How do we make our spaces work harder for us? Our guests Harry Harwood, Architectural Manager & Urban Designer at Mace Group, and Will Kinnear, flexible workspace consultant and Director at HEWN, join us to tackle this question and the concept of contextual design in architecture and design. We dissect the need for a design process that prioritises the community and individual well-being, and delve into the nuanced relationship between home and workspaces in our rapidly changing world. Harry and Will shed light on the importance of understanding how we consume space and the need for appropriate design solutions.

Our journey continues through the evolution of city planning. Harry and Will guide us through the importance of creating walkable, localised hubs - the 15-20 minute settlements that reduce our reliance on cars and foster a sense of community. We also explore the shift away from traditional commuting habits, and discuss the vital balance between remote and in-person workspaces. 

We end our episode with a hearty discussion on the challenges of preserving heritage in historic buildings while ensuring they generate enough revenue for their upkeep. Harry and Will emphasise the importance of access to these buildings and the need for their unique features to be appreciated and utilised. We also touch on the importance of sustainability and nature in the design process, and how modern companies are aligning their values with their branding and culture. Join us as we navigate through these complex and fascinating topics.

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If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Prepare to reimagine the classroom with our esteemed guests, Jonathan Cooper and Ivan Holding. As experts in designing educational spaces, they offer fascinating insights into a new era of learning environments. Jonathan shares his innovative method of designing more collaborative spaces, while Ivan explores how future-proof educational environments can prepare students for a rapidly evolving world. Together, they discuss the importance of physical spaces in learning, student empowerment, and the need for education to adapt to future job markets.

How do we make learning environments more conducive to the future? Jonathan and Ivan shed light on this question, exploring topics like debunking learning styles, the benefits of peer tutoring, and the importance of outdoor learning. Our conversations extend beyond the traditional, examining the roles of youth mental health and climate change in education. With a shared passion for sustainability in school design, our guests highlight the significance of natural elements and sustainable materials in education spaces.

Join us on this enlightening journey and discover how school design influences learning outcomes. Did you know that creating spaces that reflect students’ values can significantly impact their education? Jonathan and Ivan reveal how, with examples of their work at AW Spaces. They also delve into the benefits of involving students in the design process and share how principles of a circular economy can be implemented in projects. Tune in and be part of this captivating conversation about the intersection of space and education. Get ready to have your perspective expanded on school design and its impact on learning.

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Content Warning: This episode contains themes around suicide. If you or someone you know are struggling at the moment, there are links to resources at the end of these show notes.

Uncover the key to a healthier and more productive workplace in our discussion with
Head of Workplace Wellbeing at BAM, Ruth Pott and Trainee Clinical Psychologist, Lauren Weeks. We delve into workplace wellbeing, addressing its crucial role in today's fast-paced environment and confronting the stigma around mental health. Our talk highlights the importance of creating a safe, supportive atmosphere for employee growth.

Our discussion emphasises the need for inspiring, collaborative workspaces and a holistic approach to wellbeing. We underscore that the physical environment affects mental health, with well-designed spaces boosting wellness. Concluding with the vital message that mental health is paramount, we stress the urgency for businesses to prioritise and invest in their employees' wellbeing. Join us for an enlightening episode offering practical tips to enhance mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

If you're in crisis and need to talk right now, there are many helplines staffed by trained people ready to listen. They won't judge you, and could help you make sense of what you're feeling.  If you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe now, please call 999 or go to A&E. 

• Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123 (7pm–11pm every day).
• Shout. If you would prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you could text SHOUT to 85258. Shout offers a confidential 24/7 text service providing support if you are in crisis and need immediate help.
• Acas - Supporting mental health at work. Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. 

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Coined by Marie Kondo, the idea of "does this spark joy?" forces us to look at what we have and decide whether we need to make a change.

