Neocon Discussion
Randy: I do think that, on this side of the pond, we are starting show a great deal of interest in a number of things that have already been adopted in Europe – issues such as wellbeing. We’re starting to look at connecting these issues with the built environment and at areas such as stress in the workplace. Ginger: I’ve always lived in Nebraska and haven’t done a great deal of travelling, however it seems to me that Europe is still very fashion-forward with regards to the acceptance of change – particularly when it comes to the wellbeing of employees, but things are starting to change, to improve – even in smaller towns and cities.
than they are here. I’m sure that has an impact on the quality and attention that employees give their people in the UK. Also, cross-sector collaboration is far more developed in the UK – that comes from having so many more spaces crammed in together than here in the US, which has far more space.
Steffan: We’re incredibly lucky because, even within our own firms in the UK, we find incredible diversity. I work with some incredibly talented people – and if you look at my friends, I’m one of two Brits in a group of about 20! We take that for granted, I think. One of the major differences between the US and the UK is the relationship between organisations and their employees. I married an American – and she will never come back to the US because her employment rights are so much better in the UK
Todd: London has its Design Week, which brings all these disciplines together – while here in the US we still have these separate events, like NeoCon for workplace. David: I have to say that the differences between the two markets are far greater than I anticipated, moving from a US manufacturer to a European manufacturer. From a furniture point of view, there’s
OUR GUESTS
Kay Sargent, Director of WorkPlace, HOK
Steffan Wiliams, Design Director, Scott Brownrigg
In her 34 years' experience Kay’s work has taken her to multiple continents, where she has worked with companies on their global real estate strategies and designed workplaces of the future. Kay co-leads HOK’s WorkPlace, where she oversees a team working with clients to deliver workplace solutions around the world. Kay also serves on the HOK Board of Directors.
Steffan has 17 years' experience in the commercial interiors sector. He specialises in workplace strategy and has delivered agile working solutions for Sainsbury’s and Network Rail. Steffan has managed projects for clients including Deutsche Bank, Expedia, Unilever, Discovery Channel and DTZ, and has vast experience working with financial institutions and media companies.
90 | Mix 196 July 2019
Simon Jackson, Interior Design Practice Leader, AECOM Simon has recently joined Aecom as Director, EMIA Interior Design Leader. His teams across the region undertake in-depth strategic advice and change management and full interior design services in the office, healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors. The company is focused on creating unique but efficient and business appropriate solutions, providing benefits to its client's business.
Randy Fiser, CEO, ASID Randy spreads the mission of 'Design Impacts Life' through his work as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) CEO. As such, he leads 25,000+ members from commercial and residential sectors across North America to advance the profession and communicate the transformative power of design on people’s lives. Since being named CEO in 2012, Randy has inspired change, playing a key role in advancing the profession and the organisation.
Ginger McCandless, Project Lead, encompas As a project lead for encompass, Ginger understands that a client’s facility not only reflects brand and identity, but future vision as well. She helps to provide an open dialogue about an organisation's culture, its people and how design and furniture plays an integral role in making a space successful for an organisation and its people, striving to be more than just a furniture provider, but rather, a 'trusted advisor'.