Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Daniel O'Kane: Admittedly, this is something that I’m not great at. Working in the creative industry with clients in different time zones means that during my waking hours I’m thinking of projects or in touch with our team and clients around the world. What snaps me out of work mode is the daily domestic rhythm. I love cooking and spending time in the garden with our cat, Alan. Cleaning and washing less so…! But tasks that have a beginning, an end and – crucially – do not involve email help me to decompress.
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
Eating and exercise, and the eternal balancing act between the two. Our lovely Imprimerie du Marais London studio is based in Farringdon, so meeting friends at The Eagle or Sessions Arts Club has been routine for many years now. And nothing beats an evening run to shake off the day.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
A dip in the sea. I’m lucky enough to live on the south coast so I have easy access to the beach. The great thing about sea swimming is that no two swims are the same; they depend on how the sea is behaving. I always leave refreshed and re-centred having washed the week’s stress away. Also, it means that you’ve earned a visit to one of Brighton’s many wonderful pubs afterwards.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to, or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I enjoyed reading Alastair Campbell’s But What Can I Do?. It showed me that small efforts can still make meaningful change, and I’ve applied this to our practice where possible. Sometimes it can feel like you’re pulled in every direction when running a small company, so I prioritise team attitude and wellbeing, and we work together to break down problems into manageable chunks. Ultimately it’s about trust, self-belief and determination.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite ‘third space’?
Our factory in Paris might not be an obvious place, but I adore print, watching our skilled ateliers and the hypnotic rhythm of the machines. Heidelberg presses have a distinctive sound which I find soothing. The building is beautiful and historic, so it feels like you are stepping into the beating heart of the city. I really believe it’s essential to be close to craft and understand how things are made.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Mondays are always full-on. Production will start at 8.00am Paris time so I need to be available. I will check through my schedule but most important is a good night’s sleep. If I am well rested on Monday then I am in a good place for the week. Or, as the French say: en forme!
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
I recently put my OOO on for a trip with The Macallan to visit its sherry vineyards in stunning Jerez. This process provides the barrels and much of the flavour for its beautiful whisky. The oak for the barrels takes around 100 years to grow before it is even used in sherry production. I really admire the craft-lead brand so it was an honour to be invited.
Your go-to out of office outfit: Drakes’ Diary shirt, Tricker's shoes and dunhill trousers. And good spray of Clive Christian crab apple blossom.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: The North Devon coast. It’s where my wife is from, and we got married there.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: St John’s, where I order Welsh rarebit with a negroni.
Something cultural/sporting you booked recently that you'd recommend: A trip to Tottenham Hotspur's stadium because to dare is to do.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend and why: I’ve recently devoured Kate Mosse’s Languedoc Trilogy. It is captivating from start to finish and a fascinating part of French history.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Beach volleyball (it's all the rage in Brighton).
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: A great pair of loafers makes any outfit. Church’s or Tricker’s.
Best luxury under £25: Avène's Eau Thermale spring water spray is essential for travelling.
