Day in the Life: Laurel Butler
Written by
Ben Hoare
Contents
At Sketch Studios, our people are the heart and soul of our creative process, each bringing unique perspectives and passions that shape the innovative environments we design.
Laurel Butler, one of our talented designers, was recently featured in the August edition of WorkL World Magazine, where she shared insights into her daily routine.
Laurel offers insight into the blend of personal passion and professional dedication that drives our success. From the morning rituals that set the tone for a productive day to the hands-on collaboration that defines our design process, this article provides an inspiring look at what it’s like to be part of the Sketch Studios team. It highlights the commitment to excellence and creativity that Laurel brings to every project.
I always aim to start my day with something active, especially on Mondays. A morning spin class is my ideal way to set the week up right. But, on days when that doesn’t happen, I make sure to get a good number of steps in before arriving at the office. My commute from Finsbury Park is a breezy 20-minute tube ride, and I’m grateful for that!
As soon as I step into the office, I love to catch up with my colleagues over a cup of green tea. I usually prepare my lunch the night before, so I pop that in the kitchen fridge while chatting about everyone’s weekends. Although I occasionally work from home, I much prefer being in the office where I can fully immerse myself in the day’s tasks. Plus, being a designer, it's easier to work with fabrics and samples in person.
I work closely with the design team. While we collaborate on projects, we mainly manage our own workload, giving us the freedom to delve into each project independently. This setup allows us to understand the client's brief thoroughly and tailor our designs to their requirements. I currently handle commercial projects for clients like Deloitte, which I love due to their innovative approach to workspaces. Alongside this, I work on pitches for potential new clients, which is always exciting.
My daily tasks include working on tenders, pitches, mood boards, fabric and finish selections, FF&E packages, and spatial planning. One of the best parts of my job is getting out of the office to meet clients, network with the supply chain, and stay updated on the latest products and design trends. Attending industry shows and events is crucial to ensure we are in tune with market trends.
Our design team at Sketch Studios is incredibly supportive, each of us bringing different strengths that complement one another well. For each project, we have a dedicated project coordinator, salesperson, and designer – these roles are essential from day one. We stay in constant communication for advice, briefs, pricing, and more, right up until move-in day for the client. I couldn't ask for a better team; we mix well both professionally and socially.
Designing workplaces post-COVID has presented new challenges. The shift from rows of desks to more collaborative and quiet zones, and creating a residential feel to make people excited about returning to the office, has been a significant change. It's crucial that these spaces are healthy and happy, as people spend 90% of their time at work. Recently, we’ve trained in designing for neurodiversity and the importance of biophilia in the workplace.
I really enjoy these challenges and love receiving positive feedback from clients when our designs are well-received. It drives me to do even better on the next project.
My motivation comes from helping clients and seeing a space come to life from concept to completion. Travel is another passion of mine; earlier this year, the Milan Furniture Fair was a huge source of inspiration. Sustainable design is also important to me, and I love learning about how manufacturers are innovating with recycled materials.
Outside of work, I’m a fan of art and fashion exhibitions. If I could, I’d spend all my free time at these events. A highlight this year was the Chanel exhibit at the V&A.
Published on
September 11, 2024