Space by Stansons

🤞🏻How do we adapt the design to actually make the concept still look like what the client signed up for

♻️What do you think Sustainability it will look like in five years?

We chatted to Kayleigh, discussing all things design and construction challenges with a focus on accessibility and adaptability. Kayleigh is the Head of Design at Ambit Moat, a company known for its innovative approach to workplace design. In her role, Kayleigh focuses on creating environments that enhance well-being, productivity, and sustainability. Her work integrates principles such as ergonomics, biophilic design, and the strategic use of color to influence mood and mental state positively. Kayleigh is an active participant in industry events and discussions. Her insights emphasize the importance of sustainable design and the integration of advanced technologies to create efficient, health-oriented workplaces​. Ambit Moat's projects under Kayleigh's leadership often highlight the use of sustainable materials and ethical production practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact while promoting a healthy work environment​.

🏢 What goes wrong in office design the most?

🗣️What type of talent do you want to attract?

We chatted to Bex, discussing a shared vision for happy, healthy workplaces this episode is sure going to be exciting as we both pick out what that means for each other. Bex is here with tonnes of exposure from holding top leadership roles in the corporate world including Regus and Nike. Now the founder of Invigorate Spaces Bex is working with an impressive portfolio including JLL, Barclays, Westfield Health as a consultant to breathe life into the corporate world, through careful curation of workplace culture, environment and experiences.

🧑🏻‍🎓What advice would you give to students or people exploring career options who want to pursue a creative career? 🏢How has your experience working in different sectors and company sizes influenced your approach to design? Matthew Constantinou is the founder of ORCA Studios, a boutique creative studio based in London. He has over 13 years experience in interior design. Matthew studied interior design at the University of Kent and graduated in 2010. He started his career at Superior Interiors, gaining experience in workplace design. Matthew then worked for several large firms such as Tetris-Bluu and Thirdway, gaining exposure to larger projects. In 2023, Matthew founded ORCA Studios to continue pursuing creative projects in various sectors whilst nurturing a positive work culture. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his diverse career journey in both small and large design firms.

🫂 How should people feel when in a space?

🏢 What are the typical challenges when designing a space?

We chatted to Etain Neary, One of the founders of Cast Interiors.

Cast was established in 2020 by founders Zoe Moss, Etain Neary and Steve Gayle. The trio had a shared philosophy and vision to create a business which would ‘rise above’ our soon to be peers, by taking a special approach to delivering office fit out. From day one, our 3 founding principles were established and a shared promise to uphold these wherever the journey ahead may lead!By March 2023, despite a global pandemic, Cast had grown from the 3 original founders into 4 distinct businesses within a group structure turning over almost £36m across the group in our 2022-23 financial year.

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Monika Passey, Design and Strategy Director at Oktra, a leading workplace design and build company dedicated to crafting exceptional spaces that empower people to thrive. Monika shares her journey from architecture to workplace design, discusses her groundbreaking projects, and explains the importance of aligning workplace strategy with business goals. She also highlights how Oktra’s new Evolve team integrates real estate and workplace strategy to deliver transformational client outcomes. Monika’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the transformative power of aligning design and strategy to create meaningful impact.Monika Passey is a distinguished architect and workplace strategist with over a decade of experience in transforming spaces to inspire productivity and collaboration. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Chandigarh College of Architecture and an MSc in Sustainable Environmental Design from the AA School of Architecture in London. Her career spans roles at Spacelab and Capita P&W Consulting before joining Oktra, where she has led award-winning projects such as the PortSokin transformation, one of the largest design-and-build projects in the UK, and a recent endeavour to design a workspace that reflects a company’s vibrant culture and fosters collaboration post-COVID. Passionate about aligning workplace strategy with business goals, Monika emphasises the importance of understanding client needs, working at the intersection of personality and design, and catering to diverse work styles. As the leader of Oktra's Evolve team, she integrates real estate and workplace strategies to deliver transformational outcomes for clients. Her dedication to sustainability, innovation, and impactful design has earned her the 'Best Woman in Architecture' award at the 2021 Women in Construction & Engineering Awards.
Episode Highlights

• [00:00] Intro
• [00:03:50] Monika’s Career Journey: From Architecture to Workplace Design
• [00:10:06] PortSokin: Balancing Architecture and Workplace Strategy
• [00:22:33] Designing with Energy: Addressing Client Challenges Post-COVID
• [00:31:28] Integrating Personality into Workplace Design
• [00:39:16] Adapting Spaces for Generational and Cultural Diversity
• [00:46:00] Monika’s Aspirations: Passion, Purpose, and Future Impact