For the most fortunate, work is also play. And that’s exactly how it is for Geneva Vanderzeil, founder of lifestyle blog A Pair and A Spare, and Ben McCarthy, founder of interior design firm Charlie & Rose, who share a studio in hip Sai Ying Pun. They are both lucky to pursue their passion and attain significant success; working together, as Geneva puts it, is just the cherry on top.
Geneva’s clever ideas and nifty DIY skills are on display here – she made the hanging planters as well as the open shelves that imbue their workspace with an airy feel. She often spends her time making and tinkering in a small nook that’s awash with natural light, the highlight of which is an entire wall lined with materials – ribbons, sequins, cork and more – that she transforms into useful fashion and home accessories.
Ben and his team occupy the middle part of the office, sharing a long table that is underneath sprawling greenery. He designed most of the furniture in the office, creating a casual yet of-the-moment vibe. This is somewhat of an expertise of his, making him a sought-after designer by the likes of restaurant group Maximal Concepts.
With plenty of space, natural light and ideas floating around, the entire office inspires creativity. Geneva, however, singles out her favourite space: The light filled nook at the end of the space – it just feels like not being at work at all!
How do you start your workday? Although I love sleeping I’ve recently started waking up early and exercising to start my day off right, a hike up the peak and a cup of tea usually make for the perfect start.
Start early or stay up late? I start my workday relatively early, and usually try to end all work related things by 8 pm so that I can relax and unwind. After a few very hectic years of no work-life balance I’m starting to be more mature about it and enjoy my down time.
What do you love most about your shared office? Having a space like this is the sort of thing you dream about without ever really thinking it will happen. I have to pinch myself everyday! The options for projects and content ideas when you have a space like this are unlimited and we’re very busy expanding the offer of the site to include content creation for other clients and more product design. Working so closely with Ben is just the cherry on top.
Tell us about a special piece on your workspace: Most of the smaller decorations in the office I have made myself and so I have to say those pieces are my favourite – the hanging shelves, the note board and wardrobe. The rest of the furniture was designed by Ben so I guess there’s nothing that isn’t special to me.
Coffee or tea? I literally can’t get out of bed without a cup of English Breakfast tea. I usually buy interesting labels when I am travelling and savour them at home. I just finished the last of five tins I got at Fortnum & Mason and I’m devastated!
Creative chaos or everything organised? Chaos, chaos, chaos.
What are the pros and cons of sharing office space? There really aren’t any cons. Ben is such a great sounding board for ideas and is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to running a business. He also has an impeccable eye for design, which helps when I’m planning projects and ideas. And he loves lunch as much as I do, that’s actually the main pro.
Creative tool of the month: I’m all about making my own furniture from scratch at the moment, and have a newfound love affair with the power drill.
Future project you’re excited about: I’ve just launched the media side of A Pair & A Spare, where we work with other brands to develop their digital marketing strategies and put them into place through delivering unique and engaging content. Online media is just getting bigger and bigger and I’m excited to be working on another element of it.
Styling Jo Lorenz
Photography Edric Chen | At East Jed Root
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