A Day at the Heart of the Château
Workday: 13/05/2025
The day of the board meeting had finally arrived—a moment that had been quietly building over weeks of preparation and anticipation. This biannual gathering holds great significance, not only for the board members of the foundation but also for investors, staff and the long-term planning and budgeting of the Château’s future. As everyone began to arrive and settle in, I was moved to see how the floral arrangements and curated visuals sparked genuine emotion and nostalgia.
Memories of past residencies, artist workshops and shared moments filled the room, reinforcing the unique familial atmosphere that makes the Château so much more than a workplace. It reminded me just how important reflection and storytelling are in communicating the impact of the foundation’s work on so many lives.
Though I wasn’t physically present in the meeting room for the morning and early afternoon sessions, my presence was deeply embedded in the space. From the photographs of the Lover’s Garden renovation that I provided to Pip, to the visual presentation I prepared for Nelcy, to all the carefully curated images, moodboards and printed materials my design voice lived and breathed throughout the day. It was incredibly fulfilling to know that my creative contributions helped shape the meeting’s narrative, allowing those present to connect emotionally with the spaces, stories and transformations we’ve cultivated together.
In the afternoon, I had the opportunity to join the site visits around the Château—an experience that brought a different kind of pride. From the newly planted Lover’s Garden to the updated villa roof, office, and other key improvements, I guided board members through each space, offering context on the design decisions and challenges we overcame along the way. It was a chance not only to showcase the physical changes, but to build meaningful dialogue with people from very different professional backgrounds and generations. Adapting to their questions, interests and perspectives helped me grow as both a communicator and a designer. I was able to express my ideas, gain new insights, and strengthen future working relationships.
One of the most memorable moments came as we all gathered on the terrace for a group photo. There was something so touching and genuine about it, it felt more like a family portrait than a formal organisation.
The smiles captured in that moment weren’t just about the success of a single day, but the collective energy, care and collaboration that had carried us through months of planning and making. That single photograph seemed to reflect the true heart of the Château: people from around the world brought together by creativity, purpose and mutual respect.
To round off the evening, we were invited to a screening presented by the Casa Cine residents. It was emotional and compelling, a fitting celebration of visual storytelling and artistic voice. The screening was followed by cocktails and conversations that flowed easily into the night, exchanging memories, ideas and laughter. It was the perfect end to a day that marked not just milestones in design but growth in community.
I’m endlessly grateful to the president of the Château, who has offered me such formative and inspiring opportunities, and who continues to believe in me. I hope, with all sincerity, to return after graduation to give back to this incredible place a space of creativity, occasional chaos, and countless smiles.