Space by Stansons

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 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 

How are natural materials, AI integration, and inclusive design reshaping the future of commercial interiors? In this revealing episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Tracy Drury, Head of Innovation at Stansons, to explore emerging design trends, including the rise of sustainable materials like coconut-based foams, natural wood staining techniques, and the evolving role of AI in design.

What You’ll Learn

• How AI is transforming design processes while maintaining human creativity at the core
• Why sustainable materials are evolving beyond buzzwords into practical applications
• The emerging color trends driving commercial interior design, including deep rusty reds and forest greens
• How European manufacturing is gaining prominence as a sustainable alternative to Far East Production
• Why accessibility and inclusive design need greater consideration in commercial spaces and industry events
• How natural and recycled materials are being innovatively integrated into furniture and finishes

Tracy Drury is the Head of Innovation at Stansons, where she leads the development of innovative design solutions and sustainable materials. With vast experience in workplace design and materials innovation, she brings a thoughtful approach to balancing manufacturing constraints with sustainable practices and creative design. Her expertise in natural materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and commitment to human-centered design make her a valuable voice for professionals interested in the future of workplace design and sustainable innovation.

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
• [04:33] Design and Neurodiversity
• [06:03] What’s Disrupting Design?
• [07:41] AI as a Design Assistant
• [10:50] From Garden AI to Natural Stains
• [13:18] Trending Colors
• [15:40] Is Sustainability a Buzzword?
• [17:05] The Brick Story: Natural vs. Traditional
• [26:27] Are Startups Being Left Out?
• [35:09] Accessibility in Design Still Lacking
• [41:33] What Tracy’s Reading and Listening To

Episode Resources:

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

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

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

How are natural materials, AI integration, and inclusive design reshaping the future of commercial interiors? In this revealing episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Tracy Drury, Head of Innovation at Stansons, to explore emerging design trends, including the rise of sustainable materials like coconut-based foams, natural wood staining techniques, and the evolving role of AI in design.

What You’ll Learn

• How AI is transforming design processes while maintaining human creativity at the core
• Why sustainable materials are evolving beyond buzzwords into practical applications
• The emerging color trends driving commercial interior design, including deep rusty reds and forest greens
• How European manufacturing is gaining prominence as a sustainable alternative to Far East Production
• Why accessibility and inclusive design need greater consideration in commercial spaces and industry events
• How natural and recycled materials are being innovatively integrated into furniture and finishes

Tracy Drury is the Head of Innovation at Stansons, where she leads the development of innovative design solutions and sustainable materials. With vast experience in workplace design and materials innovation, she brings a thoughtful approach to balancing manufacturing constraints with sustainable practices and creative design. Her expertise in natural materials, sustainable manufacturing processes, and commitment to human-centered design make her a valuable voice for professionals interested in the future of workplace design and sustainable innovation.

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
• [04:33] Design and Neurodiversity
• [06:03] What’s Disrupting Design?
• [07:41] AI as a Design Assistant
• [10:50] From Garden AI to Natural Stains
• [13:18] Trending Colors
• [15:40] Is Sustainability a Buzzword?
• [17:05] The Brick Story: Natural vs. Traditional
• [26:27] Are Startups Being Left Out?
• [35:09] Accessibility in Design Still Lacking
• [41:33] What Tracy’s Reading and Listening To

Episode Resources:

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

Burnout is an unwelcome visitor - one that we’ve all met (designers, no exception), hope to never meet again and surprisingly, stand to learn a lot from. In this revealing episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with David Jackson, Design Manager at British Land's coworking brand, Storey, for an honest exploration of professional burnout, recovery, and rebuilding. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to recognise early warning signs of burnout, from constant phone-checking to physical symptoms
• Why the design industry’s traditional workplace attitudes toward mental health need to change 
• The "Four D's Framework" (Do, Decide, Delegate, Delete) for managing workload and preventing burnout
• How to implement and maintain healthy boundaries in a deadline-driven industry
• The importance of extended breaks in long-term recovery from burnout
• How AI tools can be leveraged for personal organisation, reducing stress 
• Why recovery from burnout is a continuous journey that can span up to two years
• The power and criticality of facilitating open dialogue about mental health in professional settings

Backed by extensive experience in workplace design and project management, David Jackson now serves as the Design Manager at British Land's coworking brand, Storey. With a background in interior design and entrepreneurship, David has demonstrated resilience and adaptability as he founded his own workplace design company during COVID-19, subsequently transitioning to corporate leadership roles. His transparent approach to discussing mental health challenges in the design industry, particularly from a male perspective, provides valuable lessons for design professionals navigating the demands of modern workplace culture.

