Fancy a peek behind the scenes and want to know more about the talented people who create TouchWood’s bespoke natural playgrounds?
Well, here’s your chance as we kick-off our new series of regular ‘Day in the Life’ blog posts. Each month, we’ll feature a key member of our multi-skilled team of play specialists and the role they play in helping us design and build amazing natural playgrounds throughout the UK.
This month, we’re meeting Jules, who works in our design office as Design Manager.
Who are you and what do you do at TouchWood?
Hi, I’m Jules and I work in TouchWood’s design office as Design Manager. My role involves creating and developing bespoke designs for our clients’ play projects. I oversee the development of each design from initial design concepts until the design is handed over to our in house construction and installation team. As part of my role, I also manage our team of play designers.
What does an average working day look like?
My working day here at TouchWood is quite varied which I really enjoy. As we’re a bespoke natural play company, each project is unique so it really depends on what I’m working on – I could be coming up with ideas for an outdoor learning area for a school playground or developing designs for an adventure playground for a visitor attraction.
My day usually starts with a quick catch up with the rest of the design team to check in on the status of current projects. Part of my role involves liaising closely with our Programme Manager and Sales team to plan upcoming work into our design and production schedules. Depending on what projects I’m working on, the rest of my day could be spent sketching out ideas, discussing construction methods with our build team or creating computer based technical design drawings.
What’s the best thing about working at TouchWood? / What part of your job do you enjoy most?
I love seeing our designs become reality once a playground has been installed and the sense of acheivement when we receive great feedback from clients and the children who use the play area!
I also really enjoy working with the team here at TouchWood as everyone is so passionate about what they do.
Why do you think clients choose TouchWood to create their play area?
Our playgrounds offer a truly unique play experience – I think children and adults alike are drawn to our natural playgrounds as they offer a really great play experience and are beautiful environments for adults to spend time in too.
Do you have a favourite TouchWood playground or project you’ve worked on?
I love the playground we created in Croyde, Devon. It’s a really well-designed, varied play area with good play routes – children can get all around the play area without touching the floor – if I was a kid again, I’d love to play there!
What do you do when you’re not working?
Like many of my colleagues here, I love to get out into nature and enjoy exploring the countryside and the great outdoors – usually by bike! I also enjoy live music, going to music festivals and eating nice food.
What’s your best memory of playing outdoors as a child?
As a kid, I loved the challenge of climbing trees and making dens, I still do!
Thanks Jules! Look out for next month’s ‘Day in the Life…’ blog post when we’ll be meeting another member of the team.
In the meantime, to find our more about our previous natural play projects, see our Case Studies. Or, to talk to us about how we could help you create your own bespoke play area, get in touch!
