A Day in the Life: Placemaking Edition - Kye Whitehouse

Kye Whitehouse is the Guest Experience Manager for Landsec's iconic Trinity Leeds Shopping Centre, with almost 10-years experience within the sector.

Morning Routine:

I kick off my day at 6 AM with a brisk cold shower that instantly wakes me up and gets me ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.

By 8 AM, I’m at work, starting my day with a refreshing cold drink—yes, I prefer it chilled! Hot beverages like coffee or tea just aren’t my thing.

I take a moment to review my schedule and pinpoint my main objectives for the day.

At 8:45 AM, I gather with the guest services team to discuss their priorities and set our goals for the day. We outline key tasks and targets to ensure we’re all aligned.

Then, at 8:55 AM, I meet with the management team to share our plans for the day. This morning huddle helps us stay connected, especially since the day can get hectic, and we often need to lean on each other for support across departments.

Workday Highlights:

My current role is incredibly thrilling as I dive into planning the 2025 surprise and delight calendar. I'm collaborating with our brand partners and local independents to craft new experiences for our guests. This could involve exclusive discounts, enticing bounce-back offers, and delightful freebies?

I'm focused on our Christmas gift wrap initiative, which means I'm out and about, meeting with store managers to explore ways to elevate our offerings.?

Additionally, I'm on the lookout for fresh commercialization opportunities during the busy Christmas and summer period to enhance the guest visit and increase footfall.

As the primary contact for centre feedback, I dedicate time to analysing all the data to identify quick wins or develop proposals for the centre director and head office teams to implement. “You said, we did.”

I’m also in the process of organizing guest focus groups to invite guests to share their thoughts on what brands they’d like to see and what we might be missing and how we could improve accessibility and inclusivity gathering valuable insights.

Lunchtime Escape:

When lunchtime rolls around, it’s always a challenge to choose what to eat. We have the fantastic Trinity Kitchen, brimming with independent street food vendors and permanents. With the Leeds Christmas markets happening now, indulging in all the festive treats is definitely on my to-do list!

Post-work Delights:

After work, I really enjoy heading out and catching up with friends—I'm truly a social butterfly! On Fridays, I like to hop on the train with a delightful M&S cocktail and a bag of Percy Pigs. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend! I’m all about weekend getaways and discovering new spots. I recently tried glamping, which is nice if that’s your vibe, but I’m all about soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches.

Closing Thoughts:

When the day wraps up, I want to feel like I’ve accomplished my goals and get ready for the next day by setting new ones!

If you're looking for new opportunities with Placemaking, or if you're looking to boost your network within the sector, please reach out and I'd be happy to have a discussion!