12 Pros Share How They Unwind and Recharge Outside of Work
Industry professionals tell us what they’re doing this summer to take a break and relax
As busy as you might be with projects right now, it’s important to find time to relax so you’re able to complete your best work. We spoke with 12 home professionals who shared their plans for some well-earned time off this summer. Take a few moments to read their comments (lightly edited for brevity and style) about the things they’re doing to recharge. You might get ideas for your own vacation or leisure activities!
3. Kirby Foster Hurd, principal designer and founder of Kirby Home Designs, Edmond, Oklahoma
Unplugging from my phone — social media, texts, calls and emails — is one of the best ways for me to recharge. This may mean a few hours in the evening or a day on the weekends. I do keep my phone in “do not disturb” mode from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily to help encourage and sustain this habit.
I don’t plan to take much time off this summer. I find the summer months are typically some of the busiest months of the year and I feel too overwhelmed to leave town for long periods of time. Our family plans to take a trip before our daughter goes back to school. I’ve strategically scheduled remodels around this week and hope to be able to sit back and relax a bit more during this week away.
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Unplugging from my phone — social media, texts, calls and emails — is one of the best ways for me to recharge. This may mean a few hours in the evening or a day on the weekends. I do keep my phone in “do not disturb” mode from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily to help encourage and sustain this habit.
I don’t plan to take much time off this summer. I find the summer months are typically some of the busiest months of the year and I feel too overwhelmed to leave town for long periods of time. Our family plans to take a trip before our daughter goes back to school. I’ve strategically scheduled remodels around this week and hope to be able to sit back and relax a bit more during this week away.
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4. Anthony Collins, owner of Northlight Custom Builders, Mill Creek, Washington
The work schedule is jam-packed, but making time for travel and breaks away from work are important. My wife and I have a trip planned for London and Paris later in the summer, along with a separate trip to northern Idaho to do some relaxing on a boat. In my downtime, I recently learned to fly planes. I enjoy doing yard work, traveling, remixing music and playing with my dog Buddy.
5. Phil Shearon, principal designer and president of Shearon Design Collective, Gilbert, Arizona
Staying inspired is critical in our high-demand field. Getting outside in nature with my family, taking time to say yes to the crazy ideas my kids want to do and traveling when we can. Summer break is a must and we will be traveling to one of our most favorite places: Montana!
Taking time off to get away is obviously good for ourselves but it improves our businesses too. Getting out of the business gives a member of the team the opportunity to step up and take on additional responsibility. As well, it communicates the importance of living a balanced life, which will inspire your team to do the same. Take time off and remember to encourage your employees to do the same — just not all at the same time.
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The work schedule is jam-packed, but making time for travel and breaks away from work are important. My wife and I have a trip planned for London and Paris later in the summer, along with a separate trip to northern Idaho to do some relaxing on a boat. In my downtime, I recently learned to fly planes. I enjoy doing yard work, traveling, remixing music and playing with my dog Buddy.
5. Phil Shearon, principal designer and president of Shearon Design Collective, Gilbert, Arizona
Staying inspired is critical in our high-demand field. Getting outside in nature with my family, taking time to say yes to the crazy ideas my kids want to do and traveling when we can. Summer break is a must and we will be traveling to one of our most favorite places: Montana!
Taking time off to get away is obviously good for ourselves but it improves our businesses too. Getting out of the business gives a member of the team the opportunity to step up and take on additional responsibility. As well, it communicates the importance of living a balanced life, which will inspire your team to do the same. Take time off and remember to encourage your employees to do the same — just not all at the same time.
Pros Use These 10 Self-Care Tips to Stay Balanced and Strong
6. Anna Shiwlall, owner of 27 Diamonds Interior Design, Westminster, California
I love working out, going out on hikes and lifting weights. All of these things are essential when dealing with high-stress work. Work for us is year-round. However, this summer I’m going to the Dominican Republic and looking forward to eating, swimming and relaxing.
7. Laura Littlefield Kelley, owner of Littlefield Landscapes, North Eastham, Massachusetts
My alone time is spent tending to my edible gardens for food to eat throughout the year. Also, I have a little boat; I like to float on water with my boyfriend, Sam, and my little doggie, Ellie Kelley. We all swim together. That, to me, is like going on vacation. It revives me [and helps me] to get back to work relaxed and able to take on anything!
This summer is dedicated to helping homeowners’ dreams of land design come true. I like to focus on helping clients feel more comfortable on their own land so they go outside more and enjoy their own properties! But my fun goal this summer will be to go snorkeling locally and learn more about what is going on in my own local waters on Cape Cod!
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I love working out, going out on hikes and lifting weights. All of these things are essential when dealing with high-stress work. Work for us is year-round. However, this summer I’m going to the Dominican Republic and looking forward to eating, swimming and relaxing.
7. Laura Littlefield Kelley, owner of Littlefield Landscapes, North Eastham, Massachusetts
My alone time is spent tending to my edible gardens for food to eat throughout the year. Also, I have a little boat; I like to float on water with my boyfriend, Sam, and my little doggie, Ellie Kelley. We all swim together. That, to me, is like going on vacation. It revives me [and helps me] to get back to work relaxed and able to take on anything!
