Design Secrets That Pull You Into the Office: Mix 30 Under 30 Series

The Mix 30 Under 30 miniseries continues on Space by Stansons as host Guy Stanley sits down with winners Hannah Carson, Strategist at M Moser Associates and Tia Brooks, Project Designer at Peldon Rose, for a riveting discussion on creating emotionally intelligent and supportive workplaces using innovative design practices.What You’ll LearnHow to design for neurodiversity and individual needs by moving beyond one-size-fits-all open plan Why emotional design matters more than functional designThe importance of spaces that look after their occupants as much as occupants invest in themThe business case for ongoing client partnerships post-delivery of projectsHow to position authenticity as your competitive advantage by leaning into personality and individuality Why in-office presence is non-negotiable for knowledge transfer and innovationThe importance of having in-person interactions in facilitating cross-generational mentorshipWhy it’s necessary to foster belonging in an atomised, digital-first worldHannah Carson is a Strategist at M Moser Associates, recognised as part of Mix Magazine's 30 Under 30 in 2025. With a background in workplace strategy and design, Hannah transitioned from her role as a designer to lead client-facing strategy work, specialising in understanding organisational needs and crafting compelling briefs. Her expertise lies in building deeper workplace connections through data-driven insights and human-centred design, making her a key voice shaping how offices foster authentic community and collaboration in the next generation of workplace design.Tia Brooks is an Interior Designer within the Landlord Team at Peldon Rose, also recognised as a Rising Star in 2025. With a unique journey that began through early exposure to workspace design, Tia brings fresh perspectives on neurodiversity-informed design, adaptable spaces, and challenging conventional office typologies. Her work focuses on creating emotionally resonant environments that celebrate individuality while fostering genuine human connection, a philosophy that's redefining how landlords and tenants approach space activation in London's design community.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 Highlights00:00 Introduction & Meeting the Rising Stars Shaping Office Design01:26 The Road to Mix 30 Under 30 Recognition04:40 Breaking Into Design: Two Unconventional Career Paths10:10 Strategy vs. Interior Design: Understanding the Difference11:51 Design for Human Connection, Not Just Function13:52 Design for Neurodiversity and Individual Choice15:35 The Office as a Place to Meet, Connect, and Belong20:50 Challenging the Market: Design Leaders vs. Client Expectations22:28 When Design Works Too Well: Unexpected Office Demand24:00 Why Full In-Office Presence Matters for Mentorship25:08 Reverse Mentoring: What Interns Teach Senior Designers26:00 AI and ChatGPT: Balancing Tools With Human Learning26:55 Lean Into Authenticity as Your Professional USP31:04 Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Creative Ambition31:43 Book & Podcast Recommendations for Design Leaders33:26 Key Takeaways: The Future of Office Design and CultureEpisode Resources:Hannah Carson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-carson-30abab1b3/ Tia Brooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tia-brooks/ M Moser Website: https://www.mmoser.com/  Peldon Rose Website: https://www.peldonrose.com/ Guy Stanley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guystanley Learn more about Stansons Group Ltd. here: https://stansons.co.uk 💬 Comment below your favourite part!