Stilled Air, Full Heart, The Day After the Board
Workday: 14/05/2025
The Wednesday following the board meeting arrived with a slower rhythm—an expected shift after such an intense build-up of energy and coordination. My morning began gently with an early yoga session, helping me to centre myself before the day ahead. Soon after, I was welcomed into a design meeting about the villa curtains with the president of the Château and her trusted design advisor, Ray.
As the meeting progressed, I found myself quietly wishing it wouldn’t end not just because of the design discussions, but because it was one of the final in-person moments with the Clews family. These face-to-face encounters have become so valuable; they allow for more fluid conversation, quicker design resolutions, and a deeper sense of collaboration and warmth that simply can’t be replicated online.
Knowing we’ll soon return to the reality of digital meetings and time differences makes me even more appreciative of how much can be achieved through well-prepared in-person exchanges. Whether it’s laying out physical samples or bringing in skilled technicians like the curtain specialist we met with today—these moments make decision-making not only efficient but far more intuitive. They remind me that great design is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about process, presence, and people. As I said my quiet goodbyes, I held onto the gratitude I felt for being included in such direct and meaningful conversations.
Later in the day, I reconnected with a previous guest at the Château—a talented painter and photographer whose presence left a strong impression. We reminisced about his time here, including the beautiful photographs he captured of Marie’s dress and the atmosphere of the Château. It was a gentle reminder of how this place continues to draw people back, inviting them into its world again and again. He shared the exciting news that he has begun a painting of me—a humbling and touching gesture and I, in turn, shared updates about the mural I’ve been working on. That exchange, creative and sincere, underscored the quiet power of this place to form lasting connections across disciplines and time.
To close the day, I took a quiet walk through the Château grounds, allowing the stillness to sink in after so many emotionally and physically full days. Each step was a moment of reflection on how far I’ve come, how much I’ve learned, and how deeply I want to continue contributing to this space. Though the tempo had slowed, the feeling of purpose remained strong. I left the garden that evening not with a sense of ending, but with a renewed appreciation for everything I’ve experienced—and an eagerness for what still lies ahead.