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

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Latest episodes

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27 September 2024

A chat with Donna Milton and Tom Barclay

In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of social housing with industry experts Donna Milton and Tom Barclay, both of whom are also fellow judges for the Herald Property Awards.

Together, we explore the profound implications of constructing high-quality homes versus substandard ones, examining how these choices affect communities and the broader housing market.

We'll also discuss the evolving Scottish demographics and their impact on housing demand, as well as the rising building costs and the unique challenges facing the sector today. Join us for an insightful conversation on the future of housing in Scotland.

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45:29

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24 September 2024

A chat with Peter Kerr, Director at Atelier Ten and Chair for the BCO Scotland

In this episode, we’ll explore some exciting developments shaping the future of workplaces in Scotland. Today, we chatted with Peter Kerr, Director of Atelier Ten and new chair of the British Council for Offices (BCO) in Scotland, who is taking over from Gillian Stewart.

We’ll explore the goals, challenges, and dreams ahead for the organization under new leadership. Next, we'll take a closer look at the current situation and future challenges facing workplaces across Scotland, from evolving work habits to sustainable design trends.

Lastly, we’ll touch on Peter's work with the Dementia Services Development Centre at the University of Stirling, where his focus on lighting for wellness is contributing to significant strides in creating environments that support cognitive health. This will connect us to the upcoming #DesignPopUp Edinburgh event, where these themes will be explored in greater depth.

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26:15

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19 September 2024

A chat with Nicolle Cairney, newly appointed Associate Director at 3dReid

Welcome to today's episode! We’re thrilled to have Nicolle Cairney, the newly appointed Associate Director at 3D Reid Architects, and a rising star in the UK’s architecture and design community.

Nicolle is known for her dynamic approach to design, especially within the hospitality sector, and today, she’ll be sharing insights from her career journey, the exciting future of architecture, and the unique challenges and opportunities of being a young female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or just curious about the future of the hospitality industry, this episode is packed with inspiration!

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34:11

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09 September 2024

A chat with Daniel Gava, Board Advisor to the Design Industry

Welcome to Il Salotto where we explore the world of design, architecture, and innovation. I'm your host, Sara Seravalli, and today, we have a truly special guest joining us—a brilliant and highly respected figure in the architecture and design scene in London.

Daniel Gava is a name that resonates deeply within the industry. With years of experience and a keen eye for luxury and innovation, Daniel has become a well- connected and known figure in the Clerkenwell community. Today, we'll be diving into a fascinating conversation about the importance of showrooms in the specification market, how the regional markets are evolving, and why luxury brands are not selling many chairs North of the Adrian Wall. And, of course, we can't discuss design without talking about London—the city that serves as the beating heart of so much creativity and trends.

So, whether you're a design professional, an enthusiast, or just curious about the latest trends in the industry, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Let's dive in!

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29:54

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04 September 2024

The history of #DesignPopUp

Insights into challenges and success of 10 years of #DesignPopUp events in the UK and Ireland.

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24:41

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13 August 2024

A chat with Linda Engles, Occupational Psychologist and lecturer at Aberdeen University

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Linda Engles, an Occupational Psychologist and lecturer at the University of Aberdeen. Linda has conducted extensive research on the effects of perimenopause and menopause on women in the workplace. Our conversation began when I was searching for speakers for our upcoming DesignPopUp event, which will take place in Edinburgh on October 3rd. This event will feature a full day of workshops, seminars, and panel discussions centered around the theme of "Wellbeing in Architecture versus Architecture for Wellbeing," where Linda will lead a workshop on menopause. In this episode, we'll also explore topics such as inclusivity, equality, impostor syndrome, and leadership styles.

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26:16