During a pivotal period of growth for NEOZ, Tammy played an important role in expanding the brand’s product range — from developing the Cooee collection with Peter Ellis to contributing to the introduction of the then-new V4.5 system. The Cooee series, a family of cordless lamps that has become one of NEOZ’s most iconic and enduring designs, marked a defining chapter in that evolution.
Her years at NEOZ saw her design journey grow alongside the company, contributing to its transition from a small local manufacturer to an international name in cordless lighting. We spoke with Tammy about those formative years, the creation of the Cooee range, and what she has carried forward since.
One from the archive, Tammy brings her trademark smile to work every day
What was your very first impression of the company when you joined, and how has that impression evolved over the decades?
When I think back on my early days, what stands out most is the dedication of the team and our shared enthusiasm for the wonderful clients we worked with around the world. NEOZ has remained humbly dedicated to its clients over the years, and I was proud to be part of a small team committed to good design and service.
Over time, witnessing NEOZ grow as a business and explore new designs and materials has been a pleasure — solidifying its reputation as a forerunner in functional cordless lighting.
You joined NEOZ at the start of your career — how did that experience shape your growth as a designer?
Finding a job is always a humbling experience, and in my case, NEOZ — as an original brand manufacturer — was a dream opportunity that allowed me to grow as a multidisciplinary designer, gaining experience in everything from industrial design and photography to product and marketing material design.
There was also a lot of direct client contact for repairs and maintenance, which allowed us to see the products through from start to end of life. I’m grateful to have worked with a supportive team, particularly Peter Ellis, who listened to my ideas, helped me build confidence as a young designer, and shaped my understanding of both design and small business.
Though Tammy now calls Japan home, one of her signature designs isn’t far away — our Cooee 2C at the Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo.
Designing for the hospitality industry comes with specific demands. How challenging was it to balance creative vision with those practical requirements?
Hospitality clients require products that perform reliably day in and day out, so durability and ease of repair are essential. Supplying countries around the world means that the lamps must function in varying temperatures and humidity levels. Balancing these functional requirements with technological advancements, as well as material and manufacturing considerations, can be a challenge — but there’s always a solution to be found.
You were involved in one of NEOZ’s most iconic designs — the Cooee cordless lamps. What was the inspiration behind the design, and which version remains your favourite?
The purpose of Cooee was to highlight the design of our new Lamp Controller, which featured a slim profile and operated on a single lithium-ion battery. With the decline in halogen bulb quality and improvements in LED technology, we had long been planning the next generation of NEOZ cordless lamps. The Cooee collection, together with the Uno Lamp Control Unit, represents the culmination of years of research and development.
My favourite is the Cooee 3 in copper or brass, and it has been fascinating over the years to see which style and finish people are most drawn to.
The Cooee 3 is Tammy's favourite variant from the Cooee collection
Looking back, what were some of the challenges during the design and manufacturing phases?
The initial research phase involved selecting the right battery, which ultimately shaped the rest of the Lamp Control Unit’s design. From there, we designed Cooee to be as slim as possible with interchangeable diffusers. Using a process called metal spinning, we successfully produced the metal body with a wall thickness of only 0.6mm that covers a durable polycarbonate moulding. Forming the metal to this slim, elongated profile proved surprisingly challenging.
What do you think makes the Cooee lamps resonate with people?
I think it’s their understated beauty — how they sit quietly on each table, complementing the surroundings and food. In restaurants, customers are often drawn to pick them up out of curiosity, attracted by their portability. From a commercial perspective, they’re durable and easy to use, so it’s not uncommon for operations managers to remember them and choose them again when they move to new establishments.
Many interior designers and architects also trust NEOZ’s quality and seek bespoke designs or unique solutions — and for me, that kind of collaboration is always very rewarding.
Custom jewellery designed by Tammy for Workshop Ando
How did your experience at NEOZ shape your work after you left?
My time at NEOZ taught me to see a product from both a design and marketing perspective — it sparked a lasting appreciation for product photography and how it elevates the quality of design. As I’m designing something, I naturally think about how it might be photographed and presented creatively.
Lately, I’ve been drawn to exploring how materials and texture create character. I spent some time designing jewellery, and it would be nice to return to a lighting project again in the future.
