The Spacestor London Design Centre buzzed with energy as we hosted the Spacestor Summit 2024. Welcoming strategic partners from across the UK’s design, architecture, and furniture industries, the day was a celebration of ideas, connections, and the shared mission to reimagine workplace design for a changing world.
From the very first moments lunch provided the perfect setting for introductions and lively conversations, with guests exploring the Design Centre, immersing themselves in the creativity and innovation it embodies, before settling in for an afternoon of thought-provoking talks from a diverse set of the industry’s brightest minds.
The Spacestor Summit began with Kelly Grainger, founder of Perfectly Autistic, whose captivating session explored the vital role of designing for neurodiversity. With 1 in 5 people being neurodivergent, Kelly made it strikingly clear that one size does not fit all when it comes to creating truly inclusive environments.
His insights ranged from the importance of offering quiet spaces for moments of reflection to the power of adaptable lighting, thoughtful zoning, and design elements like acoustics and material choice in promoting control and autonomy for a diverse set of users. Kelly’s message was not just about design—it was about humanity, choice, and creating workplaces that celebrate the individuality of everyone who steps into them.
Next, Penelope Tiffney, Group Space & Design Standards Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, shared the incredible story behind the transformation of their Leeds workspace at 11 & 12 Wellington Place. For Lloyds, this was more than just a redesign—it was about redefining their workplace strategy with soul and belonging. Through consistency across their offices and unique local touches that reflected each location’s character, Lloyds created spaces that felt connected, brand-aligned, and people-first.
Penelope shared results which were undeniable: an overwhelming 91% of employees rated the new offices as excellent, with a noticeable increase in people returning to workspaces. The presentation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating environments that truly resonate with the people who use them, sharing best practices and valuable feedback that her team received to share learnings and change employee and brand experience.
Closing the day’s talks, Dr David Skilling of Landfall Strategy Group delivered a riveting look at the state of global economics. With his sharp analysis of geopolitical and economic shifts, he shed light on what lies ahead for markets in China, the US, and the UK. His perspective offered a valuable lens for navigating the uncertainties shaping today’s business world and left the audience with a more informed consideration as they look toward the future.
As the afternoon talks wrapped up, guests headed to the iconic Battersea Power Station, an architectural masterpiece transformed into a thriving mixed-use hub. From the mesmerizing views of London from Lift 109 to the vibrant atmosphere of the station itself, the experience captured the beauty of design’s ability to breathe new life into the old. Dinner overlooking the Thames river and Battersea region was the perfect end to a day that celebrated not just what’s possible, but what’s next.
The Spacestor Summit 2024 wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of the power of collaboration, creativity, and bold ideas. It showcased how design can transform not only spaces but lives. At Spacestor, we are proud to be part of this journey—building workspaces that are as innovative as they are inspiring and sharing knowledge and insights from an ever-evolving industry!
