Due to awesome advances in technology, people can now access and communicate with the world any time, every time. This fortunate development allows people more options regarding their work and their workplace. Work areas no longer have to be uniform and rigid. In fact, in some companies, the status attached to owning a “corner office” no longer exists. Because different people have different work habits, some employees, particularly those who work in the creative fields, are often allowed the freedom to choose when and where to work in order to best extract their greatest potential. In addition, the quicker and more stress-free it is to reach one’s work place, the more productive the worker becomes. He can tackle his project in a relaxed frame of mind and is more comfortable physically. If circumstances permit, the ideal would be to create a more convenient and accessible work place, perhaps, one close to, if not right within the home.
My job as an architect requires a great deal of focus and inspiration. Fortunately, I need not always be in my real office to be able to conceptualize and design my projects. The main office has come to be more of a place for meetings, consultations, and production work. The creative side surfaces in less structured places. I have discovered that another great place of work for me is when I’m close to nature or beautiful surroundings. I like working in a relaxed atmosphere. In fact, when you find that perfect work place for you, it may not even feel like working at all!
However, my profession also requires that I be up and about on a daily basis. I do not always have the stretches of time to travel and find nature where it abounds. This is why I built myself a home-office. I designed it based on my personal specifications and idiosyncrasies. Although much smaller than my real office, it has everything I need to do my job. It is my personal space that I can change and re-arrange whenever I feel like it. There is no definite theme; there are no rules. I can leave my things lying around and find them the next day exactly how I left them. I can select and display the most sublime or the wackiest works of art and my favorite family pictures from which to draw inspiration. Lights are warm, subdued, and indirect, but can be controlled when the need arises. I can work as early or as late as I want, depending on my mood. A great part of my work involves a lot of thinking while doing nothing physically. I provided corners for doing just that, nooks in which to sit and read, sketch, or just imagine.
The trick is to carve out a workplace that is perfect for one’s need and preference at the particular time. It does not have to be large; however, it should be flexible enough to allow you to redecorate or move things around when you change your mind. But it must always have all the accoutrements of your work right there when you need them. If you love travel or nature, mementoes of your vacation spots or a pocket garden could motivate your daily activity. The seating, lighting, and décor should be comfortable but not sleep-inducing.
My small home office is where many architectural design concepts are born. It is also where I work and recharge at the same time. Truly, I am at-home in my office!
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