Two-Desk Home Office in San Francisco Bay Area

Name: Rishad Amarkhel

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, US

Occupation: Art Director and Designer

Room size: 10′5″ × 11′2″ (11 m²)

Cost of setup: ~$8K — $12K

Social media: Instagram, LinkedIn

Website: Design, Glyph, Photography

Hello! Tell us a bit about yourself

My design journey began with a non-traditional path, sparked by hands-on experimentation with apps like Photoshop, 3ds Max, and Illustrator.

As I became more familiar with these tools, my passion shifted towards understanding the fundamentals of design — human psychology, design principles, design thinking, colour theory, and the history of typography.

Over time, I pursued more in-depth formal design education — investing in design school programs, courses, and certifications, delving into UX, UI, brand building, and even front-end coding.

Today, I lead the brand design team at Vivian, where I work on creating impactful digital brand experiences.

Outside of Vivian, I freelance and manage a range of side projects, including Park.Photos — a free image library of U.S. national parks, and Glyph.Supply — a resource for hard-to-find glyphs.

I’m also working on UNUSED and a book-related website, which keep me constantly learning and innovating.

Take us through your setup

My main work setup balances aesthetics and functionality, creating an environment where I can comfortably spend 8–12 hours each day.

I positioned my main desk near a large window to benefit from ample natural light, which keeps the space bright and energising.

To add warmth, I integrated walnut and oak finishes, creating a more grounded feel compared to my secondary, minimalist setup.

My secondary setup is designed for short, focused sessions — usually on weekends — where I can experiment with new tools, work on side projects, freelance projects, or brainstorm ideas.

This space is minimalist and lighter in aesthetic, lacking the ergonomic focus of my main desk.

Instead, it provides a fresh, inspiring environment optimised for bursts of creative work without the need for extra equipment.

One challenge was combining a classic desk look with the functionality of a standing desk.

I achieved this by pairing a Floyd table with an IKEA mini standing desk, allowing me to alternate between sitting and standing, particularly for meetings.

Using the standing desk for meetings brings more energy and focus, especially in longer sessions, as standing helps me stay actively engaged.

It’s a great way to break up the day and adds a dynamic feel to virtual meetings.

To improve accessibility, I moved my desk closer to my bookshelf, giving me easy access to reference materials.

In contrast, my main desk with the seated setup and large monitor is ideal for hands-on design tasks and detailed work.

Each setup serves a purpose — giving flexibility to my workflow throughout the day.

I’m always looking for ways to improve the setup.

My next upgrade will likely be adding more greenery to enhance the biophilia effect and possibly a Mac Mini Pro to increase the workspace’s capabilities.

What’s your favourite item on your desk?

My favourite item in this setup is the Apple Studio Display.

Its pixel-perfect clarity means I can design without any visible pixelation, making even the smallest details stand out.

This display elevates my work and makes me feel like a more precise designer.

I invested in it to push my creative capabilities further, and it’s become a core part of my setup.

What apps or tools do you use to get things done?

For digital design, I lean heavily on Figma, Illustrator, and Framer.

Each tool supports different parts of my workflow, from wireframing to high-fidelity design.

Recently, I’ve also been exploring AI tools like Runway, Relume, Midjourney, and Perplexity, which add an innovative twist to my projects.

These tools enable faster brainstorming and visual exploration, complementing my design practices.

What books, blogs, or podcasts recently caught your attention?

I find inspiration from a mix of books, museums, and nature.

Specific newsletters like Today in Design and Conceptseeker help keep my ideas fresh.

Bookstores and exhibitions are also constant sources of new perspectives, while travelling and spending time outdoors connect me with natural patterns and colour palettes.

Any tips for other makers who want to improve their workspaces?

Prioritise functionality over aesthetics initially.

Focus on ergonomics, flexibility, and making the space productive.

Once you’ve got a functional setup, add elements that inspire and motivate, like art or plants.

The aesthetics will then enhance your productivity.

What does your typical day look like?

My day starts early, around 5:30–6 am, with exercise — either a gym session or a long walk.

After planning my priorities and dropping off my kid, my work officially begins at 9 am PST.

My daily structure includes focused sprints, meetings, and project reviews, followed by a wrap-up around 6–7 pm.

I spend evenings with my family and dedicate weekends to side projects and freelance work, which helps me stay creatively fulfilled.

Your tips for working from home?

I recommend structuring your day with focused work sessions, taking regular breaks to reset (walking helps a lot!), and setting a productive morning routine.

A well-organised workspace is crucial for productivity, and making small adjustments over time can keep it optimised.

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