2024 Designer Dozen: Joy Dayaw

Joy Dayaw
Design PM, MG2
Age: 33
Favorite TV Show: “The Sopranos”
Favorite Video Game: “Mortal Kombat”

WHY JOY?

In her role as Design PM, Joy wears many hats and oversees a diverse team that delivers experiential retail and F&B projects. In addition to preparing proposals for new projects, Joy also executes contracts, tracks the financial performance of projects and maintains project schedules. Some recent store designs under her belt include Brilliant Earth, Vyne Wine Shop and Evergreens. “She has a sixth sense for understanding customer flow and designing the customer journey and layout,” her co-workers say.

With more than 20 years of experience in ballet and contemporary dance, Joy is also a dancer and choreographer. Her dance performances titled “Gradient” and “Frame,” which aim to tackle the “fluid interaction between humans and their material and immaterial environments,” were filmed and included in the By Design Festival/Northwest Film Forum in 2020. She currently dances with the collective A.I.M (Artistry in Motion) in Seattle. Some of her more recent performances include dancing at Seattle PrideFest and Seattle International Design Festival.

📷 Anna Morgowicz

Describe your background. How and why did you get into retail design?

I started ballet at four years old, which eventually led to other forms of dance (modern, contemporary, hip-hop) through college and afterward. That experience sparked an interest in theatrical set design and how dancers interact with the space around them. This perspective is foundational to my work in retail design and crafting the customer journey through the space.

What’s the biggest challenge you have faced professionally?

Being able to say no to a project. A new design project often means a new problem to solve, and I love problem solving.

What would be your advice for another young designer/visual merchandiser?

Go out and explore different stores and galleries. I am one of those annoying architects who like to feel the different wall materials and look closely at millwork and transitions to see how they are detailed. It’s my version of R&D and my favorite way to learn about what’s new in retail design.

Describe a recent project that you were involved in.

At MG2, I work on the Brilliant Earth team to help design and develop their retail showrooms, including their newest showroom in the Roseville Galleria. The Roseville showroom is one of its three mall concept locations. With the mall concepts, the team collaborated on all parts of the design process, including a new storefront design and a new fixture package. Together, we saw this concept evolve from initial renderings all the way into construction and store opening. When you look at the rendering next to the final photo, it’s clear the built space held true to the initial concept.

My dream project is…

…dance studio/experimental performance venue.

My favorite thing to do when I leave the office is…

…cooking dinner at home with my husband.

The best part of my day is…

…cuddling with my dog.