What the Best Designers are Reading and Listening To: Career Defining Perspectives on Space by Stansons
November 4, 2025
We’re switching things up in the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley looks back at some of the best conversations we’ve had on the series so far. From insights on creative thinking, personal development, and workplace design to the playbook on designing neuroinclusive workplaces, this compilation special has it all. Tune in to hear from industry experts like Kay Sargent, David Jackson, Victoria Dixon, Ezgi Elitok and more. Whether you're a design professional seeking inspiration or looking to expand your creative horizons, this episode offers a curated collection of must-read books (think “The Daily Stoic” and “Eyes of the Skin”), must-listen podcasts (like “Es Devlin - Tetragrammaton” with Rick Rubin) and perspectives that have shaped some of the industry's most innovative minds.
We’re switching things up in the latest episode of Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley looks back at some of the best conversations we’ve had on the series so far. From insights on creative thinking, personal development, and workplace design to the playbook on designing neuroinclusive workplaces, this compilation special has it all.
What You’ll Learn
- How Disney's Imagineering approach demonstrates the power of detailed, intentional design thinking
- Why sensory-inclusive design matters, as explored in "Eyes of the Skin" and its challenge to visual dominance
- How to approach workspace design with scientific rigour rather than trending aesthetics
- The importance of continuous learning and real-time adaptation in design methodology
- Why sharing design knowledge openly advances industry standards and combats "neurowashing"
- How evidence-based design decisions directly influence behaviour and work styles
This episode offers a curated collection of must-read books, must-listen podcasts and perspectives that have shaped some of the industry's most innovative minds.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here: https://www.fame.so/follow-rate-review
Episode Highlights
- 00:00 Intro: Design Inspiration Through Books & Podcasts
- 00:26 Inside Disney's Imagineering: Creative Excellence in Spatial Design
- 03:25 Productivity Tools: The Odeer Planning System
- 04:24 The Daily Stoic: Mindful Design Practice
- 05:42 Good Vibes: Building Creative Confidence
- 07:07 Eyes of the Skin: Exploring Sensory Design
- 08:32 Key Takeaways: Reading Recommendations for Design Professionals
Episode Resources:
Jordy Dent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordy-d-42374910a/
Jordy’s Recommendation, The Imagineering Story: https://share.google/L0Ens9yfTsz29oDVX
David Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jackson-58026611b/
Victoria Dixon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-dixon-b07b0187/
Victoria’s Recommendation, The Daily Stoic: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daily-Stoic-Meditations-Perseverance-translations/dp/1781257655/
Ezgi Elitok on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ezgi-elitok-4921a9226
Ezgi’s Recommendation, Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Vibes-Life-Self-Love-Unlocking/dp/1788171829/
Tracy Drury on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-drury-05556b43/
Tracy’s Recommendation, Eyes of the Skin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyes-Skin-Architecture-Senses-4e/dp/1394200676/
Kay Sargent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-sargent-53b2431
Kay’s Book, Designing Neuroinclusive Workplaces: Advancing Sensory Processing and Cognitive Well-Being in the Built Environment: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Designing-Neuroinclusive-Workplaces-Processing-Environment/dp/1394309333/
Alex Pellew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pellew-27080640
Alex’s Book, The Idea in You: How to Find It, Build It, and Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Idea-You-Find-Build-Change/dp/0241014832
Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley
Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk
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