special has it all.

What You’ll Learn

• How Disney's Imagineering approach demonstrates the power of detailed, intentional design thinking
• Why sensory-inclusive design matters, as explored in "Eyes of the Skin" and its challenge to visual dominance
• How to approach workspace design with scientific rigour rather than trending aesthetics
• The importance of continuous learning and real-time adaptation in design methodology
• Why sharing design knowledge openly advances industry standards and combats "neurowashing"
• How evidence-based design decisions directly influence behaviour and work styles

This episode offers a curated collection of must-read books, must-listen podcasts and perspectives that have shaped some of the industry's most innovative minds.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Intro: Design Inspiration Through Books & Podcasts
• 00:26 Inside Disney's Imagineering: Creative Excellence in Spatial Design
• 03:25 Productivity Tools: The Odeer Planning System
• 04:24 The Daily Stoic: Mindful Design Practice
• 05:42 Good Vibes: Building Creative Confidence
• 07:07 Eyes of the Skin: Exploring Sensory Design
• 08:32 Key Takeaways: Reading Recommendations for Design Professionals

Episode Resources:

Jordy Dent on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordy-d-42374910a/

Jordy’s Recommendation, The Imagineering Story: https://share.google/L0Ens9yfTsz29oDVX 

David Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-58026611b/ 

Victoria Dixon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-dixon-b07b0187/ 

Victoria’s Recommendation, The Daily Stoic: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Stoic-Meditations-Perseverance-translations/dp/1781257655/ 

Ezgi Elitok on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezgi-elitok-4921a9226

Ezgi’s Recommendation, Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Vibes-Life-Self-Love-Unlocking/dp/1788171829/ 

Tracy Drury on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-drury-05556b43/ 

Tracy’s Recommendation, Eyes of the Skin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyes-Skin-Architecture-Senses-4e/dp/1394200676/ 

Kay Sargent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431 

Kay’s Book, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designing-Neuroinclusive-Workplaces-Processing-Environment/dp/1394309333/ 

Alex Pellew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pellew-27080640 

Alex’s Book, The Idea in You: How to Find It, Build It, and Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Idea-You-Find-Build-Change/dp/0241014832 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

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What does it take to transform a legacy bank that’s been around since the 1700s into a hub of energy, future-forward thinking, and inclusivity today? 

Paula Rowntree’s got the answers, as she takes us through the buzzing London HQ of Lloyds’ Bank in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes the Head of Workplace Design, Lloyd Bank, for a riveting look at what transformational design can achieve when done right.

What You’ll Learn

• How to create flexible workspaces through strategic zoning and acoustic design
• The "Fewer Better Buildings" framework for consolidating office space while enhancing workplace experience
• Why inclusive design principles should be integrated from the start rather than added as afterthoughts
• How to leverage sensory mapping and wayfinding to create intuitive, accessible spaces for all users
• The essential elements of creating successful wellness spaces, from decompression pods to prayer rooms
• How strategic workplace design can shift corporate culture and employee perception
• How to balance digital-first design elements with traditional brand heritage

This walking tour reveals countless thoughtful details that prove intentional design can foster both productivity and belonging in the modern workplace.

Paula Rowntree is the Head of Workspace Design at Lloyds Banking Group, where she leads the transformation of corporate spaces into modern, inclusive environments. With over 37 years of experience at Lloyds and a strong background in retail design, she has successfully spearheaded the development of their flagship London office, incorporating innovative workplace solutions that balance functionality with employee well-being. Her work in workplace design has helped transform Lloyds' corporate image from traditional to technologically advanced, while maintaining the brand's core identity and values. Under her leadership, the team has achieved remarkable satisfaction rates, with 92% of colleagues reporting improved working conditions in their Leeds location, demonstrating the significant impact of inclusive design principles in corporate environments.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Paula Rowntree 
• 02:42 The New Lloyds: Neurodiverse, Inclusive and Better Spaces
• 08:07 The Value of People Feedback in Transforming Design 
• 10:37 The Art of Well-Balanced Design in Inclusive Spaces
• 13:25 How Design Changes and Drives Business 
• 16:28 Entering Lloyds HQ: Digital-First, Brand-Cohesive Design 
• 21:00 The Living Wall & How It Works 
• 24:15 The Heart of Lloyds: A Work Cafe That Drives Collaboration
• 27:35 Design and Lloyd Policy: Flex Summer, Gospel Singing & More
• 29:30 Getting Lloyds Healthy: The Wonder of a Mindful Kitchen 
• 32:00 Brand-Amplification & Inclusive Working Through Design 
• 36:00 Retail Is Detail: Why The Little Things Matter  
• 38:36 Lloyds’ Gym & Wellness Studio: Bringing Wellness to Life
• 39:29 The Accessible Route: Changing Places & Wayfinding 
• 43:52 Contemplation, Returning Parents & More: Tiny But Important Rooms
• 48:15 The Workplace Hub & Tech Bar: Taking Lloyds Into the Future 
• 50:10 How Lloyds Works: Exploring the Work Floors  
• 56:30 Using Neuroscientific Design for Problem-Solving
• 1:01:00 The Final Stop: Lloyds’ Terrace & Pet-Friendly Spaces
• 1:04:45 Closing Thoughts & Taking a Legacy Brand Into Its Next Era

