Space by Stansons

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 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 

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History teaches us that it’s the people who embrace discomfort, follow their instincts and create their own blueprint that does something worth talking about. And, we’re talkin’ in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes Victoria Dixon, Head of Creative at Whitepaper, for a riveting chat on all things passion-fuelled and design-forward. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to succeed by trusting your instincts and embracing calculated risks
• Why workplace design must prioritize psychological impact and employee experience
• The "White Paper Magic" principle of balancing a consistent brand aesthetic with project uniqueness 
• How to maintain company culture during rapid growth while preserving creative excellence
• Why hospitality-inspired workplace design is driving the post-pandemic office evolution
• Why implementing design psychology is a must-have in today’s work landscape 

Tune in for a timely reminder that passion and authenticity can bring your design dreams to reality a lot sooner than a fancy degree can! 

Victoria Dixon is the Head of Creative at Whitepaper, a leading design and build firm recognized as one of the Sunday Times' fastest-growing businesses. With a background in architecture and interior design, she has helped shape Whitepaper's distinctive aesthetic and creative vision over the past six years, growing the design team from two to seventeen professionals. Her expertise in crafting spaces that prioritize user experience and emotional well-being has contributed to Whitepaper's reputation for creating calming, sophisticated commercial environments. Under her creative direction, the company has become known for its boutique approach to workplace design, seamlessly blending hospitality-inspired elements with functional commercial spaces.

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 Victoria Dixon of Whitepaper 
• 02:11 Being Sunday Times’ Fastest-Growing Design Studio  
• 03:50 Trust Your Instinct: Victoria’s Journey to Success    
• 07:48 Knowing When the Time is Right: Taking the Career-Leap 
• 12:16 Reflecting on Whitepaper’s Start-Up Days 
• 15:57 Why Leaders Have to Define and Carry Forward Culture 
• 16:45 Whitepaper Magic, Hands-On Creativity & Attention to Detail 
• 20:53 What Sets Whitepaper Apart: Focus on the Feeling 
• 23:17 Why You Can’t Ignore Design Psychology Anymore  
• 25:51 Trend-Based Design vs. Timeless Design  
• 28:52 What Does Whitepaper Look For in New Hires  
• 36:30 Big Things Are Coming: Victoria and Whitepaper’s Goals 
• 38:23 Victoria’s Recommendations & Closing Thoughts 

Episode Resources:

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

History teaches us that it’s the people who embrace discomfort, follow their instincts and create their own blueprint that does something worth talking about. And, we’re talkin’ in the latest episode of Space by Stansons. Tune in as host Guy Stanley welcomes Victoria Dixon, Head of Creative at Whitepaper, for a riveting chat on all things passion-fuelled and design-forward. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to succeed by trusting your instincts and embracing calculated risks
• Why workplace design must prioritize psychological impact and employee experience
• The "White Paper Magic" principle of balancing a consistent brand aesthetic with project uniqueness 
• How to maintain company culture during rapid growth while preserving creative excellence
• Why hospitality-inspired workplace design is driving the post-pandemic office evolution
• Why implementing design psychology is a must-have in today’s work landscape 

Tune in for a timely reminder that passion and authenticity can bring your design dreams to reality a lot sooner than a fancy degree can! 

Victoria Dixon is the Head of Creative at Whitepaper, a leading design and build firm recognized as one of the Sunday Times' fastest-growing businesses. With a background in architecture and interior design, she has helped shape Whitepaper's distinctive aesthetic and creative vision over the past six years, growing the design team from two to seventeen professionals. Her expertise in crafting spaces that prioritize user experience and emotional well-being has contributed to Whitepaper's reputation for creating calming, sophisticated commercial environments. Under her creative direction, the company has become known for its boutique approach to workplace design, seamlessly blending hospitality-inspired elements with functional commercial spaces.

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:

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

Whitepaper Website: https://www.whitepaperco.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!

Neurodivergence diagnoses are more common than ever, and yet our workplaces struggle to keep up with the needs of the very people who inhabit those spaces. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Kay Sargent, 

Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK for a deep dive into the quickly evolving world of neuro-inclusive design, why it’s so critical in today’s design landscape and the far-reaching implications of not paying attention to it.

