Il Salotto Sessions

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Podcast by Sara Seravalli

Il Salotto Sessions

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

Latest episodes

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18 November 2024

A chat with Karen Tierney, Head of Property at Virgin Money

In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, we sit down with Karen Tierney, Head of Property at Virgin Money, to delve into the inspiring journey behind the brand's latest landmark: the stunning 60,000 sqft workspace at 177 Bothwell St in Glasgow.

Karen shares insights into the challenges of leading such a major project—from catering to a diverse range of needs to fostering a culture shift within the company. We explore the critical importance of bringing employees along for the journey, ensuring that the new space reflects their voices and values at every turn.

Join us as we uncover the story behind one of Glasgow's most exciting new workspaces and the lessons learned along the way.

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46:50

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11 November 2024

A chat with Robin Ellis, Senior Designer at Graven

Welcome back to Il Salotto Sessions!

In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Robin Ellis, Senior Designer at Graven and the recent BCO Next Gen Rising Star for Scotland. Robin takes us on her journey from Canada to Glasgow, sharing insights into why Glasgow has captured both of our hearts.

We dive into Robin's work on the award-winning Statkraft Offices at the Garment Factory, her role in Graven’s innovative Eco Tagging system, and the value of bringing “efforty” energy into design and workspaces. Plus, Robin introduces SwapCity, an exciting concept for equitable workspaces, which she presented at the BCO Next Gen Ideas Competition.

This episode is packed with inspiration and insight into design, sustainability, and the evolving nature of workplaces—let's dive in!

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45:47

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04 November 2024

A chat with Jorge Hernandez, Head of Design at Bathroom Brands

Welcome to Il Salotto Sessions, where we dive deep with industry leaders to uncover the stories, strategies, and vision behind some of today's most exciting brands. Today, we’re thrilled to have Jorge Hernandez, the Head of Design at Bathroom Brands, join us.

In this episode, we’ll explore Jorge's journey through the world of design—what led him to focus on bathrooms, and how he's been shaping the brand's vision and ethos. We’ll discuss the distinct identities across the Bathroom Brands collections, what sets them apart, and why democratizing design is at the heart of everything they do. Plus, we’ll get Jorge's take on emerging trends and what’s next in the world of bathroom design.

So, whether you’re an industry pro, a design enthusiast, or just curious about what goes into creating beautiful, functional spaces, stay tuned—you won’t want to miss this!

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29:08

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29 October 2024

A chat with Jenny Mitchell, Founder of Workplace Scotland

In this episode, we sit down with Jenny Mitchell, founder of Workplace Scotland, to explore her impressive career as a project manager. Jenny has led award-winning projects, including Statkraft at the Garment Factory with Graven and the Virgin Money HQ at 177 Bothwell Street with Form Design.

We delve into her experiences managing these high-profile projects and discuss the evolving role of the workplace as a powerful recruitment tool.

Jenny also shares her insights on what it means to be a female project manager in the building industry, touching on the unique challenges and opportunities she’s encountered along the way.

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40:59

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21 October 2024

A chat with Michael Gallacher, Construction Director at Abstract

Welcome to today's episode! We’re excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Michael Gallacher, Construction Director at Abstract Group and Mental Health Representative at BCO Scotland.

In this episode, Michael shares his journey through the construction industry, highlighting the beautiful and ambitious projects he's managed throughout his remarkable career. We also dive deep into the crucial topic of mental health in the building industry—an issue close to Michael’s heart. He shares his experiences advocating for mental well-being in a field often known for its tough exterior.

Plus, we discuss how to empower future generations to thrive in this dynamic industry. Whether you’re in construction or just curious about the challenges and rewards of the field, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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25:31

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08 October 2024

Case Study: The Stunning Rosebank Distillery by MLA

In this episode, we present our first case study, focusing on the remarkable Rosebank Distillery. We'll explore the design process behind this stunning project with insights from Garth Fitzsimmonds, Director at Michael Laird Architects, the firm responsible for the distillery's design. Additionally, we’ll hear from Stuart Hendry, Brand Manager at Rosebank and Ian Macleod Distillers, as he shares the brand’s vision and the significance of this iconic distillery. Join us as we delve into the intersection of architecture, design, and brand heritage in creating one of Scotland’s most impressive distilleries.

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41:15