28
Feb
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Not just a pretty space: A breakfast panel discussion.
Not Just a Pretty Space – in conversation with MCM
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
The conversation started with a mix of hellos and Valentine’s Day wishes, then smoothly transitioned into the exciting topic of workplace design. Tracy, Emily, and Deepak took center stage, sharing their backgrounds and perspectives on the evolving nature of their industry. Deepak highlighted the shift in client expectations, emphasizing the importance of deeper engagement and alignment with brand values. Emily chimed in, discussing the increasing complexity of workplace strategy and the need for perpetual feedback loops to adapt to changing needs. They delved into the potential role of AI in data gathering and analysis, while stressing the importance of maintaining a human touch in the design process. Storytelling emerged as a powerful tool for conveying the impact of design choices and fostering a sense of ownership among employees. On a reflective note, Emily shared insights from her counselling training and emphasized the value of listening deeply to uncover underlying needs and aspirations.
Continuing the engaging discussion, focusing on the importance of understanding cultural dynamics in workplace design. Emily highlighted the need to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also cater to the diverse needs and preferences of employees. Deepak emphasized that culture is a driving force in design, emphasizing the need to align physical spaces with organizational values and employee behaviours. They discussed the pitfalls of trying to use design to fix underlying cultural issues, noting that a successful space can only thrive when it complements and enhances existing positive cultural attributes. Overall, the conversation underscored the intricate relationship between design and culture, highlighting the importance of thoughtful, holistic approaches to workplace design.
The conversation delved further into the complexities of sustainable building materials and the challenges of relying on global supply chains. While there’s a growing movement towards utilizing local materials and biomimicry principles, systemic changes and regulations are necessary to accelerate this shift. The discussion highlighted the importance of involving employees in the design process to create spaces that meet their needs and foster a sense of belonging and ownership. This requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration, moving beyond traditional surveys to more meaningful interactions. The exchange underscored the power of storytelling and facilitated conversations in driving cultural change within organizations. Through shared experiences and open communication, teams can overcome challenges and work together more effectively, ultimately contributing to the success of workplace design initiatives.
In a nutshell, the conversation revolved around the evolving role of designers, emphasizing the importance of facilitation skills and deep listening. There was a reflection on how design can sometimes become a checklist of trendy features rather than a thoughtful process tailored to specific needs. The analogy of baking a cake was used to illustrate the importance of understanding the end goal before adding ingredients. The discussion expanded to encompass broader considerations such as the changing nature of work, hybrid models, and the potential shift towards a four-day workweek. There were insights into the challenges of managing teams and the potential transformation of traditional management roles. Sustainability was also touched upon, highlighting the need to balance environmental concerns with human-centric design approaches. Overall, the conversation ended on an optimistic note, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and fostering positive dialogue within the design community.
