IN these challenging times, it is imperative for entrepreneurs to be innovative and proactive in responding to the fast-paced developments taking place in the environment.
Joy Gladys Jabile-Ejercito, a licensed interior designer and general contractor and the general manager and principal designer of JJE Design and Construct (JJEDC), is aware of emerging new reality.
She told the BusinessMirror in an e-mail interview that her company has been planning on the new direction of their design and construct services, the safety protocols and measures of the staff and workers at the office, site, and barracks, and the back-up plan in case some of the staff or workers get sick with novel coronavirus.
āSince more people are going digital and online now, we will increase our marketing to accept more interior design projects to survive and thrive during these uncertain times,ā she said.
Jabile-Ejercito said Covid-19 will have huge impact on the future of interior design. Under the new normal, she believes the homes, commercial and public spaces will encompass the new awareness of the personal safety concerns of the people. For the online virtual communication, she said people will look for adequate lighting with good audio and virtual connection that will enhance personal bubble.
This setup will produce comfortable social barriers without being distracting, obvious or non-approachable and physical distancing.
Moreover, Jabile-Ejercito says comfort zones in social environments will begin to expand and will see a shift in the functions of interior design that will stress both mental and physical well-being.
As the economy acclimatizes, Jabile-Ejercito says work from home will not be an afterthought where employees can create beautiful and functional office in the comforts of their homes.
During this pandemic, Jabile-Ejercito said people will prefer to stay in their homes and avoid areas where there is a large gathering of crowds.
āThough open spaces in homes, offices, public spaces will be at a decline. There will be a new definition of spaces especially at home,ā she explains.
Since the current crisis will limit the movements of the interior design and construction businesses, Jabile-Ejercito says design and construct companies will focus more on the online virtual meetings and make use of the electronic technology.
Despite the dire situation on the real-estate sector, Jabile-Ejercito is bullish on the prospects of interior design and construction. Moreover, the University of the Philippines scholar and interior design graduate says the almost three-month enhanced community quarantine has inspired people to nest and re-decorate. āIn the age of pandemic, the home has become our world. Everyone wants to take care of the wellness and well-being at home to support the body, mind, and spirit throughout this difficult and challenging times,ā she says.
To meet the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Jabile-Ejercito points out that both local and foreign interior designers are now offering services using the online virtual platforms.
Furthermore, a lot of them conduct virtual meetings and consultations with clients, architects, and the rest of the project team for the design process. āFloor plans and images of fabrics and finishes are sent electronically to give the team direction. Design decisions can be made virtually to keep the design process moving forward,ā she says.
The routine in the office will now be work from home until a cure and vaccine have been found.
Coordination and collaborations of design and construction companies will be done electronically. āI am ready to meet the challenges,ā she says.
Work life balance
TO achieve a work life balance, Jabile-Ejercito competes in triathlon races since 2010. She started joining triathlon after giving birth to her youngest child.
āI wanted to get back in shape and to overcome my postpartum. It immensely helped with the surge of adrenaline I will get every time I would join a race,āJabile-Ejercito explains.
Being active in sports is important to Jabile-Ejercito to be physically and mentally strong. Being active in sports, she believes it is part of taking care of her wellness and well-being.
Eventually, she also pursued the marathon, competing in 2011 and 2012 organized by the Bull Runner.
Having a passion for continuous learning, Jabile-Ejercito also pursued her Master of Interior Design in UP Diliman. At the same time, she had to allot time for her marathon training. Nevertheless, she achieved both goals.
Later, she joined the Condura Run and the Chicago Marathon where clocked a time of 4:56. āI still want to do my fifth by the time I am 50 years old so that it will be five at 50,ā she points out.
Jabile-Ejercito believes sports gives her the extra push in accomplishing her numerous tasks.
āThis also gives me the energy to keep up with my load of work and the adrenaline rush keeps me going. I believe that being physically healthy will contribute to my achievement of my goals,ā she explains.