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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Sanel Durmus
A bit about you
If you studied, what did you study?
I have a First-Class BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture, Design and Practice.
Tell us a bit about your experience
I’ve worked within the design industry for 10 years and have been a Senior Designer at Hassell Studio for 1½ years.
Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?
Design is and has always been my passion. I absorb environments and objects all around me. My aunt was studying architecture throughout my teenage years, so I imagine that had a great influence and got me thinking of architecture and design.
What aspects of your job are you most passionate about?
Being able to apply my knowledge and experience within the architectural world to a wide range of sectors within design: be it furniture, making or product design etc. This enables me to continually take inspiration from other creative sources and feed it back into architecture and vice versa.
Design is and has always been my passion. I absorb environments and objects all around me.
What a typical day looks like
I wake up at ….
Most days I wake up naturally between 6:30 – 7 am.
The first thing I do is….
Coffee!
My mornings….
A typical weekday morning consists of:
Waking up, coffee, checking emails, getting ready,
Cycling to the studio,
More coffee,
Planning my day and getting stuck right in.
By midday….
I like to start my day tackling some quick wins, that way I feel like I have achieved something by lunchtime.
Are you a fan of work events?
I try keep it down to one event bi-weekly.
Of an evening I like to….
Either cycle, run, go for a swim,
Practice the cello,
Read,
EAT!
How do you like to spend your weekends?
I usually like to start and end my weekends with running. It’s my way of putting closure on the week just past and preparing for the week to come. In between, it’s all about resting and recouping, spending time with Paxton (my Golden Retriever) and going on some lovely local walks in the forest or open flats, cello practice, reading and of course eating delicious food.
What is most important to you?
Having something to focus on and strive for. Being passionate about what I do and having that fire in my belly. This applies to all aspects of my life, whether it’s work, my fitness or hobbies.
As Haruki Murakami says, “I’m more a workhorse than a racehorse.” quote from What I Talk About When I Talk About Running.
I’m not afraid to work for it- whatever ‘it’ is.
What are you grateful for?
Slowing down. If Covid has taught me one thing, it’s that it is perfectly acceptable to take a step back and pace myself. It’s amazing how much space you can create, if you allow yourself the time to think and feel.
What can’t you live without?
All things creative. The arts, design, music, theatre…and good food of course!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
Beatriz Gonzalez
A bit about you
If you studied, what did you study?
I studied at University of Arts London and have a BA in Interior Design.
Tell us a bit about your experience
I have over 15 years experience as an interior designer and am now Head of Workplace Interior Design at Scott Brownrigg.
Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?
Yes, I love design.
What aspects of your job are you most passionate about?
As well as being passionate about design, I am also a people person. I am fortunate to work in a sociable industry with lots of networking events which I love to attend.
What a typical day looks like
I wake up at ….
6am, I have always been an early bird and love making the most of the morning before the crazy day starts.
The first thing I do is…
Coffee, then drop my son (Oliver) off at nursery around 7.30am.
My mornings…
I travel to London three-days a week and work from home the other two.
A typical work from home morning consists of:
Coffee, nursery drop off and run.
Straight into work planning and emails
A typical office day consists of:
Coffee, nursery drop off and commute.
To my amazement I actually love commuting. It’s a 55 minute journey when I get to think, plan my day and go through emails before I reach the office at 9am. I see this hour as an extension of my working day and therefore not a burden or lost time.
By midday….
Everyday is different but my role as Head of Workplace Interior Design means I oversee all the workplace projects, as well as day-to-day delivery on some of them, so I always make time to keep in touch with my team.
Are you a fan of work events?
Yes, it’s a very sociable industry, with lots of networking events to attend. I strive to keep a balance between work commitments and my personal life. I am extremely lucky to have a supportive and understanding partner who helps with childcare, so enabling me to attend industry events.
Of an evening I like to….
On evenings that are not taken up with industry networking events or meeting friends means I leave the office at 5pm to pick up my son from nursery. Once I’ve put him to bed around 7pm I’ll finish any outstanding work and/or indulge in one of my favourite activities, cooking. Cooking for me is more than a process, it is a way to disconnect, relax and unwind.
How do you like to spend your weekends?
We are currently undertaking a renovation project so weekends are spent doing either DIY jobs, designing our home or socialising with family and friends. Living out in the countryside has given us the opportunity to explore new areas and often we take long walks or hikes followed by a visit to the local pub.
Be positive, work hard and surround yourself with inspirational people.
What is most important to you?
The key to a balanced working week is planning ahead and constant communication with my family, friends and work colleagues. I am lucky to have a fantastic group of successful female friends who inspire and support me.
What are you grateful for?
My life has changed significantly in the last two years, thanks to a new 15 month old baby and a move to the countryside. This successful transition has been possible as both Scott Brownrigg and I have been flexible and most importantly they have been supportive and encouraging towards working mothers.
What can’t you live without?
Exercise – Exercising is an important part of my life as it gives me the energy, resilience and positive attitude that I take to work each day.
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