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Courtesy Dawn Sturmon
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Dawn Sturmon, VP, Client Services, NoCoast Originals
I spend most of my time in this room. My brain likes structure and organization but hates to be put in a box. I feel like this space perfectly matches my brain. My desk is one of the only things left in the house that belonged to my husband when he was a bachelor. The Resplendent Crow lacquered the previously black desk in white (a brilliant idea from my friend Marci Marsh). A new addition is a painting by local artist Lauren Knight. Green is my favorite color, and placing it between the windows makes me feel like I'm outside.
All I need to get through the day is my MacBook, iPhone, printer, and old-fashioned landline. Let’s be honest, though, if I had to choose one, it’d be my iPhone.
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Courtesy Susan Barrett
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Susan Barrett, President of Barrett Barrera Projects
My workspace reflects my belief that often more is more: a large table provides a lot of space to spread out as ideas expand, both physically and mentally. I surround myself with lots of art, both for inspiration and peace of mind. Art is essential and incorporated throughout my home, but serves a special role as the driving force in my workspace. (The silver platter art installation on the wall behind Barrett’s desk is by artist Jaydan Moore.)
My team and I have had to keep multiple channels of communication open to keep connected and stay on track while we work remotely. At times, I work simultaneously on my computer, iPad and iPhone.
Courtesy Brad Liebman
Brad Liebman, Director of Interiors, HOK
I’ve set up shop at the dining room table since my home office doesn’t get great Wi-Fi reception. I’m generally a “keep the desk very clean” kind of guy. That said, the fresh flowers and vases that typically adorn the dining room table, as well as several large pieces of art on the surrounding walls, keep me company. The kitchen is just steps away, which is a blessing and a curse.
I’ve always been a laptop user and while I occasionally work from home, I had never purchased a monitor. Luckily, I did so just before the stay-at-home order and don’t know what I would do without it. A day here and there on a laptop is fine, but I couldn’t survive long-term without multiple screens.
One fun add to the work day since I’ve been at home is a push-up challenge that I have going with some friends. It serves as a great mid-morning break. Every day we add two more push-ups…we’re up to 44 now.
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Courtesy Cara Downs
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Cara Downs, freelance writer
Our home office opens up into the kitchen. There isn’t a door, so sometimes that will pose a challenge if you need to concentrate or make a phone call and there are other people around. That’s when I pick up my laptop and move to my bedroom. But what I love about our office is the wall of glass that looks out to the front yard.
The Julie JAO painting holds a special place in my heart. She’s a Minneapolis-based artist that my husband and I were introduced to nearly 20 years ago. We loved her work even then, but at the time didn’t have the budget or the space for it. Last year, we moved in to a new house and finally had a place for one of her pieces.
My three little kids dictate how I structure my day. With the stay-at-home order, we’ve been sleeping in and working at our own pace. In the morning, everyone is working or schooling. Then, we stop for lunch and try to get outside. Unfortunately, if the work doesn’t get done by one o'clock or so, it probably won’t get done until after dinner.
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Courtesy Susan Sherman
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Susan Sherman, co-founder of Saint Louis Fashion Fund and MERCH
My workspace is in my den in my fairly new condo. I share it with my husband. It looks nice on Zoom! There is an Hermès desk and art by Warhol, Mickalene Thomas, and Alex Ross. I love being surrounded by art!
I’m working on an Apple computer and doing lots of Zoom meetings and cocktail [hours]. I start the day by feeding and walking my dog, Mick. I watch the Today Show, do an exercise class like TruFusion on You Tube or ABT ballet class on IG. Then, I’ll read WWD and Business of Fashion as well as the New York Times. I’ll log onto meetings and make calls. After lunch, I take a long walk or walk Mick—again! In the evening, it’s cocktails, dinner, a movie, Tiger King, or IG Live interviews with Cameron Silver, Dana Thomas, Katie Couric.
