A Letter From UXUS... March

A note from our CEO...?

Welcome to a new and exciting instalment of ‘A Letter from UXUS’ – your passport to the world of retail design and innovation, plus a whole lot more.?

In the spirit of International Women's Day this month, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women within our team and beyond, bringing you a special female-forward edition of our newsletter!?

Here at UXUS, we champion the transformative impact of authentic stories, diverse perspectives, and the invaluable role that women play in shaping the business landscape. It's with this ethos that we proudly showcase the brilliance of women across every aspect of our organization and the industry at large.?

In this edition, dive into insights from our Creative Strategist, Rachel Edmonds, as she unveils the art of designing a better tomorrow. Architect Kleoniki Fotiadou also shares her perspectives on how diversity enriches our creative process in a Q&A session. Plus, we spotlight some of the incredible women and female-led initiatives that fuel the fire within our team.?

And it doesn’t stop at a newsletter - UXUS is dedicated to amplifying the voices and accomplishments of women everywhere. After all, it's the diverse perspectives and unwavering dedication of each individual within our team that propels us onward.?

Here's to the unstoppable force of women everywhere! ???

?- Queenie Lo, CEO

?We hope you enjoy this special edition and we look forward to sharing more of our insights with you over the coming months!?

You X Us

Kleoniki Fotiadou: 5 Questions with UXUS’ Architect?

In our latest team Q&A, we touch base with Architect, Kleoniki Fotaidou, on what inspires her day-to-day, how diversity enriches the creative process, sustainability in design projects and hacks we can all use to stay productive.?

Read the full Q&A with Kleoniki here.?

NEW on UXUS

McDonald’s Jeju: An Architectural Homage to the Moon...?

Drawing inspiration from our globally embraced 'Luna' décor concept, our new work with McDonald's Jeju seamlessly integrates cultural symbolism with architectural innovation.??

The design pays homage to the island's coastal beauty, merging elements of the rising moon and sea waves. Circular cutouts in the facade reflect the moon's ascent, while wooden slats below emulate rhythmic waves. This project is a powerful example of design and collaboration, and represents a seamless integration of innovation, sustainability, and cultural relevance, setting new standards for fast-food experiences.?

To access the full case study click here.

Future Forecast

Designing A Better Tomorrow: The Community Revolution?

In the first article of this new series, Rachel Edmonds explores the transformative power of community in shaping our future.??

From co-living initiatives to tokenized fandoms, communities are redefining how we live, work, and connect. Brands have a unique opportunity to authentically build communities, unlocking new business models and fostering lasting relationships.? ? Successful community initiatives will be built on reciprocity, providing genuine empowerment and real value to members. If you're interested in harnessing the power of community for your brand, reach out to us to learn more.?

Tap here to read the full article.

Final thoughts: Females in Focus??

What better way to celebrate women than to support and spotlight them! We asked our team the below two questions this #IWD and we thought they came up with some pretty spectacular answers. Thank you to all the amazing women at UXUS and beyond who continuously inspire us with their brilliance.?

1. Are there any specific initiatives or programs empowering women you would encourage people to support??

A: Part of the B–Corp certification is inclusive work environments. Few design studios, (some from the UK) already have this certificate. It’s bringing the focus to the social responsibility side of sustainability – Marta Kopec, Hospitality & Retail Technical Designer??

A: Programs, such as Pro Mujer, that are focusing on empowering women and girls through education and skill development, especially in developing countries that are struggling with gender inequality. - Wai Cheung, Associate Design Director

A: I have been part of BrandedU's Women's Visibility program for over a year now, and their dedication to fostering equality and inclusivity at the highest levels of business resonates deeply with me. As a mentor, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of mentorship, pivotal in women's career advancement, fostering connections across sectors like Marketing, Tech and Finance. Moreover, I've personally benefited from the impactful insights I receive from my mentees, which have significantly contributed to my own leadership growth, reinforcing my belief in the importance of continual evolution.??– Queenie Lo, CEO

2. Who is a female leader, or up-and-comer that has inspired you in your field, and what aspects of their work resonate with you??

A: Tina Norden, apart from being the “it girl” and front-thinker of hospitality design she continues to inspire and share her expertise by mentoring junior members of Conrad and Partners.??– Marta Kopec, Hospitality & Retail Technical Designer?

A: Neri Oxman & Zaha Hadid are the two female leaders that inspire me the most, both from their creativity and forward-thinking approach that combines design, computing, and technology. They made a huge, positive impact on the industry and helped shape the way we think about design today. Another favourite designer is Ilse Crawford, her approach to design, emphasising the quality of human and creating?environments where humans feel comfortable, is just so essential to our daily work. And last, but definitely not least, I can't leave out Es Devlin, whose use of media is profoundly inspiring. ?– Wai Cheung, Associate Design Director

A: Internally at UXUS two female leaders stand out, inspiring me to be both a better Strategist and person! Queenie Lo, our CEO has encouraged me to embrace my vulnerabilities – to accept my ‘human-ness’ rather than a search for constant, unattainable perfection. And Asell Yusupova, Strategy Director has encouraged me to unashamedly champion my values. To embrace the discomfort in challenging conversations, and the liberating empowerment in holding your space, whilst simultaneously listening and learning from others.? – Rachel Edmonds, Creative Strategist??

Have someone in mind that you’d like to spotlight? Share the woman and female initiatives that inspire you in the comments section below!?

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