Reconnecting with young hearts and celebrating old ones
Workday: 22/05/2025
Friday brought with it another wave of excitement and a new set of challenges. Overnight, strong winds had swept through the Château gardens, scattering many of the children’s exhibition pieces across the grounds. What could have been a frustrating setback became a moment of true teamwork and adaptability. The entire Château team pulled together to carefully restore each piece to its place, ensuring that when the children arrived, their work could still be proudly displayed. It was a clear reminder that design isn’t just about setting things up it’s about preserving the emotional experience and creating a sense of joy for those who engage with it.
Throughout the morning, I continued to practise my French, speaking with both the children and their teachers a skill I’ve been steadily building on during this internship. A particularly special moment was reconnecting with a group of children who had participated in my Special Interest Project workshop earlier in the year. Seeing their faces light up when they recognised me and hearing updates on how their plants had grown was incredibly touching. It gave me a deep sense of pride and belonging, knowing that something I had helped create had left a lasting impact.
In the afternoon, I took on a more symbolic but equally important task: helping organise a birthday celebration for a member of the Cassina residency. Alongside another colleague, we encouraged everyone in the office to sign cards and contribute small gifts. These moments, though seemingly simple, carry real meaning. They show care, presence, and appreciation values that define the Château’s community spirit. We ended the day with a warm and joyful gathering, sharing stories, laughter, and reflecting on the meaningful connections built over the past few weeks. It was the perfect reminder that behind every creative project lies the heart of the people who make it happen
As the evening drew on, I quietly left the celebration a little early to return to my room and focus on finishing my chalkboard commission for Sylvie’s kiosque. The work required careful attention, time management, and a good deal of perseverance after such a full day but once the final strokes were in place, I felt both exhausted and incredibly fulfilled.
The board came out beautifully, and I felt proud of what I had created. I couldn’t wait to deliver it to Sylvie over the weekend a personal piece of design, shaped by intention, inspired by nature, and fuelled by quiet dedication.