Design Weekend 😉
Design days: 10/05/2025-11/05/2025
Although I usually reserve weekends for well-deserved rest, this one was woven with a different rhythm, filled with design meetings and key responsibilities, particularly in preparation for the annual board meeting. This event only happens once a year, so it holds great importance for the future of the Château and its artistic vision. The weekend began with a special invitation from Pip Clews, with whom I’ve been closely collaborating on the Lover’s Garden.
Together, we attended a garden meeting with a professional horticulturist. The discussion offered valuable external insight into planting choices, seasonal maintenance and long-term sustainability. Hearing such positive feedback from both Pip and the expert gardener about the transformation of the Lover’s Garden was deeply rewarding and reinforced the value of my adaptability and design-led decision-making throughout the project.
One of the most critical assignments I undertook was preparing the visual presentation for the upcoming board meeting. I was tasked with curating a cohesive and engaging slideshow showcasing the residencies, exhibitions, events, partnerships and social media developments of the past year.
It was essential that the presentation communicated not only the work of the La Napoule Art Foundation but also the atmosphere and aesthetic identity of the Château. Considering the diversity of the board’s demographic, ranging widely in age and background, I approached the project with great care, ensuring that the visuals were accessible, emotive and elegant. It felt like a moment where storytelling met strategy, allowing me to translate the energy of our work into a format that would resonate with everyone in the room.
Another major decision that came to a head over the weekend was the ongoing chair selection project for various spaces within the Château. What initially seemed like a straightforward task became a complex and collaborative design challenge. We had to consider the versatility of the chairs, their ability to function beautifully in the kitchen, villa and even more formal rooms like the Gothic dining hall. With many potential colour and frame combinations, open dialogue was essential. We consulted a range of staff members to ensure that the final choice would serve both comfort and coherence. In the end, we unanimously selected a charcoal-toned chair with a rich, dark seat, striking, adaptable and well-suited to the Château’s historic yet evolving character.
Amidst all the productivity, I also carved out moments of joy and reflection. From spontaneous film screenings with the cinema artists to peaceful sunrise yoga sessions, there were small but meaningful reminders of the unique blend of creativity and serenity that life at the Château offers. These interludes provided a gentle contrast to the fast-paced energy of board meeting preparations, grounding me and reminding me why I find so much purpose in this environment. It was a weekend of insight, responsibility, collaboration and a quiet kind of celebration for the work we’ve been able to build together.