How Gen Z Are Rethinking Sustainability & Neurodivergent Design in the Workplace : Mix 30 under 30 Series
November 25, 2025
The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries kicks off on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes Eleanor Penny, Head of Workplace at Layrd and Sarah Astill, Interior Designer at Jolie Studio. Tune in to learn how these rising design stars are challenging the notion that beautiful spaces must be exclusive, proving that inclusive, sensory-rich design isn't a niche concern but the future of how we work. In this episode, they explore how neurodiversity awareness, sensory design principles, and authentic brand storytelling are reshaping workplace culture and redefining what it means to create spaces where everyone thrives.
Tune in for an inspiring masterclass in going against the tide and asking the tough questions.
The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries kicks off on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley welcomes Eleanor Penny, Head of Workplace at Layrd and Sarah Astill, Interior Designer at Jolie Studio. Tune in for an inspiring masterclass in going against the tide and asking the tough questions.
What You’ll Learn
- How to design for neurodiversity without creating sterile, overstimulating spaces
- Why sensory design goes beyond aesthetics to influence behaviour and emotional well-being
- How to leverage colour psychology, fragrance, sound, and texture to create spaces where people want to work
- The business case for designing soft, collaborative meeting spaces over cold boardrooms
- How design impacts psychological safety in the workplace
- How to break through gatekeeping in male-dominated construction and property sectors as a young woman designer
- Why portfolio presentation and personality matter as much as technical skills when hiring emerging talent
- The emerging 2026 design trends shaping workplace culture
Eleanor is Head of Workspace Design at Layrd, recognised as a rising star in design for her innovative approach to creating inclusive, neurodiversity-conscious workspaces. With a background in interior design, Eleanor was inspired to pursue autism assessment after exploring how neurodiversity influences spatial design, a discovery that fundamentally shaped her professional philosophy. Her work emphasises designing spaces that consider sensory experiences for all users, moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Featured in Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025, Eleanor champions the integration of warmth, texture, and accessibility into workplace environments while leading a talented design team across the UK.
Sarah Astill is an Interior Designer at Jolie Studio, a Manchester-based studio specialising in sensory-driven design experiences. With an architectural background and a dissertation focused on colour theory's psychological impact, Sarah brings technical rigour and creative vision to every project. Recognised on Mix’s 30 under 30, 2025 list, her expertise spans colour psychology, fragrance integration, and multi-sensory design strategies that enhance how people feel and function in spaces. Sarah's commitment to sustainable material innovation and holistic design approaches—from hotel concepts to collaborative workspaces, reflects a new generation of designers prioritising human wellbeing alongside environmental responsibility.
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Episode Highlights
- 00:00 Intro: Mix 30 Under 30 Rising Stars in Workplace Design
- 00:03 Meet Eleanor & Sarah: Layered and Jolie Interior Design
- 00:07 How Team Excellence Drives Industry Impact
- 00:12 Sustainability as a Holistic Design Philosophy
- 00:13 Sensory Design: Layering Colour, Scent, Sound and Texture for Impact
- 00:16 Why Neurodiversity-Informed Design Benefits All Users
- 00:20 Inclusive Design Doesn’t Have to Be Bland
- 00:24 Young Women in Male-Dominated Construction and Property
- 00:28 Why Gen Z Learns Faster Than Previous Generations
- 00:31 Getting Your Foot in the Door: Portfolio Strategy and Culture Fit
- 00:35 Why Physical Portfolios Cut Through Digital Noise
- 00:36 Your Personality Won't Appeal to Everyone (And That's Good)
- 00:38 Book Recommendations: The Colour Bible, Sense Hacking, Designing Inclusively
- 00:40 2026 Design Predictions: Warm Burgundy, Soft Meeting Spaces, Kitchen Islands
- 00:43 The Death of Cold Office Aesthetics
- 00:45 Rich Yellows, Browns, and Warm Tones: The Future of Workplace Colour
- 00:45 Reimagining Break Room Culture
- 00:48 Key Takeaways: Inclusive, Sensory-Rich Design Is the Future of Work
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