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Innovation, Her Way: Spotlighting the Trailblazing Women of MDC

August 25, 2025

It’s Women’s Equality Day, and at MDC, we’re not just observing, we’re celebrating a design revolution! We believe in the power of diverse voices to shape our world, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on some of our extraordinary collaborators — visionary women who are not only redefining spaces but also shaping tomorrow’s aesthetic.

These trailblazers aren’t only designing, they are crafting new possibilities, adding layers of innovation and infusing artistry into every project. Join us in recognizing these fearless forces who prove creativity truly knows no bounds while elevating our industry—one stunning design at a time.

Taniya Nayak: Designing for Livable Luxury

Taniya Nayak’s design approach is rooted in emotional connection, always starting with how a space will make a person feel. Her work seeks to find a balance between high style and everyday life, creating a sense of “livable luxury” where beauty and function coexist seamlessly.

I always say, a space can be stunning, but if it doesn’t work for how people live, it’s missing the mark. When both pieces are in sync, that’s when a space really sings.

Wallcoverings have the power to completely transform how a space feels, whether it’s adding drama with a deep, moody texture or creating calm with something light and organic. It’s not just about pattern or color—it’s about creating a vibe. Wallcoverings add soul, warmth and character.

Taniya Nayak

Aviva Stanoff: Nature’s Opulence Woven into Design

Aviva Stanoff, a designer who finds her greatest inspiration in the natural world, approaches each project with a philosophy of intentional, quiet luxury. She designs wallcoverings as a way to bring the peace and calm of the outdoors into a space, creating environments that feel both beautiful and restorative.

My creative process is grounded in biophilic design—nature has always been my greatest collaborator. I design wallcoverings to help bring the outdoors in. The aim is to create spaces that reinforce wellness, calm and rest—environments that feel like gentle reminders of that feeling we get when we are outside in beautiful nature.

To me, deliberate luxury means creating with purpose and presence. It’s about taking the time to honor nature, to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and to value the unique soul that handwork brings to the table.

Aviva Stanoff

Carol Benson-Cobb: Evoking Emotion Through Abstract Art

As an abstract painter, Carol Benson-Cobb’s designs begin with a feeling and a focus on capturing emotion. She believes that wallcoverings can serve as the emotional backdrop of a room, providing a quiet canvas where viewers can find their own personal connection to the artwork.

Everything I design begins as a painting. That foundational layer gives the wallcoverings a richness of texture and nuance. My painter’s mindset carries through—I’m less concerned with perfect symmetry and more focused on capturing emotion in the flow and composition.

I leave room for interpretation. My work isn’t literal and that’s intentional. When translated to wallcoverings, I keep the movement and layering intact so the viewer can insert their own story into the piece. It becomes less about me and more about how it makes them feel.

Carol Benson-Cobb

Candice Olson: Sleek Modernism with a Touch of Whimsy

Candice Olson is celebrated for her ability to fuse clean, modern lines with unexpected details, drawing inspiration from nature, classical design and high fashion. She regards wallcoverings as a key element in her design toolkit, using them to create a transformative and immersive atmosphere.

Wallcoverings have magical transformative powers and are my designer secret sauce in establishing how I want a space to feel—serene, tranquil, mysterious, dramatic—I love to use them as a jumping off point or grounding force to set the stage for the entire design concept.

I gravitate towards natural materials and textures—stone, raked wood, grasscloth—but love to contrast these more rustic finishes with more refined, often light-catching elements like gloss, shimmer and sheen. It’s an approach that adds excitement and interest without overpowering.

Candice Olson

Eager to experience the forward-thinking artistry of these women? Connect with us to bring their unique inspiration to your next design.