What if your workspace was more than just a desk and a chair? What if it was actually designed with you and your needs in mind? Join us as we sit down with renowned workplace strategist, Adam Burtt-Jones, to crack open the traditional views of office design and explore a revolutionized concept that puts people first. Adam sheds light on how we can create engaging, comfortable, and productive spaces that seamlessly blend with our lifestyle.

We dive into the intricate balance between strategy and design, discussing how joy, inspiration, and innovation can breathe life into a workspace. Adam asserts the importance of understanding people's routines, feelings, and emotions in the workspace in crafting effective design strategies. We also touch on the potential of creating a free-flowing workplace that challenges traditional office concepts and boosts productivity.

Adam guides us through the complexities of designing a workspace that harmoniously merges functionality and budget while meeting human needs. We then move on to ponder about the future evolution of workplaces, focusing on a shift towards employee empowerment and workplaces' role in recognizing good work. This episode promises to change your perspective on workspace design and leave you contemplating how your own workplace can adapt to these progressive concepts. 

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Ready to redefine what you know about branding? Join us as we navigate the intriguing universe of physical branding with our guest, Rose Radtke, a passionate brand and community strategist. The journey begins with an intriguing exploration of what a brand truly represents - it's far more than just a logo or a colour scheme. Imagine your office or workspace as a living, breathing embodiment of your brand's core values, broadcasting your ethos not only to your team, but to the world.

Listen in as we uncover the importance of your brand's personality - the unique, intangible vibe that it radiates. Rose guides us through strategies to fortify this persona. Ever thought about using natural elements or the power of scents to help your brand pop? Or the crucial role that language plays in shaping brand perception? We're going to cover all these and more.

Finally, we break down the Curve of Participation and delve into the pivotal role of feedback in evaluating the effectiveness of a branded workspace. Hear Rose emphasise the necessity of adaptability, and discuss the future possibilities of AI spatial planning. And speaking of the future, we explore the ever-growing demand for freelance creatives, and how AI can be a useful tool in this space. So, buckle up, and get ready for a deep dive into what makes a brand tick, and how you can use this knowledge to your advantage. 

https://www.roseradtke.co.uk/

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

How can we reimagine our office spaces to not only serve our needs but also tread lightly on our planet? In this episode of Spaces that Shape Us, we delve deep into the transformative world of sustainable office design, where every detail, from the floor to the furnishings, plays a pivotal role in carving out a sustainable future.

We're honored to host two pioneers who've etched significant footprints in this realm. Agustina Memoli, the dynamic Co-Founder of Uplyfted, a trailblazing flooring company, and Dr. Greg Lavery, the visionary Director of Rype Office, renowned for its innovative approach to office furniture. Together, they offer insights into the circular economy, an approach that's reshaping how we think about consumption, reuse, refurbishment, and remanufacturing in office design.

Have you ever questioned why many office essentials, especially flooring products, find their way to landfills prematurely? Agustina sheds light on the pressing challenges in the flooring industry, offering solutions that infuse durability with sustainability. Dr. Lavery, on the other hand, delves into the potential of reimagining office chairs, ensuring they serve both form and function for longer than we've traditionally expected.

But it's not just about products; it's about a paradigm shift. Across the globe, regulations are being instituted to promote sustainable practices in office design. Discover the influence of regulations such as France's mandate on second-life sourcing for government furniture and the UK's landfill tax, signaling a wave of eco-conscious change in our workspaces.

By viewing office elements not as short-lived items but as enduring assets, we open doors to a myriad of benefits – environmental, financial, and social. Ready to be a part of this transformative journey? Dive into this episode as we traverse the exciting intersections of design, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

What if the physical space around us could spark our motivation, engagement, and productivity? In this eye-opening episode, we sat down with Cliff Ettridge, partner at London Brand and Communications Agency, The Team, to unravel the fascinating bond between workspace design and employee engagement. From the walls that surround us to the chair we sit on, every aspect of our workspace plays a part in shaping our work ethics, inspiring us to bring our best selves forward.

