What does a typical week look like for you as Studio Director?

I think agency life is always pretty varied, but as Studio Director I'm wearing a few different hats, meaning no two weeks are really the same.

I still do a lot of hands-on design work, but also a lot of people work. I always want to make sure we're creating and maintaining an environment where everyone can do their best work and be genuinely happy. I spend a lot of time thinking about how we continue to grow as a studio, whether that be improving processes, developing our people or even just making sure we have enough coffee and sweet treats to keep the ideas flowing.

As for the design work, my focus is making sure the studio maintains high standards and attention to detail in every single job we do. My own schedule can vary from one bigger project spread over a few days, to working on multiple different jobs and clients each hour.

The mix of design work and people work means I’m always busy, in the best way!

You’ve been with Potting Shed for 11 years now; how has your perspective changed since you first joined?

When I first joined, I was focused almost entirely on the work itself, taking concepts and turning them into finished and functioning design. Like most designers, I probably spent a lot of my time obsessing over the details. Actually, that’s something that hasn’t changed!

Over the years, my perspective has broadened. I still get just as much satisfaction from the craft of design as I did when I first joined, but I've come to appreciate that the work is only one part of the picture. The strongest client relationships, the best team dynamics and the trust that's built over time are often what make the biggest difference.

One of the things I enjoyed most about Potting Shed is being part of a team that embraces change, thoughtfully. The studio has grown and evolved over the years, but it's never lost sight of what makes it special. Seeing members of the team develop and thrive in an environment I've helped shape is amazing. Looking back, that's probably something I'm even prouder of than any individual project.

That said, a perfectly kerned headline will always bring me a disproportionate amount of satisfaction. The difference now is that I better appreciate the designer behind it too.

Your running abilities never cease to amaze us. What is it about running that you love, and what’s your favourite distance?

The simplicity. And perhaps the lack of skill needed (ask my old basketball team, I don’t have much of that!).

In a noisy world, running is my quiet space. For me, it’s a time and space where everything else fades into the background, and I can be present in that moment without distraction. That sounds pretty zen, doesn’t it? However, I would say I love pushing myself physically, and I’m not a big fan of an easy run!

As for distance, anything on the road between 5k and Half Marathon is my ideal, at the moment. I’m currently targeting the Copenhagen Half Marathon later this year.

Rank your top 5 favourite sweet treats!

I have a very sweet tooth, and I’m going sweet over savoury every time. But I don’t think I can narrow it down to 5! So, I’m going to cop out, but if you’ve ever been in the Guernsey studio you will know that a steady supply of biscuits (ideally chocolate) will keep me going!

No sugar in my coffee though, thanks.

What makes a project successful in your eyes?

Ultimately, a successful project is one where everyone feels proud of the outcome. I think it's important to care about the details and not overlook the small things, because they're often what elevates a project from good to great.

And while, of course, the work needs to look good, that's only part of the story. The best projects solve a problem and leave the client in a better position than when we started.

One thing I've learned over the years is that the best ideas tend to come from collaboration. Having people around you who can bring different perspectives, ask awkward questions and spot things you've missed nearly always leads to a stronger result.

What’s one thing you couldn’t get through the workday without?

Apart from coffee?

Probably conversations. I think most things are easier to solve by talking them through rather than by staring at them for another hour. Whether it's discussing ideas, working through a challenge or just having a catch-up, some of the best parts of the day happen when we get together and share perspectives.

That, and coffee. Ideally at the same time.

Describe your perfect weekend…

Actually, most weekends feel pretty close to my perfect weekend these days.

I've gotten much better at only saying yes to things that genuinely make me happy, rather than just doing things because I feel I should. I've learned that I enjoy being out and about more than sitting still, but not necessarily in the middle of a crowd.

A good run after work on Friday, adventures with my young nephew and niece on Saturday morning, and a long run with friends on Sunday followed by breakfast and good coffee is a pretty strong start.

Nothing particularly wild, but plenty of fresh air, good company and enough flexibility to do whatever feels right on the day.

A fun question to finish up the interview. If you had to spend the day in another Shed member’s shoes, who would you pick and why?

This feels like a dangerous question.

One of the things I love about Potting Shed is the variety of personalities and the range of skills we all bring to the table. I think spending a day in someone else's shoes would be a good reminder of how talented our team is, and just how much goes on behind the scenes that you don't always see.

But to give you a name…I’m going to say Ed. I’d love to understand how he can have so many meaningful conversations and connections, every single day, plus have time to be a great Dad to an active and curious 5-year-old, train for triathlons, and still have endless energy for the team around him.

But I’d want to guarantee that I could hand any responsibilities back at the end of the day!