As Creative Design Director at Unisource Solutions, Sayyara leads a talented team that includes Platform, our custom furniture in-house brand. Her leadership reflects what design at Unisource stands for: creativity rooted in strategy, relationships built on trust, and a constant curiosity about what's next for the modern workplace. In this conversation, Sayyara shares her vision for the future of workplace design and what it means to bring together client partnership, creative excellence, and thoughtful mentorship.
The Role
Q: How would you describe what it means to step into the Creative Design Director role at Unisource?
A: This role brings together everything I love about design—being hands-on with projects, collaborating with our team, and helping shape the creative direction we're heading in. What makes Unisource special is that we genuinely support each other across departments, all focused on doing right by our clients. As Design Director, I get to help elevate that process and push us creatively while staying true to what makes us strong as a team. It's really exciting.
Q: What impact do you hope clients immediately notice in the spaces Unisource creates moving forward?
A: We want clients to feel like we really understood them and that we're partners who got what they needed, sometimes before they even knew they needed it. We put ourselves in the users' shoes with every project, which means we're solving real problems and creating spaces that actually work for how people live and work. When clients walk away, we want them to feel confident that we were on their side the whole way through.
Sayyara's Journey and Evolution
Q: Your path spans design, strategic account management, and now design leadership—how has that mix shaped how you lead today?
A: That combination has been essential to how I approach leadership. I've always loved being in front of clients and seeing projects through from start to finish. There's something really special about that complete journey. Account management taught me how to build trust and navigate the complexities that come with every project, but I'm a designer at heart. I understand the creative process and the technical demands. I've also always enjoyed teaching and sharing what I know, so now I get to bring all of that together—the relationships, the design thinking, and the mentorship. It feels like everything has led to this.
Q: What insights are you most excited to bring deeper into the team's process at Unisource?
A: I'm excited about bringing in tools like AI and VR more intentionally—the technology is there to help us collaborate with clients in new ways, and we should be using it. But beyond that, I'm really focused on mentoring our team the way I was mentored. I want to create an environment where people feel supported to bring their best ideas forward and grow. Strong teams don't just happen. You have to invest in them, and that's something I'm genuinely passionate about.
Industry Engagement and Community
Q: How has your work with IIDA—now as VP of Communications—influenced your perspective on design and collaboration?
A: Being part of IIDA has meant a lot to me. It's about having a community where we share values, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. When I became VP of Communications last year, it came with responsibility, but I was really glad to support the design community on a broader level. It's reminded me that great design happens when we collaborate and stay connected to the bigger conversations in our industry. That perspective makes me a better leader.
Q: How does your industry engagement inform how you lead and support designers?
A: Staying connected to other designers and industry conversations keeps me inspired and challenged in the best way. I learn so much from the IIDA community and those exchanges directly influence how I support our team. To me, leadership is about creating an environment where people feel empowered to do great work and grow in their roles, and honestly, seeing people thrive is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
The Human Side
Q: Where do you find inspiration outside of work?
A: Travel is huge for me, especially Europe. London's architecture inspires me every time—there's always something new to notice that shifts how I think about space. At home, I love playing tennis with my husband or walking with our corgi, Benny. Those moments help me step away and come back with fresh perspective.
Q: What's your comfort drink when the day gets hectic, and what playlist pairs with it?
A: Coffee, always coffee. I love the ritual of making it. It forces me to pause for a minute when things get busy, and there's something comforting about that routine. I usually listen to podcasts or early 2000s music. I grew up in Western Asia, so my playlists are this mix of Russian, Turkish, and European music. It's what feels like home and helps me reset, no matter how hectic the day gets.
Future of Workplace Design
Q: What aspects of the future of workplace feel most inspiring or full of potential?
A: What excites me is that we're designing spaces that adapt to people, not the other way around. The future is about creating environments that respond to how people actually work. Spaces that are flexible, intuitive, and human-centered. Tools like AI and VR are opening up real possibilities for how we bring ideas to life and collaborate with clients. We're at this exciting point where technology and thoughtful design can come together to create something meaningful, and I'm really energized to be part of that.
Closing Question
Q: As you begin this new chapter as Creative Design Director, what impression or impact do you hope becomes evident in the work coming from Unisource?
A: I want people to see that we care about our clients, the spaces we create, and each other. Unisource is a hardworking, creative team, and I want that warmth and dedication to come through in everything we do. Clients should know that when they work with us, they're working with partners who listen, collaborate, and deliver thoughtfully designed spaces. Internally, I want to build on the supportive culture we already have and make sure our team feels empowered to do their best work. That's what leadership means to me, and I'm really looking forward to this next chapter.
Discover How Sayyara and the Unisource Team Can Elevate Your Space
Sayyara’s leadership reflects what design at Unisource stands for: creativity rooted in strategy, relationships built on trust, and a constant curiosity about what’s next for the modern workplace. Contact us to learn how our team can transform your space.
