In the latest episode of the “Space by Stansons” podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Greta, to delve into her experiences, insights, and dreams for the future of the design industry. This captivating conversation touched on a range of topics, from Greta’s early career memories to her current projects and her vision for the ultimate workspace.
Greta’s journey began at Woods Baggot, where she worked on a project that would shape her career – the Warner Music Group HQ. This project, with its exciting brief to “create a cool office,” challenged Greta and her team to push the boundaries of creativity. From sourcing second hand and pre-loved furniture to collaborating with graffiti artists, the team’s resourcefulness and passion shone through, resulting in a truly unique and inspiring workspace.
Greta reflects on the mentorship and camaraderie she experienced during this project, which has profoundly influenced her approach to leading her own team at Woodalls. She emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where designers feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do their best work.
As a design principal, Greta’s role is to serve as a bridge between her talented design team and the clients they work with. She shares insights into the evolving landscape of workplace design, where the focus has shifted from simply creating aesthetically pleasing spaces to designing environments that truly cater to the needs and well-being of the people who occupy them.
Greta highlights the importance of engaging with clients and their teams to understand their aspirations and pain points, rather than relying solely on data and utilization studies. By combining the quantitative and qualitative aspects, Greta and her team are able to craft workspaces that not only look visually stunning but also foster a sense of belonging, collaboration, and productivity.
When asked about her dream project, Greta envisions a workspace that transcends the traditional “office” concept, one that engages all five senses and creates an immersive, experiential environment. She emphasizes the need for spaces that cater to different personalities and work styles, with a focus on supporting mental well-being, creativity, and a sense of community.
Greta’s dream project would seamlessly integrate nature, technology, and personalization, allowing employees to thrive and feel connected to the brand and their colleagues. Importantly, she also stresses the importance of designing for inclusivity, ensuring that the space is accessible and accommodating for individuals with diverse needs and abilities.