About
Design with Purpose,
for People
What We’re all About
At Work Design Studio, we are proud to say that all our spaces are custom created in partnership with our clients, and in response to real organizational needs. These are determined through thorough engagement with stakeholders and user groups, which is tailored to your unique needs.
We hope to be known for our empathetic and focused approach to creative problem solving. Our process serves to realize your core design goals, and emerges with spaces that feel authentic and well-executed. We recognize the importance of collaboration, and know that as we work to design beautiful spaces for our clients, so too are we enriched by our experiences with them.
The brass tacks is this: we’re a small, tight-knit firm. For years, we’ve honed our skills in larger and more robust organizations, and for years we’ve lamented the lack of connection that often entails. We’re interested in changing the way we’ve worked in the past, and bringing all the expertise and knowledge we’ve gained to projects that can hold all of our attention.
Vanessa Jansen
PRINCIPAL + OWNER | REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGNER | LEED AP ID+C | BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Vanessa is the Principal and Founder of WORK Design Studio. With a passion for interior design, architecture, and community development, she has worked on a wide range of projects across multiple disciplines.
Vanessa likes to colour outside the lines. Combining a passion for interior design, architecture, and urban development, Vanessa has worked to create spaces that not only reflect the needs of the people inside them, but that serve the broader community as well. Stated simply: interiors should be designed to be part of the whole. Vanessa has experience delivering large and small scale healthcare, hospitality, corporate-commercial, and high-end residential projects.
Above all, Vanessa’s passion for the environment has guided her work in sustainability advocacy, ensuring environments promote true health and wellness.
Samantha Aureli
JUNIOR DESIGNER | BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Samantha is a Junior Interior Designer who has a passion for holistic research-based design. Rooted in community engagement, her work yields spaces that address the critical needs of its users while creating atmospheres that foster social interaction and meaningful connections. Dedicated to learning and implementing innovative design solutions, she strives to create sustainable spaces that endure the test of time and minimize their environmental footprint. Her spaces prioritize and contribute to the well-being of the people who inhabit them.
Samantha strongly believes that well-designed spaces have the power to positively impact communities and is excited to contribute her skills and creativity to projects that make a positive difference in people's lives and the world at large.
Erin Carmichael
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR | GUS’ MUM
Currently on maternity leave until March 2024.
Finny
GREETER | CHIEF HAPPINESS OFFICER | SAMPLE TESTER
Finny is the light of the office, and can always be found in a sunny spot supervising the office antics, ready to meet the next visitor, or test out those new carpet samples rolling around for a tummy rub. If you’re lucky, you may get a “a-roo-roo-roo” from him.