2025 Women in Construction: Elise Cuneo, Unispace

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community?

A defining moment in my career was relocating from Sydney to NYC with my former firm. It began with top-tier law firm McCarthy Tétrault, followed by Miller Thomson, seeking fresh ideas to design their offices in Quebec and Vancouver. Since then, I’ve worked across industries in North America and Europe, including tech, finance, life sciences, and fashion. These projects led me to NYC and shaped my approach by bringing a global perspective to workplace design — especially in traditionally conservative sectors. Re-imagining work environments across industries continues to drive my work at Unispace.

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront?

At Unispace, we prioritize research, innovation, and curiosity. In a recent WorkDesign article, I highlighted key trends shaping workplace design:

• Cultural Integration & Connection: Workspaces should reflect a company’s mission, reinforcing identity and purpose.
• Employee Experience & Personalization: Design must support diverse work styles, from collaboration to quiet focus.
• AI in Design: Tools like Stable Diffusion help explore options quickly, enhancing decision-making.
• Inclusive Design: Spaces should be accessible and welcoming, supporting all physical and neurological needs.

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I am currently mid-way through a two-month wheel throwing course!