Frankie Boyle is a leading experiential artist & lighting specialist whose work & public speaking focuses on neuroaesthetics, sensory design & creating environments that are a catalyst to wellbeing, belonging & human connection.In this episode of Moments in Motion, I talk with Frankie about her life's work & why she advocates that light is far more than a design choice. It’s a biological signal, a sensory language & a powerful tool for helping us feel safe, connected & fully alive. And we explore Frankie's belief that the spaces you live & work in are shaping your brain, your mood & even your resilience.Raised with developmental language disorder & dyslexia, Frankie spent years decoding the world differently & her extraordinarily intense connection to light was her guide.That lived experience became the foundation for a remarkable career spanning lighting, art direction & experiential design, leading to her work today in neuroaesthetics (the science of how our environments affect us, including at the level of the nervous system).We explore why natural sunlight matters so much for our circadian rhythms, why “full-fat” natural light is different from LED lighting, & how simple changes in colour, texture, pattern & movement can completely transform the way a space feels. Frankie shares how her work with brands, councils, galleries & private clients is helping redefine wellbeing; from sensory-supportive design to community spaces that encourage genuine human connection.And the cultural shift beneath it all. Why are so many of us feeling overstimulated, isolated & cautious about speaking openly? And what if the answer isn’t more noise or more technology, but better-designed environments that help bring us back to ourselves & each other?Key Topics:Introducing Frankie Boyle & her workLiving with developmental language disorder and dyslexia & the resilience built through navigating school & communication challengesHow sensory environments, movement, colour & hands-on learning can better support neurodivergent peopleUsing technology thoughtfully as a tool for connection and learning, rather than isolationDiscovering a creative calling through colour & lightThe science & emotional impact of light, including circadian rhythms, sunlight, colour & wellbeingNeuroaesthetics, biophilic design & how spaces can influence safety, stress, mood & behaviourNature, daylight, trees, groundingDesigning experiences & public spaces that create emotion, community & meaningful human interactionFirelight, ancient instincts & why shared gathering places can make people feel safer & more connectedFinding personal values & speaking honestly in a culture shaped by fear, online judgement & cancellationRebuilding community in the face of rapid technological change, isolation & social fragmentationThis is essential listening if you care about design, wellbeing, education, neurodiversity or the future of human connection. Frankie’s insights may change the way you think about light, space & the invisible forces shaping our world.Links to explore/follow Frankie's work:www.frankieboylestudio.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@FrankieBoyleStudio@frankie_boyle_studio
In this 1st Episode of the second series of my podcast Moments in Motion, I speak with the fascinating and very humane award winning artist and architectural colour specialist Sonia van de Haar.Over her 22 year career Sonia has taken her background in rural Australia, her studies in fine art and architecture and her passion for using the power of colour to convey a deep meaning of a place and its people and to support, guide, teach and heal anyone who comes into any of the environments she is working with.In our 50 minute conversation, our conversation explores how Sonia van de Haar uses colour as an architectural tool, not just decoration, to shape wellbeing, inclusivity, and a stronger sense of place.As the conversation organically flows, I find out about into Sonia’s early influences, pivotal career turns, and why public spaces are increasingly being designed with neuroscience, community, and context in mind.We also discuss Sonia’s work across public, residential, and selected commercial projects, plus how colour, light materials, the use of transitions are powerful tools to move all of our experiences of a place forward dramatically from the purely aesthetic to something much deeper and more meaningful.To find out more about Sonia's project, teaching and speaking work, or to connect with her and through doing so - to the amazingly complex and magical world of colour, please follow of these links:Linkedin.com/in/sonia-van-de-haarwww.lymesmith.com.au@lymesmithyKey Topics:Stategic & specific use of colour in architecturePublic and residential design - limitations & lessonsBringing colour into projects early to enhance meaningColour, light, and contextPlace-based and culturally responsive architectureIndigenous knowledge and connection to land & what this teaches usNeuroscience and colour strategyTexture, transitions, and wayfindingRetrofitting public buildingsCuriosity, communication, and career detours
In this Episode of my podcast Moments in Motion, I speak with the wonderfully talented Orlagh O'Reilly, who is the Global Brand Design Director for Pepsico.Throghout her 25 year career she has worked for world famous brands, worked for herself, and worked for huge clientside names.She has an innate talent for sensing what moves and inspires the consumer in any given situation and is able to get under the skin to connect and move them in a truly memorable and meaningful way.In this conversation, Orlagh talks about her journey in the creative industry, from her initial design education in Dublin and New York and then to the world famous Central Saint Martins in London. And it was here she met the unique creative talent Andy Altmann and worked for his Why Not Studios. She went on to work for many more iconic studios, developing her creative and commercial skills and really honing her craft of understanding how to put something magical into every design.Throughout our conversation, Orlagh touches on the importance of creative confidence, and the impact of mentors and experiences on her career and in developing that confidence in a way which was authentic and in keeping with her personality and personal style. And this leads to her talking about the significance of being encouraged to show and explore your vulnerability and how this ultimately helps to develolp your own design voice. Amd she has paid it forward by devoting time to being a mentor and guide to many young designers over the years.Orlagh also talks about the importance developing resilience in the design industry, and how this is greatly helped by having the right mentors and external voices who encourage and support you to explore and to grow in strength. And how finding the right support and creative enviroment allows you to learn the key skill and appropach of self-trust and inner belief.Our conversation also explores the power of design thinking in solving complex problems and the importance of creative thinking in shaping a better future.
