With social distancing implemented and stay-at-home orders mandated in many countries, the notion of the office has certainly changed in recent months. In this four-part series, designers give HD a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what working remotely has been like.
Verena Haller, The Standard Hotels
Where: My apartment in the middle of Manhattan—high up in the sky and filled with light. When I am on calls I like to walk around. Changing scenery throughout the day helps me stay fresh and engaged. Different light, different view, different postures.
The upside: I had been traveling a lot before this, so right now I am cherishing being in one place. I embrace the routine, eat healthy, and stay physically active. I also make a point to get on every Zoom call with a big smile, the same way I would enter a meeting room—when you smile, people smile back.
Simple pleasures: Fresh flowers once a week make me very happy, and also enjoying the moments of quiet to let some creative ideas emerge.
Lyon Porter, Urban Cowboy
Where: I’ve been working out of a 1972 Airstream and in the musical parlor at my hotel, Urban Cowboy Nashville. It’s quite odd to have the place to myself.
What’s missing: I love the energy of hosting and taking care of people and creating special memories. (Some people would say that’s the sickness of hospitality.) The biggest thing missing is the buzz and energy of being around human beings.
The upside: My business partner and life partner is six months pregnant with a baby girl. It’s wild times to have a baby, but it allows us the opportunity to be present in the moment. I’ve been spending lot more time with my 7 year old who lives in Nashville, and we rescued a great dane puppy, Ginger, too.
Michael Suomi, Suomi Design Works
Where: I spend weekdays in my girlfriend’s home office in Florida, which is a beautiful small sunlit room surrounded by shutters and filled with furniture that I designed and artwork by the first graduate of the nearby Ringling College of Art.
What’s missing: Those things that are the lifeblood of New York that, until now, I always took for granted—riding the A train, waiting in line for a burger and shake in Madison Square Park, a nausea-inducing taxi ride, Coney Island with my daughter, meeting friends for a drink after work, people-watching in Central Park, catching a Broadway show or the ballet at Lincoln Center, trying out new restaurants with clients, fighting the crowds at Yankee Stadium.
Inspiring moments: A friend of mine is working with Bethenny Frankel and her BStrong initiative to raise money to buy and distribute much-needed PPE supplies for frontline healthcare workers and hospitals. He has stayed in touch with me about their efforts because most of my family work in hospitals and are often dealing with COVID-19 patients. People like Bethenny and Chef José Andrés who are using their fame and connections to help those most in need are a great inspiration to me.
Where: I am living in upstate New York in an unfinished house we had just bought before the virus. I shift between the folding table in my some-day- will-be office, the deck, and the kitchen island.
What’s missing: Hugging everyone I love. The energy of touch is healing. And I’m so looking forward to getting an excellent pedicure.
On making the most of it: I love to cook and eat, so we’re cooking 21 meals a week. I play with exotic flavors from different countries, and my husband finds a matching wine. I dance in the kitchen while I am cooking, and we religiously observe cocktail hour.
Catch up with the first, second, and third installments in the series.
