Join us as Victoria Ramez, an innovative Newcastle-based architect, shares her journey from university to founding her own practice. Discover her design philosophy, her insights on working with historic listed properties her approach to transforming everyday spaces.

Key topics:

• Victoria’s background and inspiration from Northumbria University and her early influences
• The evolution from university interest to passionate practice
• Differences in working between London and Newcastle, and perceptions of development
• The motivation behind starting her own architectural firm post-London career
• Her approach to high-end residential projects on prestigious streets
• The importance of light, finishes, and layered lighting in creating relaxing spaces

Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Victoria Rames and her unique architectural focus 00:43 - Victoria’s early life in Gosforth and education background 02:03 - How inspiration from university shaped her career 03:23 - The journey into architecture and university experience 04:43 - Transition from university to professional practice 06:53 - Inspiration from architects like Niemeyer and Zaha Hadid 07:14 - When architecture became a true passion 09:19 - Navigating the London job market and moving to London 12:42 - Comparing development and planning processes in London vs. Newcastle 16:00 - The decision to start her own practice back in Newcastle 18:45 - Her initial projects and building a client base through reputation 19:37 - High-end projects on prestigious streets and their significance 21:19 - The impact of small design interventions on home life 23:32 - The value of lighting, finishes, and external aesthetics 30:32 - The importance of external design and curb appeal 31:46 - Her full-service project approach and site management 33:56 - Embracing site challenges and evolving designs during construction 35:10 - Future goals, mentoring, and potential building dreams 37:43 - Dream home concept: lakeside, mid-century modern, expansive views 39:01 - What Victoria wishes to be remembered for 40:13 - How to connect with Victoria Rames and her collective

Resources & Links:

• Victoria Ramez Architects
• The Fold Collective
• Northumbria University Architecture Program
• Oscar Niemeyer - Architect Profile
• Zaha Hadid - Architect Profile

Connect with Victoria:

• Instagram - Victoria Ramez Architects
• LinkedIn - Victoria Ramez
• Phone: 0191 429 5813

Special mention: Victoria is a founding member of The Fold Collective, a women-led network fostering collaboration among design professionals, emphasising trust and shared creativity in architecture and interior design.

This episode offers a comprehensive look at modern architectural practice from someone passionate about creating homes that truly enhance daily life. Perfect for aspiring architects, homeowners, and design enthusiasts alike!

In this episode, Craig Conway shares his inspiring journey from regional roots to creating vibrant creative hubs that support filmmakers, actors, and artists beyond traditional industry centers. Learn how he's fostering community, sustainability, and opportunity in the Northeast of England.

• Craig Conway’s early life and how regional upbringing shaped his approach to creativity
• The importance of belonging and building sustainable creative ecosystems outside of London
• Launching ISS Airview Park: a community-driven space for independent filmmakers and artists
• Developing talent pipelines from education through to production within regional communities
• The plan for local retention of IP and talent to boost regional economic growth
• Upcoming projects: a double-bill addressing health awareness through film and innovative storytelling initiatives
• Using social media and partnerships to grow regional creative networks

• ISS Airview Park
• A Part to Play community
• House 54 Productions
• Friedfest Glasgow
• Craig Conway - Instagram
• Craig Conway - Facebook

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Summary

In this engaging conversation, award-winning film director Steve Ramsden shares insights into his life, career, and creative aspirations. From his unique upbringing, which involved moving around the world, to his current projects in filmmaking, Steve discusses the importance of home, family, and the influence of creativity in his life. He also imagines his dream home and reflects on the future of his filmmaking career, emphasizing the desire to entertain and inspire through storytelling.

Takeaways

Steve Ramsden has over 15 years of experience in filmmaking.

His childhood involved significant travel, shaping his worldview.

The concept of home is deeply tied to family and experiences.

Steve's current home reflects his personality and creative spirit.

He values the importance of having a space that feels like home.

Imagining a dream home involves considering both aesthetics and functionality.

Steve's future projects aim to blend client work with creative storytelling.

He believes in the power of physical media over streaming.

Steve's passion for film soundtracks influences his creative environment.

He aspires to be remembered for entertaining people through his stories.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey of Steve Ramsden

09:04 Defining Home and Family Influence

16:56 Creating the Dream Home

19:23 Dream Home Vision

22:27 Art and Atmosphere in the Dream Home

25:00 Indulgences and Luxuries

29:08 Future Projects and Creative Aspirations

34:31 Legacy and Creative Impact

The Maison Gent Podcast is a long-form conversation series about the places that shape us — and the people we become inside them. In this opening episode, I set the tone for what’s to come: honest, unpolished conversations about homes, work, ambition, identity, family, and the quiet decisions that build a life over time.

This isn’t a podcast about property alone. It’s about why certain spaces feel like home, how environments influence who we are, and what happens when success, comfort, or stability gets questioned. From childhood houses to first flats, dream builds to unexpected pivots, each episode explores the connection between place and personal truth.

There’s no performance here. No gurus. No formulas. Just thoughtful conversations with people who’ve lived, built, lost, started again — and learned something along the way. Whether you’re interested in design, property, creativity, business, or simply the stories behind how people live, The Maison Gent Podcast is an invitation to slow down, listen closely, and reflect on the spaces that quietly shape your life.