Working from home, GSID-style
Like many people, the GSID team has been working from home for several weeks. Our communication and collaboration is rolling smoothly thanks to our processes and the power of the internet, but today we’d like to talk about how we’re adapting personally. We’ve each created spaces to work here at home, and also devised ways to maintain a work/life balance at a time when a lot of our regular outlets aren’t available. Just as we want our clients’ homes to feel like sanctuaries, our team should also find respite, calm, and renewed energy at home.
So, what does working from home look like for us, and how are we finding time to step away and keep that balance? We asked everyone to share!
Glenna
When I anticipated that we would be working from home for a period of several weeks, I moved our entire materials library from the studio to my home. I converted our sunroom into my home office (it really does have the best light!) and it’s become the familiar background for our team Zoom meetings each morning. Having a sort of satellite GSID studio right here has helped with a smooth transition. The only thing missing is my team, and I can’t wait to be (physically) back together!
Personally, I have been walking through my neighborhood in the morning when I can and catching up on podcasts. Another priority is having lunch with my kids every day to give us all a break (they’re e-learning) and time to connect. I’ve also been focusing on really shutting down at night, when I often would use that time to catch up on things. It’s my way of creating more separation between work and family and using this time as a way to hit pause and take a breath.
Andrea
My home office space doesn’t feel much different than my workspace in the studio – I love my window, natural light, and plants! The biggest change has been working solo…I’m so used to having Kate next to me and Glenna on the other side of the glass in her office, but with Zoom, Slack, and Asana we’re all still really connected. I can shoot Nicole a message and she’ll get right back to me, or ask Glenna to hop on a call to go over project questions. When I’m in the studio and in my zone, you might find me shuffling through carpet, fabric, and tile samples at our island. The difference at home is that I’m laying out combinations on the floor while listening to music at a higher volume.
On the personal side, I’ve started consciously reserving time to reflect on things I’m grateful for in the morning. Carving out time for a walk or run helps a lot when I need a breather, and I’m a person who needs to move for my mental health. Fresh air and getting outside are so important to me. Like a lot of people, we’re cooking a lot and it’s more enjoyable since I don’t feel rushed. Last but definitely not least, I need fresh flowers throughout my home to keep my spirits up, and my office is no exception!
Kate
I decided to stay at my parents’ house in Lancaster County so that I would have company while we’re all staying at home, and my sister is here as well. I’ve been taking a run every morning to clear my head and get ready for the day, and then I head over to my dad’s shop to work. He’s a furniture maker, so I have a pretty unique setup – everyone gets to see my wing chair on our Zoom meetings and hear the grandfather clocks chime. The change in scenery helps me to keep work and off time separate. It’s been nice having life slow down the past few weeks but I’m looking forward to getting back to my own little apartment in Chestnut Hill. I’m missing my work family!
It’s been fun to be with family – I haven’t lived at home since I left for college – because we can enjoy each other’s company and have happy hours but still do our own thing during the day. I’ve also been taking a break at lunch to paint Adirondack chairs for my parent’s porch!
Nicole
When I’m home, I don’t get the same visual inspiration as I do in the studio with samples, drawings, and moodboards for our projects around. I subscribe to shelter and industry magazines (nothing can replace print media!) so I have a folder with articles and pictures that give me ideas for blog posts or food for thought. A pinboard over my desk holds photos, magazine pages, inspiration, and other little mementos that make me smile. Finally, since I get my best writing and research done when I block everything else out, I always have my earbuds in. With podcasts or the Hamilton soundtrack playing in the background, I can really dig into blog posts and analytics for hours.
The only in-person interaction I’ve had since this started is with my husband, who is also working from home, so I’ve been more conscious of stepping away from my desk. I set aside time every day for lunch where I don’t do anything work related, and I’ve been reading library books on my Kindle both at lunch and after dinner. Since I had to give up Pilates lessons, I’m working out with a Pilates bar; it’s not the same as the reformer, but my muscles are definitely feeling it!
How are you doing with this “new normal” that we’re all going through? Some days are really productive, and some days we just need to step away for a bit, get some fresh air, call a friend, or schedule a virtual happy hour. It ebbs and flows, and we’re all doing the best we can. Every day is one day closer to the other side, and we’re here for you!
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Glenna Stone Interior Design is an award-winning Philadelphia interior design firm serving Philadelphia, the Main Line, and surrounding cities. Utilizing her background and training in interior design, architecture, and engineering, Glenna specializes in creating interiors for residential and commercial design settings. We invite you to visit our website, view our portfolio, and catch up on the latest interior design concepts on our blog!
