Tiek Byday Redefines the Design Landscape
By Kim Meadowlark
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Following more than six years of sharing office space, the interior design studio Tiek and Co., led by mother-daughter duo Cindy and Bridget Tiek, and the architecture firm Byday, founded by Hance Hughes, have merged to form Tiek Byday in 2023. This partnership, fueled by a shared vision and deep mutual respect, had been in the making for years. “We even bought a building together before merging our companies,” Bridget shares. “Working with people who are so in-sync on every decision is rare. There was a natural chemistry between us.”
Cindy’s passion for the arts, nurtured since her youth through decorating and redecorating her room, led her to pursue chemical engineering as a career. However, feeling disconnected from the field, she explored more creative avenues like cake decorating and interior design. At the age of 49, she fully embraced her artistic side by enrolling in Louisiana State University’s interior design program alongside her daughter.
Hance Hughes also experienced a journey of creative self-discovery, initially dreaming of becoming an imagineer for Walt Disney but later veering towards a pre-med track. Eventually, he paused his college education and returned to study architecture at LSU, where he crossed paths with Bridget and Cindy once more. Having known Bridget since middle school, the reunion felt like a full-circle moment. Hance pursued his own architecture practice, inspired by his time with the Tieks and rekindled passion for interior design. The company, based in Baton Rouge, prides itself on challenging the traditional design norms of Louisiana with a style that blends creative movements and cultural influences.
Influenced by Southern architectural and interior vernaculars, the team incorporates elements like old pine floors, Chicago bricks, stucco walls, and old beams in their work. Their style is traditional yet casual, featuring dramatic gestures with wallpaper and color to create a unique aesthetic. Vintage elements play a significant role, reflecting Bridget’s eclectic upbringing surrounded by various design styles from different eras. The team’s keen eye for detail ensures that all design projects, whether residential, commercial, or hospitality, include custom millwork as a signature element.
“We believe that millwork truly defines a home and enhances hospitality spaces,” Hughes emphasizes. In addition to custom millwork, details like jib doors and Harmon hinge doors have become defining features in their projects. The team’s meticulous approach ensures that no detail is overlooked, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Known for their distinctive conceptual and brand-driven approach, the team focuses on creating immersive experiences that weave a cinematic narrative. Cindy explains their vision: “We aim to spark joy and wonder while transporting you to another realm beyond the ordinary.” One standout project is the Colonel’s Club, a restaurant and lounge with a speakeasy backstory and ties to a globetrotting pilot. The space features unique elements like a re-purposed antique Romanian Door, contrasting dark, masculine tones in the lounge, and vibrant fabrics and Asian-inspired décor in the restaurant, reminiscent of a bygone era of travel. Bridget shares their design philosophy: “We blend our love for hospitality, art, and immersive experiences to create a dynamic practice.” They prioritize storytelling and coherence in their designs, always asking, “What story are we telling, and how do all the elements come together to convey it?”The team discusses their design signatures, with Bridget emphasizing the importance of incorporating black accents for grounding and unexpected contrasts for added intrigue. Cindy highlights the significance of personal touches, vintage pieces, and unique details to infuse character into spaces. They draw inspiration from artisans like Alia Ali and Marnie Vollenhals, known for their exceptional craftsmanship. Hance praises the upcoming Samsung Frame Pro for its seamless integration and wireless technology, perfect for creating artful TV displays in their projects.Follow House Beautiful for more design inspiration and discover the latest trends in home decor and technology.
