How has Felipe adapted his workspace for the new reality? What are his organizational must haves? Which rituals help keep him calm, focused, and centered? And how does he view the future? Read our interview below.

Bloomist: Did you always work at home, or did you have to carve out a discrete space?

Felipe Bastos: I’ve never worked from home before the pandemic. I live in a small studio in Chelsea. My dining room was for a while my desk, but I had to set up a small workstation. I work from home now just 1 day a week. 2 days I spend at the office on the Upper East Side and 2 days I’m around visiting job sites and visiting vendors.

Above left: On an FSC-certifed white oak GEORG desk by Skagerak, a Pistachio Vase by Bob Dinetz rests on Hilary Robertson’s “Monochrome Home”. The olive metal box hides Felipe’s writing tools. Above right: Felipe keeps black and white photos of his family in a small bowl on his desk.

Top: On an FSC-certifed white oak GEORG desk by Skagerak, a Pistachio Vase by Bob Dinetz rests on Hilary Robertson’s “Monochrome Home”. The olive metal box hides Felipe’s writing tools. Above: Felipe keeps black and white photos of his family in a small bowl on his desk.

Bloomist: How have you set up your homework space to be inspiring and functional? What’s on your desk?

Felipe Bastos: Even though I don’t have much space, I like to be surrounded by beautiful objects and my favorite books. On my desk you will find books, photos of my family, my inseparable pen, and some decorative objects and artwork. Depending on what I need to do, the set-up changes. I can bring my computer or just be over the phone in calls.

Bloomist: Do you have any rituals to start your day? Ways to keep you grounded, focused, and inspired?

Felipe Bastos: Day starts with coffee - always. I need the smell of coffee at home or when I go to the office. Even working from home, I do my bed, then I dress up, grab my coffee, play one of my favorite playlists with classics like Nancy Wilson and sit down to work. The desk is located beside my window, from where I see beautiful townhouses backyards and Hudson Yards skyscrapers. New York inspires me.

Bloomist: Any thoughts about the what the future of work might look like?

Felipe Bastos: After 2020 we all realized it’s possible to work from home. And I like the idea - not to go to work every day. I could work 2 days from home. I like the routine. I like to see people in the streets of New York, to see how they dress, where they go... I always carry my cameras everywhere I go. So, on my way to the office, I take photos. I usually take the subway to go to work. Sometimes I ride my bike to the office. I think it’s important to be with co-workers and exchange experiences.