A review of a few notable pandemic accomplishments in the last year (the Longer version):
A review of a few notable pandemic accomplishments in the last year (the longer short version):
Home Office for Success Series (HOSS) – Najeeb and I finally completed this two-year project. We produced 5 episodes which are now live. Written recaps of all episodes are now live on my blog too. BTW – Corporations are asking us to present webinars and workshops for their employees. (Call me if you’d like to know more). Click here for: ADVENTURES IN FILMING THE HOME OFFICE FOR SUCCESS SERIES DURING THE 2020 – 2021 PANDEMIC
Mental Health First Aid Certificate – I obtained a certificate to learn skills for initial help to individuals experiencing a decline in their mental wellbeing, mental health or substance abuse crisis. These skills have been useful in many of my meetings and interactions with people. What does this have to do with design? Managing a project requires that you interact with many individuals under stressful circumstances. And, let’s face it, renovations, construction and any type of change are stressful. (More details in another. post.)
Urban Land Institute Panelist – Our Queen West Alexandra Park Community has won a Global Award from the International Global Urban Land Institute For Excellence. I participated in a panel along with other community members, architects, and planners to explain the origin story of our grassroots city-building initiative.
TCHC Desing Review Panel – I, 2 other community members and 6 prominent architects and planners reviewed Phase II of the Regent Park Development. Lending my voice and experience by being a long-time urban dweller and community activist. So excited to be a part of an illustrious group of international thought leaders for TCHC's Design Review Panel.
Alexandra Park Working Group - I have an extensive history of volunteerism. It’s been a great way to be useful whilst meeting interesting people. You can learn a lot about people when you work with them.
Clio – This club formerly known as the Spoke, is now open. Very posh.
ARIDO Communication Committee – Participating in my professional organization to see how we can be more effective in communicating with our membership.
Meditation – I now meditate 3 times a week with my Christian Meditation Group. On my own, I can barely meditate for 5 minutes, now I can actually manage 15mininutes of quiet and still reflection without opening breaking my concentration.
Can Furniture Be Made With 100% Natural Materials? – I am now a mini expert in answering this question for the modern world.
Successful People Series - What Successful People Do In The Morning – To date I have interviewed 30 participants in total. My next project in this series - Is women who kick b***.
Project Activities – Basements, bathrooms and kitchens seem to be the requested spaces to renovate. Condos that are 10 years and older need a refresh too. (See Basement Article)
Trade Showrooms Now Open - Once the lockdown eased up and I was able to visit showrooms again, it began a series of whirlwind events. Designing, pricing projects, visiting showrooms and doing whatever it takes to get things done. Being in a showroom again was like being a kid on the playground happy to meet up with her other buddies and playing with toys withheld from your Mom. I’m still giddy with playful excitement. Suppliers have been great. You can go online and have samples delivered, but there is no substitute for seeing the real thing in context. Especially when choosing colours for finishes.
Culinary Accomplishments – I now make my own mayonnaise and mustard. I am never going back to the store-bought brands. Made my first lasagna! (Go figure! I make a great sauce but never made lasagna.) And, now trying to master making spanakopita. (The feta cheese you use seems to be super important.)
And finally:
Designing & Decorating My Home– Making decisions for Clients is fast, fun and easy. Making decisions for yourself to find the ‘right’ colour and the right item, is not so fast, fun or easy. This process can go on for years. Finally, I now have my own designer curtains.
I’ll be sharing more details in future newsletters.
You can find me on LinkedIn for regular professional activities and on Instagram for fun posts and life observations.
DOLORES PIAN IS A MASTER INTERIOR DESIGNER WHO CRAFTS LUXURY RESIDENCES, PENTHOUSES AND PURSE PARKING. SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE SEEK HER EXPERTISE IN DESIGN RECLAIMING TIME ©.
BECAUSE TIME IS THEIR TRUE LUXURY.
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