Shows
Building your BrandDesigning Spaces That Reflect Your Brand with Becca Mizzi-Harris Have you ever considered how your desk affects your productivity? Or if the background of your Zoom chats could be tweaked to reflect your brand? In this episode I chat with interior designer and podcast host Becca Mizzi-Harris about the impact physical spaces have on people's perceptions of a brand. We explore how to create spaces that truly reflect a brand's values and intentions and Becca provides really helpful tips about how brands can use using design elements like colour, furniture, and layout to evoke specific feelings and enhance brand identity. I'm already excited to ha...2025-04-1634 min
Design and BuildRethinking the value of design with Liesl WherryIn this episode, I’m joined by Liesl Wherry, Creative Lead at Interaction UK. Coming in with a big topic! The value of design.Liesl is an impressive South African born interior architect with 12 years of experience in design. She spent the first 6 years of her career working in the interior department of one of the biggest architecture firms in Africa. Before moving to Bath in the UK in 2018 to work at Interaction.The value of design is a subjective topic, and in our experience, undervalued when it comes to the build process. Together we ex...2025-02-1943 min
Design and BuildProblem solving with product design with Phil HallettIn this episode, I’m joined by Phil Hallett, Design Manager & Product Designer at Orangebox. Throughout the episode, Phil delves into the challenges of material choices, the evolution of workplace furniture to the delicate balance between trends and timelessness, and how ideas evolve from sketches to prototypes and eventually into fully realised products.
Sustainability takes centre stage here too, as Phil discusses how it influences material choices, supply chain, product life cycles, and the certification process, and with that, the critical role designers play in building trust with clients to ensure we’re all doing the right thin...2025-02-0549 min
Design and BuildThe art of retail design and visual merchandising with Verity GrayIn this conversation, I am joined by Verity Gray, a retail designer and visual merchandiser with over 20 years experience.She has worked with big retail brands including IKEA, Wilko, and JoJo Maman Bébé. And as the Head of Visual Merchandising for Flying Tiger (UK), where she guided and managed 44 stores and the successful opening of 14 pop-up stores. Together we discuss the evolution of retail design, the importance of customer experience, and the role of data in shaping effective retail environments. Highlighting how successful retailers adapt to changing customer needs.Verity also talks us...2025-01-2248 min
Design and BuildThe relationship between architecture and interior design with Kenton SimonsIn this conversation, I am joined by Kenton Simons, Bristol based Interior Designer and Architectural Photographer.
Kenton shares his unique journey as both a designer and photographer, and discusses the intersection of architecture and interior design, coming from his career in an architecture practice for many years.
We discuss his transition from corporate architecture to freelancing, the tools and techniques he employs in his design process, the importance of client relationships, and how his background in design shapes his approach to photography.
Kenton has worked in design for over 25 years, in many sectors, a...2024-12-1154 min
Design and BuildNeurodiversity and the workplace with Claire WilliamsIn this conversation, Claire Williams, Group Creative Director at Ocee and Four Design, we discuss the importance of neurodiversity in the workplace. She shares her journey into understanding neurodiversity, the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals, and the mental health impacts associated with these challenges.
Highlighting the need for inclusive work environments that cater to diverse sensory needs and the role of employers in fostering a supportive culture. She advocates for thoughtful design in workspaces to accommodate various needs and highlights the economic benefits of embracing neurodiversity.
Claire is responsible for marketing and creative content at...2024-11-2758 min
Design and BuildDesigning workplace from the outside in with strategist Kursty GrovesIn this episode, I'm joined by Kursty Groves. The founder and CEO of Shape Work Life, a consultancy that helps workplace leaders reimagine the future of work and create spaces that nurture connected cultures.
With over 25 years of experience in innovation consulting, design, and capability development, Kursty has collaborated with global brands such as Google, LEGO, IKEA, and McLaren. She is the author of three books, including Workspace Made Easy, and has taught postgraduate courses on workplace strategy at IE University in Madrid since 2014.
In our conversation, we discussed Kursty's approach to workplace strategy, understanding c...2024-11-1357 min
Design and BuildRunning a studio solo and social media growth with architect Ross HartlandIn this episode, I’m joined by Ross Hartland. A solo architect and the founder of Initiate, a Bridgend-based practice, in South Wales. Collaborating with homeowners, charities, developers, and local authorities to bring new life, light, and joy to old buildings.
By sharing his journey online, Initiate has cultivated an impressive Instagram following of over 140k, creating a platform to connect with fellow designers, market services, and diversify revenue streams.
Despite being a one-person studio, Initiate ranked in the Top 10 of Beedier’s league of the most popular UK architecture practices on social media and won...2024-10-3051 min
Design and BuildMenopause, a workplace taboo effecting everyone with Kate UsherIn this episode, I’m joined by Kate Usher. An experienced Menopause Coach and Workplace Consultant specialising in working with organisations that want to take a proactive approach in supporting their people with and through menopause.
Join us as we explore the implications of menopause in the workplace. Highlighting the lack of awareness and support for women experiencing menopause, the stigma, and the need for organisations to create supportive environments. Kate emphasises the importance of including men in the conversation and the business case for supporting menopausal employees. We also discuss practical design considerations for creating menopause-friendly wo...2024-10-1651 min
Design and BuildSustainability, do we know enough and are we helping with Nile PilcherIn this episode, I chat with Nile Pilcher in depth about sustainability, how we're making positive changes, and if we're doing the right thing as a collective in the Design & Build industry.
We chat about the need for transparency and accountability in product specification, significance of the end-of-life phase. Highlighting the need for manufacturers, specifiers, and contractors to work together to ensure sustainable practices.
Nile has been in the flooring industry for 10+ years, and works for the flooring manufacturer Marlings Ltd.
(The first 10 minutes of our conversation we spend running through the key...2024-10-021h 07
Design and BuildImmersive interior design and customer journeys with Lauren RobertsIn this episode, I'm joined by Lauren Roberts. With a career in hotel design (the ultimate hospitality experience) we explore the importance of customer journey, creating immersive experiences, aligning interior design and brand narrative with business goals and target audiences, all of which is paramount to Lauren’s design approach.
Lauren is an experienced hospitality and retail interior designer based in Berkshire, and runs her design studio, Studio Flux (formerly LR Interiors).
Hope you enjoy the episode!
Episode Highlights
03:30 Transitioning from Construction to Design
06:33 Understanding Immersive Interior Design
...2024-09-1849 min
Design and BuildDesign and Build TrailerDesign and Build, a podcast for all things commercial interior design and architecture. This is the trailer!
Whether you've been in the design and build industry a long time, a short time, a student or simply passionate about the built environment; this podcast is for you!
I'm your host, Becca Mizzi-Harris, a commercial freelance interior designer, based in South Wales UK.
In each episode with the help of my hand picked guests and their speciality knowledge, we'll have friendly and honest conversations, exploring topics such as; design processes, methods and practices, collaboration, sustainability...2024-09-0900 min