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
• [02:20] David’s Story: Choosing Yourself 
• [07:28] The Work That Causes Burnout  
• [09:54] The Signs and Experience of Burnout 
• [14:12] Healing Through Travel & Journalling 
• [20:16] The Hardest Thing About Getting Back to Work 
• [24:00] The Balance: Loving Work and Finding a New Outlet 
• [26:15] Locking Up Your Phone & Other Boundaries  
• [28:08] Recognising Burnout 
• [30:48] Why Designers Need to Caution Against Burnout 
• [32:58] ChatGPT and the 4 Ds: Ways to Prevent Burnout  
• [37:16] Now vs. Then & The Long-Term Effects of Burnout

Episode Resources:

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

Burnout is an unwelcome visitor - one that we’ve all met (designers, no exception), hope to never meet again and surprisingly, stand to learn a lot from. In this revealing episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with David Jackson, Design Manager at British Land's coworking brand, Storey, for an honest exploration of professional burnout, recovery, and rebuilding. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to recognise early warning signs of burnout, from constant phone-checking to physical symptoms
• Why the design industry’s traditional workplace attitudes toward mental health need to change 
• The "Four D's Framework" (Do, Decide, Delegate, Delete) for managing workload and preventing burnout
• How to implement and maintain healthy boundaries in a deadline-driven industry
• The importance of extended breaks in long-term recovery from burnout
• How AI tools can be leveraged for personal organisation, reducing stress 
• Why recovery from burnout is a continuous journey that can span up to two years
• The power and criticality of facilitating open dialogue about mental health in professional settings

Backed by extensive experience in workplace design and project management, David Jackson now serves as the Design Manager at British Land's coworking brand, Storey. With a background in interior design and entrepreneurship, David has demonstrated resilience and adaptability as he founded his own workplace design company during COVID-19, subsequently transitioning to corporate leadership roles. His transparent approach to discussing mental health challenges in the design industry, particularly from a male perspective, provides valuable lessons for design professionals navigating the demands of modern workplace culture.

Episode Resources:

David Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-58026611b/
Storey: https://storey.co.uk/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

The space you work in, can make or break your growth as an organization. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Alex Pellew, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Until, for a riveting conversation on the intersection of wellness, healthcare, and thoughtful design; and the business strategy that drives it all. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design multi-disciplinary wellness spaces, balancing functionality with premium aesthetics
• The importance of a "Community-First" approach to building self-sustaining quality standards in wellness facilities
• How to create flexible commercial models that allow practitioners to scale without risk
• The principles behind designing spaces that serve multiple specialist needs while maintaining premium standards
• Why focusing on practitioner experience drives better space design and business outcomes
• Why multi-site accessibility enables practitioners to build scalable businesses with minimal overhead

Alex Pellew is the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Until - a pioneering wellness infrastructure company revolutionising how health and wellness practitioners build and grow their businesses. With an extensive background in advertising, marketing at Nike, and innovation consulting, Alex brings a unique business perspective to designing premium wellness spaces and practitioner-focused frameworks. He is also co-author of the bestselling book "The Idea in You" published by Penguin.

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

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Intro
• [00:54] From Nike to Until: Alex’s Journey 
• [05:30] The Business Case for Wellness Spaces  
• [08:59] The Clubhouse: Building a “Home of Growth” 
• [20:13] What Does a Quality Practitioner Look Like? 
• [25:30] Striking the Balance Between Accessibility and Luxury  
• [28:10] What Does the Business Support Package Look Like? 
• [32:10] What Does An Until Space Look and Feel Like?  
• [40:50] The Next Chapter for Until 
• [44:59] All About ‘The Idea in You’ & Closing Thoughts 

Episode Resources:

Alex Pellew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pellew-27080640
Until: https://www.until.co.uk/
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

🔗 Useful Links:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4k9ITZd
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RQv4Ti 

💬 Comment below your favourite part!

The space you work in, can make or break your growth as an organization. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Alex Pellew, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer, Until, for a riveting conversation on the intersection of wellness, healthcare, and thoughtful design; and the business strategy that drives it all. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design multi-disciplinary wellness spaces, balancing functionality with premium aesthetics
• The importance of a "Community-First" approach to building self-sustaining quality standards in wellness facilities
• How to create flexible commercial models that allow practitioners to scale without risk
• The principles behind designing spaces that serve multiple specialist needs while maintaining premium standards
• Why focusing on practitioner experience drives better space design and business outcomes
• Why multi-site accessibility enables practitioners to build scalable businesses with minimal overhead

Alex Pellew is the Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Until - a pioneering wellness infrastructure company revolutionising how health and wellness practitioners build and grow their businesses. With an extensive background in advertising, marketing at Nike, and innovation consulting, Alex brings a unique business perspective to designing premium wellness spaces and practitioner-focused frameworks. He is also co-author of the bestselling book "The Idea in You" published by Penguin.