What You’ll Learn

• Design strategies that support both hypersensitive and hyposensitive individuals
• The "Environmental-Based Working" framework for creating spaces that adapt to different sensory needs
• Why flexibility is the need of the hour to accommodate neurodiverse individuals
• How technology and sensors can create personalised workplace experiences
• The "Spatial Sequencing" principle for designing clearly defined zones that enhance functionality
• How to balance brand cohesion with neuro-inclusive design principles
• The critical importance of acoustic design in creating effective work environments
• Why "typical" workspace designs are becoming obsolete in favour of choice-based environments
• How to create workplace environments that adapt to changing human needs throughout the day

Kay Sargent is a Senior Principal and Director at HOK, where she leads groundbreaking work in workplace design and neurodiversity inclusion. With over 40 years of experience in design, she has spearheaded innovative research initiatives exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and workplace environments. Kay has co-authored "Designing Neuro Inclusive Workplaces" and led six major research initiatives on neurodiversity in workplace design, transforming how spaces are conceived for diverse cognitive needs. Her work, including award-winning projects like ARUP's Birmingham office, demonstrates how thoughtful design can create environments that support both hyper and hypo-sensitive individuals. 

As a leading voice in environmentally based workplace design, Kay's expertise has helped organisations move beyond traditional activity-based working to create spaces that truly accommodate the full spectrum of human sensory needs.

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 Kay Sargent 
• [01:33] Is Neurodivergence Really Increasing? 
• [04:44] Why Neuroinclusive Design Is a Must-Have  
• [05:29] Hypersensitivity, Hyposensitivity & Everything in Between 
• [11:07] 3 Spaces That Are Perfectly Neuroinclusive 
• [13:37] Variety Anxiety: Big Mistakes in Neuroinclusive Design  
• [17:31] Making Sure You Don’t Forget the Brand  
• [18:43] Technology In Neuroinclusive Design  
• [22:50] Decoding ‘Wayfinding’: The Missing Piece  
• [26:28] Designer’s Guide: Taking Neuroinclusivity To The Next Level
• [33:17] Why Kay Chose Neuroinclusive Design & The Aha Moment  
• [37:56] Kay’s Book: Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces & Closing Thoughts  

Episode Resources:

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

HOK Website: https://www.hok.com/ 

Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces Website: https://www.inclusiveworkplace.design/ 

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!

Neurodivergence diagnoses are more common than ever, and yet our workplaces struggle to keep up with the needs of the very people who inhabit those spaces. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Kay Sargent, 

Senior Principal and Director of Thought Leadership, Interiors at HOK for a deep dive into the quickly evolving world of neuro-inclusive design, why it’s so critical in today’s design landscape and the far-reaching implications of not paying attention to it.

What You’ll Learn

• Design strategies that support both hypersensitive and hyposensitive individuals
• The "Environmental-Based Working" framework for creating spaces that adapt to different sensory needs
• Why flexibility is the need of the hour to accommodate neurodiverse individuals
• How technology and sensors can create personalised workplace experiences
• The "Spatial Sequencing" principle for designing clearly defined zones that enhance functionality
• How to balance brand cohesion with neuro-inclusive design principles
• The critical importance of acoustic design in creating effective work environments
• Why "typical" workspace designs are becoming obsolete in favour of choice-based environments
• How to create workplace environments that adapt to changing human needs throughout the day

Kay Sargent is a Senior Principal and Director at HOK, where she leads groundbreaking work in workplace design and neurodiversity inclusion. With over 40 years of experience in design, she has spearheaded innovative research initiatives exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and workplace environments. Kay has co-authored "Designing Neuro Inclusive Workplaces" and led six major research initiatives on neurodiversity in workplace design, transforming how spaces are conceived for diverse cognitive needs. Her work, including award-winning projects like ARUP's Birmingham office, demonstrates how thoughtful design can create environments that support both hyper and hypo-sensitive individuals. 

As a leading voice in environmentally based workplace design, Kay's expertise has helped organisations move beyond traditional activity-based working to create spaces that truly accommodate the full spectrum of human sensory needs.

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:

Kay Sargent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431/
HOK Website: https://www.hok.com/
Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces Website: https://www.inclusiveworkplace.design/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

Successful design is an offering that’s made to every one of our senses - an attempt to create an experience that evokes feeling. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Susan Bold, Design Director at Echospace, for an exploration into the fascinating intersection of design, culture and psychology in the interior design space. 

What You’ll Learn

• What the psychology of space is and how it shapes user experience
• How cultural differences add nuance to design approaches
• The value of maintaining boutique agency culture while scaling for growth 
• How teaching experience transforms leadership approaches in design teams
• Why successful workplace design requires balancing brand guidelines with holistic space psychology
• The critical importance of combining technical knowledge with on-site practical experience in interior design
• How budget considerations and labour costs fundamentally impact design possibilities across different markets

As the Design Director at Echospace, Susan Bold brings a wealth of international design expertise from South Africa to London's dynamic interior architecture scene. With a background in interior architecture and experience across hospitality, commercial, and educational design sectors, she has successfully managed projects for major international brands while maintaining a boutique, personalised approach to client relationships. Prior to joining Echospace, Susan ran her own design studio in South Africa, co-managed an art gallery, and taught design, developing a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and psychological aspects of space design. Her unique perspective on bringing vibrant South African design influences to the more reserved UK market offers fresh insights for design professionals looking to push creative boundaries while maintaining commercial success.

