Introduction
In contrast to Hong Kong design firms which are highly commercialized and more sizable, the current size of design companies in Taiwan is limited to a workshop type of business given the small island economy. However, Taiwanese designers have the flexibility to cope with the constant policy changes and political disturbances.

Sense and Sensibility
Established for over three years, JAHAA Inc. needs to relocate to a bigger location in response to the expansion of staff and business scale. The beginning of a new business phase is a good timing to reflect on the company’s past. Designer-in-chief Ms. Jamie Jiang stated with a smile that when the company was established four years ago, the original planning for interior space and equipments was very personalized. Very fond of coffee, she purchased a professional coffeemaker to fill the air with a coffee aroma in order to relieve the stress from work. After three years in business, the current plan is more rational.

Jamie pondered thoroughly the company’s next objective and upcoming challenges when designing the new office. Based on her past working experiences at a design firm in a larger scale, Jamie understood the significance of management in interior designs. Individualism has never been encouraged at JAHAA. A clear workflow in the design process and open database are the key success factors for the whole design team when undertaking different types of projects. Teamwork spirit is the company’s main focus.

Freedom and Efficiency
The choice of the new office location is based on the following reasons: (a) the front fa?ade faces the tree boulevard on Dun-Hwa North Road, and (b) the windows in three directions allow sunlight penetration. The existing pillars were used as partitions to divide the office into inner and outer areas. A solid wall by the entrance segregates the public and private territories. Movable partitions form the walls for meeting rooms and reception zone. The service zone is situated in an area without natural light. Indoor walking paths intertwine in the public and private territories, allowing the design team to communicate with freedom and efficiency.

Low shelves by the windows are embedded with ultra-white glass to reflect the tree shadows. The multi-functional meeting room by the reception area is fixed with a ceiling-to-floor glass window in order to have a better view of outdoor trees. Lights can be dimmed. The other wall covered with stretched fabric serves as a briefing wall. A white board is hidden behind the gliding door.

Digital Codes
Clients’ most frequently asked questions are the uncertainties and puzzlement in building materials and sizes. Therefore, reminders and hints are incorporated in the interior designs. For example, ruler stickers are fixed on the window-side shelves. Clients can relate the weights and measures to everyday lives.

Such digital codes also remind the design team to integrate the ergonomics to reduce fatigue and discomfort. Originally located in the darkest corner, the display room for building materials is now relocated next to the reception area and it is transformed into a library. When clients have no clue judging from the small samples, staff can easily pick up full samples from the library and transport them to the meeting room with a shopping cart.

Designers express their perspectives in designing their own offices: sense vs. sensibility, broad vision vs. instinct, scrutiny and casualness. Therefore, the office reveals designer’s true belief: persistence or compromise!

Designer: Mr. Yen-Shi Huang, Ms. Tzu-Ying Jiang, JAHAA Inc.
Participants: Pei-Jen Shu, JAHAA Inc.
Constructor:
Photographer: Mr. Ji-Shou Wang
Category: Office
Location: Dun-Hwa North Road, Taipei City, Taiwan
Major Building Materials: painted white glass, stainless steel coated with titanium, paint and striped glass
Total Floorage: 60 pings
Design Period: January 2009 ~ March 2009
Construction Period: March 2009 ~ May 2009