Design and Build

In 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 w...

In 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...

In 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 d...

In 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...

In 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 se...

In 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 a...

In 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 wit...

In 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, a...

In 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 w...

In 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 des...

Design 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...