Behind The Mic With The Hosts Of ‘Sense Of Space’ Podcast

Turf’s lauded podcast, Sense of Space, available on the SURROUND Podcast Network, is the fruit of a chance encounter. Co-hosts Turf brand director, Faraz Shah, and designer, Ella Hazard, hit it off after being introduced by a colleague who bowed out of their first meeting, leaving the two to connect. “This somehow didn’t phase either of us one bit; we ended up having a really great, really long conversation that day, and we haven’t stopped speaking since,” says Hazard. “We turned that conversation into Sense of Space.“

“Ella’s absolutely right—we were ‘abandoned’ (in the best of ways) by a colleague,” Shah chimes in. “I’m pretty sure they were supposed to join us, but we just hit it off.” The meeting came at the same time Turf was beginning to think about how to build content around its thought leadership. “A podcast was one of the first places we wanted to experiment,” adds Shah. “I needed a co-host and Ella was the first person I thought of. The chemistry, the banter, and joy came so naturally.”

Read on to learn more about the show’s evolution and what’s next for Turf, which recently unveiled a new showroom in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

‘Sense of Space’ Co-Hosts On Podcasting, Design, and More

SURROUND: Who is your show for?

Faraz Shah:  I think this show is for anyone. I know we talk a lot about the built environment, design, and a bunch of other things, but I think we do it in a way that makes it more approachable.  It’s easy for folks in the architecture and design communities to talk shop and get technical. It feels special knowing that we’re able to reach people in a way that’s hopefully less pretentious. I genuinely hope that someone walks away having a good time, and even better if they’re asking some new questions.

Ella Hazard: For me, I’m hopeful to engage with the people in/around architecture professions who feel a little disenchanted with their career experience. I want them to know the wealth of experience to gain and value to offer in the many ‘hidden’ professions adjacent to the traditional practice of architecture. It takes courage to step away from a linear career progression; I’m here for all of the juicy, wonderful parts of the non-linear adventure. I am happy to share my experiences but am most interested to learn from other courageous humans.

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Want to learn more about what it takes to create stunning designs that drive connection? Listen to Sense of Space podcast.

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SURROUND: The design world is so visual—how does that translate in audio? 

FS: It’s all about the conversation and the curiosity. The dialogue we have on the show isn’t tucked behind a paywall, or part of a design conference—it’s so accessible. I believe that accessibility is meaningful for people, no matter if they are new to design/architecture or if they’ve been practicing for decades. Plus, it’s really hard to introduce humor in the visual aspects of the design world. We laugh a lot on our show.  Design and architecture don’t have to be so serious all the time.

EH: My hope for Sense of Space is that it helps to peel back the layers a bit… to explore the people who design things, the processes that they create to bring ideas to reality, and to learn how they relate to / recharge / care for their creative health. There is a lot of information about design in the world, but it’s such a personal process in so many ways. Learning more about the vulnerability required to design well is what drives my curiosity.

SURROUND: What’s something new you’ve learned through your podcast?

FS:  Embracing the question. It’s almost every episode that we land on a question that we don’t have an answer to—and that’s okay! The uncertainty and ambiguity that exists in our industry doesn’t have to be a problem; instead, it can be the first step in a new direction. Being able to ask “the right questions” is half the battle. 

EH: This is a newish observation about myself, but trying to relay information in a cogent, concise manner is really hard for me at times. I’m learning that I’m a “talk-to-think” kind of person. I’m very willing to offer half thoughts, fragments of ideas, and am willing to say something kinda wrong in order to get it out of my head and into a collaborative space where it can be examined/challenged with help. This way of working can be helpful in a brainstorming session, but a podcast isn’t a brainstorming session… is it? Maybe it should be? I’m trying to be gentle with myself regarding this.

SURROUND: Where do you find ideas and inspiration for new episodes?

FS: Cultural consumption. As I’ve gotten older (and maybe wiser), I’ve started to have a lot of opinions—and the act of living life and consuming culture has become the best way for me to find inspiration. It’s something that I can react to, connect to other thoughts, and get curious about. It’s important to note that this isn’t something that I do on my own. The collaboration and discussion with the podcast team helps to refine the concepts and develop them into bigger ideas/questions.

EH: Everywhere! Life is design, design is life. Problem-seeking is a way of being and I think a designer’s mind is always attuned to the experiences we have. In that same way, I keep a running list of things that I find interesting, particularly those that have nothing to do with architecture. I always want to find a way to connect architecture with other domains of expertise.

SURROUND: We know Sense of Space is just one part of your current work—what else are you up to? 

FS:  Sense of Space is the sprint inside the marathon that is the rest of my job. I’m the brand director at Turf Design. I work with my team and industry partners to craft the future of Turf’s physical, digital, and social experiences. That means everything from NeoCon to product strategy.

EH: Well, if you’ve listened to the first episode of this new season of Sense of Space, you’ll know that I took this last year away from work. I’m just now returning from my ‘Year of Yes’ and am excited to be operating in a fractional / consulting capacity again. I’ve defined my zone of excellence in the space of: architecture + ________ (fill in the blank). I seek out complex projects that have a distinct element of architecture, but also engage with something else (art, immersive experiences, materials, early-stage start-ups) you name it!  These types of projects bring me joy and feed my insatiable curiosity. Hello world, I’m open for business!

SURROUND: Name an unexpected source of design inspiration and how you translate that spark into your work.

FS:  Music and film are incredibly important for me.  There’s a special place where the visual and sonic elements intersect and create a powerful emotional response.  That’s something that I’m always trying to create.

EH: This might be a little cliche, but nature. I think that the more time I spend in nature, the more I appreciate her design skills. Nature is the epitome of form x function as a designer. I also respect that nature has a ruthless quality. If it doesn’t work or no longer serves, it doesn’t get to survive. I appreciate the opportunity to be on this planet and if I ever start to forget that it is indeed, an opportunity, I return to nature for a re-up on humility and respect. It helps to refuel and reframe my creative engine.