Space by Stansons

Guy Stanley

Welcome to Space by Stansons. Listen to raw, thought-provoking conversations with key players in the interiors industry, as we challenge conventional thinking towards aesthetics and sustainability. Most importantly our objective is to inspire designers to think holistically, creating spaces where people of today and the future, truly flourish.

  1. Why the Office isn't dead with Jacinta Ashby

    Jun 23

    Why the Office isn't dead with Jacinta Ashby

    ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode of Space by Stansons, Guy meets Jacinta Ashby, Senior Designer at BW Design & Build, to explore the spaces that inspire her most, from a bustling café in Greenwich to the open landscapes of Greenwich Park. Together, they discuss how different environments shape the way we think, feel, focus, and connect.   Jacinta shares why variety has become one of the most important ingredients in workplace design, explaining the growing demand for collaborative lounges, focus spaces, wellness rooms, and environments that encourage movement throughout the day. She reflects on what offices can learn from hospitality, cafés, and nature to create more meaningful experiences for employees.   The conversation also explores the role of wellbeing in design. From acoustics and natural light to biophilic principles and intentional quiet spaces, Jacinta explains how workplaces can support people beyond productivity and help them feel calmer, healthier, and more connected.   Along the way, Jacinta opens up about moving from Australia to London, the importance of spending time in nature, and how designing memorable experiences, not just beautiful spaces, has become central to her philosophy as a designer. She argues that the most successful environments are those that encourage people to be themselves, create meaningful moments, and leave with lasting memories.   A thoughtful conversation about workplace experience, wellbeing, biophilic design, and why the best spaces help people feel something.

    37 min
  2. Caught in Clerkenwell - Part 2

    Jun 9

    Caught in Clerkenwell - Part 2

    ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this special edition of Space by Stansons, Guy heads out into Clerkenwell Design Week to capture the ideas, trends, and conversations shaping the design industry right now. Designers, makers, and exhibitors share what they’re hoping to discover, the products catching their attention, and the changes they’d like to see in the workplace of the future.   A recurring theme throughout the day is the return of boldness. From colourful palettes and statement furniture to innovative materials and standout details, many designers talk about moving beyond safe, neutral schemes in search of something more expressive and inspiring.   The episode also explores how design can create more inclusive experiences. One exhibitor discusses an installation designed around colour vision deficiency, encouraging visitors to experience how different people perceive the same environment and sparking conversations around accessibility and neurodiversity.   Along the way, Guy uncovers perspectives on sustainability, biophilic design, creativity, and the importance of designing spaces that connect people. From paint inspired by ice cream flavours to visions of public buildings transformed by nature, the episode offers a snapshot of the ideas energising the design community today.   A fast-paced tour of Clerkenwell Design Week, packed with fresh thinking, emerging trends, and the people pushing the industry forward.

    11 min
  3. Designing for Emotion, Not Just Efficiency with Vyshali Sardesai

    May 19

    Designing for Emotion, Not Just Efficiency with Vyshali Sardesai

    ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode, Guy joins Vyshali on a journey through King’s Cross to explore where creativity, storytelling, and workplace design collide. Together, they discuss how urban regeneration, sketching, culture, and human behaviour all shape the way modern workplaces are designed. Vyshali shares how drawing on her daily commute helps her slow down, observe people, and spark ideas that feed directly into her design process. As they walk through transformed spaces around King’s Cross, the conversation explores how thoughtful design can completely change the way people feel, connect, and experience a place. The discussion covers the psychology behind workplace design, the importance of creating spaces people genuinely want to spend time in, and why retrofit and regeneration projects are becoming increasingly important in a more sustainable future. They also explore: How creativity and observation influence workplace designWhy urban regeneration is about community, not gentrificationThe role of storytelling in shaping workplace experiencesHow design impacts mood, behaviour, and wellbeingWhy flexible, human-centred workplaces matter more than everThe importance of mentorship, kindness, and collaboration in design teamsHow heritage buildings can be reimagined for modern ways of workingThis episode is a conversation about creativity, culture, and designing spaces that make people feel connected, inspired, and welcome.

    41 min
  4. Not Ready? Do It Anyway with Kathryn O'Callaghan Mills

    May 5

    Not Ready? Do It Anyway with Kathryn O'Callaghan Mills

    ✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨ In this episode, Guy sits down with Kathryn O’Callaghan-Mills, founder of Studio Sevyn, to explore her journey through the design and build industry and what she has learned about leadership, listening, and backing yourself. Kathryn reflects on her path from starting out as a receptionist to rising through the industry, joining leadership teams, and eventually launching her own studio. She shares how hard work, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose shaped her career, alongside a drive to make the journey easier for other women coming into the industry. A key theme throughout the conversation is equality in design and build. Kathryn speaks openly about the lack of female role models at senior level, the importance of true support and mentorship, and why better leadership means creating opportunities for people to grow in ways that work for them. The discussion also explores what makes great design. Kathryn explains why listening is one of the most important skills in the process, arguing that the best outcomes come from understanding the client properly rather than chasing the biggest idea in the room. For her, workplace design is about creating environments that genuinely improve people’s day-to-day wellbeing. Now building Studio Sevyn, Kathryn also shares what it means to step out on her own, grow something from scratch, and create a legacy her daughter can look up to. This is an episode about ambition, leadership, equality, and designing with people in mind.

    37 min

About

Welcome to Space by Stansons. Listen to raw, thought-provoking conversations with key players in the interiors industry, as we challenge conventional thinking towards aesthetics and sustainability. Most importantly our objective is to inspire designers to think holistically, creating spaces where people of today and the future, truly flourish.

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