I hope you enjoy the 4th episode of my podcast series Moments in Motion. This week I am very lucky to have as my guest Gary Wheeler.Gary is a very well known, highly respected & very influential figure in the international design industry, with a deep and diverse expertise in high level interior design.He has headed up practices for global firms such as Perkins & Will, Gensler and HDR. As well as currently serving as a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a longstanding relationship with the American Society of interior Designers - ASID , which included being acting CEO for 3 years.I have known Gary for over 20 years & can honestly say that he is one of the most caring, conscientious and positively impactful design leaders I have ever met.He is a natural mentor and keeps relationships in the industry spanning from his early days at college in New Orleans through top the present day.He keeps ahead of and gives back to the industry through his work with the Design Futures Council, as well as sitting on the Google XI Board looking at how the the industry should develop and how best to support that growth.Our conversation covers Gary's background, the influence of travel on his creativity, the Italian approach to design, the importance of art in education, and pivotal moments in Gary's career. Gary's passion for design and the cultural influence on his work are evident throughout the discussion.Gary discusses the elevation of interior design, the impact of mentorship on career progression, the founding of an interior design firm, the transition to Gensler and London, the impact of design and innovation and the importance of effective communication and understanding client needs in the design profession.He delves into the long-term investment in quality and adaptability in design and architecture, the psychology of space and collaboration, the importance of physical presence for collaboration.He also talks about the importance of accepting and facilitating diverse ideas, cultivating a collaborative and inclusive culture, and the role of the Design Futures Council in fostering openness & collaboration in the industry.
In the 6th Episode of my podcast Moments in Motion, I am very fortunate to share a wonderful conversation with Valeria Segovia.Valeria is a wonderfully talented & human-centred senior Architectural Leader. She is a Principal & Design Director with Gensler, with a longstanding committment to supporting & elevating women in the architectural industry as well as being inspired & motivated in all of her work by the power & connection of nature.Valeria our opens our conversation by talking about her beginnings in architecture and interior design, and abou ther early design inspirations, as well as her deeper and life long inspiration of the magical design in all aspects of nature.She also delves into her experiences in the architectural industry and discusses the challenges and opportunities for women in the profession. She also discusses moments of pivotal change in her career and the evolving landscape of architecture. The conversation covers the transformation of existing buildings, the impact on the environment, and the changing approach to architecture. It also delves into the importance of purpose, patience, and the need for a more humane and natural approach to design.Despite the design industry and in particular the architectural sector, being under increasing pressure from many different factors - environmental concerns & sensitiviites, AI, global econcomic stresses, Valeria's conversation is is full of hope and ideas for the future - she sees positive change in all areas of her industry and is such an inspiring voice for anyone who wants a better future, and wants to know how they can play a proactive part in making that happen.TakeawaysArchitectural inspiration from natureChallenges and opportunities for women in architecture Building transformation and retrofitting are crucial for environmental sustainability.The architectural industry is experiencing a shift towards a more natural, humane, and collaborative approach.Hope & inspiration for a better industry and a better future.