Trailblazing Women Designers: Driving Tayco’s New Office Renovation
Tayco’s recent office renovation is a testament to forward-thinking design, creativity, and innovation. Spearheaded by a Team of talented women Designers, Ewa Konczyk, Commercial Space Designer; Pauline Cheung, Project Manager; Fiona Ng, Project Manager; and Tiana Smith, Showroom Coordinator, this transformation reimagined the workspace into a hub of functionality and inspiration.
Coinciding with International Women’s Day, this project is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the remarkable Women shaping the office furniture industry. Their vision extended beyond aesthetics; the goal was to craft a space that not only reflects Tayco’s capabilities but also enhances creativity, teamwork, and well-being. More than a simple renovation, the redesign transformed the office into a living showroom, an interactive space to test new concepts and gather real-time market insights. Despite challenges like intricate configurations and power limitations, the Team’s innovative approach ensured a perfect balance of beauty and practicality.
Q&A with Tayco’s Design Team
As female designers in the industry, what unique perspectives do you bring to the table?
Ewa: “One of the key elements we bring is the balance between beauty and functionality. We ensure that every design decision serves a purpose, whether it’s aesthetics, comfort, or productivity.”
Tell us about the office transformation—what was the vision behind the design?
Pauline: “Our goal was to make the office more marketable, showcasing Tayco’s versatility with various products and layouts, while creating a welcoming, motivating atmosphere for collaboration and inspiration. This space also serves as a testing ground for new products, helping us gauge market response and adapt in real-time.”
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the process, and how did you overcome them?
Tiana: “We balanced multiple opinions by finding functional and design-driven compromises. With no new power sources, we strategically placed workstations along the walls while ensuring a visually appealing layout. Styling was key—we aimed for a ‘Somebody’s home’ aesthetic, making each workstation unique yet cohesive.”
How did you balance functionality with aesthetics in this redesign?
Fiona: “We prioritized comfort, functionality, and aesthetics by integrating ergonomic design, technology, and seamless wire management. Taller Cosmo panels with tinted acrylic enhance privacy, while semi-private collaborative areas support impromptu meetings.”
Were there any specific design trends or ergonomic principles that influenced your decisions?
Tiana: “We blended Tayco’s branding through colour psychology, incorporated hotelling stations and lockers for hybrid work, and embraced modern organic trends with woodgrain laminate and light neutral tones.”
What is your favourite feature of the transformed space and why?
Ewa: “The open-concept design. It’s not cookie-cutter, and it offers so much variety.”
Tiana: “The hoteling office spaces as they help prevent boardrooms from being constantly booked.”
Fiona: “The old Tayco photos integrated into the space, they provide a sense of history and continuity.”
Pauline: “The new collaboration areas. While not a standard Tayco offering, we repurposed our products to create them. With everyone returning to the office, these spaces will be great for quick meetings or relaxing breaks.”
How do you think office furniture impacts productivity and well-being in a workspace?
Ewa: “A well-designed office boosts happiness, productivity, and engagement. Visual access to Tayco’s products provides inspiration, while variety and comfort keep employees motivated throughout the day.”
What key elements do you believe every office should have?
Fiona: “Comfort, functionality, thoughtful design, and ergonomics, paired with flexibility and accessibility, create offices that adapt to diverse work styles and needs.”
How do you see office furniture design evolving in the next few years?
Pauline: “As hybrid work evolves, the demand for hoteling setups will grow, while collaboration-focused layouts will become essential for anchor days. Sustainability will also play a key role, influencing both manufacturing processes and office designs that reflect a brand’s eco-friendly commitment.”
Are there any new innovations or design trends you’re particularly excited about?
Ewa: “Personalized workstation accessories like custom bag holders and modular add-ons, combined with our new P.E.T. machinery, unlock endless possibilities for innovative office solutions.”
By seamlessly blending aesthetics with functionality, the Team has created a workspace that fosters collaboration, well-being, and efficiency. This transformation is a testament to the expertise and vision of Tayco’s female Designers, whose leadership and creativity are driving the future of office furniture design. Their ability to navigate challenges, implement cutting-edge trends, and reimagine the workplace experience highlights the invaluable role of women in shaping the industry. The impact of their work will extend beyond Tayco, inspiring both employees and Clients to embrace the power of a thoughtfully designed workspace.
