Lately I’ve been drawn to the idea of momentum and how swiftly change happens. Whether it’s a move from observation into action, from pause to progress, or simply the flow of the seasons moving from winter into spring, how quickly things shift is a reminder that growth arrives quietly, but inevitably.
The studio has been moving at pace with a strong sense of clarity about our future goals and just as importantly, how we want to get there. What continues to energise me most is the breadth and depth of our scope of work. We’ve recently secured a series of new projects across the world including projects in Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Scotland and Vietnam. As always, each encourages a completely unique innovative design approach, shaped by surroundings, existing architecture and the lives that will unfold within it. And with certain unpredictability in working at this scale and across such varied locations, that’s exactly what keeps us on our toes – constantly inspired and creating and engaging with the process – we never have the chance for our work to become formulaic.
At the same time, I’ve been reflecting on how we can all process the complexities of our world – the conflicts and international tensions that ripple across cultures, communities and economies. There is no ignoring the inexorable march of conflict, but it is important to remember beauty and positivity is a deliberate act of resistance, and creating art or working collaboratively is a quiet protest. I feel immense pride in my team’s ability to rise above the relentless uncertainty, maintaining creativity and grace, and ensuring our impact continues to appreciate our world and the artisans across it, as well as connecting people and places meaningfully.
With that comes natural growth in our perception of the world. It’s less always been less about any single moment and more about how everything connects – the people, the conversations, the ideas, the inspiration, the homage to design elements, the gradual layering of detail that ultimately defines a project. I’ve always believed that the strength of our work lies in this accumulation of experience and emotion, of life, rather than in any one gesture.
On that note, we are now looking ahead to Milan and Salone where we will be unveiling two new collaborations with European artisans during the week, both of which feel like extensions of our approach and partnerships that have evolved very naturally. There’s a great deal happening in our world and it feels measured and intentional. And that, to me, is when the work is at its most rewarding.
With love,
Katharine
