Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Simon Rawlings: It's strange – being in the creative industry, I'm always working, there really is no separation. If I'm scrolling Instagram, project research is always on my mind. Museums with the kids double as research and inspiration. Dinners out are always inspiring. Sometimes it can be detrimental having a career which is also so intertwined with one's hobbies and pastimes! I find the only true personal time is when I’m with my kids, this is true uninterrupted focus time spent with them.
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
My wife always jokes with me, but as soon as I walk into the house I start tidying up. I find de-cluttering, sorting, putting away, tidying of any kind really gets me at ease for the evening ahead. I feel so much more settled, knowing everything is back where it belongs and all the kids’ toys are out of sight! Also cooking brings me to a place of relaxation; the browsing of the cook books, the saunter to the local store for the ingredients - all aspects really.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
My kids give me the diversion I need. They are 2 and 7 so are very demanding at the moment, in a good way of course. We escape to Orford at weekends, and I love to potter in my Old Town canoe, tend to the garden or cook up a feast with friends in our Gozney oven. The ability to leave the city, and have some space is a true luxury. I spend a lot of time travelling for work, so it’s so important that I am always back for the weekends.
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
Daily Rituals: How Great Minds Make Time, Find Inspiration, and Get to Work by Mason Currey. I particularly resonated with Frank Lloyd Wright’s daily ritual – it kind of makes you feel like you are doing the right thing after all. Finding just the right time for inspiration.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
My favourite past time is watching the world go by whilst enjoying a black coffee. Any moment of "me time" I can grab usually begins in this way. So I would say my favourite third space is a coffee shop. A place to reflect, chat, meet new people and share ideas. I just love them! I’m so lucky to have a few great ones around me in London Fields: Wilton Way Deli, Snackbar, Allpress. I tend to move around them all!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
I like to be prepared so I always remind myself of any appointments, check to see if any work email has landed over the weekend, or if I’m travelling on Monday morning, I unfortunately end up packing late into the night. Sunday in our home is a day for inviting friends and family over for late, drawn-out lunches, so by the time we’ve cleaned up, Monday prep kicks in pretty late.
Best reason you've had to turn your Out of Office on recently?
Lunchtime swims at London Fields Lido while working from home is the best reason to use my OOO! It’s so lovely having the pool around the corner. It’s incredibly restorative, and I find swimming great for thinking time, processing ideas.
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: My swim shorts, to be Lido ready. Always Patagonia, made from recycled fishing nets.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: Mountain Lake in Ontario, Canada. Family time, swimming, boating, pure pleasure.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: It has to be our village restaurant, the Butley Orford Oysterage. It's been exactly the same since the mid Sixties, I’m told. Simple, great produce. I order Oysters with horseradish, of course, smoked prawns, and the cod with herb crust. It’s classic, delicious, simple and local – which I love.
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: Does Abba Voyage count?
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: My love for water has never got me sailing…yet. I think it’s on the cards.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: Candlelight; I cannot be without it, it’s my little luxury.
Best luxury under £25: Pump Street Chocolate; my wife’s chocolate, made from Bean to Bar in Suffolk. It's astonishingly good, and something I always appreciate as a true luxury, but one I indulge in regularly!