As part of our #BASIL_* series, Julian Lipscombe gives us an insight into his current work from home experience

12.05.2020

As our entire team has had to adapt to different work schedules and surroundings across London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We have launched a new interview series to catch up with individuals and see what creative change, tips, and observations they've been experiencing during this time.

For our first edition of Lockdown in London, we spoke to Director Julian Lipscombe. As well as being busy steering a smooth course for the practice during these unpredictable times, he has taken back 15 hours a week of his commuting time to practice yoga and create sculptures... Read the full interview with Julian below:

How are you feeling given the current situation?

JL: It’s a curious mix of emotions. On the one hand, deep concern about society, the effects on our business and the inability to see my elderly/frail parents. On the other hand, celebrating not commuting, 15 hours back in my life, great weather and enjoying having my family around me.

Who are you isolating with and how are you all finding it?

JL: I am isolating with my family – wife, two daughters (23 & 16) and son (19). My eldest two have been away traveling and at Uni so having them back without distraction is wonderful – for my wife and I at least – my children may disagree!

During the times you've been outdoors, what are the biggest changes you've noticed?

JL: I live in a leafy suburb where everyone is conforming to the social distancing rules. The biggest difference for us is the absence of planes flying 1 per minute into Heathrow. Reduced noise pollution is palpable - the peace is deafening and delightful.

What’s been the most challenging thing about lockdown so far?

JL: As noted above, not being able to see my elderly and frail parents in Sheffield has been a source of concern. I have also been very concerned about the toll on one of my sisters who is at the epicentre of the C-19 medical response. Managing the impact on the practice has been challenging but I think we have pulled together as an organisation and weathered the storm reasonably with pretty robust unity.

What project are you working on?

JL: Helping steer as smooth a course as possible for the practice through current difficulties has been pretty much a full-time job!! I am ‘between projects’ so juggling a few things including a potentially exciting opportunity (all will hopefully be revealed).

How are you finding working from home?

JL: It has worked really well for me and I almost feel guilty to say, I’ve enjoyed the experience of being able to see so much more of my family and actually spend time in my home patch.I miss seeing colleagues and look forward to some aspects of emerging from current restrictions

What tools or tricks are you using to stay organised with work and on top of it all in general?

JL: Like the rest of the working world seems to feel, MS Teams has been a revelation. My fellow Directors and I meet by VC daily to discuss response to the situation as it emerges – we never had this degree of contact when in the office and its been a really significant silver lining to the dark cloud of the situation.

What are you most looking forward to once we come out the other side?

JL: I’ve been fantasising about a cold beer in a favourite riverside pub...

* #BASIL_ is an acronym for 'Bennetts Associates Self Isolation Loves', our curated content on social media that brings together inspiration for the #wfh days.