Episode Resources:

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

Until: https://www.until.co.uk/ 

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

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

In today’s day and age, workplace design is about recognising the invisible, and bringing it to life. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Becky Turner, Workplace Psychologist at Claremont, for an all new perspective on designing a work space. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design workspaces that accommodate neurodiversity through intentional lighting, signage, and space orientation
• Why desk orientation and natural views significantly impact employee well-being and productivity
• Ways to use design to create spaces that foster meaningful workplace interactions
• The evolution of workplace purpose from a passive location to an intentional destination
• How to create microenvironments that support different working styles and social preferences

Becky Turner is a Workplace Psychologist at Claremont, specialising in organisational psychology and human-centred workplace design. With an MSc in Organizational Psychology and a background in education and psychology, she has spent the past eight years transforming how companies approach workspace design through a psychological lens. 

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
• [01:15] The Psychology of Things: Becky’s Journey 
• [05:57] Creating Inclusive Spaces: Au Natural 
• [11:37] Designing for Neurodiversity  
• [16:13] One-Size-Fits All Isn’t Going to Cut It  
• [20:24] The Psychology Behind Return to Work 
• [29:40] Change Management in the Workplace 
• [33:42] Community Spaces with Individual Preferences 
• [39:55] How the Purpose of the Workplace Has Changed 

Episode Resources:

Becky Turner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-turner-psychologist
Claremont: https://claremontgi.com
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk

🔗 Useful Links:

🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3EkUmpz
🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4ixqog3 

💬 Comment below your favorite part!

In today’s day and age, workplace design is about recognising the invisible, and bringing it to life. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Becky Turner, Workplace Psychologist at Claremont, for an all new perspective on designing a work space. 

What You’ll Learn

• How to design workspaces that accommodate neurodiversity through intentional lighting, signage, and space orientation
• Why desk orientation and natural views significantly impact employee well-being and productivity
• Ways to use design to create spaces that foster meaningful workplace interactions
• The evolution of workplace purpose from a passive location to an intentional destination
• How to create microenvironments that support different working styles and social preferences

Becky Turner is a Workplace Psychologist at Claremont, specialising in organisational psychology and human-centred workplace design. With an MSc in Organizational Psychology and a background in education and psychology, she has spent the past eight years transforming how companies approach workspace design through a psychological lens. 

Episode Resources:

Becky Turner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-turner-psychologist
Claremont: https://claremontgi.com
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 

A new season of architecture and design is upon us as the traditional barriers that once defined the world are shifting on a dime. In the latest episode of  Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes the well-travelled, experienced and versatile Scott Malin to explore the evolution of workplace design. 

What You’ll Learn

• The pros and cons of the Design & Build model and how to adapt with the changing structures of work 
• What you need to know about the WPP way of design - how it helps and how it challenges designers 
• How to capture the geographical and cultural essence of a place in the design of its buildings
• Why paying attention to the little details can make or break your project 
• Unique approaches to expand the horizons of workplace design - from just a space to brand clubhouses

Scott Malin is an accomplished architect and workplace design specialist with over 18 years of experience in transformative commercial interior projects. Having worked with industry leaders, including Gensler, BDG, and, most recently, Thirdway Group, Malin has specialized in complex multinational workspace consolidation and brand integration projects. His notable achievements include leading major WPP campus developments across Europe, where he successfully integrated multiple agency brands while preserving individual corporate identities. His expertise in managing large-scale projects for global brands, particularly his work on WPP's European portfolio, including Amsterdam's Amstel Dock and Madrid’s La Matriz demonstrates his deep understanding of creating spaces that balance brand identity, functionality, and user experience.

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

Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Intro
• [03:08] Early Projects: Abu Dhabi, Canada & WPPs 
• [09:20] How Well Does a WPP Really Work?
• [13:09] The Inner Workings of the WPP Model 
• [18:24] The Challenges of the WPP Model
• [24:36] Integrating Geography and Culture into Design 
• [30:13] Learning to Dance with Your Clients  
• [31:42] The Changing Seasons of Architecture   
• [35:16] The Power of a Good Exhibition 
• [39:25] One Size Doesn’t Fit All 
• [45:18] Scott’s Wildest Dreams   
• [50:06] Books & Podcasts: Newest Inspirations 

Episode Resources:

Scott Malin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-malin-089b8727 

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

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