EP 405 | It’s All About the Toilet: How Thoughtful Design Shapes Experience with Sara Robinson

A thoughtfully designed space does more than look good—it can support calm, clarity, and even healing. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Sara Robinson, who shares a deeply personal story of how her own breast cancer diagnosis transformed the way she thinks about design. Sara explains how even the most overlooked spaces—yes, including toilets—play a critical role in the human experience. Drawing from healthcare design, lean principles, and post-occupancy evaluation, this conversation explores how balancing efficiency with emotion creates environments where people function better, feel safer, and heal more effectively. For interior designers, the challenge isn’t choosing a style—it’s creating balance. This episode offers a powerful reminder that great design supports both movement and meaning, regardless of aesthetic. What you’ll learn in this episode: - How Motion + Emotion = Experience shapes trust, calm, and efficiency - Why balanced environments support better healing and well-being - How lean principles eliminate waste and improve functionality - How thoughtful design supports both efficiency and the human experience - Why reframing “mundane” spaces leads to better outcomes - How post-occupancy evaluation and feedback strengthen future designs Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com