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
• [01:45] Susan’s Magic Moment: Choosing Interior Design  
• [03:40] Designing for the 5 Senses & New Approaches   
• [09:07] Designing In South Africa & Opening an Art Gallery 
• [11:53] Bringing South African Design to the UK & Culture-Forward Design
• [14:40] What It Means to Bring a Brand to Life  
• [17:30] Biggest Design Challenges in the UK 
• [19:38] The Echo Island Approach to Building Design Teams 
• [23:31] The Worst Thing About Working with Big Brands? 
• [25:25] Big Brands vs. Boutique Brands: What’s Right For You? 
• [26:13] The Teaching Approach & The Value of Patience 
• [29:48]Susan’s Advice for New Designers  
• [35:08] The Next Big Thing for Susan: Fashion Houses & More   
• [36:31] Susan’s Recommendations & Closing Thoughts 

Episode Resources:

Susan Bold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-bold-24351238/
Echospace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echospace-limited/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

Successful design is an offering that’s made to every one of our senses - an attempt to create an experience that evokes feeling. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Susan Bold, Design Director at Echospace, for an exploration into the fascinating intersection of design, culture and psychology in the interior design space. 

What You’ll Learn

• What the psychology of space is and how it shapes user experience
• How cultural differences add nuance to design approaches
• The value of maintaining boutique agency culture while scaling for growth 
• How teaching experience transforms leadership approaches in design teams
• Why successful workplace design requires balancing brand guidelines with holistic space psychology
• The critical importance of combining technical knowledge with on-site practical experience in interior design
• How budget considerations and labour costs fundamentally impact design possibilities across different markets

As the Design Director at Echospace, Susan Bold brings a wealth of international design expertise from South Africa to London's dynamic interior architecture scene. With a background in interior architecture and experience across hospitality, commercial, and educational design sectors, she has successfully managed projects for major international brands while maintaining a boutique, personalised approach to client relationships. Prior to joining Echospace, Susan ran her own design studio in South Africa, co-managed an art gallery, and taught design, developing a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and psychological aspects of space design. Her unique perspective on bringing vibrant South African design influences to the more reserved UK market offers fresh insights for design professionals looking to push creative boundaries while maintaining commercial success.

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
• [01:35] Susan’s Magic Moment: Choosing Interior Design  
• [04:28] Designing for the 5 Senses & New Approaches   
• [09:07] Designing In South Africa & Opening an Art Gallery 
• [11:53] Bringing South African Design to the UK & Culture-Forward Design
• [14:40] What It Means to Bring a Brand to Life  
• [17:39] Biggest Design Challenges in the UK 
• [19:48] The Echo Island Approach to Building Design Teams 
• [23:31] The Worst Thing About Working with Big Brands? 
• [25:25] Big Brands vs. Boutique Brands: What’s Right For You? 
• [26:54] The Teaching Approach & Advice to New Designers  
• [35:28] The Next Big Thing for Susan: Fashion Houses & More   
• [46:42] Susan’s Recommendations & Closing Thoughts 

Episode Resources:

Susan Bold on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-bold-24351238/ 

Echospace on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/echospace-limited/ 

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 if workplace design could transform both company culture and employee well-being? In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Michelle Carr, Creative Director at Habit Action, to explore the need for a shift in workspace design - from the purely aesthetic to being deeply human-centred.

What You’ll Learn

• The "Four F's" framework: Finding, Feelings, Form, and Function that transforms workplace strategy
• Why workplace design must embrace cultural authenticity and local context
• The power of creative discovery sessions using imagery and dialogue to extract genuine client needs
• How to measure workplace success through occupancy rates and employee satisfaction metrics
• Why sustainable office design should balance regional identity with global brand consistency
• The critical importance of designing spaces that foster team collaboration while supporting hybrid work models
• Why post-project evaluation and relationship building are essential for long-term design success

With over 26 years of experience in workplace design and strategy, Michelle Carr currently serves as the Creative Director at Habit Action. While she started her career as a graduate designer working on prominent projects for Sky TV and NTL, Michelle has evolved into a thoughtful leader who champions the intersection of creativity, functionality, and human-centred design. Her approach to workplace strategy goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on creating destinations that enhance employee well-being, productivity, and connection, exemplified in award-nominated projects like Atlas Copco's headquarters transformation, which achieved a 35% increase in office occupancy. 