Ever considered workspace design as a part of HR? Our discussion takes an interesting turn as we explore the potential of creative workspace designs in revitalizing HR. Beyond just monetary gratification, rewarding employees in today's society requires a deeper understanding of their needs and aspirations. Cliff introduces us to his team's innovative approach of using co-working spaces to keep their employees engaged. Enabling purpose, mastery, and autonomy, we learn how simple changes in workspace design can foster trust and construct meaningful work environments.

As we wrap up this enlightening dialogue, we delve into the importance of considering neurodiversity when designing workspaces and policies. We discuss the concept of blended working, its advantages, and its practical implementation. We explore how offices can be designed to initiate discussions about customer needs, and how flexibility in workspace design can adapt to changing team sizes. From co-working spaces to education facilities, we share invaluable insights into designing spaces that engage and inspire. So, join us and unlock the potential of your workspace!

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Are you ready to unlock the potential of community spaces with us? Joining our host today are community experts Emilie Lashmar and Jessica Samson along with our Head of Design, Lisa McLeod. Emilie, Producer of GCUC 2023 and Jess, General Manager of PLATF9RM lend their voices to the evolving scene of community spaces, emphasizing the significance of connectivity in an increasingly solitary world. We explore how well-designed workspaces can usher in greater productivity while fostering a sense of belonging.

Ever wondered how to spot the right community for you? We take you on a journey through the process of identifying the ideal community, maximizing your experience—be it digital or physical—and joining the community. And that's not all! We also delve into the power of co-working communities in nurturing connections and triggering growth.

What does the future hold for community spaces? We consider the potential of these spaces, the need for flexibility, and the shift in power dynamics due to COVID, which has raised the likelihood of offices morphing into connection points rather than mere workplaces. Together, we reflect on the authenticity these spaces require and the sustainability aspect of co-living. So, strap in and join us on this enlightening journey to fully grasp the evolving dynamics of community-focused spaces.

Emilie would like to offer our speakers a 10% off code for GCUC 2023, use code "AW10".

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!

Welcome to The Spaces That Shape Us. In this episode we explore the invisible yet powerful impact of space on our lives. We're thrilled to have Lisa McLeod, Head of Design at AW Spaces, and Caleb Holding, Co-Founder and Project Director at AW Spaces, as our guides. They share intricate insights on how various environments, from tranquil gardens to vibrant markets, can influence our emotions, interactions and life stories. Engage with us as we traverse the fascinating narratives behind the staggering 90,000 hours we invest at work, and the 20,000 hours children devote to learning in classrooms.

Grit and resilience stir the air as we weave through the aftermath of the pandemic, and the extraordinary recovery of businesses in 2021 and 2022. We'll shed light on the crucial role office spaces play in manifesting a team's morale, culture and unique personality - and the pivotal shift observed in investing in design. Hear the story of how office spaces evolved amidst the pandemic, with increased participation from founders, owners and directors in the design process - a testament to their newfound respect for time and the significance of nurturing their workspace.

Looking into the future, we envision the evolving needs of different sectors in terms of office space design. Traditional sectors like law firms to creative agencies, each with their unique challenges and aspirations. We explore the impact of remote learning on younger generations and their comfort with remote work. Embrace a thought-provoking discourse on the future of education and workspaces - the rise in self-directed learning and the surreal possibilities the metaverse offers the workspace. Join us on this enlightening exploration of the power and future of spaces.

Love what you're hearing? Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

If you're pondering how to optimize your team's performance and workspace, reach out to one of our workplace strategists at AW Spaces.

This episode is brought to you by Projects, your home for better business. Nestled in the heart of Brighton, with locations in the Lanes and just moments from the Beach, Projects is more than just a space – it's a community. They offer a blend of coworking spaces, dedicated desks, fully serviced offices, meeting areas, event spaces, cafes, bars, and even a gym. And yes, this includes our podcast suite! To experience this unique workspace blend, book a tour or arrange a free trial day via their website. Special Offer: Mention "The Spaces That Shape Us" during booking to avail 25% off on your first podcast suite booking!