Thuy Duong Nguyen Phan, Managing Editor of ELLE Decoration Vietnam, showcases her home office and share her views on evolving work dynamics

Thuy Duong works as a graphic design lecturer along with managing the magazine, a position she has held for the past four years. We love that she’s made it her career’s mission to promote Vietnamese design talents to the world.

How have you set the mood to work efficiently from home?
I live on my own in a small apartment in Saigon. I have had a home office set up for my thesis students, who’d come every week. But, during this pandemic, I have had to use it to teach them online instead as well as manage work and home. So, I decided to take the dining table and turn it into a spacious desk where it is brightened by daylight. Since this spot is next to my balcony, I also end up feeling a connection to the world outside. I have a small notebook next to me to quickly note things down. I’m still quite oldfashioned that way despite the fact that I have two computers and a smartphone on my desk. 

How has WFH changed the way you and your team work?
I think that it is to our advantage of being creatives since we can improvise and adapt better. Many things can be done from a distance, and some tasks will be attended to more acutely through digital platforms.  

What is your most treasured possession?
Two miniature houses made and gifted to me by an ex-student. It took her 180 working hours to complete and it’s designed especially for me. It’s even got my name, my personal mascot: a sloth, even my favourite painting in miniaturised form. I’m definitely grabbing them if there’s a fire 🙂  

Your current favourite design object…
The new Meridiano lamp from Fontana Art.

A promising product designer from Vietnam to watch out for…
Ho Chi Minh based District Eight. 

Once the travel ban is lifted, where would you first travel to?
I’m going to take my father to Germany. He studied and worked there for 12 years, and hasn’t been able to visit for 30 years. 

Scroll to catch a glimpse of Saigon from her window