Episode Resources:

Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/ 
Lloyds Banking Group Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

What does it take to transform a legacy bank that’s been around since the 1700s into a hub of energy, future-forward thinking, and inclusivity today? 

Paula Rowntree’s got the answers, as she takes us through the buzzing London HQ of Lloyds’ Bank in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes the Head of Workplace Design, Lloyd Bank, for a riveting look at what transformational design can achieve when done right.

What You’ll Learn

• How to create flexible workspaces through strategic zoning and acoustic design
• The "Fewer Better Buildings" framework for consolidating office space while enhancing workplace experience
• Why inclusive design principles should be integrated from the start rather than added as afterthoughts
• How to leverage sensory mapping and wayfinding to create intuitive, accessible spaces for all users
• The essential elements of creating successful wellness spaces, from decompression pods to prayer rooms
• How strategic workplace design can shift corporate culture and employee perception
• How to balance digital-first design elements with traditional brand heritage

This walking tour reveals countless thoughtful details that prove intentional design can foster both productivity and belonging in the modern workplace.

Paula Rowntree is the Head of Workspace Design at Lloyds Banking Group, where she leads the transformation of corporate spaces into modern, inclusive environments. With over 37 years of experience at Lloyds and a strong background in retail design, she has successfully spearheaded the development of their flagship London office, incorporating innovative workplace solutions that balance functionality with employee well-being. Her work in workplace design has helped transform Lloyds' corporate image from traditional to technologically advanced, while maintaining the brand's core identity and values. Under her leadership, the team has achieved remarkable satisfaction rates, with 92% of colleagues reporting improved working conditions in their Leeds location, demonstrating the significant impact of inclusive design principles in corporate environments.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Resources:

Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/ 
Lloyds Banking Group Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

Can a multicultural approach to design elevate design philosophy for the better? In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Antonia Walmsley, Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, to explore how cultural heritage shapes workplace design philosophy, the evolution from traditional architecture to innovative design-build approaches, and the delicate balance between structure and creativity in modern workspaces.

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on why cultural diversity is key to design diversity. 

Antonia Walmsley is the Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, where she leads the European design team and brings a unique perspective shaped by her Maori heritage and architectural background. With over 15 years of experience, including 9 years at Unispace, she has been instrumental in transforming the company from a startup in New Zealand to a global workplace design leader. Antonia's expertise spans traditional architecture, design-and-build approaches, and creating culturally responsive workspaces across diverse European markets.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 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

Episode Resources:

Antonia Walmsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-walmsley-590a13b/ 

Unispace Global Website: https://www.unispace.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

Can a multicultural approach to design elevate design philosophy for the better? In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Antonia Walmsley, Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, to explore how cultural heritage shapes workplace design philosophy, the evolution from traditional architecture to innovative design-build approaches, and the delicate balance between structure and creativity in modern workspaces.

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on why cultural diversity is key to design diversity. 

