Catching Up with JAI’s Remote Design Team: Four Years and Counting!
Remote work has become the new normal for many industries, and interior design is no exception. Today, we sit down with the talented leadership team at JAI—Jacki Arena, Owner and Principal, Jenn Lindner, Design Director, and Whitney Cope, Senior Designer—to discuss their journey over the past four years transitioning to a fully remote work model. From overcoming initial challenges to discovering the perks of working from home, they share their personal experiences, daily routines, and valuable insights on maintaining a successful and connected remote team. Let’s dive into their stories and learn how they’ve adapted to and thrived in this evolving work landscape.
Initial Challenges and Adaptations
Interviewer: What were the biggest challenges you faced when you first started working from home?
Jenn: It was my first time working from home, so I didn’t know what to expect. The hardest part was sharing my work with the team. Interior design is so visual and tactile, and it was tough to represent colors, textures, and details accurately over video calls or photos. Getting approvals was tricky when those elements didn’t come through clearly.
Interviewer: Have those challenges changed over time? If so, how have you adapted?
Jenn: Four years in, we’ve developed great processes for sharing ideas and materials. We’re pros at video calls now, which keeps us connected. For finalizing materials, we send duplicate samples to each other so we can all see and touch them. Trusting each other’s expertise has also been key.
Work-Life Balance
Interviewer: How has your work-life balance been affected by remote work? Is it easier or harder to separate work from personal life?
Whitney: It’s been a game-changer. As a mom to a young child with special needs, remote work made it possible for me to return to work. The flexibility is essential for me.
Jacki: My work-life balance has improved too. I love the flexibility, and not having to commute gives me more time for family and personal interests. This was especially important these last four years with my daughter in high school.
Daily Routines and Productivity
Interviewer: Can you describe your typical remote workday routine? How do you stay productive and motivated?
Jacki: I start with my morning meditation and workout to clear my mind, then have breakfast and set up my plan for the day. I take a proper lunch break and step out in the afternoon for a walk or an errand to get fresh air and an energy boost for the rest of my day.
Jenn: I usually start between 8 and 9:30 AM. I review my tasks for the day, and on days I’m not feeling inspired, I take breaks and don’t force creativity. On motivated days, I play music to boost my mood and creativity, which helps me get into a flow state.
Whitney: My husband and I both work remotely, so he handles the school run in the morning. Having a dedicated office space helps me stay on task, and I love being able to make a healthy lunch at home. It keeps me healthier and more productive.
Missing the OFFICE Environment
Interviewer: What do you miss most about working in a traditional office environment?
Jacki: I miss the in-person collaboration that was usually spent on the floor surrounded by samples and the organic teachable moments that came from that.
Whitney: It’s harder to keep the culture alive remotely. I miss regular team interactions and events.
Jenn: I miss seeing my coworkers, spontaneous coffee breaks, and having a personal materials library and project storage.
Benefits of Remote Work
Interviewer: Conversely, what do you enjoy most about working remotely?
Jacki: The flexibility and the ability to create a work environment that suits me. I also appreciate having more control over my schedule.
Whitney: Managing my own time and not commuting are the best parts. Plus, the quiet helps me focus better.
Jenn: Definitely the flexibility of being able to work anywhere there is WIFI and the convenience of grabbing snacks from my kitchen
Team Dynamics and Communication
Interviewer: How has remote work affected your interactions with colleagues and team dynamics?
Jenn: We have to be more intentional about communication. Regular video calls and check-ins are crucial. Trust in each other’s expertise has been vital for our success.
Whitney: Building relationships requires extra effort since we don’t see each other daily. Weekly staff video calls and regular chats help.
Jacki: Communication is more structured now, which has pros and cons. While we miss spontaneous interactions, scheduled meetings keep us connected. We use collaboration tools to maintain team spirit and productivity.
Advice for New Remote Workers
Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone new to remote work or struggling to adapt?
Whitney: Keep communication open and flowing. Regular check-ins are key to staying engaged and supported.
Jacki: Establish a routine with good habits. Be intentional about networking, whether that means lunches, local events or conferences and tradeshows to stay connected.
Jenn: Have a dedicated workspace just for work. It helps maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life.
Interviewer: Thank you all for sharing your insights and experiences. Your perspectives are invaluable for understanding the evolving landscape of remote work.
Jenn, Whitney, and Jacki: Thank you!
