Last week, the Spacestor London Design Centre hosted the Spacestor Summit 2024, an inspiring gathering of strategic partners from across the UK’s design, architecture, and furniture industries. With a shared passion for creating workspaces that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world, the event was a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and innovation.
The day began with a welcoming lunch, where guests had the opportunity to network and explore the creativity and cutting-edge solutions showcased at the Design Centre. Following this, a series of engaging and insightful talks captivated attendees, offering fresh perspectives on the future of workplace design.
The summit opened with a session by Kelly Grainger, founder of Perfectly Autistic. Drawing from his work with global giants such as PepsiCo, TUI Group, and bp, Kelly highlighted the critical importance of designing workplaces that embrace neurodiversity. With 1 in 5 people being neurodivergent, he emphasized that “one size does not fit all” and explored key design considerations, including quiet spaces for reflection, adaptable lighting, effective zoning, and material choices that empower users with autonomy and control. His talk underscored the human element of workplace design, calling for environments that celebrate individuality and offer choice and predictability for all.
Progressing through the agenda, Penelope Tiffney, Group Space & Design Standards Manager at Lloyds Banking Group, shared the transformational journey behind Lloyds’ new Leeds office at 11 & 12 Wellington Place. By blending consistency with unique local touches, Lloyds has developed a design strategy that is brand-aligned, soulful, and people-first. Penelope revealed that 91% of employees rated the new spaces as excellent, with 20% reporting they now visit the office more often. Her presentation highlighted the importance of fostering belonging, inclusivity, and employee connection while providing valuable insights into how best practices are shaping Lloyds’ future workplaces across the UK.
Closing the talks, Dr. David Skilling, Vice President of Landfall Strategy Group, delivered an incisive analysis of global economic and geopolitical developments. He offered key takeaways on the shifting dynamics in China, the US economy post-election, and the UK’s economic outlook following the recent budget, equipping attendees with a clear view of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The event concluded with a visit to the iconic Battersea Power Station, a masterpiece of urban regeneration and design ingenuity. Guests marvelled at breathtaking views of London from Lift 109 and enjoyed a dinner overlooking the Thames, reflecting on a day filled with inspiration and forward-thinking discussions.
As a leader in space-defining furniture, Spacestor remains committed to shaping the future of work by sharing insights, fostering innovation, and delivering workplace solutions that inspire.
About Spacestor – Spacestor is the creator of architectural, space-defining furniture that seamlessly blends California cool with London Design. With a legacy spanning three decades, Spacestor first established itself as a key innovator of workspace furniture and design thinking in the United Kingdom, but today, the company holds offices in London, Manchester, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City—giving them a unique position to observe and learn from some of the most creative and successful global companies. From their long-term engagements with clients like Google, JP Morgan, and Pfizer, Spacestor knows how a sustainable workspace environment drives organizational goals, whether building great team culture in a hybrid world or exciting people to be back in the office again.