Balance For Life-Work
“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labor and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself, he always appears to be doing both.”
― Yvon Chouinard, Founder of Patagonia
Architecture is demanding and life-balance is essential. It allows us to do our best work.
Making Eco Homes –
In our studio, we have an incredible team of committed architects and designers working on a selection of low energy eco houses around the UK. We encourage our team to take time out. True, sometimes we need to push each other to get out, but having a flexible work policy makes it easier and it’s there should we need some mountain time.
Hurricane –
On Monday Hurricane Lorenzo was located about 1,000 miles southwest of the Azores. It moved steadily in a north-easterly direction to offer its gifts in the form of large ocean swell that would break on local beaches with perfect offshore winds, creating impressive and imposing conditions. We wanted to be present as a team to experience this rare glimpse of nature at her most elemental. It was important to be there.
Balance –
We talked as a studio on a deserted beach about how the ocean, with its forces, brings something to our work we can’t bring alone. It was an energising morning. Early afternoon we had our heads down, working out structural solutions and had a wonderful meeting with a new client - all with the joy of wind-burnt faces and an energised soul.
Nature reframes our relationship to our work, ourselves and our planet. It helps us focus on what's important. There is rarely a design problem that can't be resolved while sitting out back behind an ocean swell, waiting for the right set or during a long walk deep in the Black Mountains.
Irrelevant of your interests or vision of excellence, you can strive to find life-balance. Only then can you do your best – no, your greatest – work.
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