SPACE to flourish.

Ideas need space to come to life, people need space to come together, communities need space to flourish. Inspired by the natural world, York Terrariums moves into the realm of ‘space’ to create uplifting environments and ecosystems that thrive.

Terrariums need a mixture of ingredients to create the perfectly balanced ecosystem; a space requires the same. Our surroundings have an impact on the ideas that we cultivate, and so finding the right balance can turn an uninviting community hall into a hub of creativity. Our founder Layla Grainger originally trained as a Designer, before moving into the realm of Workplace Strategy, where she worked for a number of years in London as a consultant for AECOM. Here she supported clients to develop and implement sustainable workplace strategies and change programmes.

She has always been drawn to the impact a space can have on the people that use it (having written her thesis on how we design creative environments), and now loves to use her horticultural knowledge to embrace nature indoors. By facilitating workshops / focus groups, she draws on local voices to input into the design of a space and believes that meaningful change can only be created by understanding the relationships between people and space through a highly human-centred approach.

The Pavilion

The Pavilion is a new free community space in the heart of York. Owned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the room was transformed from a neglected meeting room to a bold and inviting community space. Through a visioning workshop, new values were chosen for the space which guided the design, these were ‘Inclusive’, ‘Multi-purpose', and ‘Unconventional’. The design drew inspiration for the surrounding landscape of Homestead Park, bringing elements of the outdoors indoors and creating a space that encourages creativity and connection. This is not your standard meeting room, nor your average community hall. This space feels different.

SPARK* Studios

SPARK* Studios is a series of spaces designed to support local creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses in York. As an organisation, SPARK* is passionate about providing a platform for local artists, creatives and independent businesses to showcase their talents and products. After running several focus groups with locals, we helped design a multi-purpose co-working space, art studios, and event space where people can meet, spark ideas and collaborate.