Antonia Walmsley is the Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, where she leads the European design team and brings a unique perspective shaped by her Maori heritage and architectural background. With over 15 years of experience, including 9 years at Unispace, she has been instrumental in transforming the company from a startup in New Zealand to a global workplace design leader. Antonia's expertise spans traditional architecture, design-and-build approaches, and creating culturally responsive workspaces across diverse European markets.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 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

Episode Resources:

Antonia Walmsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-walmsley-590a13b/ 

Unispace Global Website: https://www.unispace.com/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Abigail Reynolds, a Project Designer at Modus, a leading design-build firm specialising in innovative workplace solutions with a strong reputation for creating functional and aesthetically driven office spaces. They discuss the evolving role of workplace design and how storytelling enhances client engagement. Abi shares insights into her transition from architecture to workplace strategy, the power of critique in the design process, and the importance of designing spaces that foster inclusivity, creativity, and cultural change.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• [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

Episode Resources:

Abigail Reynolds on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-reynolds-3873b2188

Modus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modus-workspace-ltd

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Abigail Reynolds, a Project Designer at Modus, a leading design-build firm specialising in innovative workplace solutions with a strong reputation for creating functional and aesthetically driven office spaces. They discuss the evolving role of workplace design and how storytelling enhances client engagement. Abi shares insights into her transition from architecture to workplace strategy, the power of critique in the design process, and the importance of designing spaces that foster inclusivity, creativity, and cultural change.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Highlights

• [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

Episode Resources:

Abigail Reynolds on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-reynolds-3873b2188

Modus: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modus-workspace-ltd

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

For Jordy Dent, every successful design starts with a story. Experience shows that it’s the designers who question the brief, dig deeper, and uncover the story behind the space who create work worth remembering. And, we’re talkin’ in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes Jordy Dent, Creative Director at B Corp-certified Area, for an engaging conversation on all things story-led and purpose-driven.

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tune in for a timely reminder that a clear “why” and authentic storytelling can elevate your design far beyond what any formal qualification alone can deliver.

Jordy Dent is the Creative Director at Area, a leading design and build firm and certified B Corp. Known for his storytelling-led approach to workplace design, Jordy’s career began without a formal degree, instead shaped by hands-on construction experience, freelance projects, and early leadership roles in design teams. Today, he leads a creative pod at Area, overseeing day-to-day design output while mentoring his team and collaborating closely with clients to bring brand stories to life through physical space. His work blends strategy, creativity, and meticulous detail, with sustainability and client culture at the core. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 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

Episode Resources:

Jordy Dent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordy-d-42374910a/
Area Website: https://www.area.co.uk
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

For Jordy Dent, every successful design starts with a story. Experience shows that it’s the designers who question the brief, dig deeper, and uncover the story behind the space who create work worth remembering. And, we’re talkin’ in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes Jordy Dent, Creative Director at B Corp-certified Area, for an engaging conversation on all things story-led and purpose-driven.

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tune in for a timely reminder that a clear “why” and authentic storytelling can elevate your design far beyond what any formal qualification alone can deliver.

Jordy Dent is the Creative Director at Area, a leading design and build firm and certified B Corp. Known for his storytelling-led approach to workplace design, Jordy’s career began without a formal degree, instead shaped by hands-on construction experience, freelance projects, and early leadership roles in design teams. Today, he leads a creative pod at Area, overseeing day-to-day design output while mentoring his team and collaborating closely with clients to bring brand stories to life through physical space. His work blends strategy, creativity, and meticulous detail, with sustainability and client culture at the core. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Resources:

Jordy Dent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordy-d-42374910a/

Area Website: https://www.area.co.uk

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 
💬 Comment below your favourite part!

There’s power in rejecting the traditional. Just ask the Whiteroom Agency and Sweaty Betty. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Craig White, Founder and Creative Director of Whiteroom Agency, for an immersive conversation (and walkthrough) on the transformational nature of designing the HQ for Sweaty Betty in the heart of London. 

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tune in for a masterclass on creating a workplace that visibly drives and enables business growth!

Craig White is the Founder and Creative Director at White Room Agency, specialising in experiential design and workspace transformation. With over 20 years of experience spanning retail, trade shows, and corporate environments, he has pioneered innovative approaches to merging brand experiences with functional workspaces. His work with White Room Agency has helped global brands like Sweaty Betty and Wolverine create spaces that embody their values while fostering collaboration and creativity, personifying the evolution of modern workplace design and brand-aligned environments.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review 

Episode Highlights

• 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 

Episode Resources:

Craig White on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-white-79366b1a/ 

Whiteroom Agency Website: https://www.whiteroom.agency/ 

Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley 

Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!