Did you know 1 in 4 people in the workplace are neurodivergent? Or that Barclays reckons every £1 spent on inclusive design at their new Glasgow campus saved them £100 in retrofitting?In this episode of Design Lives Here, I sit down with Martha Andrews, interior designer at Keppie, to dig into what neurodiversity really means for workplace design — and why it's so much more than a box-ticking exercise. Martha's background in healthcare design gives her a fascinating perspective on how offices can (unintentionally) make people feel exactly like those big, daunting hospital buildings we all dread.We talk acoustics, lighting, colour (why red is a no-no!), pattern, wayfinding, biophilia — and the great fake plant debate. Plus why choice and flexibility are the golden rules, what SMEs can do without a Barclays budget, and why Gen Z are turning down jobs because of the office environment.This conversation follows on from my episode with Morag Dearsley of Form Design on perimenopause and menopause — where "perimenopause made me neurodivergent" was the line that stuck with me and inspired this one.⏱ Chapters below — and if this resonates, subscribe for more conversations about the spaces we live and work in.

Brain fog. Anxiety. Hot flashes. These aren't personal failings — they're real, they're disruptive, and for too many women, they're the reason a career quietly ends before it should.Small design shifts can signal something much bigger: quiet zones, adjustable temperature, natural light. But this isn't just about square footage — it's about culture. About normalising conversations around hormonal health the same way we talk about mental health or neurodiversity.This is a snippet from my recent conversation with workplace specialist Morag Dearsley of Form Design — recorded for both Design Lives Here and The Peri Survivor. It's one of those interviews that stayed with me long after we stopped recording.What's one change you think workplaces could make right now?

What does it actually take to bring a neglected part of a city back to life — properly, not just on paper?In this episode I sit down with Martin McKay, Chief Executive of Clyde Gateway, and Lisa Blyth of 7N Architects, to dig into one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in Scotland right now. We talk about what it means to build a genuine ecosystem — not just housing, not just offices, but a living, breathing community where people can walk out their front door and into their life.We cover everything from biodiversity strategies and the power of landscape, to the 20-minute neighbourhood, the role of independent hospitality, and why volume house builders are driving us all a little bit mad.This one's for anyone who cares about how our cities are shaped, who shapes them, and why leadership, collaboration and a clear set of values make all the difference.Recorded at East Works, Dalmarnock — right in the heart of the Clyde Gateway masterplan area.

In this episode of Design Lives Here, Sara Seravalli sits down with Nicky Wightman, Director of Emerging Trends at Savills, to explore a topic the built environment has overlooked for far too long: food.What does “good” look like in design today?And why should real estate developers care about what’s on our plates?Together, Sara and Nicky dive into the powerful intersection between food systems, property, placemaking and community wellbeing. From Scandinavian leadership in progressive design to Glasgow’s vibrant youth culture and food scene, this conversation challenges the industry to rethink how cities nourish their people — physically, socially and economically.They explore:How food choices impact both personal health and the environmentWhy access to healthy food is a real estate issueGlobal cities leading the way in food systems thinkingThe cultural power of local produceWhy food connects communities and brings joyAnd there’s a special little cameo from our wonderful in-house chef Darren Morton, reminding us that design and food are never just theoretical — they’re lived, tasted and shared.As always, there’s also a personal thread woven through the conversation — Sara is currently fundraising for Macmillan in the boldest way possible 💚If you care about the future of cities, community and meaningful design — this one is for you.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping our built environment.

New Episode: Nurturing Leadership in the Built EnvironmentIn this powerful conversation, four respected leaders from across the built environment - Gillian Stewart, Rebecca Heald, Caroline Baker, and Emma Lepley - join me to unpack what it truly means to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in an industry still shaped by legacy behaviours and systemic challenges.Drawing on ONS statistics, lived experience, and years spent navigating high-pressure environments, our panel reflects on the state of representation, the impact of everyday culture, and why genuine leadership requires more than performative gestures. While the numbers still show a stark gender imbalance, the discussion moves beyond the idea of “women in construction” and instead centres on how we nurture future leaders, build healthier workplaces, and create conditions where talent can thrive.This is not just a conversation about inequality - it's a call to action for better leadership across the industry.Key themes include:• The realities behind the latest ONS statistics• Why progress isn’t linear—and why it matters• How to recognise baked-in systemic issues• Leadership vs performative inclusion• The next steps for building a more equitable industryWhether you're in architecture, construction, development, or simply care about shaping better places, this episode offers insight, honesty, and a clear reminder: there is still a long way to go, but change starts with leadership.