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
• [01:45] The Need For a Mind Map  
• [03:15] Tracing Paper and Morgan Lovell: What Shaped Michelle 
• [11:17] Creating a Narrative Workplace and Story-Led Design 
• [16:12] Translating Data Into Design   
• [18:25] The Importance of The Gentle Brief 
• [21:29] The 4 Fs Framework: Finding, Feeling, Form and Function 
• [23:25] The Importance of Knowing Yourself & Your Values 
• [26:09] What Michelle’s Up To Now
• [31:47] Knowledge is Power and the Sustainable Design Collective
• [36:02] Why Embracing Local Culture is So Important 
• [38:06] Michelle’s Dream Project & Making Good Design Accessible 
• [44:50] Why In-Person Collaboration Is Key 
• [46:42] Michelle’s Recommendations & Closing Thoughts 

Episode Resources:

Michelle Carr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-carr-36916535/ 

Habit Action on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habit-action/ 

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 if workplace design could transform both company culture and employee well-being? In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Michelle Carr, Creative Director at Habit Action, to explore the need for a shift in workspace design - from the purely aesthetic to being deeply human-centred.

What You’ll Learn

• The "Four F's" framework: Finding, Feelings, Form, and Function that transforms workplace strategy
• Why workplace design must embrace cultural authenticity and local context
• The power of creative discovery sessions using imagery and dialogue to extract genuine client needs
• How to measure workplace success through occupancy rates and employee satisfaction metrics
• Why sustainable office design should balance regional identity with global brand consistency
• The critical importance of designing spaces that foster team collaboration while supporting hybrid work models
• Why post-project evaluation and relationship building are essential for long-term design success

With over 26 years of experience in workplace design and strategy, Michelle Carr currently serves as the Creative Director at Habit Action. While she started her career as a graduate designer working on prominent projects for Sky TV and NTL, Michelle has evolved into a thoughtful leader who champions the intersection of creativity, functionality, and human-centred design. Her approach to workplace strategy goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on creating destinations that enhance employee well-being, productivity, and connection, exemplified in award-nominated projects like Atlas Copco's headquarters transformation, which achieved a 35% increase in office occupancy. 

Episode Resources:

Michelle Carr on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-carr-36916535/ 

Habit Action on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/habit-action/ 

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

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

Being a wide-eyed, hopeful junior designer on the lookout for a dream job sounds lovely, but the truth about entry-level jobs in design is - unpaid internships, the Catch 22 conundrum of “lack of experience” and a serious test of perseverance. 

In this eye-opening episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Ezgi Elitok to the podcast as she shares her trying journey of becoming an Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan.

What You’ll Learn

• How to (practically) turn rejections into opportunities through proactive portfolio development
• Why do unpaid internships pose as a potentially valuable stepping stone for gaining industry experience
• How to build a compelling design portfolio that tells your story beyond just technical skills
• The importance of support systems and mentorship in early career development
• Why maintaining resilience and positive energy is crucial for breaking into the design industry
• How universities can better prepare students for real-world design challenges

Ezgi is an Interior Design Project Specialist at Corgan, a global architecture and design firm with an 87-year legacy. A rising talent in workplace design, she has demonstrated exceptional resilience and initiative in transitioning from academia to professional practice while completing multiple high-profile internships with luxury retail brands. Her journey from recent graduate to securing a role at Corgan's London office exemplifies the challenges and opportunities facing emerging designers. 

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.

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Intro
• [03:44] Choosing Interior Design & Starting Challenges  
• [06:45] The Truth About Internships & A Winning Pitch 
• [10:35] Asking is the Only Way & Rethinking “Entry-Level” Jobs
• [12:34] The Worst Piece of Feedback Ezgi Ever Got 
• [15:30] How Junior Designers Should Be Hired 
• [19:09] Why Radical Positivity is Critical for Junior Designers 
• [22:19] Strategies to Build a Winning Portfolio 
• [25:54] Ezgi’s “I Made It” Moment   
• [27:18] 3 Things Junior Designers Need to Hear 
• [29:03] 3 Ways Design Hiring Needs to Change 
• [31:29] Staying the Course & Why Internships Are So Important   
• [33:59] What Design Universities Are Missing
• [35:30] Closing Thoughts & Ezgi’s Recommendations 

Episode Resources:

Ezgi Elitok on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezgi-elitok-4921a9226
Corgan: https://www.corgan.com/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk