2 DAYS AGO

Rethinking the value of design with Liesl Wherry

In this episode, I’m joined by Liesl Wherry, Creative Lead at Interaction UK. Coming in with a big topic! The value of design. Liesl is an impressive South African born interior architect with 12 years of experience in design. She spent the first 6 years of her career working in the interior department of one of the biggest architecture firms in Africa. Before moving to Bath in the UK in 2018 to work at Interaction. The value of design is a subjective topic, and in our experience, undervalued when it comes to the build process. Together we explored the many elements that we think define value, emphasising the importance of client relationships, understanding project requirements and brief, and the evolving needs of people. We discuss the intricacies and challenges of communicating design value, the subjective nature of design appreciation, and the impact of sustainability and user-centric design in the process.This was a thought provoking episode, and really enjoyed the elements we got stuck into to finish off Season 1 of Design and Build podcast. I hope you enjoy the episode! Episode Highlights 13:19 The Value of Design 25:09 Challenges in Design and Build 26:04 The Journey of Design Implementation 31:11 Convincing Clients of Design Value 40:06 The Evolving Value of Design 43:16 Misconceptions About Design Value 49:13 The Satisfaction of Design and Build Find us online You can find Liesl Wherry online through ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This episode is kindly sponsored by⁠⁠⁠⁠Unilin Flooring⁠⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! Find their brands on LinkedIn⁠⁠IVC Commercial⁠⁠ and⁠⁠Moduleo⁠⁠, or⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at⁠⁠⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

43 min

FEB 5

Problem solving with product design with Phil Hallett

In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Hallett, Design Manager & Product Designer at Orangebox. Throughout the episode, Phil delves into the challenges of material choices, the evolution of workplace furniture to the delicate balance between trends and timelessness, and how ideas evolve from sketches to prototypes and eventually into fully realised products. Sustainability takes centre stage here too, as Phil discusses how it influences material choices, supply chain, product life cycles, and the certification process, and with that, the critical role designers play in building trust with clients to ensure we’re all doing the right thing. Packed with thought-provoking takeaways and practical advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainability, workplace innovation, and the art of design. Plenty of inspiration and practical takeaways for designers, builders, and enthusiasts alike. I hope you enjoy the episode! Episode Highlights 06:30 The Design Process: From Ideas to Prototypes 09:09 Collaboration in Design: Finding the Best Ideas 11:51 Tools and Technology in Modern Design 14:24 Sustainability in Design: A Core Consideration 19:19 The Evolution of Workplace Furniture 22:06 Navigating Sustainability Certifications 22:51 The Future of Workplace Design 28:09 Gathering Client Feedback for Product Development 31:26 Balancing Trends and 'Timeless' products 35:29 Customisation: Finding the Right Balance 37:02 Sustainability and Material Choices in Design 40:38 The Designer's Role in Creating Functional Spaces 46:31 Evolving Design Philosophy Over Time Find us online You can find Phil Hallett online via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Orangebox ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠Unilin Flooring⁠⁠⁠. Thank you! Find their brands on LinkedIn ⁠IVC Commercial⁠ and ⁠Moduleo⁠, or ⁠Instagram⁠. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at ⁠⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠

50 min

JAN 22

The art of retail design and visual merchandising with Verity Gray

In this conversation, I am joined by Verity Gray, a retail designer and visual merchandiser with over 20 years experience. She has worked with big retail brands including IKEA, Wilko, and JoJo Maman Bébé. And as the Head of Visual Merchandising for Flying Tiger (UK), where she guided and managed 44 stores and the successful opening of 14 pop-up stores. Together we discuss the evolution of retail design, the importance of customer experience, and the role of data in shaping effective retail environments. Highlighting how successful retailers adapt to changing customer needs. Verity also talks us through her process, and how she designs retail spaces that align with the daily needs of the business whilst creating environments that customers want to explore, connect with, and return to. Verity was lovely to chat to, and it was a great deep dive into retail design. I hope you enjoy the episode! Episode Highlights 01:28 Introduction to Verity's Background 06:41 The Varied Nature of Freelance Work in Retail Design 12:13 Data-Driven Insights for Retail Design 16:08 Creating Emotional Connections in Retail Spaces 21:28 Conclusion and Future of Retail Design 26:34 Collaborative Project Management 32:20 Flexibility in Retail Design 36:04 Creativity Within Limitations 40:15 Creating Memorable Retail Experiences Find us online You can find Verity Gray online via ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, Instagram⁠, and her ⁠website⁠. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠⁠Unilin Flooring⁠⁠. Thank you! Find their brands on LinkedIn IVC Commercial and Moduleo, or Instagram. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠

48 min

12/11/2024

The relationship between architecture and interior design with Kenton Simons

In this conversation, I am joined by Kenton Simons, Bristol based Interior Designer and Architectural Photographer. Kenton shares his unique journey as both a designer and photographer, and discusses the intersection of architecture and interior design, coming from his career in an architecture practice for many years. We discuss his transition from corporate architecture to freelancing, the tools and techniques he employs in his design process, the importance of client relationships, and how his background in design shapes his approach to photography. Kenton has worked in design for over 25 years, in many sectors, and made the leap into self-employment 10 years ago. Since then he has worked with clients from small start-up businesses to blue-chip companies and institutions such as EY, Amtico, UCL and SOAS University of London. I enjoyed the topics we covered in this one, and I hope you do too! Episode Highlights 06:14 The Balance of Architecture and Interior Design11:28 Client Relationships and Managing Expectations14:11 Sustainability in Design21:56 Transitioning from Corporate to Freelance27:36 The Challenges of Going Solo31:36 Understanding Your Limits41:04 The Role of Tools and AI in Design50:56 Favourite thing about the D&B Industry Find us online You can find Kenton Simons online via ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, his Photography Instagram, his photography website, and personal projects Instagram. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

55 min

11/27/2024

Neurodiversity and the workplace with Claire Williams

In this conversation, Claire Williams, Group Creative Director at Ocee and Four Design, we discuss the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace. She shares her journey into understanding neurodiversity, the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals, and the mental health impacts associated with these challenges. Highlighting the need for inclusive work environments that cater to diverse sensory needs and the role of employers in fostering a supportive culture. She advocates for thoughtful design in workspaces to accommodate various needs and highlights the economic benefits of embracing neurodiversity. Claire is responsible for marketing and creative content at Ocee & Four Design, working with a talented team across the UK and Denmark. Working mainly in the UK, but regularly at their Danish Head Office in Odense and showrooms in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Dusseldorf and of course their showroom in Clerkenwell. As part of her role as Group Creative Director, she visits architects, furniture specifiers, HR and facilities teams and business owners talking about everything from design, the benefits of a hygge approach to life and most importantly neurodiversity and inclusion. Having personal experience with Neurodiversity Claire is a firm advocate for awareness and understanding of Neurodiversity not only to ensure barriers to inclusion are not because of the built environment but also the benefits of a workforce that embraces and supports everyone. I loved this chat with Claire, and I hope you do too! Episode Highlights 03:59 Understanding Neurodiversity: Definitions and Conditions 06:29 Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals in the Workplace 08:12 The Impact of Mental Health on Work and Society 11:54 Creating Inclusive Work Environments: Strategies for Employers 14:28 Designing Physical Spaces for Neurodiversity 17:17 The Importance of Sensory Considerations in Design 19:01 The Role of Communication and Culture in the Workplace 22:34 The Power of Storytelling in Understanding Neurodiversity 24:47 Embracing Diversity for Better Outcomes 27:19 The Future of Work: Balancing Remote and In-Office Dynamics 30:16 Celebrating Differences in the Workplace Find us online You can find Claire Williams online via ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. And you can find her at ⁠Ocee and Four Design. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

58 min

11/13/2024

Designing workplace from the outside in with strategist Kursty Groves

In this episode, I'm joined by Kursty Groves. The founder and CEO of Shape Work Life, a consultancy that helps workplace leaders reimagine the future of work and create spaces that nurture connected cultures. With over 25 years of experience in innovation consulting, design, and capability development, Kursty has collaborated with global brands such as Google, LEGO, IKEA, and McLaren. She is the author of three books, including Workspace Made Easy, and has taught postgraduate courses on workplace strategy at IE University in Madrid since 2014. In our conversation, we discussed Kursty's approach to workplace strategy, understanding client needs and it's crucial for effective workplace design. We also spoke about engaging clients in the process, the psychology of asking why to get to the true source of design problems to create lasting impactful changes and all things workplace and office design. Kursty is a joy to chat to - hope you enjoy the listen! Episode highlights 1:50 Introduction to Kursty's Journey in Workplace Strategy 07:21 The Impact of Technology on Workplace Strategy 11:37 Navigating the Design and Build Industry 20:16 Common Challenges in Client Engagement 28:66 Identifying Client Needs and Problem Solving 32:03 The Importance of Asking 'Why' in Design 38:01 Understanding the Broader Context of Design Challenges 45:10 Navigating Return to Office Mandates 50:30 Future-Proofing Design and Workspaces Find us online You can find Kursty online on her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, and you can find her Workplace Strategy Sprints, Office Chronicles Podcast via the links. Her latest book - Workspace Made Easy website or LinkedIn. If you’d like to connect with me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠. I would love to connect with you. This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠⁠Ocee & Four Design. Thank you! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating/review and share with a friend who might enjoy! And of course, subscribe to keep up with the upcoming episodes. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines. You can find out more at ⁠⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠⁠.

58 min

10/30/2024

Running a studio solo and social media growth with architect Ross Hartland

In this episode, I’m joined by Ross Hartland. A solo architect and the founder of Initiate, a Bridgend-based practice, in South Wales. Collaborating with homeowners, charities, developers, and local authorities to bring new life, light, and joy to old buildings. By sharing his journey online, Initiate has cultivated an impressive Instagram following of over 140k, creating a platform to connect with fellow designers, market services, and diversify revenue streams. Despite being a one-person studio, Initiate ranked in the Top 10 of Beedier’s league of the most popular UK architecture practices on social media and won Archiboo's Best Use of Social Media Award in 2024. In this conversation, we dive into Ross’s background, he shares his journey, detailing his transition from working in a corporate architecture firm to starting his own practice. We discuss his passion for heritage buildings and adaptive reuse, and the challenges he faces. Together we discuss and emphasise the importance of marketing, community engagement, and maintaining a work-life balance while navigating client relationships. Reflecting on the realities of running a business and the significance of social media in building connections and generating leads. This was a great chat - hope you enjoy! Episode highlights 12:19 Interest in Historic Buildings and Adaptive Reuse 17:07 Starting a Solo Architecture Practice 20:29 Challenges of Winning Clients 26:00 Social Media and Networking 29:29 Conclusion and Takeaways 29:55 Creating Value Beyond Architecture 37:02 Balancing Time and Prioritizing Creative Tasks 43:45 Diversifying Revenue Streams 48:18 Understanding the Financial Aspects of Running a Business Find us online You can find Ross Hartland online via his ⁠website⁠⁠, YouTube, TikTok, and ⁠Instagram⁠. And his online store with super helpful assets for designers and architects here. If you’d like to connect with me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. I would love to connect with you. This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠Orangebox⁠. Thank you! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating/review and share with a friend who might enjoy! And of course, subscribe to keep up with the upcoming episodes. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

51 min

10/15/2024

Menopause, a workplace taboo effecting everyone with Kate Usher

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Usher. An experienced Menopause Coach and Workplace Consultant specialising in working with organisations that want to take a proactive approach in supporting their people with and through menopause. Join us as we explore the implications of menopause in the workplace. Highlighting the lack of awareness and support for women experiencing menopause, the stigma, and the need for organisations to create supportive environments. Kate emphasises the importance of including men in the conversation and the business case for supporting menopausal employees. We also discuss practical design considerations for creating menopause-friendly work spaces and the necessity of open conversations about women's health issues - which benefit everyone! Kate lives in London but works with businesses across the UK, Europe and North America. Working with businesses that recognise and value the benefits women bring alongside the need to recruit, invest in and retain brilliant employees. This was a super insightful episode, I hope you enjoy! Episode Highlights 01:30 Introduction to Menopause and Its Impact 06:38 Understanding Menopause: Myths and Realities 10:36 Workplace Stigma and Menopause 14:33 Creating Supportive Work Environments 17:07 The Business Case for Menopause Support 22:45 Designing Menopause-Friendly Workspaces 28:43 Leading Organisations in Menopause Support 43:40 Key Takeaways and Future Directions Find us online You can find Kate Usher online via her ⁠website⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, YouTube, TikTok, X and ⁠Instagram⁠. If you’d like to connect with me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. I would love to connect with you. This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠Orangebox⁠. Thank you! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating/review and share with a friend who might enjoy! And of course, subscribe to keep up with the upcoming episodes. This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