This summer is dedicated to helping homeowners’ dreams of land design come true. I like to focus on helping clients feel more comfortable on their own land so they go outside more and enjoy their own properties! But my fun goal this summer will be to go snorkeling locally and learn more about what is going on in my own local waters on Cape Cod!
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8. Meredith Park, principal designer and owner of Impeccable by Meredith Park, Palatine, Illinois
One of the reasons I am drawn to design is my love of hospitality. I strive to create spaces that are warm and welcoming and that encourage my clients to open up their homes to family and friends to gather and build lasting memories. So, naturally, one of my favorite things to do is entertain. We love having people over for a simple dinner or a weekend visiting and exploring Chicago. If I’m lucky, I’ll find the time to explore an antique market or an art show.
I’m booked solid with client work this summer, but I enjoy what I do, so I’m not complaining. Our daughter is home from college, so I sneak any time I can to spend with her before she heads back to school in the fall. In Chicago, we do our best to soak up the summer heat before the chilly winter returns!
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One of the reasons I am drawn to design is my love of hospitality. I strive to create spaces that are warm and welcoming and that encourage my clients to open up their homes to family and friends to gather and build lasting memories. So, naturally, one of my favorite things to do is entertain. We love having people over for a simple dinner or a weekend visiting and exploring Chicago. If I’m lucky, I’ll find the time to explore an antique market or an art show.
I’m booked solid with client work this summer, but I enjoy what I do, so I’m not complaining. Our daughter is home from college, so I sneak any time I can to spend with her before she heads back to school in the fall. In Chicago, we do our best to soak up the summer heat before the chilly winter returns!
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9. Sam Koob, president of sk7 design studios, San Diego, California
Although we are jam-packed with great projects this summer, I will be heading back home to Minnesota for two weeks. I head back every summer to see family and friends. I’m looking forward to being back home on the lake, hanging with the nephews, getting out on the boat, campfires, food and drinks, doing some fishing and golfing and just enjoying the Northwoods.
10. Sandy Schargel, owner of Sandy Schargel Interiors, Albuquerque, New Mexico
After a full workday, I make every effort not to continue working. Getting together with friends each weekend is wonderful — and fun. Before COVID, I took vacations throughout the year. This summer I’m jam-packed with projects, which keep me busy and oh so happy. I love what I do!
Although we are jam-packed with great projects this summer, I will be heading back home to Minnesota for two weeks. I head back every summer to see family and friends. I’m looking forward to being back home on the lake, hanging with the nephews, getting out on the boat, campfires, food and drinks, doing some fishing and golfing and just enjoying the Northwoods.
10. Sandy Schargel, owner of Sandy Schargel Interiors, Albuquerque, New Mexico
After a full workday, I make every effort not to continue working. Getting together with friends each weekend is wonderful — and fun. Before COVID, I took vacations throughout the year. This summer I’m jam-packed with projects, which keep me busy and oh so happy. I love what I do!
11. Jason Faulkinberry, owner of Faulkinberry Enterprises, Bentonville, Arkansas
Although we are very busy year-round, summer is our busiest time. We usually have no break there, but we do like to take a yearly trip around the holidays. My wife has been asking to spend a little time at the beach later this year, so we will see. Otherwise, the kids enjoy the nearby theme park and outdoor activities this time of year. We’ll do a lot of swimming, I’m sure! I enjoy going to the lake to fish, boat and kayak; enjoy family time and events; cheer my children on in baseball and ballet; and travel a little.
Although we are very busy year-round, summer is our busiest time. We usually have no break there, but we do like to take a yearly trip around the holidays. My wife has been asking to spend a little time at the beach later this year, so we will see. Otherwise, the kids enjoy the nearby theme park and outdoor activities this time of year. We’ll do a lot of swimming, I’m sure! I enjoy going to the lake to fish, boat and kayak; enjoy family time and events; cheer my children on in baseball and ballet; and travel a little.
12. Cinda K. Lester, partner at 12/12 Architects & Planners, Downers Grove, Illinois
I spend as much time at the lake as possible, watch my daughter’s softball games, build Legos with my son and watch true crime movies and documentaries in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. We rarely vacation in the summer. We’re a softball family, which means we have eight weekends in a row of softball tournaments. We get to the lake during the week when we can.
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I spend as much time at the lake as possible, watch my daughter’s softball games, build Legos with my son and watch true crime movies and documentaries in the middle of the night when I can’t sleep. We rarely vacation in the summer. We’re a softball family, which means we have eight weekends in a row of softball tournaments. We get to the lake during the week when we can.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
I love to spend time with my family, read or go see a live concert here in Austin. We have been lucky to have a very full schedule this summer. However, we all need to take some time away from the daily grind. I’ll be taking a short vacay with my family.
2. Kai Geschke, president of Geschke Group Architecture, Austin, Texas
Work hard, play hard!! I work 60 to 70 hours a week and strive to give my clients 100% of my skills and experience. I’m going to Ireland to drink some Guinness and Redbreast Irish whiskey! Family is always first, of course, but beyond that, I ride motorcycles! I just rode a bike from Los Angeles to Colorado through mountain passes and hundreds of miles of backcountry roads.