Part 2: International Women’s Day – What I learned in 2020

For many, 2020 was one of the most challenging collective experiences of our lifetimes. This International Women’s Day, we asked our firm’s fearless females what they learned from it – personally, professionally, and about the world at large. With this year’s theme being ‘I Choose to Challenge’, we recognize the vital role that celebrating women’s voices – and their achievements – plays in forging a better world, not just today, but every day. Here are the stories they wanted to share (you can also check out more in Part 1).

I became a mother in 2020 and it made me realise just how amazing, resilient and powerful women are.
—Meera Ravaliya, Designer, Wimberly Interiors London

Respect and appreciation are the two things I gained this past year.

I learned to appreciate all the small things that we have in our daily lives, having never realised just how important they truly are. And awareness of those little things during my design process.
—Demet Karaoglu, Associate + Senior Project Landscape Architect (Turkey), London

I learned that mothers are indeed octopuses! I realised multi-tasking is so important. Singapore’s lockdown was a learning experience as I was heavily pregnant, working and looking after a toddler. I had to adjust my work hours according to my child’s sleeping pattern and squeeze in feeding time minutes before a team meeting. It is now truly a life skill!

Nevertheless, I am so thankful to my colleagues for understanding each day of this new normal. We managed to pull off presentations despite working all around the clock at different times and from home. Thanks to RingCentral, Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp audio! Communication is vital in this day and age.
—Suhada Ersalle, Designer, FF&E, Wimberly Interiors Singapore

I have learned to be patient with every circumstance and more importantly I was reminded to cherish every moment you have with the people you love.
—Jill Winslow, Associate and Senior Project Account, Irvine

Follow your passions. Spend your time doing something that lights up your heart. Life doesn’t wait for anyone, so why waste your precious hours doing something you don’t feel passionate about? In 2020 I spent my evenings painting, turning my tiny kitchen into a makeshift studio. I found myself spending hours creating huge contemporary pieces for my home and even sold a few. It was wonderful to rediscover an old hobby.
—Pippa Carveth, Project Designer, Wimberly Interiors London

2020, for me, was all about appreciating the little things – from bird watching to seasons changing, dog walking, date nights. I became increasingly grateful for my job and the health and safety of my family and loved ones. Design-wise, working across geographies and time zones from my home office has taught me invaluable insights into new countries and regions, especially throughout the Middle East.
—Ellen Ward, Associate and Architect + Urban Designer, London

What I learned in 2020 is be patient, learn to appreciate home time and learn cooking.
—LJ Wu, Architectural Assistant, London

I learned that this virus is serious, people are hurting and dying. I personally lost two uncles, two cousins, one auntie and two friends during the pandemic in Indonesia, where I grew up. It was a tough time for all of us and we need to keep going with our daily lives – taking care of our family, keeping ourselves healthy so we can be there for our loved ones. I tried to keep balance between work, family time, checking on my friends and old friends who I haven’t talked to for a long time by calling them, and having my own time by joining Zoom dance classes, and yoga, meditation and praying. Being grateful for what I have, and never taking anything for granted. We have been walking at different trails and beaches in Orange County, California for 4–6 miles every Saturday – enjoying the beautiful nature and scenery that God creates for us to give us peaceful minds. There is always something to be grateful for each day by counting our rainbows, not our storms.
—Flora Djoenaedi, Staff Accountant, Irvine

I had my second baby in March, at the beginning of lockdown, and have been learning to parent two children while juggling projects and being unable to see my family. After living in Singapore for eight years, I have also just begun designing for cold weather again, which I love for a little variety. Thinking about snow and non-tropical climates after a while has been a learning curve in itself.
—Natalie Shea Faber, Senior Associate, Senior Planner + Landscape Architect, Singapore

2020 taught me to be good to myself and my family first. It gave me the time to focus on the basics. Eating right is number one of my lessons learned – making better choices for myself and now my family. We eat healthier thanks to 2020. I could “shopping cart-shame” my pre-pandemic me now.
—Judith Castillo, Associate + Project Architect, Irvine

What I learned in 2020 is that there is nothing – absolutely nothing – more important than your family and your health. In the wake of Covid-19, I have decided to stop putting myself last and to step up and get in better shape with my body and keep myself healthy to try to keep myself from contracting it.  I have lost 30 pounds in the last year and while I have a lot more to lose I am happy that I have put myself first and got my family to be health conscious as well.
—Loretta Wright, Junior Project Accountant, Irvine