Welcome to **Il Salotto Sessions**, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of design with leading architects, designers, and industry experts. I’m your h...
In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, host Sara Seravalli sits down with Tiernan Dixon, founder of Superbeam, for an inspiring conversation that delves into the power of storytelling in branding and the transformative role of video communication. Together, they explore how design and the built environment shape people's lives and relationships, emphasizing the importance of fostering meaningful connections in business.
Tiernan also shares insights into the innovative work of the Grapple Collective, a martial arts initiative that champions inclusivity and safe spaces, particularly for women in sports. The conversation expands to touch on mental health, physical activity, and the intersection of ADHD and creativity, shedding light on how these elements drive both personal and professional innovation.
Whether you're interested in the art of branding, the dynamics of community-building, or the importance of mental well-being in creative fields, this episode offers plenty of food for thought. Tune in for a blend of industry expertise and personal reflection that will leave you inspired!
🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.
Thank you James Mason for our fabulous new Intro and Outro music.
Article mentioned in the podcast:
The Good Fight: Women, Combat Sports and Stress
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40:28
A chat with Sheena Raeburn, Director at Raeburn Farquahr Bowen
In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, host Sara Seravalli welcomes landscape architect Sheena Raeburn to explore the transformative impact of landscape architecture in urban environments.
They discuss a remarkable project in Cardonald, Glasgow that revitalized a neglected space into a thriving community park, fostering social connections and enhancing residents' wellbeing.
The conversation highlights the vital role of nature, social interaction, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all generations.
Sheena also shares her inspiring journey of balancing a dynamic career in landscape architecture with her passion for painting, shedding light on the therapeutic power of art in her life.
Here are some links:
RaeburnFarquharBowen
Queensland Court and Gardens, Cardonald
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23:31
A chat with Ian Hamilton and James Mason
In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, host Sara Seravalli sits down with Ian Hamilton and James Mason to uncover the powerful connection between music, sound design, and mental health.
Together, they discuss the inspiration behind their song "The Distance", a heartfelt reflection on navigating the complexities of love, family, career, and life’s challenges.
The conversation also delves into the creative process of sound design for events, the crucial role of mental health in the construction industry, and how music serves as a therapeutic outlet for both Ian and James.
Here are some links:
Hamilton Hound
James Mason
Liz Arcane
Building Your Mind at Solus
Conleth's piece on Pantelleria
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21:21
A chat with Vanessa Norwood, a Built Environment Expert
Welcome to Il Salotto Sessions, where design, architecture, and innovation come alive through inspiring conversations.
In this episode, Sara Seravalli sits down with Vanessa Norwood, a seasoned expert in the built environment, to delve into her profound passion for materials—especially stone—and the critical role sustainability plays in architecture today.
Together, they explore the wisdom of historical figures like Frank Yerbury, the importance of embracing local materials, and the exciting rise of material reuse in the industry. Vanessa also shares insights from her 20-year journey curating exhibitions, her thoughts on combating greenwashing, and the transformative power of collaboration. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that celebrates honesty, heritage, and a sustainable future for design.
Takeaways
Vanessa has been curating exhibitions for about 20 years.
Materials were not being celebrated enough in the industry.
Sustainability and material reuse are becoming more prominent.
Local materials can significantly reduce carbon costs.
There is a growing trend towards using stone and timber in architecture.
Honesty in material sourcing is crucial to combat greenwashing.
The importance of understanding the history of materials and their uses.
Collaboration among passionate individuals leads to meaningful projects.
Legislation can support local material industries.
Quality over quantity is essential in material selection.
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29:45
A chat with Narinder Sagoo, Art Director at Foster + Partners
🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Il Salotto Sessions! Today, I have the absolute privilege of sitting down with Narinder Sagoo, Art Director at the legendary Foster + Partners—and, I must say, the kindest man I know. After this conversation, I think you'll agree he might just be the wisest, too.
We set out to talk all things architecture, but our chat took a wonderful detour. Narinder shared stories about his upbringing in Leeds, the incredible impact of his grandmother—what he likes to call “the Grandma effect”—and his reflections on the power of the pen. From receiving an MBE to his tireless charity work, this episode is filled with insights, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
So, grab a coffee, settle in, and get ready for an inspiring journey into the life and mind of Narinder Sagoo. 🎧
To support the charity mentioned in this episode, please visit LP4Y
Key Takeaways:
Kindness in leadership fosters a more productive environment.
Role models shape our values and aspirations.
Childhood experiences can ignite creativity and passion.
Success is defined by the impact we have, not just financial gain.
Building a nurturing team culture enhances creativity and collaboration.
Charity work is essential for community engagement and support.
Art can be a powerful tool for visualizing dreams and ambitions.
Architecture has the potential to transform lives and communities.
Leadership should focus on empowering the next generation.
Recognition like an MBE can amplify one's ability to serve others.
Welcome to **Il Salotto Sessions**, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of design with leading architects, designers, and industry experts. I’m your host, Sara Seravalli, and I’m thrilled to take you on this journey through the ever-evolving landscape of design and architecture.
Let me share a bit about my background. I spent 16 enriching years in Milan, the capital of design, where I was deeply involved in showrooms and events not just in Milan, but also in Paris and London. In 2011, I made a pivotal move to London when I was hired by one of the specification market’s main players to establish their new showroom in Clerkenwell, leveraging various events and initiatives to make our mark.
In 2013, my journey brought me to Scotland, where I founded DesignPopUp. This initiative quickly gained traction and became a cornerstone in Glasgow and Manchester’s design communities, and by 2018, we had also expanded to Dublin.
However, as the market evolved, I decided to refocus our efforts on Scotland. This led to the birth of **Il Salotto**, a new venture aimed at creating a virtual and physical space for meaningful conversations and insights into the specification market. Join us as we explore trends, share bios, and uncover the stories behind the creative minds shaping our world.
For more information, please visit our website www.ilsalotto.design and www.designpopup.com . You can also found us on Instagram and LinkedIn