In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Simon Wolf: I’m a woodworker and a gardener. I turn a machine on to do some work, then I cannot hear the phone ring or emails ding!
What’s one thing you do after the workday to help you unwind?
We live by the Sussex coast so, no matter the weather, being outside at the end of the day always clears my mind and puts the work stuff behind me.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
I started working with wood about five years ago – there is something beautiful about making something that didn’t exist out of something that was once alive. Often I will take inspiration from something I have seen or perhaps something we need. Our house has a part that is 400 years old. I recently made a new door from old floorboards reclaimed from a Victorian school. I’m working towards my 10,000 hrs. When I am in my workshop I am completely immersed in the task at hand.
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What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I am constantly taking inspiration from the world around me; I am CEO, but also Creative Director of WOLF and so a colour, a shape inspires me. I could be standing outside a retail shop, walking through the woods, or flipping through a magazine – they all influence my work. I have scribbles on bits of paper, tear sheets from magazines and lots of photos that I take continuously.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space?
After my workshop it would be playing tennis. While I'm in the UK I have lessons. In Los Angeles, where our second home is and our North American office, we play paddle tennis at the beach. Love that game!
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Antiques Roadshow.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
I wouldn’t know how to; I couldn’t imagine not be available!
Your go-to Out of Office outfit: Work trousers and a WOLF T-shirt.
Your happy place anywhere in the world: In a workshop with a saw in hand.
Your favourite bar or restaurant: Sakura Sushi on Centinela Boulevard in Los Angeles. I order jalapeno yellow tail, rainbow roll, toro sushi, yellowtail collar, salmon sushi. I could go on and on... and do!
Something you booked recently that you'd recommend: The World of Stonehenge exhibition at the British Museum. I studied Archaeology for A-level and spent a lot of time around Stonehenge writing an essay on burial mounds. I’d love to go back in time to see how we lived then.
Something you've listened to or read recently that you'd recommend: David Sedaris at The Dome, Brighton. The man has the best perspective on people, and he picks up rubbish, one of my activities. Read any of his books, they are all hilarious.
A hobby you'd like to cultivate: Identifying plants, flowers and trees.
A luxury that’s actually a necessity: L’Occitane Immortelle Precious face cream. Got to fight the wrinkles somehow!
Best luxury under £25: My Pica propelling woodworkers pencil.