51 min

10/01/2024

Sustainability, do we know enough and are we helping with Nile Pilcher

In this episode, I chat with Nile Pilcher in depth about sustainability, how we're making positive changes, and if we're doing the right thing as a collective in the Design & Build industry. We chat about the need for transparency and accountability in product specification, significance of the end-of-life phase. Highlighting the need for manufacturers, specifiers, and contractors to work together to ensure sustainable practices. Nile has been in the flooring industry for 10+ years, and works for the flooring manufacturer Marlings Ltd. (The first 10 minutes of our conversation we spend running through the key terminology for this who want and need it - I know I needed it!) Hope you enjoy the episode! Episode Highlights 04:14 The Role of Life Cycle Assessments and EPD’s 06:40 Defining Key Terms: Embodied Carbon, Carbon Neutral, and Carbon Negative 09:29 The Need for Government Intervention in Sustainability Assessments 23:40 Understanding the Three Phases of a Product's Life cycle 31:57 Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Sustainable Practices 41:11 Making Sustainable Options Accessible at Different Price Points 51:31 Understanding the Life Cycle of Products 54:32 Take-Back Schemes and Recycling 57:16 Prioritising Reuse in the Flooring Industry Find us online You can find Nile Pilcher online via ⁠LinkedIn⁠. And you can find him at Marlings Ltd. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. I would love to connect with you. This episode is kindly sponsored by ⁠Orangebox⁠. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at ⁠www.mizziharris.com⁠.

1h 7m

09/17/2024

Immersive interior design and customer journeys with Lauren Roberts

In this episode, I'm joined by Lauren Roberts. With a career in hotel design (the ultimate hospitality experience) we explore the importance of customer journey, creating immersive experiences, aligning interior design and brand narrative with business goals and target audiences, all of which is paramount to Lauren’s design approach. Lauren is an experienced hospitality and retail interior designer based in Berkshire, and runs her design studio, Studio Flux (formerly LR Interiors). Hope you enjoy the episode! Episode Highlights 03:30 Transitioning from Construction to Design 06:33 Understanding Immersive Interior Design 09:25 Managing Client Expectations 13:21 Involving Staff in the Design Process 18:03 Weaving Brand Narrative into physical space 26:16 Attracting the Local Community for Long-Term Success 42:20 Hospitality struggles post pandemic Find us online You can find Lauren Roberts online via her website, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can find me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, on LinkedIn and Instagram. I would love to connect with you. This episode is kindly sponsored by Orangebox. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5* rating and review, and share with a friend to enjoy! This podcast is lovingly recorded and produced by Becca Mizzi-Harris at Stiwdio Mizzi-Harris Ltd. Becca is a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales. Helping dozens of busy designers and design teams grow and smash deadlines with her flexible freelance services. You can find out more at www.mizziharris.com.

49 min

SEASON 1 TRAILER

Design and Build Trailer

Design and Build, a podcast for all things commercial interior design and architecture. This is the trailer! Whether you've been in the design and build industry a long time, a short time, a student or simply passionate about the built environment; this podcast is for you! I'm your host, Becca Mizzi-Harris, a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales UK. In each episode with the help of my hand picked guests and their speciality knowledge, we'll have friendly and honest conversations, exploring topics such as; design processes, methods and practices, collaboration, sustainability, inclusivity... All design and build topics big and small. So, join me as I talk to some amazing guests about topics that are shaping and effecting our day to day work and life with the Design and Build podcast. First episode of Season 1 coming September 2024. If you’d like to connect with me, your host Becca Mizzi-Harris, you can find me on LinkedIn and Instagram. I would love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out and ask questions, suggest topics or guests. Would love to make this podcast as helpful and insightful as possible for all of us in the Design and Build industry! Fire away. You can find out more about me and my freelance interior design services for designers and businesses at www.mizziharris.com.

1 min

Design and Build

Episodes

Rethinking the value of design with Liesl Wherry

Problem solving with product design with Phil Hallett

The art of retail design and visual merchandising with Verity Gray

The relationship between architecture and interior design with Kenton Simons

Neurodiversity and the workplace with Claire Williams

Designing workplace from the outside in with strategist Kursty Groves

Running a studio solo and social media growth with architect Ross Hartland

Menopause, a workplace taboo effecting everyone with Kate Usher

Sustainability, do we know enough and are we helping with Nile Pilcher

Immersive interior design and customer journeys with Lauren Roberts

Design and Build Trailer

Trailer

Design and Build Trailer

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