Space by Stansons

✨ 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.

This week on Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Dicky Lewis, co-founder of White Red Architects, for a wide-ranging conversation on neurodiversity, pitching, and what it really takes to deliver a major HQ project at the highest level.From being diagnosed with dyslexia at 12 (and finding early inspiration in Richard Branson’s story) to winning and delivering Virgin’s headquarters in Fitzrovia, Dicky breaks down how his brain works, how White Red balances “instigator vs implementer” energy, and why the unglamorous stuff—process, people, honest post-project analysis—matters just as much as the design.They also dig into sustainability in practice (not just slogans): reducing Cat A waste, making small spec decisions that add up, and experimenting with alternative building systems like fabric ducting adapted from swimming pools to cut waste and improve performance.⸻What You’ll LearnHow dyslexia can shape leadership style, creativity, and risk tolerance — and why it’s increasingly common in architectureThe “instigator vs implementer” dynamic inside White Red (and why you need both)What it takes to win a major pitch: rehearsal, storytelling, detail obsession, and team chemistryHow the Virgin HQ opportunity evolved from a small refurb into a full HQ procurement — and what changed in the second pitchThe realities of delivering for a multi-stakeholder brand: sustainability, DEI, operations, and governance all feeding into the briefWhy reputation is everything for a growing practice — and how honest post-project review builds stronger deliveryThe awkward-but-real moments that force you to “step up” (like clients waiting outside a locked studio…)What Dicky learned from meeting Branson — and the handwritten note that became a full-circle career momentPractical sustainability: incremental wins in finishes, furniture circularity, and designing out waste over timeA smart MEP example: why White Red trialled fabric ductwork, how it performs, and what they learnedDicky’s concentration soundtrack: binaural beats, instrumental film music, and the “don’t let me DJ the office Sonos” ruleEpisode HighlightsThis episode is a must-listen for designers, founders, and project teams who want the honest version of practice-building: big wins, messy realities, and the systems that help you grow.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.00:00 Cold open: the origin story behind “White Red” (and the White Stripes influence)07:00 Dyslexia: early diagnosis, stigma, and the Richard Branson inspiration09:25 “Instigator vs implementer”: how the founders balance ideas, delivery, and focus14:19 Virgin HQ begins: how a small refurb turned into a full HQ opportunity (and a re-pitch)16:00 Winning the pitch: what they did differently—storytelling, detail, rehearsal, commitment19:45 Delivery reality check: discoverables, structural issues, and complex stakeholders22:00 Post-project honesty: learning without blame to improve the practice29:37 Meeting Branson: the walkthrough, the “it’s really bright” moment, and the surrealness of it31:21 The handwritten note from Necker Island: full-circle recognition and imposter syndrome35:46 Sustainability in practice: Cat A waste, incremental wins, and the fabric ducting experimentEpisode ResourcesDicky Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicky-lewis/Guy 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!

This week on Space by Stansons Guy Stanley sits down with Warren Bragg, Contracts Manager at Ambit Moat, to dig into the side of projects we don’t talk about enough: the nuts and bolts of delivery.From why “never assume” is the golden rule on site to how document control, health & safety, value engineering, and communication actually make or break a programme, Warren shares what it really takes to deliver projects on time, on budget, and safely — and how designers can help contractors long before site starts.⸻What You’ll LearnWhy bridging the gap between design vision and site delivery starts with earlier collaborationThe “never assume” mindset — and how small assumptions can create big site issuesHow document control portals help teams work from the latest information (and reduce mistakes)What a Contracts Manager actually does day-to-day across multiple live projectsWhy health & safety is the biggest thing keeping delivery teams up at nightPractical value engineering wins — why lighting is often the first big saving, and how to do it smartlyHow to spot cost-saving alternatives in furniture and finishes without compromising design intentWhere sustainability is genuinely viable — and where it becomes a cost/time balancing actHow AI, Matterport scans, and immersive visuals could change decision-making and reduce surprisesThe biggest delivery challenge: communication, expectation management, and getting end users on board earlyHow designers can help projects run smoother by sharing standard details and build-critical info soonerThis episode is a must-listen for anyone designing, managing, or delivering workplace projects — and for teams who want fewer surprises once the programme hits site.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.⸻Episode Highlights00:00 Intro: Bringing the construction “nuts and bolts” into Space by Stansons00:57 Warren’s career journey: from assistant site manager to contracts manager02:33 “Never assume”: why construction needs checkpoints and rigorous process03:31 Document control portals: keeping teams aligned on the latest drawings06:35 What a Contracts Manager does: juggling projects, people, budgets, and programmes08:42 What keeps Warren up at night: health & safety, changing sites, and risk management11:11 Staying organised: diaries, emails to self, and why WhatsApp is underrated14:47 Value engineering hacks: why lighting is often the biggest opportunity16:47 Furniture & finishes: finding alternatives that protect design intent and budget18:02 Sustainability in practice: reuse, repurpose, and when it does (and doesn’t) stack up24:26 What’s changing in construction: robots, AI, Matterport scans, and immersive planning30:18 Biggest delivery challenge: communication, end-user expectations, and disruption planning34:36 How design can help delivery: sharing details early to avoid rework on site38:02 What excites Warren: sustainable products becoming more accessible and affordable39:13 Wrap: bridging design and delivery through better communicationEpisode ResourcesWarren Braggs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warren-braggGuy 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!