In this new episode of Design Lives Here, Sara sits down with Stephen Lewis for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of Glasgow. From the city’s shifting identity as a business hub to the delicate balance between preserving heritage and embracing contemporary design, Stephen offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what real transformation requires.Together, they explore why action must finally take precedence over endless planning, how landmark buildings like G1 prove that old and new can coexist beautifully, and what sustainability should truly mean in practice. The discussion also touches on the growing demand for high-quality office spaces post-COVID, the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation, and why profit and purpose are not mutually exclusive.If you care about Glasgow, design, development, or the future of our built environment, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, Sara Seravalli sits down with Jason Milne from Contagious Design to explore the powerful role of human connection in branding - with a special focus on the drinks industry.Together, they unpack how brand homes go far beyond bricks and mortar, becoming immersive spaces that spark emotions, create memories, and deepen relationships between brands and their audiences. From the craft of storytelling to the magic of sensory design, the conversation shines a light on how experiences can transform casual consumers into loyal advocates.Jason also shares insights into the evolving expectations of today’s consumers and why adaptability is key for brands looking to stay relevant. Along the way, Sara and Jason discuss how the smallest details - like the warmth and knowledge of staff - can make or break a brand encounter, and why design must always reflect the true spirit of the brand.Whether you’re in design, hospitality, or simply curious about the psychology of brand loyalty, this episode offers inspiration on building connections that last.

Welcome to the pilot episode of Il Salotto In Cucina, where food meets architecture in a deliciously inspiring way.In this conversation, Sara Seravalli and Nicole Cairney explore the parallels between cooking and design - revealing how creativity, precision, and authenticity shape both. From the challenges of architectural specifications to the evolving trends in luxury hotels, they discuss the importance of material honesty, the shift from flashy design to “old money” craftsmanship, and why refurbishments often carry more soul than new builds.The discussion also shines a light on women in architecture, tackling imposter syndrome, leadership, and empowerment in an industry still in transition. And of course, it all comes together with a cooking session - because food, like design, is ultimately about connection and well-being.Key Takeaways:✔️ Authentic design is the true luxury in hospitality✔️ Refurbishments tell stronger stories than new builds✔️ Quality design enhances well-being and trust✔️ Women are reshaping architecture, despite challenges✔️ Investing in craftsmanship pays off in the long runIf you’re passionate about architecture, hospitality, luxury hotels, women in design, food, and well-being, this episode is for you.Subscribe to Il Salotto for more conversations at the intersection of design, culture, and community.

Il Salotto Sessions: Tim Heatley on Social Impact, Regeneration, and Rethinking DevelopmentIn this powerful and inspiring episode, Sara Seravalli sits down with Tim Heatley - co-founder of Capital & Centric - to explore how architecture and development can become true agents of social change. From the powerful intersection of law, design, and community building, to the challenges of measuring social impact and making it financially viable, Tim shares a refreshingly honest take on what it means to create places with purpose. The conversation touches on everything from the importance of green spaces and long-term thinking to the need for government collaboration and empowering the next generation. If you're passionate about regeneration, people-first architecture, and building better cities, this episode is for you.

Episode OverviewIn this lively conversation, host Sara Seravalli sits down with communications strategist Marta Bogna to trace Marta’s journey from budding PR professional to founder of Bottega Bogna, her own boutique consultancy. Together they explore how design and architecture inform not only physical spaces but also the narratives we build around them.Key TopicsCareer Evolution: Marta recounts her early work in traditional PR agencies, the moment she dshe took to launch Bottega Bogna.Milan Design Week & Venice Biennale: The duo share standout moments and emerging trends observed at these flagship events - from immersive installations to cross‑disciplinary collaborations.Digital Age Storytelling: How social media, influencers, and interactive platforms have transformed public relations - and why authentic, values‑driven storytelling has never been more critical.Design’s Social Impact: Marta outlines upcoming projects that leverage design thinking for community engagement, sustainability, and cultural dialogue.Memorable Insights“Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a framework for solving real‑world challenges.” – Marta BognaLooking AheadMarta teases future collaborations that bridge communications, architecture, and social innovation, underscoring her belief that well‑crafted stories can spark lasting change.