\u201cThe team at Antrobus Design Collective is so special and unique in so many ways. As a designer who is also a mother, I had to create that type of team. We lead with a lot of vulnerability and freedom of expression\u2014and that\u2019s how we evolve creatively, manage to do what we do, and enjoy doing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Bringing In a Parental Perspective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As a parent, you must always think multidimensionally\u2014not just about what\u2019s in front of you, but what\u2019s ahead of and beside you. You must think through scenarios that are very layered and complicated. When I\u2019m working on a layout, or even an object or a piece of fabric, my experience as a parent enhances my ability to think on multiple levels simultaneously. I also feel very adept at managing a multitude of vendors, challenges, and personalities all at the same time given my training at home in navigating the complexities of being a parent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Society has become much more accepting of professionals who are also parenting. I really believe that the pandemic had a lot to do with that. Everybody from newscasters to high-profile attorneys were Zooming from their homes with the possibility of a child interrupting the call. Suddenly, people in the public eye were seen as human, not just as these public figures. Parenting became more accepted in the workplace because Covid stripped away the veneer of perfection and exposed the organic and often \u201cbeautifully messy\u201d reality of parenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The Importance of Encouraging Personal Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Another parenting perspective I bring to running my company is the importance of encouraging personal growth as a means for professional growth. It\u2019s important to give people the space to be their authentic selves\u2014whether that\u2019s in their family life or in their creative endeavors. This keeps you alive creatively! I also understand that it starts at the top. If I\u2019m able to evolve, then my team can grow and evolve. We recently went on a retreat, and I asked the team, \u2018What are your passions aside from interior design? How can I assist you in developing these creative projects?\u2019 I think it\u2019s important that people keep their umbrella very wide. The broader your creative outlets, the better designer you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sky\u2019s the limit if you invest in your team. I really want to stress that the more freedom you want to have as a designer, the more you must nurture the culture of your team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Alison Antrobus is the founder of Antrobus Design Collective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n