First Look! 👀 Being Maori & Multicultural: How Heritage Drives Design with Antonia Walmsley
October 7, 2025
In today’s design landscape, it pays to apply a multi-cultural approach to the entire process - from ideation to execution.
In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Antonia Walmsley, Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, to explore how cultural heritage shapes workplace design philosophy, the evolution from traditional architecture to innovative design-build approaches, and the delicate balance between structure and creativity in modern workspaces. Drawing from her Maori roots and nine-year journey with Unispace, Antonia shares invaluable insights on creating adaptable, culturally-sensitive workplace environments that respond to global demands while maintaining local authenticity.
Can a multicultural approach to design elevate design philosophy for the better? In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Antonia Walmsley, Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, to explore how cultural heritage shapes workplace design philosophy, the evolution from traditional architecture to innovative design-build approaches, and the delicate balance between structure and creativity in modern workspaces.
What You’ll Learn
- How indigenous principles of community and hospitality can transform modern workplace design
- Why structured routines enable rather than restrict creative design thinking
- The evolution of design-and-build from startup to global enterprise, maintaining entrepreneurial spirit
- How to balance global brand consistency with local cultural authenticity in workplace design
- Why workplace needs remain fundamentally unchanged post-COVID, despite shifting dynamics
- The importance of understanding individual client culture in workplace strategy
- Why successful workplace design must consider both psychological and practical needs
Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on why cultural diversity is key to design diversity.
Antonia Walmsley is the Head of Strategy and Design at Unispace Global, where she leads the European design team and brings a unique perspective shaped by her Maori heritage and architectural background. With over 15 years of experience, including 9 years at Unispace, she has been instrumental in transforming the company from a startup in New Zealand to a global workplace design leader. Antonia's expertise spans traditional architecture, design-and-build approaches, and creating culturally responsive workspaces across diverse European markets.
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Episode Highlights
- 00:00 Introduction & Meeting Antonia Walmsley at Unispace HQ
- 03:35 Cultural Heritage: How Māori Values Shape Modern Design
- 12:05 Strategies to Navigate Cultural Diversity in Design
- 29:03 Design: Where Structure Meets Creativity
- 29:21 The Psychology of Workplace Design
- 35:10 Unispace Journey: From NZ Startup to Global Design Leader
- 42:10 Adaptability in Design: Embracing Change and Innovation
- 47:25 Final Thoughts: Expert Insights and Podcast Recommendations
Episode Resources:
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk
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