In conversation with Susan Bold, Design Director at Echospace

Susan Bold, Design Director at Echospace

The Secret Sauce Behind the World’s Best Workspaces

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Successful design is an offering that’s made to every one of our senses - an attempt to create an experience that evokes feeling. In the latest episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley welcomes Susan Bold, Design Director at Echospace, for an exploration into the fascinating intersection of design, culture and psychology in the interior design space.

What You’ll Learn

What the psychology of space is and how it shapes user experience
How cultural differences add nuance to design approaches
The value of maintaining boutique agency culture while scaling for growth
How teaching experience transforms leadership approaches in design teams
Why successful workplace design requires balancing brand guidelines with holistic space psychology
The critical importance of combining technical knowledge with on-site practical experience in interior design
How budget considerations and labour costs fundamentally impact design possibilities across different markets

As the Design Director at Echospace, Susan Bold brings a wealth of international design expertise from South Africa to London's dynamic interior architecture scene. With a background in interior architecture and experience across hospitality, commercial, and educational design sectors, she has successfully managed projects for major international brands while maintaining a boutique, personalised approach to client relationships. Prior to joining Echospace, Susan ran her own design studio in South Africa, co-managed an art gallery, and taught design, developing a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and psychological aspects of space design. Her unique perspective on bringing vibrant South African design influences to the more reserved UK market offers fresh insights for design professionals looking to push creative boundaries while maintaining commercial success.

"I remember going to a hotel with my mom and dad and my brothers, and feeling like I was very intimidated in the space and that the space was not for me. I always thought that was a really interesting superpower that the designer has is that they can make someone feel a certain way in a space."