We’re diving into colour in this episode of Space by Stansons, as host Guy Stanley brings together designers and industry voices to debate one big question: what colour trends will we see in 2026?From bold predictions like mustard and black cherry to strong opinions on why corporate blue has had its day, this conversation explores how colour influences mood, identity, and experience in the workplace — and why designers are increasingly looking to warmer, richer palettes to shape the offices of the future.What You’ll LearnWhy mustard, black cherry, and deep reds are emerging as standout colour trends for 2026Why many designers are moving away from corporate blue in workplace interiorsHow colour can add calm, warmth, and depth to office environmentsWhy yellow is having a resurgence — and how to use it without overwhelming a spaceHow personal taste, brand identity, and cultural shifts all influence colour decisionsWhy looking back to 70s and 80s palettes is shaping contemporary design thinkingThis episode is a lively, opinion-led discussion on colour, confidence, and creativity — perfect for anyone designing, specifying, or rethinking the modern workplace.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Episode Highlights00:00 What is the colour of 2026? Mustard enters the conversation00:26 Earthy neutrals, sage greens, and evolving colour trends00:45 Black cherry and dark plum tones take centre stage01:04 A strong stance: why terracotta divides opinion01:59 “I’m sick of the corporate blue office” — and why designers are moving on02:19 Burgundy, red wine tones, and creating calm through colour02:39 Browns and yellows: adding joy, warmth, and depth to spaces03:21 Deep reds in the workplace: bold but striking choices04:15 Red oxide, ochres, and the return of retro-inspired palettes05:30 Burnt orange and warm autumnal tones as future-facing coloursEpisode ResourcesAntonia Walmesly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonia-walmsley-590a13b/Paula Rowntree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-rowntree-05318733/Eleanor Penny on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-penny-096058157/Sarah Wakefield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wakefield-405349ba/Ellie Mumford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanor-louise-mumford-344b64136/Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/Dicky Lewis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dicky-lewis/Guy 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!

The conversation on the Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues in the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes winner, Ellie Mumford, Senior Creative at Modus to explore why designers need collaborative partnerships, how to balance aesthetics with acoustic performance and accessibility and the strategies shaping flexible, human-centred workspaces for the hybrid era. From wellness rooms to acoustic-conscious meeting spaces, tune in to discover how the next generation of designers is rethinking office culture and why emotional regulation through thoughtful design matters more than ever. This conversation unpacks the real responsibilities designers carry today.

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley sits down with winners Hannah Carson, Strategist at M Moser Associates and Tia Brooks, Project Designer at Peldon Rose for a riveting discussion on creating emotionally intelligent and supportive workplaces using innovative design practices. With a keen focus on “emotional design”, they explore how emerging design leaders are fundamentally reshaping workplace strategy, culture and the role of physical office spaces in fostering genuine human connection. Tune in for a play-by-play of creating workplaces people actually want to work from, courtesy the young ones!