Purpose of Place: The Future of Work & Real Estate

The Enduring Legacy of DEGW – with Professor John Worthington and Dr Hiral Patel

How have the foundational ideas of workplace design shaped the way we think about work today?   In this episode, Despina Katsikakis is joined by Professor John Worthington, co-founder of DEGW, and Dr. Hiral Patel, curator of the DEGW Living Archive, to reflect on the principles that redefined the relationship between organizations, technology, and place. From smart buildings and flexible work to experience-led design and integrative briefing, they explore how DEGW’s thinking moved beyond efficiency to focus on intentionality, adaptability, and meaningful work—lessons that remain highly relevant in today’s evolving workplace landscape. DEGW Archive: https://collections.reading.ac.uk/special-collections/collections/degw-archive/ Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Inside Meta’s Evolving Real Estate Strategy - with Rob Cookson of Meta

What does the future of work look like inside one of the world’s most forward-thinking companies?   In this episode, Despina Katsikakis speaks with Rob Cookson, Vice President Global Real Estate and Facilities at Meta, about how the tech giant is redefining the value and purpose of place. Rob shares how Meta is moving from mandates to magnetism—creating workplaces people choose to come to—by creating more intentional, adaptive, and human-centered environments. Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Balancing Legacy with Flexibility – with Vivienne Grafton of the Bank of England

What does it take to transform one of the world’s iconic financial institutions into a workplace fit for the future? In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis speaks with Vivienne Grafton, Managing Director, Operations & Transformation including Property, Procurement & Corporate Services, at the Bank of England. Drawing on her extensive leadership experience at HSBC and Barclays, Vivienne shares how she is helping the Bank of England evolve its estate—balancing legacy and symbolism with flexibility, sustainability, and meeting the expectations of a modern workforce. Vivienne discusses the Bank’s approach to placemaking, experience-led design, and the challenges of modernizing a Grade I listed building in the heart of London. She also explores how second-tier cities like Leeds play a role in talent strategy, and why real estate leaders must move from order-takers to strategic business partners. Tune in for insights on connecting place to purpose, and leading change in the public sector at a moment of transformation for the industry. Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Designing for Innovation with Mikkel Lyngbo Nielsen of Ericsson

At Ericsson, real estate plays a critical role in driving innovation, attracting top talent, and showcasing the company’s leadership in technology. In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis speaks with Mikkel Nielsen, Chief Real Estate Officer, about how Ericsson is designing intentional workplaces that balance legacy and future growth across its global portfolio. Mikkel shares how his team is using data to map work processes, create hybrid strategies rooted in productivity and engagement, and reimagine the office as a platform for collaboration and innovation. He also discusses how Ericsson is embedding sustainability into every decision, and how their spaces are becoming living showcases of technology and brand experience, by aligning key stakeholders through shared OKRs. Listen in to hear how Ericsson is pioneering a data-driven, employee-centered approach to designing the workplaces of the future. Mikkel Nielsen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikkellyngbo/ Ericsson: https://www.ericsson.com/ Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com

Aligning People, Place & Purpose with Shelley Boland of Standard Chartered

At Standard Chartered, real estate is deeply connected to the bank’s identity, culture, and strategy. In this episode of Purpose of Place, Despina Katsikakis speaks with Shelley Boland, Global Head of Corporate Real Estate & Services, about how the bank has integrated real estate, HR, brand, and corporate strategy to shape employee and client experiences across 50+ markets. Shelley shares how her team is moving beyond traditional cost metrics to focus on experience and productivity, the role of real estate in strengthening brand equity, and how the workplace can create a sense of pride for employees. She also discusses how Standard Chartered is designing spaces that align with its purpose, leveraging technology to create frictionless experiences, and embedding sustainability at the core of its real estate strategy. Listen in to hear how Standard Chartered is redefining the role of corporate real estate—ensuring that every moment in the workplace reflects the bank’s brand and ambition. Shelley Boland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelley-boland-763615a/ Standard Chartered: https://www.sc.com Episode Music: https://www.davidcuttermusic.com