Moments In Motion

About Moments In Motion

A conversational podcast with creative leaders across all areas of the design world, about the unexpected but pivotal moments in their lives which have most shaped, influenced and inspired them. We talk about what each person has learned & gained from these moments. And if they could go back in time would they change what they did or would they do it all again exactly the same way. I've been a Founder & Leadership Coach in the international creative industry for over 25 years, and have worked with extraordinarily talented & interesting people. This podcast is a natural progression from the kind of conversations I have with my clients in the design world every day just this time with the record button pressed!

Publisher

Rachel Shelmerdine

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Mar 2026

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Frankie Boyle: Translating The Light

   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 work Living with developmental language disorder and dyslexia & the resilience built through navigating school & communication challenges How sensory environments, movement, colour & hands-on learning can better support neurodivergent people Using technology thoughtfully as a tool for connection and learning, rather than isolation Discovering a creative calling through colour & light The science & emotional impact of light, including circadian rhythms, sunlight, colour & wellbeing Neuroaesthetics, biophilic design & how spaces can influence safety, stress, mood & behaviour Nature, daylight, trees, grounding Designing experiences & public spaces that create emotion, community & meaningful human interaction Firelight, ancient instincts & why shared gathering places can make people feel safer & more connected Finding personal values & speaking honestly in a culture shaped by fear, online judgement & cancellation Rebuilding community in the face of rapid technological change, isolation & social fragmentation This 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.com (http://www.frankieboylestudio.com/) https://www.youtube.com/@FrankieBoyleStudio (https://www.youtube.com/@FrankieBoyleStudio) @frankie_boyle_studio (https://www.google.com/goto?url=CAESbQHrOzAVGS1yyOLcxljZ_6E6gBt3RW9aAM6l2rnTchI49Rzs6nCGyaE5TSY2-F-nVOFDuLMjVCtwKq-bewoX5WD4bF5H9nQDm3Zxhbs3pAzg_CdjOe2oC661r_Lteode1Fkaq2Hi5_ISIVcdy04)

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Sonia van de Haar: The Magic & Neuroscience of Colour

   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-haar www.lymesmith.com.au @lymesmithy Key Topics: Stategic & specific use of colour in architecture Public and residential design - limitations & lessons Bringing colour into projects early to enhance meaning Colour, light, and context Place-based and culturally responsive architecture Indigenous knowledge and connection to land & what this teaches us Neuroscience and colour strategy Texture, transitions, and wayfinding Retrofitting public buildings Curiosity, communication, and career detours

3. 

   2 Oct 2026

   Sonia van de Haar: Colour, Place & The Neuroscience of Better Spaces

   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-haar www.lymesmith.com.au @lymesmithy sonia@lymesmith.com.au (mailto:sonia@lymesmith.com.au) Timestamps 00:00 - Sonia’s evolving role in colour-led projects 02:48 - Childhood memories of colour and paint 05:56 - Why professional colour work is about combinations, not favourites 06:41 - Choosing a room colour with almost no natural light 08:13 - Rachel’s purple obsession and the power of natural light 11:56 - Sonia’s background and early path toward architecture 18:46 - Why Sonia admires makers and works best alongside them 20:39 - A pivotal career turn that changed Sonia’s direction 31:51 - Aboriginal place knowledge and what architecture can learn from it 38:25 - Designing for authentic place instead of placing objects on land 40:31 - Retrofitting old buildings for sustainability and community 44:26 - The neuroscience of colour in spatial design 49:08 - Why colour alone is not enough without thoughtful spatial planning 51:23 - Transitions, texture, and the calming effect of variation 54:49 - How public spaces can improve wellbeing and wayfinding 58:31 - The dehumanizing legacy of bad public architecture 62:31 - Colour as a non-invasive wayfinding tool in hospitals 64:29 - What Sonia learned from a major derailment in her studies 70:46 - Curiosity, flow, and designing a career through exploration 77:03 - Why Sonia’s work may become mainstream in the years ahead 78:40 - Closing thanks and where to connect with Sonia

4. 

   16 Apr 2026

   Orlagh O'Reilly: Innately Attuned to the Power of Creativity

   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.

5. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Gary Wheeler: Giving Back & Creating 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.

6. 

   10 Apr 2026

   Valeria Segovia: Connected to the Architecture of Life

   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. Takeaways Architectural inspiration from nature Challenges 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.

7. 

