First Look! 👀 Transforming Workplaces Design and Strategy with Monika Passey

02/04/25 • 7 min

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Monika Passey, Design and Strategy Director at Oktra, a leading workplace design and build company dedicated to crafting exceptional spaces that empower people to thrive. Monika shares her journey from architecture to workplace design, discusses her groundbreaking projects, and explains the importance of aligning workplace strategy with business goals. She also highlights how Oktra’s new Evolve team integrates real estate and workplace strategy to deliver transformational client outcomes. Monika’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the transformative power of aligning design and strategy to create meaningful impact.Monika Passey is a distinguished architect and workplace strategist with over a decade of experience in transforming spaces to inspire productivity and collaboration. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the Chandigarh College of Architecture and an MSc in Sustainable Environmental Design from the AA School of Architecture in London. Her career spans roles at Spacelab and Capita P&W Consulting before joining Oktra, where she has led award-winning projects such as the PortSokin transformation, one of the largest design-and-build projects in the UK, and a recent endeavour to design a workspace that reflects a company’s vibrant culture and fosters collaboration post-COVID. Passionate about aligning workplace strategy with business goals, Monika emphasises the importance of understanding client needs, working at the intersection of personality and design, and catering to diverse work styles. As the leader of Oktra's Evolve team, she integrates real estate and workplace strategies to deliver transformational outcomes for clients. Her dedication to sustainability, innovation, and impactful design has earned her the 'Best Woman in Architecture' award at the 2021 Women in Construction & Engineering Awards.
Episode Highlights

[00:00] Intro
[00:03:50] Monika’s Career Journey: From Architecture to Workplace Design
[00:10:06] PortSokin: Balancing Architecture and Workplace Strategy
[00:22:33] Designing with Energy: Addressing Client Challenges Post-COVID
[00:31:28] Integrating Personality into Workplace Design
[00:39:16] Adapting Spaces for Generational and Cultural Diversity
[00:46:00] Monika’s Aspirations: Passion, Purpose, and Future Impact

[00:00] Intro
[00:03:50] Monika’s Career Journey: From Architecture to Workplace Design
[00:10:06] PortSokin: Balancing Architecture and Workplace Strategy
[00:22:33] Designing with Energy: Addressing Client Challenges Post-COVID
[00:31:28] Integrating Personality into Workplace Design
[00:39:16] Adapting Spaces for Generational and Cultural Diversity
[00:46:00] Monika’s Aspirations: Passion, Purpose, and Future Impact

Previous Episode

Redefining Flexibility and Furniture in Workspace Design with Matt Osborne, Head of Furniture at AIS

In this episode of Space by Stansons, host Guy Stanley sits down with Matt Osborne, Head of Furniture at AIS, a rapidly growing provider of commercial office furniture that boasts one of the most impressive stories of growth and success in the office furniture market, to discuss the evolving role of furniture design and its impact on modern workspace design. From catering to neurodiversity to creating versatile office environments, Matt shares his insights on designing spaces prioritising employee well-being and adaptability.
Matt Osborne is a furniture specialist with over 20 years of experience in design, manufacture, and global supply, and an accomplished professional in the architectural furniture community. His previous roles have involved working on the design and manufacture of furniture and delivering large-scale projects worldwide. Matt has worked on high-profile projects such as Disney in Manchester and Expedia in Amsterdam, where innovative design solutions were key to success.
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Episode Highlights

[00:00] Intro and Matt’s Journey into the Furniture Industry
[00:03:30] From Product Design to Leadership at AIS
[00:11:00] Tackling High-Profile Projects Like Disney and Expedia
[00:18:00] Addressing Neurodiversity in Workspace Design
[00:25:00] Creating Flexible Spaces to Attract a Modern Workforce
[00:34:00] The Role of AI in Enhancing Employee Interactions
[00:42:00] The Shift Towards Employee-Centric Design Philosophy
[00:47:30] Lessons Learned from Matt’s Career in Furniture Design