In the past few months, we have had a few new members joining our team, some of the names and faces may be familiar to you already, but we wanted to officially introduce them and give you a little more info about each of these spectacular ladies!
Can you give us some details about your professional background and what lead you to Entrawood?
After achieving a 6 year Master’s degree in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics at Rhodes University and I was offered my first job in Cape Town as an Ergonomist. I then found myself at a well-established company that specialised in ergonomic office furniture. After 9 years in this position, I took a short break from the industry during which I realised the office industry is where I belong. Fortune would have it that an opportunity presented itself at Entrawood through a previous client. This is how my journey has begun with Entrawood and I am excited to be part of this team.
What is your best tip when embarking on an office refurb?
Ergonomics ensures that the individual is the core focus of any design. Keep the individual and the expected daily tasks and movements in mind when embarking on an office refurbishment. Ask questions central to functional performance and wellness as well as previous office layouts or products before proposing a new layout or product demonstrating the benefits and improvements the refurbishment will bring.
As a(n) designer/account manager/ergonomist what is the most satisfying part of your job?
The most satisfying part of my job is seeing my clients in awe when they have completed an individual office assessment. The outcomes of this assessment are: the relief of discomfort; their increased knowledge and understanding of ergonomics; and their understanding of how best to use an office product, these are the most rewarding aspects of my job.
What are 3 words that describe you?
Dedicated. Perfectionist. Caring
What do you want your clients to know about you?
I will be with you throughout the project process, and you can call on me whenever you have any questions. I am also available for ergonomic advice, presentations and wellness days.
Meet Janice
ERGONOMIST
ACCOUNT MANAGER – Western Cape.
Meet Roxanne
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Roxanne can you share a bit about your professional background and what lead you to Entrawood.
After completing my studies in Interior Design, I worked for a kitchen company as their designer. When a sales consultant left I was asked to take over their position, incorporating sales with design. After a few years in kitchens, I was asked to join an office furniture company as sales consultant, and this is where I truly found my passion for sales and problem solving in this dynamic industry. I also have a bit of marketing and mural-painting sprinkled in between!
What is your best tip when embarking on an office refurb?
Understand what your client would like to achieve. Pay attention to what the goal of the project is and keep it in mind during the process. Start with a solid brief to achieve the best results.
As a(n) designer/account manager/ergonomist what is the most satisfying part of your job?
Seeing the complete project/ installation with a happy client and end user.
What excites/intrigues you about the office furniture industry?
How much it can change and how companies can be so different. The pandemic certainly made the biggest change to how people view and use office spaces, but ever-evolving technology and ideas are constantly changing the way that we work in these key spaces. Paired with the various aesthetics and vibes that clients would like in their offices ensures that every project is different and exciting.
How do you deal with a challenging client or project?
Listen. That’s the most important aspect of being in a client-facing role. Then seek to understand. The best thing that you can do is equip yourself with every detail of the project and get all parties aligned.
Please share a short summary of your professional background and what lead you to Entrawood.
I always say Entrawood is my first big girl job because it is my first professional job where I had previously done freelance work while completing my undergraduate studies. I have both undergrad and honours degrees in Interior design. I am currently pursuing a Master of Art in Integrated Design with a specialization in interior design and an emphasis on culture and its influence on South African office design. It’s a perfect balance where my work supports my studies, and my studies support my job.
What is your personal mantra?
It’s a quote by Jim Elliot that I live by “Wherever you are, be all there” I aim to be both present and intentional in all aspects of my life.
As a designer what is the most satisfying part of your job?
The satisfaction in my work comes from bringing ideas to life, transforming concepts and designs into tangible creations. While crafting renders and designs is fulfilling, witnessing them materialize is the most gratifying aspect of my creative process, and it’s the very reason I chose to be a designer.
What excites/intrigues you about the office furniture industry?
Within the field of interior design, office design is frequently underestimated and commonly viewed as the least captivating branch of this discipline, leaving it relatively unexplored. Approaching it from both a research and practice standpoint reveals a continual stream of new discoveries within this industry. I have the exciting opportunity to make these daily revelations, which adds a delightful element to my work!
What are 3 words that describe you
Calm, Creative & a bit of a perfectionist (would I be a designer if I wasn’t?)
Meet Nandi
SPACE PLANNER
Meet Michelle
ACCOUNT MANAGER- Gauteng
Michelle, can you share a short summary of your professional background and what led you to Entrawood?
I started my professional journey in this industry in 2015, commencing my career in the sales division at Cecil Nurse. This initial role served as the cornerstone of my expertise in office furniture. Subsequently, I navigated through diverse positions within the industry, and I am currently delighted to be a part of the Entrawood team.
What is your best tip when embarking on an office refurb?
The selection of office furniture plays a pivotal role in establishing a productive and comfortable workspace within the new office. From choosing colour schemes to selecting fabrics, it’s imperative that your furniture aligns with your office layout and vision for the space. The rising popularity of ergonomic furniture is evident, not only for their contribution to the overall aesthetic of the workplace but also for their positive impact on staff well-being, comfort, and efficiency.
What is your personal mantra?
The only person I strive to be better than is who I was yesterday.
As an account manager, what is the most satisfying part of your job?
Meeting with clients and building new relationships. Being able to implement a client’s vision into their office space.
What are 3 words that describe you?
Passionate, Ambitious, Dedicated
