Art of renovation

Hello RCD readers,

​Today feels like a truly blessed day. I’ve had this quiet feeling of peace resting with me since late last week, and it’s a reminder of something we often underestimate: true peace of mind.

God's peace of mind

​If I’m being completely honest, weeks like this would normally bring on a lot of anxiety. There is so much on my plate! But instead, I feel a steady calmness. Having peace doesn’t mean everything around you is perfect or that the to-do list magically disappeared. It simply means you are moving with trust rather than fear. When God grants you that sense of inner quiet, you naturally work better, feel more controlled, and approach every task with a clear head.

​After taking a simple, restful break over the weekend to wrap up July, I came into this week feeling deeply grateful. I’ve set myself up using time blocking—mapping out precise dates and dedicated hours on Monday so I can chip away at all my core priorities step-by-step.

Does balance really exist?

​Of course, staying balanced is a constant practice. When you push hard to move major client projects forward, other tasks naturally have to take a back seat for a moment—like keeping up with my QuickBooks administration. Beyond the studio, there is also real life to nurture: taking care of my own well-being, showing up for my family, and spending meaningful, present time with the people I love. Making space for all of it takes conscious intention, but doing it from a place of peace makes all the difference.

Calmness is the key towards being an entrepreneur 

​That focus also extends directly into how I run this practice. From the beginning, I’ve held tight to a core principle: I will only take on work where there is a genuine fit between the client and the studio. I’ve never believed in accepting a project just for the money if the alignment wasn't there. Standing by those ethics hasn't always been the easiest path, but seeing it pay off—working with clients who respect the process and give me the time to deliver my absolute best—is incredibly fulfilling.

​And speaking of the process, this week is certainly a dynamic one!

Blessed week is sometimes a really hectic week

​Today, my drafting table is full. I’m diving into three distinct sketching phases for three different projects:

• ​One active project moving into its next visual iteration.
• ​One potential project shaping up its initial direction.
• ​One brand-new concept getting its very first spark of design on paper before we move forward with the initial deposit.

​Alongside the design work, I’m stepping back into the detailed world of budget reports and quantity takeoffs for an active renovation and extension project. Renovations require a completely different level of precision compared to new builds. You have to carefully separate what is being retained, what is slated for demolition (sloopwerk), and what is brand-new construction (nieuwbouw).

​Calculating accurate surface areas for masonry, plaster, and paint isn't just about total square meters—it’s about understanding how the new structure integrates with the existing host building. Taking the time to step back, re-verify the numbers, and organize the takeoffs properly now ensures absolute accuracy for the client down the road.

​It’s a big week of balancing creative design, technical details, business administration, and personal life. But moving through it with a calm mind, clear structure, and faith makes every step lighter.

​Thank you for following along on this journey. How do you protect your peace and stay present when your work week gets demanding? Let me know in the comments below