Space to Create: Imagining the Next Generation of Artist & Maker Studios
• – • Away Industries
About the speaker
Dr. Katherine Gunderson is the Founder and CEO of Grand Bequest LTD, a FinTech/PropTech company based in Scotland, bringing empty buildings back into use. With a background in business and supply chain, in addition to an extensive academic background, Katherine has a bold, new approach on how AI and technology can be harnessed to finally unlock the circular economy for the construction sector and transform vacant properties into profitable impact investment projects, currently prioritising social and affordable housing. Under her leadership, Grand Bequest has won multiple awards for its environmental and social impact. Katherine was even recently selected to represent the UK on Trade Missions to New York City and to Paris last year to speak on regeneration and green construction.
Local partners
Machina are a speciality coffee roaster and café based in Edinburgh, with their roastery just behind Arthur’s Seat. They roast fresh, seasonal coffee for independent cafés and venues across the UK - and now, for us too.
Thanks to Machina, you’ll be starting your mornings with locally roasted goodness at our events. Their coffee is ethically sourced, expertly roasted, and full of flavour, made by a team who genuinely love what they do.
Away Industries is an intimate, industrial-chic venue in Leith, Edinburgh, housed in a beautifully restored merchant’s house dating from 1793. Its original architectural details, such as its steel vaults, lend character and history, while its interior strikes a balance between elegance and raw, modern edge.
Located at 92 Constitution Street, this listed building offers a versatile backdrop for events, including photoshoots, product launches, micro weddings, and community gatherings.
Company Bakery is an Edinburgh favourite, known for its award-winning sourdough that’s earned top honours at the Scottish Bread Championships. Everything is made using wild fermentation, local grains and a deep love for the craft.
You’ll find crisp, crusty loaves, pillowy vegan cinnamon buns, gooey brownies and flaky pastries. Their café is bright and Scandi-inspired - a cosy, welcoming space built around community.
They already supply some of the city’s best cafés, restaurants and shops, and deliver fresh bread straight to doorsteps. Now, they’re bringing the good stuff to early risers too.
We’re pleased to partner with Broughton Street Flowers, a wedding and event florist and plant-lovers’ haven in Edinburgh’s New Town. Their iconic yellow store is warm and vibrant.
They bring seasonal, natural, beautiful blooms, sourcing many flowers locally from Edinburgh and Perthshire when in season. Their shop at 87 Broughton Street is full of fresh bouquets, unusual plants, stylish vases, and floral touches.
Additional details
This month in Edinburgh, CreativeMornings is blossoming into something a little different. Instead of our usual talk, we’ll gather for a collaborative workshop led by Dr. Katherine Gunderson, Founder & CEO of Grand Bequest, Scotland’s first PropTech B Corp.
Grand Bequest is reimagining how communities bring vacant buildings back into use, combining data, AI and sustainability to turn neglected spaces into places with new life. Katherine has shared this vision on international stages from New York to Paris, and now she’s bringing it home to Edinburgh.
In Space to Create: Imagining the Next Generation of Artist & Maker Studios, Katherine will open a conversation on how disused buildings could become creative studios and cultural hubs, and she wants to hear your ideas. It’s a chance to imagine together what future spaces for Edinburgh’s creative community might be.
We’ll be hosted at the beautiful Away Industries, with specialty coffee from Machina, pastries (including glazed chai cardamom buns!) from Company Bakery, and seasonal flowers from our exciting new sponsor, Broughton Street Flowers.
Join us to share, listen and help shape the spaces our city needs.
Location
Hosted at
Away Industries
Away Industries, 92 Constitution St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RP
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom EH530AH
When
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Graphic Designer Andrew Smith
Graphic Designer Rosie Rees
Motion Designer & Photographer Jade Paynter
Morning Person Catherine Kelly
Morning Person Jodie White
Morning Person Sarah Barnard
