Our In the Zone series is an opportunity to peek into other people's workspaces and hear about the routines and rituals that help them find their flow.
For this edition, we caught up with our good friend Magnus Long, the furniture designer known for his minimal chair designs for the likes of Heal's and The Conran Shop. Following the launch this week of his new Archer chair for SCP, he invited us into his studio in Haringey to learn about what fuels his creative process at work.
What’s the best workspace you’ve ever had?
This one - I need desk space for both sketching and computer work, but also making space. I don't want to have to be too precious about keeping it tidy and clean. I'm always improving how it functions.
The building is on fire — what single item do you grab from your desk?
Keys and wallet. Maybe a Cross Leg Chair maquette if I was feeling sentimental. Oh, that's not single, sorry.
What helps you concentrate?
Knowing that everyone one else has stopped working and it goes quiet.
Is there a soundtrack to your workspace?
Yes, I have a studio playlist which I return to when I need to find the right mood -
I'm always looking to add music to it and it's become a personal challenge to find good music with the lowest play count on Spotify - it's like the digital version of scouring record shops when I was younger.
What is your earliest memory of paper?
A Valentine's card is the first that comes to mind - a giant crayon heart on the front.
What makes a good notebook?
It'd need to be a sketchbook, B5 size. Protective but flexible cover to go in my bag. Off-white pages that don't let the ink through.
Is there an item of stationery that doesn’t exist but should?
I designed a series of pen holders using enamelled box section steel tube which I keep meaning to prototype. One day..
What would be your top picks from the Mark+Fold range?
I already use the Week Planner and Wall Planner. After that any of the brilliantly coloured Notebooks.
What do you love most about your work?
The element of play and discovery. It can be frustrating searching for something which might not be defined, but when things then fit into place it's very satisfying - it's a type of mini-invention.
What inspires you?
Many things. Structures and engineering principles. People behaviours and emotions - how we change depending on our environment. Materiality and process - factory visits are always a wonder. The people close to me doing things with talent and determination.
What aspect of your work are you most proud of?
The work that goes into designing something apparently simple that also speaks to people.
What career advice would you give to your teenage self?
When has a teenager ever listened to an adult volunteering advice?
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Find out more about Magnus Long and connect with him on Instagram and Linkedin. You can also purchase his Cross Leg Chairs from The Conran Shop and the new Archer chair from SCP.
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