Space by Stansons

Welcome to our panel discussion on Neurodiversity in the Workplace. On the panel we welcome - Luke Ward, Experience Strategist at Gensler Megan Dobstaff, Design Director at Gensler Michelle Heath, Associate Director at TP Bennett Wesley Bradshaw, Product Creative at Stansons. Our objective is to empower and enable workplace strategists to lead change in the creation of inclusive spaces that unlocks everybody’s full potential. We gathered Stansons showroom in Clerkenwell to explore the importance of embracing neurodiversity in corporate environments and how organizations can create inclusive spaces that support the unique needs of all employees. From accommodating sensory sensitivities to fostering flexible work arrangements, we'll delve into practical strategies for promoting neurodiversity acceptance and empowerment. Our esteemed panelists, experts in the fields of design and advocacy, share their insights, experiences, and best practices for building workplaces that celebrate neurodivergent individuals. Join us as we navigate the journey towards greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity in the modern workplace.

We chatted with Typhaine Raoult, with 8 years of experienced in the fast changing world of workplace design. Typhaine has a lot to offer to the conversation. Being responsible for design coordination and selecting and specification interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. She shares intelligence around her passion for delivering great-looking, well-thought-out interiors. Whilst being at DENTON, Typhaine has worked on the majority of the pivotal jobs that have come through the door and has quickly gained the experience and respect required to work amongst the senior members of the team.

📌 When looking for a location, what's important to consider? 📃 Are EPD's necessary? We chatted to Typhaine from Denton, Design Director as one of the leading design and fit out companies in London. With 8 years of experienced in the fast changing world of workplace design Typhaine has a lot to offer to the conversation Being responsible for design coordination and selecting and specification interior finishes, fixtures, and furnishings. She shares intelligence around her passion for delivering great-looking, well-thought-out interiors.

We chatted with Enrique Soler who holds almost 20 years of experience in the architecture world and is currently Head of Design for billion pound design and fit out contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors. The UK’s highest ranked contractor in the FT’s Diversity Leaders list for 2 years. One of only 6 companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility. The company also have some pretty impressive goals it is set to achieve. Including; · Becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030 · Net Zero on all buildings delivered after this date. · Gender parity across all levels of the workforce by 2030.

♻️How do you define sustainability, when everyone is saying this is sustainable? 👃Can we use all our five senses in workspace design? We chatted with Enrique Soler who holds almost 20 years of experience in the architecture world and is currently Head of Design for billion pound design and fit out contractor, Willmott Dixon Interiors. Leading the design and creative direction for the UK’s highest ranked contractor in the FT’s Diversity Leaders list for 2 years. One of only 6 companies to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise in the promoting opportunity through social mobility. The company also have some pretty impressive goals, they are set to achieve. Including; Becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030 Net Zero on all buildings delivered after this date. Gender parity across all levels of the workforce by 2030.

We chatted to Angelia Liard, Creative Director at Area. She has over 25 years of experience in workplace consultancy and design across the UK, Europe, and the US. Angelia has worked on extensive projects with leading brands such as JP Morgan, BP, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. The transition from Sheppard Robson to Area marked a shift from traditional consultancy to a more fast-paced, collaborative approach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and reasons for seeking workspace solutions, especially in light of changing perceptions post-COVID. Angelia believes that the office serves as a hub for collaboration and coming together, facilitating efficient problem-solving and idea generation. She stresses the role of both physical collaboration and technology in supporting modern work practices, highlighting the office as a destination for business activities and networking.

🏢 What is the office for? 👩‍💻Why exactly do companies want to bring people back to the office? Angelia Liard, Creative Director at Area has an impressive 25+ years of experience in both workplace consultancy and design across UK and Europe. This has seen Angelia instrumental in the space planning and office design on numerous, extensive projects. She has worked on extensive projects with leading brands such as JP Morgan, BP, and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Angela's transition from Sheppard Robson to area marked a shift from traditional consultancy to a more fast-paced, collaborative approach. She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client's unique needs and reasons for seeking workspace solutions, especially in light of changing perceptions post-COVID. Angela believes that the office serves as a hub for collaboration and coming together, facilitating efficient problem-solving and idea generation. She stresses the role of both physical collaboration and technology in supporting modern work practices, highlighting the office as a destination for business activities and networking.

A discussion between our inspirational panel; Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM Tracy Drury, Product Creative at Stansons Wesley Bradshaw, Product Creative at Stansons 👀 Why its important to have a clear vision and understand what you want to achieve before designing a space, rather than simply adding various elements that may not be necessary. 🗣️ Are ongoing dialogues and collaboration with clients, rather than relying solely on surveys and quick consultations important? Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM. Deepak’s outstanding career, launched from his BA Honors in Interior Design at Kingston University, then rapidly progressing into leadership roles at Claridge Architects, Morey Smith and Edge. The past 8 years has seen Deepak in the honourable position of Design Director for the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM, Prior to entering the world of workplace design, Emily graduated from Northumbria University achieving Master of Architecture, Distinction in Architecture and a BA Honors 2:1 in Architecture. Entering IA Interior Architects as a junior designer, to becoming an associate and working on projects across EMEA, all within 4 short years. Emily then moved over as a senior workplace consultant at the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Here Emily has been focusing on client workplace strategy, spanning across tech giants, legal and financial through to public authority sectors.

🤖 How do we to combine human and AI capabilities to unlock the full potential of AI in workplace design? 📖 Why must designers must incorporate storytelling into their work to effectively communicate? Deepak Parmar, Design Director at MCM. Deepak’s outstanding career, launched from his BA Honors in Interior Design at Kingston University, then rapidly progressing into leadership roles at Claridge Architects, Morey Smith and Edge. The past 8 years has seen Deepak in the honourable position of Design Director for the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Emily Fiddes, Associate at MCM, Prior to entering the world of workplace design, Emily graduated from Northumbria University achieving Master of Architecture, Distinction in Architecture and a BA Honors 2:1 in Architecture. Entering IA Interior Architects as a junior designer, to becoming an associate and working on projects across EMEA, all within 4 short years. Emily then moved over as a senior workplace consultant at the award-winning, global practice, MCM Architecture. Here Emily has been focusing on client workplace strategy, spanning across tech giants, legal and financial through to public authority sectors.

We chatted to Sarah Wakefield, Creative Director at JOLIE. Previously, Senior Interior Designer at the world-renowned hotel and private members' club, Soho House. Working on award winning projects, including The Ned in Doha and Soho House in Manchester whilst establishing the first Soho Works in UK and being part of the team to establish the concept in the US. Now leading the design team at JOLIE she delivers longevity to space design by paying special attention to the invisible aesthetic, creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences. After she joined Jolie in 2022 and built out their Manchester team and set up the London studio, JOLIE then went on to win Design Practice of the Year, Mixology North, award.

☕ Why were coffee shops bustling, while offices were quiet? 👃 How is scent so important to successful interior design? Sarah Wakefield is Creative Director At Jolie. Previously, Senior Interior Designer at the world-renowned hotel and private members' club, Soho House. Working on award winning projects, including The Ned in Doha and Soho House in Manchester whilst establishing the first Soho Works in UK and being part of the team to establish the concept in the US. Now leading the design team at JOLIE she delivers longevity to space design by paying special attention to the invisible aesthetic, creating immersive, multi-sensory experiences. After she joined Jolie in 2022 and built out their Manchester team and set up the London studio, JOLIE then went on to win Design Practice of the Year, Mixology North, award.

Welcome to Not Just A Pretty Space! We’re real humans, driven by a heartfelt passion for people. We'll be sharing the raw conversations we have with key influences, from our live broadcasts and panel discussions.