Il Salotto Sessions

podcast artwork

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

episode artwork

16 April 2025

A chat with Helen Hare, Director of Projects at GPE

Episode Title: Making Your Mark – Helen Hare on Innovation, Sustainability & the Future of Workspaces


In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, Sara Seravalli sits down with Helen Hare, Director of Projects at GPE, to explore the evolving role of design, sustainability, and innovation in shaping the built environment.


From her journey at GPE—from project manager to director—to leading some of the UK’s most ambitious real estate projects, Helen shares insights on supporting emerging talent, circular economy initiatives, and GPE’s commitment to ESG. Notably, we discuss their pioneering work on the largest steel reuse scheme in the UK, setting new standards for sustainable construction.


With the BCO Conference heading to Milan, we dive into what makes the city the perfect stage for this year’s theme: Making Your Mark. Milan’s unique blend of heritage and modernity, its rising influence in life sciences and sustainable urban development, and its role in shaping global design trends make it an inspiring backdrop for industry leaders.


The conversation also touches on the future of offices as a tool for talent attraction, the importance of healthy buildings for stronger communities, and how data-driven decisions are shaping customer-centric real estate solutions. Plus, we highlight the Next Gen’s growing involvement in the BCO, ensuring fresh perspectives and innovation in the sector.


🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and our website!

Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

00:00

27:15

episode artwork

14 April 2025

AI to boost productivity, not replace creativity

Watch this snippet from the fascinating interview with Peter Kerr, Co-Founder of Cameron Kerr and Chair of BCO Scotland.


The AI Apocalypse

00:00

00:45

episode artwork

07 April 2025

A chat with Peter Kerr, Director at Cameron Kerr

🎙️ Episode: AI Apocalypse
In this sharp and wide-ranging conversation, Sara Seravalli and Peter Kerr unpack the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence—what it means for how we work, create, and adapt.

They cover the essentials of AI, its real-world uses across sectors of the building industry, and the growing relevance of personalized models.


The episode also tackles bigger questions: how automation could shift job markets, what education needs to look like in an AI-driven world, and whether we're losing something by relying on instant access to knowledge.


Through it all, Sara and Peter make a case for the irreplaceable value of curiosity, creativity, and genuine human connection.


🎧 Listen in for a clear-eyed take on tech, learning, and the future we’re already stepping into.


#AI #FutureOfWork #Creativity #Innovation #Podcast #HumanConnection #ArtificialIntelligence

00:00

25:07

episode artwork

19 March 2025

A Chat with Iain Munro, Founder of Scene Engineering

Building with Purpose: Ian Munro on Interior Fit-Outs, Scottish Timber & Well-Being


In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, we sit down with Iain Munro from Scene to explore his journey in the construction industry and the vision behind his company, which specializes in interior fit-outs. Iain shares insights into the creative dynamics of his team, the importance of supporting local manufacturing, and his commitment to using Scottish timber.

We also discuss how natural materials can enhance well-being, why work-life balance is crucial in this demanding sector, and the importance of open conversations about mental health in construction. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on craftsmanship, sustainability, and the human side of the built environment.


🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website!

00:00

20:30

episode artwork

12 March 2025

A chat with Louise Rodgers, Founder of Eidyia

Navigating Career Transitions & Leadership with Louise Rodgers

In this episode of Il Salotto Sessions, host Sara Seravalli sits down with Louise Rodgers, a former PR consultant who transitioned into coaching and founded Eidyia. Louise shares her journey from public relations in the design and architecture sector to empowering professionals through coaching.

Together, they explore the evolving challenges of leadership in the built environment, the lasting impact of COVID-19 on workplace culture, and the growing need for flexibility in modern work environments. Louise highlights the non-linear nature of careers, emphasizing the importance of personal development in leadership roles.

Tune in for an insightful conversation on embracing career changes, fostering resilience, and redefining success in the ever-evolving world of design and architecture.


www.eidyia.co.uk

Coaches on the Couch

00:00

27:06

episode artwork

17 February 2025

A chat with Jo Love

Episode Summary

In this episode ofIl Salotto Sessions, Sara Seravalli sits down withJo Love, co-founder of Love Design Studio, for an inspiring conversation about the deeper layers of interior design.

Jo shares her journey in the industry and how she integrates psychology and energy into her approach, creating spaces that enhance well-being. She explores the profound impact of our environment, the unexpected role of music in design, and her dedication to charity work.

Through it all, Jo highlights the power of kindness and community, reminding us that great design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about how a space makes us feel.


00:00

35:49