Intro
It all starts with attentive listening and keen observation. Few solutions can seamlessly transfer from one organization to another; whether in design or engagement strategies, authenticity and intention are paramount. Achieving this requires a blend of vision, discipline, humility, and creativity. Once these qualities are unleashed, the resulting outcomes not only add significant value but also create experiences that customers are eager to revisit.
Embrace the courage to forge your own path instead of merely following the crowd—high-functioning cultures cannot be replicated or standardized. While benchmarking can provide valuable insights, it’s essential for companies to use data to be bold and define their unique journey. When nurtured effectively, your distinct story and individuality will emerge and be amplified, setting you apart from the competition. Remember, physical spaces are a reflection of your culture; they do not create it.
NEXT HQ: Palo Alto
Project 01
Intercom Fit-out: Chicago
Project 02
Google Store HQ: Mountain View
Project 03
Google Store: Dublin, IRE
Project 04
After witnessing an engineer napping openly in front of a tour group, completely oblivious to the attention, I recognized the need for a more thoughtful solution to employee wellness.
Following six unsuccessful pitches, I finally secured approval on the seventh attempt to pilot three nap pods on campus for a budget of $15,000. Not only did these pods become popular among groups such as new parents, engineers, and security teams, but they also transformed into a permanent fixture across all Google locations, becoming a must-see attraction for visitors.
Nap Pods
Project 05
“No workplace is complete without a nap pod. We found that the five-minute to 15 minute power nap, works on Sunday before you watch the football game, why not here at work?”
Supplied nap pods for the set of the film "The Internship," along with wardrobe items sourced from our Merchandise Store inventory, featuring products that my team carefully curated and provided.
Through collaborative efforts with the product team, I dedicated significant time working within their spaces to absorb their energy and understand how they worked. While there, I frequently overheard complaints regarding distractions caused by our open office layouts, which prompted me to take proactive measures to address the issue, given the limited options available in existing furniture designs.
To begin, I conducted baseline decibel readings in the standard open office setup and then assessed how our inventory of Android beanbags could help reduce noise levels. This led to the creation of "Fort Droid," a structure not only effective in providing an optimal working environment but also captured the attention of CBS during its coverage.
With validated results, I secured a budget of $35,000 to design and manufacture a prototype. The design evolved through feedback and iterations, ultimately resulting in successful deployment of the units across the campus.
Shush Shack
Project 06
My CV
I have held a diverse array of positions in the tech industry, gaining valuable experience at four startups and two blue-chip tech companies. Additionally, my time in high-end interior design showrooms has equipped me with insights into effectively integrating residential and commercial materials within office environments. Throughout my career, a consistent theme has been my commitment to active listening, leveraging data to inform opportunities for action, shaping culture, enhancing engagement, building community, and improving employee retention & attraction. I have successfully managed a wide range of responsibilities, including the built environment, onsite services and amenities, collecting and analyzing data, change management, program management, vendor relations, internal events, recognition initiatives, and facility operations.
Originally from Ohio, I have made the San Francisco Bay Area my home for over twenty years. My intuition led me to combine my backgrounds in Organizational Psychology and Interior Design, which has allowed me to adopt a human-centered approach in all my endeavors. I focus on creating solutions that not only address needs but also bring joy to customers. In today’s evolving workforce, fostering positive interactions between employees and their office spaces is no longer optional; it is imperative for driving engagement, collaboration, and productivity.
All works on this site are projects I’ve conceived of, project managed, and launched.