This Women’s Equality Day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on remarkable craftswomen who are making waves in their fields. Join us as we sit down with Courtney Evans, the visionary behind Tactile Workshop. Discover what drives her passion for entrepreneurship, her journey as a business owner, and her broader impact as a world changer.
Q: Our personal mantra is: "Run faster. Jump higher. Fly free." Which one of those relates to you the most, and why (as it relates to your personal life or professional life or future dreams)?
A: The energy of your ethos resonates with me, as it implies work, growth and forward progress. I see every day as an opportunity to contribute and expand our potential, individually and collectively, with generosity and authenticity. Fly Free!
Q: Tell us and the world about you and who you are (this can include your role, brand, and elevator pitch/mission statement if you have one).
A: I’m an architect, engineer, designer, dreamer, and doer. I love to get dirty and into the middle of the work and the play.
Q: Where did the name Tactile Workshop come from?
A: I believe that our built environment should be beautiful, engaging, interactive if possible, and useful. The final test when finishing a fine work of sculpture or furniture is always by touch. The beauty of our work lives equally in the designed details built by hand from the materials who’s innate qualities are felt by weight and texture and in the tiny final details, that you can’t really see but can feel. Tactile Workshop is an experiment in what can be created, from real materials, put into the real world, meant to be used, worn, and touched.
Q: How are you changing the game in your niche, world, or domain–or how you want to in the future?
A: For a decade, I’ve been rolling onto male-dominated construction sites, usually with a pink hard hat, blowing people’s minds. They truly can’t believe the scale or quality of my work, or that a woman is leading the team. I think putting inspirational ideas out into the world is important, and incredible work leads by example. I hope other underrepresented individuals see my work and know that they too can be master craftspeople of any trade they choose.
Q: How would you define your personal style?
A: I’m born from the pedagogy of modern minimalism, a true believer that less is more... except when it comes to shoes or hats! I have two basic uniforms : work and play. Both are monochrome and workwear-inspired.
Courtney Evans is not only shaping spaces but also breaking barriers. By challenging industry norms and leading with excellence, Courtney aims to inspire others to see the potential for greatness within themselves, proving that remarkable craftsmanship and leadership can transcend traditional boundaries and set new standards for future generations.
Q: What is your favorite P.F. Flyers sneaker (style/color)?
A: I’m recently obsessed with the platform Allston in black/white... perfectly paired with a slightly cropped barrel pant! My favorite classic Flyers are the Center Hi in Antique White... they just bleed baseball, one of my other favorite things.
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
A: I grew up on a farm! I miss working that sandy loam every day.
Q: How does your firm contribute to the local community or the broader architectural landscape? What does collaboration mean to you?
A: My practice was forged from the concept that the built environment could be better... Better built, more fun, more engaging, and more inspiring. There has historically been an observable disconnect between architects and builders, leading to lackluster and inefficient products. I wanted to bridge that gap. By having the skills to speak the language of the designer with the wisdom of the craftsperson, I forged collaborations with other architects and builders in the area, turning competitors into partners. The result is beautiful spaces and projects, our collaborative fingerprints all over the city.
Q: What is the guiding design philosophy or ethos of your architecture firm?
A: We operate from a belief that the quality of our work should live equally in the way it looks, functions, and feels. We exist to create art and bring impactful design projects to life.
Q: Are there any signature elements or features that consistently appear in your firm’s designs?
A: The bare minimum of what you need to achieve the desired result is the only consistent theme of my work. I like to push our engineers to the edge of their comfort zone and streamline, reduce, and refine every detail to the least it can be.
Q: Can you share the story behind starting your business? What inspired you to pursue this path?
A: I was working as an architect, and I became disillusioned when my designs were never fully realized during construction. “God is in the details,” but the details were being overlooked and value-engineered out of every project. I instinctively knew there was a better way to approach these high-impact moments of projects, so I started the business to prove that point. If you know how to build and understand the limits of materials, you can design better spaces and objects within budget.
Q: If you could do everything over again, what would you do differently?
A: I believe the plot unfolds exactly how it’s supposed to.
Q: What product or service that you’ve made is your favorite?
A: My first commercial architectural design and interior build-out is my nostalgic favorite. The interior of this tea shop was designed to feel like the bow of a boat, a delicate and intricate lattice of cypress woven together into compound parabolic vaults holding the patrons like a basket.
Q: Tell us about the Dorothea Dix Wayfinding Cubes (that we recently photographed you in front of) and the project's significance.
A: The City of Raleigh partnered with Tactile WKSP to imagine how to orient visitors to this newly acquired 300-acre sprawling park. Prior to the ultimate redevelopment of Dorothea Dix Park, these wayfinding kiosks provided destinations and reference points throughout the park. Their duties are to attract visitors to explore the park, help orient visitors while on campus, and provide an outlet for communication from the City and Conservancy on news and events. The park will become one of the greatest amenities of any city in the southeast, and it was so meaningful to me to have a hand in programming the initial installations of this significant project.
From the finest details to grand installations, Courtney exemplifies integrity, community spirit, and meticulous craftsmanship. She doesn’t merely dream; she takes decisive action to bring those dreams to life. Her relentless drive and boundary-pushing creativity inspire us, as she continually evolves her industry and crafts pieces that are both stunning and meaningful. Her work, showcased below, is a testament to her vision and dedication.
Q: What have been the biggest challenges you've faced as a female entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
A: The biggest challenges for me have been and still are the persistent and constant challenges of sexism and good-ol-boy misogyny. I’ve learned to overcome these attitudes by remaining authentic, beating them at their own game, and being highly selective with my clients and trade partners.
Q: Can you share a significant milestone or achievement in your entrepreneurial journey that you're particularly proud of?
A: I had the opportunity to show my work (with my business Artish) in a curated show for Milan Design Week in 2022, and I will never forget how humbled I was to be invited and how inspired I was to see all of the amazing work from brilliant minds around the world.
Q: In your experience, what unique strengths or advantages do women bring to entrepreneurship?
A: This is my favorite question! Women bring innumerable strengths to the table, but I think our superpower is resilience.
Q: What advice would you give to other women who are aspiring to start their own business?
A: Stay authentic, keep your chin up, and just do it!
Q: Is there anything we didn’t cover today that you’d like to share with our Flyers?
A: If any Flyers are playing women’s sandlot baseball, definitely reach out and let’s schedule some games!
Q: Where can our Flyers follow you and your brand/business?
A: You can follow us on Insta @tactile_wksp!
We wholeheartedly agree that resilience is one of women's greatest strengths, and Courtney's unwavering authenticity is a shining example of what it means to forge your own path. Keep an eye out for her next groundbreaking projects, as she continues to inspire and elevate the field with ingenuity and impactful work.