   3 Apr 2026

   Dan Cooper: Immersed in Creating Human Stories

   In the 5th pisode of my podcast Moments in Motion, I speak with Dan Cooper, the founder of DotCrew, a small but mighty digital & immersive agency producing award-winning landmark projects across the UK & internationally. Dan is a highly intuitive Creative Leader and uses this alongside his deeply held values about doing meaningful work which educates, moves and connects people. He has worked on and been responsible for many award winning projects, from his early days at the BBC to his most recent projects with DotCrew. In our conversation, Dan talks about his experience in the design industry, working on innovative storytelling-led digital projects, and how he began his career journey into digital media, as well as the future of immersive experiences and technology. The conversation delves into the role of technology in museums, emphasizing the need to balance technology with storytelling and the importance of knowing when to really pull back on technical effects to allow the human story to present itself. It also explores the impact of Dan's unexpected career pivots and the lessons learned from these experiences. As well as the big learning curve of setting up a business. And how this has allowed him to fully follow his values in the way he works and the work that his company does. We end on the subject of how self-trust and open mindedness are key to not just career success but to overall personal happiness. Takeaways Immersive storytelling Innovative digital projects Tech integration in museums Balancing technology and storytelling The impact of unexpected career pivots Values-driven ambition Self-trust and open-mindedness

8. 

   20 Mar 2026

   Mel McVeigh: Travelling the Creative Path

   In this new episode of Moments in Motion, I speak with Mel McVeigh, a true creative hybrid whose 25 year career has spanned many areas of design and creativity. She is always motivated by the desire to explore life as deeply as possible and her lifelong inspiration has been an adventurous spirit to see & experience the world. Mel is a Creative Director & Leader, a published photographer & the Founder of the Wide Open Roads Studio. In our conversation, Mel deep dives into what it means to be true to your creativity & how important it is to always keep pushing to know your deepest creative self. She also talks about her varied career from Mr & Mrs Smith, The Telegraph, Photobox and Condé Nast, as well as talking openly about the impact of burnout & the importance of listening to & looking after your body in order to stay healthy. This is a wide ranging conversation with someone who is highly self aware & always authentic.

9. 

   13 Mar 2026

   Nathalie Gibbs: The Art of Being Fearless

   Nathalie Gibbs is an extraordinary talent in the creative industry. She is a real true hybrid with experience across all areas of design. She has a rich background and a diverse career from textiles to theatre design, from brandingt to hospitality. And she is the Founder of a fascinating and landmark project Childhood which is due to launch in Spring this year. Our conversation explores the theme of embracing change and adapting to new paths, from moments of change to discovering something special. It covers into the thrill of adventure, physical freedom, and fearlessness, as well as the art of going with the flow and embracing life's journey. Nathalie discusses her transition from textiles to theatre design, the exploration of diverse creative paths, and the impact of design, including the craving for meaningful design and the evolution of design. We also explore the impact of AI on creativity, the shift in design and brand experience, and the thrill of new creative ventures, the influence of design and creativity on personal growth, rediscovering childhood memories within our urban environments leading to creating a personal and interactive city experience through her new project Childhood, which has the potential to help us to reclaiming our cities and be the catalyst to people coming together again to listen and share. Takeaways * Embracing change and adapting to new paths is a recurring theme throughout the conversation. * The impact of design and the craving for meaningful, impactful design is highlighted as a significant insight. The influence of AI on creativity and the need for human creativity in design and brand experience. * The importance of personal growth, rediscovering childhood memories, and reclaiming cities for personal identity and authenticity.

10. 

    6 Mar 2026

    Philip Marshall: Creating Emotional Resonance

    Philip Marshall is a unique Creative Designer & Leader with multifaceted experience, talent, approach and outlook. He is one of the warmest, most caring & humane people I have met in the industry. He is also very low key, undertated cool with a fascinating personal backstory which we only touch on. I've known Philip for over 20 years and I was delighted to get him to be one of my first guests on my new podcast. Our conversation delves into the transition from postmodernism to metamodernism, and the role of design in shaping society and culture. It also explores the importance of emotional resonance in design and the cultural differences in customer experience. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including service culture, digital transformation, polymath strength, remote collaboration, creativity and neurodiversity, customer journey and empathy, brand perception and value, business empathy and design. It delves into the impact of lockdown, writing and publishing, dyslexia and education, creativity and human progress, and brand perception and customer experience. It covers everything from societal shifts, industry transformation, the impact of technology and digitalization, the role of wisdom and experience in the design industry, the revival of traditional skills and craftsmanship, the importance of in-person collaboration and human connection, and reflections on life's journey and lessons learned. Takeaways * Metamodernism as a new era * The importance of emotional resonance in design Service culture * Psychological lifestyle * Digital transformation * Polymath strength * Virtual studio * Remote collaboration * Creativity and neurodiversity * Customer journey and empathy * Brand perception and value * Business empathy and design Resilience * Curiosity

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