"Every seven years, designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his New York studio for a yearlong sabbatical to rejuvenate and refresh their creative outlook. He explains the often overlooked value of time off and shows the innovative projects inspired by his time in Bali."

I first came across this TED talk at the end of last year (It's from 2009). I thought it intriguing and a really good idea. Definitely a good idea. I thought to myself, "Hey, I want to do that!" Then I started working some maths (yes, here they call it "maths").

I started my own business as a landscape designer May of 2007 (the 2 years before that I was working for a landscape architecture firm...so I'll count that as my "internship").

I left for London September of 2013.

If you do the maths right, and I counted this out several times (I am not good at maths)...then I am currently in my 7th year...my sabbatical year.

B-I-N-G-O

I am already on track for a sabbatical every 7 years! My "one year" away from my "design studio" is being spent learning more about my craft, developing ideas, cultivating creativity, and testing out new techniques that speak "me." It's been extremely worth it so far - my foundation and confidence is gaining strength and integrity...everything that I am doing here will have a direct influence on the next 6 years of work.

I had felt for several years prior coming to London that I needed more advanced training, time and space to explore my interests and talents...I call it needing "negative space." And that if I was really going to make it as a garden designer and make a positive difference in the design world, then I needed a solid base to build and explode from. The Inchbald is doing just that and I couldn't be more pleased with how the year is unfolding...too quickly that's for sure.

The only real question of concern now is...where's my next sabbatical?? (2020-2021).