Space by Stansons

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨In this episode, Guy sits down with Georgia Jackson, Estimator at Cast Interiors, to explore what really happens behind the scenes of construction projects and what it means to work “in the trenches” of the industry.Georgia shares her journey from growing up on construction sites in Sydney working alongside her dad, to carving out her own path in the industry and unexpectedly finding her place in estimating. What started as a role she once saw as purely numbers-driven quickly became something far more dynamic, creative, and collaborative.The conversation dives into the reality of estimating, breaking down the misconception that it is just spreadsheets and calculations. Georgia explains how the role requires constant communication, relationship-building, and the ability to mentally construct a project before it is ever built on site. From working with supply chains to aligning with design and programme teams, estimating sits at the centre of decision-making.A key theme throughout is communication. Georgia highlights how projects succeed or fail based on transparency, whether that is within teams, with suppliers, or from clients who are not always upfront about budgets and priorities. She also challenges the idea that asking questions is a weakness, arguing instead that it is one of the most important strengths in construction.They also explore:The reality of mistakes in construction and why no tender is ever perfectWhy estimating is more creative than people thinkHow collaboration across teams shapes better project outcomesThe gap between design ambition and cost realityWhat clients can do to stay on budget and avoid reworkThe evolving role of sustainability, reuse, and circular thinking in fit-outsHow AI could support estimating without replacing human judgementThe differences between construction culture in Australia and the UKGeorgia also reflects on the importance of learning through experience, building confidence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and creating a culture where people feel comfortable asking for help and sharing knowledge.This is an episode about the human side of construction, where better communication, curiosity, and collaboration lead to better buildings.

“No one knows everything on site.”Next week’s episode breaks down the real role of an estimator and why asking questions might be the most underrated skill in construction.Stay tuned 👀

✨ Subscribe to Show Notes for more from Space by Stansons at https://www.stansons.co.uk/space ✨In this episode, Guy sits down with Hamza Shaikh, Digital Artist at Gensler, to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI, image generation, and creativity in design alongside the release of his latest book.Hamza shares his journey from architectural drawing and social media to becoming deeply immersed in AI experimentation, explaining how early exposure to tools like Midjourney shaped his thinking and led him to write about agency, authorship, and creative control in an AI-driven world.The conversation dives into the current state of the industry, from the explosion of AI-generated content and “slop” online, to the growing tension around copyright, data ownership, and the ethics of creative work. Hamza also reflects on the limitations of current AI tools, highlighting that while image generation has advanced rapidly, the industry is still far from generating fully realised, data-rich built environments.A key theme throughout is education. Hamza questions whether traditional architectural education is preparing students for the realities of practice, arguing that too much focus is placed on theoretical or utopian design, and not enough on real-world skills like documentation, client understanding, and adaptability.They also explore:The rise and fatigue of social media for creativesWhy AI should be used to amplify creativity, not replace itThe importance of maintaining creative authorship and controlHow understanding legacy tools leads to better use of future technologiesWhy “learning how to learn” is the most important skill in a fast-changing worldThe future impact of AI and robotics on design, construction, and beyondHamza also opens up about his personal relationship with creativity, balancing his role in a global firm with his desire to reconnect with analogue drawing and artistic expression outside of technology.This is an episode about understanding the tools shaping our future and ensuring creatives stay in control as those tools evolve.Episode ResourcesHamza Shaikh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamza-shaikh-design/?originalSubdomain=ukGuy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanleyLearn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk🔗 Useful Links:🎧 Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3JuplSC🎧 Spotify: https://bit.ly/4924osv💬 Comment below your favourite part!