diff --git a/changelog.md b/changelog.md
index 339df6a..5238370 100644
--- a/changelog.md
+++ b/changelog.md
@@ -1,5 +1,11 @@
 # Changelog
 
+## 2026-05-02 - 1.5.1 - fix(sdig-workspace)
+make workspace view externally controllable and preserve explicit initial state
+
+- change the workspace view from internal state to a reflected public property
+- only apply initialView during connection when no non-default view has already been set
+
 ## 2026-05-02 - 1.5.0 - feat(elements)
 add reusable context menu element for recipient role selection
 
diff --git a/ts_web/00_commitinfo_data.ts b/ts_web/00_commitinfo_data.ts
index 98adb47..2ad8951 100644
--- a/ts_web/00_commitinfo_data.ts
+++ b/ts_web/00_commitinfo_data.ts
@@ -3,6 +3,6 @@
  */
 export const commitinfo = {
   name: '@signature.digital/catalog',
-  version: '1.5.0',
+  version: '1.5.1',
   description: 'A comprehensive catalog of customizable web components designed for building and managing e-signature applications.'
 }
diff --git a/ts_web/elements/sdig-workspace/sdig-workspace.ts b/ts_web/elements/sdig-workspace/sdig-workspace.ts
index e89a776..2c1e026 100644
--- a/ts_web/elements/sdig-workspace/sdig-workspace.ts
+++ b/ts_web/elements/sdig-workspace/sdig-workspace.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { DeesElement, property, state, html, customElement, type TemplateResult, css } from '@design.estate/dees-element';
+import { DeesElement, property, html, customElement, type TemplateResult, css } from '@design.estate/dees-element';
 import { icon, type TDensity, type TWorkspaceTheme, type TWorkspaceView } from './sdig-workspace.shared.js';
 import './sdig-workspace-inbox.js';
 import './sdig-workspace-compose.js';
@@ -22,11 +22,13 @@ export class SdigWorkspace extends DeesElement {
   @property({ type: String }) public accessor density: TDensity = 'comfortable';
   @property({ type: String, reflect: true }) public accessor theme: TWorkspaceTheme = 'dark';
   @property({ type: String }) public accessor initialView: TWorkspaceView = 'inbox';
-  @state() private accessor view: TWorkspaceView = 'inbox';
+  @property({ type: String, reflect: true }) public accessor view: TWorkspaceView = 'inbox';
 
   public connectedCallback = async () => {
     await super.connectedCallback();
-    this.view = this.initialView || 'inbox';
+    if (this.view === 'inbox' && this.initialView !== 'inbox') {
+      this.view = this.initialView;
+    }
     this.addEventListener('workspace-view-request', this.handleViewRequest as EventListener);
   };