Thoughtful Placements
Workday 15/04/2025
Today began with an urgent task in the garden: replanting two important species that had been carefully saved by the gardeners during flower bed renovations. It was a hands-on challenge that required adaptability and collaboration.
Together with the head designer of the project, Pip Clews, we made thoughtful decisions on how best to integrate a vibrant bougainvillaea bursting with pink hues and a hardy, drought-resistant yucca into the existing layout. Understanding the plants’ needs and aesthetic contributions, while respecting the broader design narrative, made the process intellectually and creatively engaging. In the end, what started as a logistical hurdle turned into a rewarding design moment that highlighted the power of teamwork and observation.
Later in the day, my focus shifted indoors when a long-awaited design order arrived for the new wooden table I had sourced for the Château. To my delight, it was not only sturdy and functional but also incredibly easy to assemble. Finding a high-quality, affordable table that could support the daily rhythm of artists, residents, clients and staff was a small but meaningful victory. The previous table hadn’t been changed in over 25 years, and seeing how everyone welcomed the new addition reminded me why practical design matters just as much as aesthetics. It’s in these everyday improvements that design quietly transforms a space and uplifts the people in it.
To close the day, I stepped into another part of my role, documenting the artists’ work in progress for our audience and future visitors, keeping the energy alive for the upcoming open studio.
I then welcomed a close friend for a casual tour of the Château, who also happens to be a potential client. As a sweet token of appreciation, I was gifted a white chocolate egg, an unexpected but heartwarming gesture. These kinds of moments, where kindness meets creativity and effort is met with gratitude, always remind me that thoughtful work and genuine care have a beautiful way of coming full circle.