Creating Spaces that Inspire: The Art of Designing Environments for Collaboration and Creativity

I'm a kinesthetic person, so naturally I love to have things around me that engaging all the senses to create a welcoming and inspiring environment for client workshops. It always surprises me how many workspaces fail to encourage creativity—dull rooms with no natural light, uncomfortable chairs, wobbly tables, and inadequate spaces for people to feel comfortable in. That’s why I’m particular about the spaces I choose for my workshops.

Whether facilitating in-house or externally, I’ve learned to adapt to many limitations when working with different spaces. My knowledge in interior design has given me the insight into crafting environments where people feel relaxed, energised, and ready to collaborate. From arranging tables and chairs to create zones for different activities, I pay close attention to flow, floor space, heating, lighting, noise levels, color schemes, and accessibility—details that are often overlooked but are essential for fostering creativity and connection.

When setting up a space, I imagine myself in the participants' shoes. I sit in different seats around the room to evaluate the flow of activities and how people will move through the space. For example, I create quiet zones for those who prefer to think and process in solitude, as well as interactive areas for those energized by bouncing ideas and collaborating with others. Checking to see if everyone can see the visual posters around the room. I ensure all the chairs and tables are not wonky, replacing the ones that are. Finally, making sure everything is clean and smells great. Totally hate a sticky table!

Yes, one of my essential things in my facilitator toolkit is disinfectant wipes, natural air spray and lots of quiet fidget toys too.

I find joy and satisfaction in transforming spaces through thoughtful design and intentional facilitation, creating environments that inspire and support those who are in the spaces together, even if only for a short time. A simple shift in a room's layout can totally affect its atmosphere, redefining group dynamics and the ability to focus.