Books, Heat & Meet Tom

August 2022 Reflections ❊ Subscribe

INSPIRATION | Books

Books have always been great companions to me—portals into alternative realms for escapism, expansion, integration.

My library is forever growing.

I like to hold books, flip the pages – skip pages. I rarely read front to back.

I prefer hard covers to soft, with vanilla, matte paper compared to bright white. I like the paper to have a slight texture to it, so my fingertips can flip the pages with ease. Details are important to me—they contribute to the entire experience of reading. If I don’t like the design of the cover, I find it harder to read.

This summer, I’ve been reading about animals and the intelligence of the natural world. Why and how does this relate to design? Learning about animals’ sensory connection to the world, and the intelligence of nature, expands my own understanding of how humans relate sensorially to the spaces I create. In a time where so much of life is speeding up and digitalising, I feel a calling to look more deeply at nature for answers and inspiration.

Some books I enjoyed this month:

An Immense World by Ed Young. I believe everyone should own this book.

Phosphorescence by Julia Baird: I enjoyed the first half of the book, which reminded me of the importance of stimulating awe and wonder in life.

Ways of Being by James Bridle: I am mid-way through this book. I love his opening quote:

“What does it mean to be intelligent? Is it something unique to humans—or do we share it with other beings? Recent years have seen rapid advances in ‘artificial’ intelligence, which increasingly appears to be something stranger than we ever imaged. At the same time, we are becoming more aware of the other intelligences which have been with us all along, unrecognised. These other beings are the animals, plants, and natural systems that surround us, and they are slowly revealing their complexity and knowledge—just as the new technologies we’ve built are threatening to cause their extinction, and ours.”

STUDIO NEWS | Introducing Tom

Did you feel the heat in London? The 40 degree days? That’s climate change. Nature heals us, so we must help heal it.

I’m so proud to announce Tom Weston has joined Be-kin, as our Sustainability Strategy & Innovation Advisor. He will be supporting both Be-kin and our clients, to drive ESG innovation.

I met Tom while doing my MBA at UCL. His passion and incredible skills in sustainability make him a truly remarkable member of our team. I’m so excited about the value he will bring our clients, particularly businesses and hotel operators, who want to lead the market on ESG innovation.

Help spread Be-kin’s light

Our Design & Wellbeing Packages are taking flight, and we have some very exciting commercial projects on the go—including a Pilates studio in Primrose Hill. If you know of anyone who could benefit from Be-kin, please spread the word. We really appreciate your support.

Until next time,
Wren.