Meet Markky Khanthee from Silent Pod

People Behind the Pod: Silent Pod

Markky Khanthee, Co-Founder of Silent Pod

In a world of open-plan offices and hybrid work setups, finding a quiet space to focus can be a challenge. That’s where Silent Pod comes in. Co-founder Markky saw the need for flexible, mobile, and accessible workspace solutions—leading to the creation of Silent Pod, a sleek and functional office pod designed to move with you.

Expanding from New Zealand to Australia, Silent Pod has helped businesses like Amazon, Red Bull, and Ray White redefine their work environments. In this People Behind the Space feature, we chat with Markky about the inspiration behind Silent Pod, the evolution of workspace design, and what’s next for this game-changing solution.

What inspired you to create Silent Pod, and how did the concept take shape?

Silent Pod was born out of a simple but pressing need—we were working in busy shared office spaces and constantly struggling to find quiet moments to focus or take calls. Coming from a marketing background, I was used to fast-paced, collaborative environments, but I also saw how constant distractions made it harder to get meaningful work done. I noticed there weren’t many practical solutions that addressed this issue in a way that felt accessible or easy to implement. That’s when we started exploring the idea of a mobile office pod, and from there, Silent Pod took shape.

Silent Pod in Starship Hospital, Auckland

Silent Pod has expanded from New Zealand to Australia. How has the transition been, and what have been the biggest challenges and opportunities along the way?

The move has been both exciting and humbling. Australia’s a bigger market with more competition, but that’s pushed us to really refine our offering. The logistics side was a big learning curve—working out warehousing, delivery, and installation across cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

On the flip side, there’s a growing appetite here for quality, modular workspace solutions. We’ve had great conversations with Aussie clients who are thinking creatively about how to use their spaces. That’s been super energising.

Mobility is at the core of Silent Pod. Why do you believe flexibility is so crucial in today’s workplaces?

The way people work is constantly shifting—hot desking, hybrid setups, changing team sizes. We believe workspaces should adapt just as fast. A pod shouldn’t be a fixed structure that becomes redundant when you reconfigure your office.

Silent Pods are designed to move with you—within the office, or even to a new one. We’ve had clients relocate buildings and just take their pod with them. It’s about giving people options and future-proofing their space.

Silent Pod in Rio Tinto, Brisbane

Open-plan offices present challenges around privacy and focus. How do Silent Pods help businesses create more productive and adaptable work environments?

Open plans are great for collaboration, but they can be noisy and distracting. Silent Pods offer a retreat within that open space—a place to take a private call, hold a quick meeting, or just get deep work done.

And because they’re modular and easy to install, businesses don’t have to commit to expensive renovations. It’s a plug-and-play solution that improves focus and well-being without disrupting the team.

With various office pod solutions available, what makes Silent Pod unique? How do your design and functionality stand out in the market?

What really sets Silent Pod apart is our focus on mobility and affordability. Our pods are designed to be easily moved, assembled on-site, and relocated if needed—without the hassle of permanent fixtures or costly installations. We also deal directly with our clients rather than going through resellers, which means we can keep costs down and maintain a closer relationship with the businesses we work with. That direct approach gives us more control over quality and service, and it helps our clients get more value for their investment.

 Silent Pod at The Hangar, Catalina Bay, Auckland

Sustainability is a key focus for Silent Pod. Why was this important to you, and how do you ensure an environmentally responsible model?

For us, sustainability starts with designing something that lasts. Our pods are built to be durable and adaptable—so instead of being ripped out and replaced when an office changes, they can be moved, reconfigured, or relocated entirely. That modular structure means businesses don’t need to invest in permanent fit-outs every time they grow or move spaces. It reduces waste and helps our clients get more long-term value from their investments. Creating something that can evolve with the workspace is our way of encouraging smarter, more sustainable office design.

Silent Pod at Go-To Skincare, Sydney

You’ve worked with some incredible clients. Can you share a standout project or a success story that highlights the impact of Silent Pod?

We’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing clients like Amazon, Red Bull, and Ray White—all with very different workspace needs. For Amazon, it was about creating quiet zones within their fast-paced, high-energy environment. Red Bull wanted pods that could be easily moved and reconfigured as their teams evolved, which really played to the strengths of our mobile, modular design.

With Ray White, it was about introducing flexible meeting spaces into their offices without having to commit to structural changes. In each case, the feedback has been really positive—it’s always rewarding to see how quickly the pods transform how teams work and interact with their space.

 Silent Pod at Knorr-Bremse, Melbourne

The workplace continues to evolve. What trends do you see shaping office design in the next five years, and how is Silent Pod preparing for these changes?

We’re seeing a big shift toward wellness. People want spaces that feel human—natural light, acoustic comfort, and flexibility to choose how and where they work.

We’re designing with that in mind—lighter materials, customisable finishes, and new pod formats that support focus, collaboration, and even rest. We want to give teams the tools to create their own rhythm at work.

Silent Pod at Consult Recruitment, Britomart

What’s next for Silent Pod? Are there any exciting innovations or future plans you can share?

We’re looking at ways to better integrate tech—smart ventilation, occupancy sensors, that kind of thing. And the longer term, we’d love to open up to international markets and keep spreading the quiet revolution.

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