"Consistent schedule, calming routine, and a cozy sleep environment ensure high energy and clear thinking."
Explore the confluence of architecture and mindfulness in entrepreneurship with Dragos Epure, founder of Metropolis Studio.
In this interview, discover how he blends design innovation with a mindful approach, creating a workspace that fosters both relaxation and productivity. Dragos shares insights into his intentional design choices, strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the importance of quality rest for peak performance.
Join us on a condensed journey into the mindful realm of Dragos Epure’s entrepreneurial vision, where success is defined by the harmonious balance of design, well-being, and business acumen.
Name: Dragos Epure
Company: Metropolis Studio
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Table of Contents
Thank you so much for joining us. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Dragos Epure: I’m Dragos Epure, the founder and lead architect of Metropolis Studio. My journey in the realm of architecture began with academic pursuits at the Technical University of Karlsruhe and the Technical University of Iași, culminating in a master’s degree in Production Design from the University for Film and Television Munich. The merge between both directions symmetrically shaped my vision for design, combining the worlds of architecture and film.
Metropolis Studio, born as an architectural practice, has evolved into a dynamic brand development studio. Our focus on parametric design, progressive architecture, and social sustainability has garnered international acclaim.
I’m proud of our transformative projects in Bucharest, pushing the boundaries of sustainable and innovative design. The studio’s commitment to nature and community is reflected in initiatives like Metropolis Academica, a charity offering scholarships to deserving students.
As an entrepreneur, how do you incorporate mindfulness or spiritual practices into your leadership style? Can you share an instance where this approach significantly impacted your business decisions or team dynamics?
Dragos Epure: In my role as an entrepreneur, mindfulness and spiritual practices play a pivotal role in shaping my leadership style. I firmly believe in the interconnectedness of personal well-being and professional success, fostering a holistic approach within the workplace.
Our office design goes beyond the conventional workspace paradigm; it creates an environment that feels more like a sanctuary than a traditional office. The deliberate choices in design, including the soothing lighting and natural elements, contribute to a space that fosters not only productivity but also relaxation.
The intention behind our office design is to shift the perception of coming to work into a feeling of entering a place of calm and rejuvenation. It’s a deliberate effort to break away from the stressful connotations often associated with traditional offices. This approach to design reflects our commitment to mindfulness and ensures that our team experiences a sense of ease and relaxation, contributing to a positive and productive work atmosphere.
The strategic use of lighting is not merely an aesthetic choice but a deliberate effort to enhance mindfulness. Natural light and thoughtfully placed artificial lighting contribute to creating a space that encourages focus and positivity. Additionally, the incorporation of plants adds a touch of nature, promoting a sense of tranquility and connection to the environment.
The design of our workspace is a crucial element in fostering a mindful atmosphere, ensuring that every aspect, from lighting to greenery, contributes to the overall well-being and productivity of our team.
Balancing a busy professional life with healthy eating can be challenging. What strategies or habits have you adopted to ensure your diet supports both your body and spirit, especially under the pressures of entrepreneurship?
Dragos Epure: Maintaining a healthy diet in the midst of a busy professional life is undoubtedly challenging, especially as an entrepreneur. However, I’ve found that adopting mindful eating practices and planning ahead are essential strategies.
One key habit is meal prepping. Taking the time to plan and prepare nutritious meals in advance ensures that I have access to wholesome options during hectic days. Additionally, I prioritize a well-rounded diet with a mix of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to support both my physical well-being and mental clarity.
In addition to meal prepping, I’ve implemented a strategic approach to my diet by pre-ordering meals from specialized businesses a week in advance. This method allows me to calculate and tailor the caloric content to my specific needs, ensuring a balanced and nutritionally adequate diet amidst the demands of entrepreneurship. This proactive measure not only saves time but also guarantees that my dietary choices align with my health and wellness goals.
Mindful eating is another crucial aspect. Taking breaks to savor meals, appreciating flavors, and being present during eating moments contribute to a healthier relationship with food. These habits not only support my body’s nutritional needs but also foster a positive connection between my diet and overall well-being.
How have you transformed your workspace to enhance focus, creativity, and inner peace? Do you have any specific routines or environmental changes that have made a significant difference in your workday wellness?
Dragos Epure: I’ve intentionally crafted my workspace to be a sanctuary that fosters focus, creativity, and inner peace. The design of the office plays a pivotal role in promoting mindfulness, achieved through carefully selected lighting and the incorporation of greenery.
The strategic placement of plants not only enhances the aesthetics but also contributes to a calming and vibrant atmosphere.
Additionally, I’ve introduced elements that blur the line between work and relaxation, ensuring that the office doesn’t feel like a traditional workspace. This intentional design approach has significantly improved my workday wellness, providing a conducive environment for creativity and concentration.
Quality rest is crucial for peak performance. What sleep hygiene rituals do you follow to maintain high energy and clear thinking? How have these practices contributed to your success and well-being as a business owner?
Dragos Epure: Quality rest is paramount for peak performance, and I prioritize sleep hygiene to maintain high energy and clear thinking. My sleep rituals include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
These practices contribute significantly to my success and well-being as a business owner by enhancing focus, decision-making, and overall cognitive function. A well-rested mind is a key asset in navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.
In addition to prioritizing quality rest, I kickstart every morning with a commitment to sports, no matter what. By hitting the gym at 7:30 AM, I set the tone for the day. All business meetings are strategically scheduled around this morning routine, ensuring I’ve completed my workout.
Recognizing the direct connection between sleep, nutrition, and energy, I’ve come to understand that a well-balanced lifestyle, including adequate sleep and regular exercise, plays a crucial role in overall well-being and sustained success as a business owner.
Jerome Knyszewski, VIP Contributor to WellnessVoice and the host of this interview would like to thank Dragos Epure for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Dragos Epure or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
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