Lessons from culinary school

When I was in grad school for design, we shared a space with a culinary school. Every day, they cooked our meals and every day, I watched how seriously they took cleaning. Counters were spotless. Knives were washed, sharpened, and stored. Even in the rush of meal prep, they kept their space clean.

Of course I was impressed but didn’t understand all the fuss. It felt a little too militant for this art-school kid. But over time I realized: their cleanliness wasn’t about neatness. It was about craft.

How it connects to design work

1. Respect for tools is respect for ourselves
   The chefs treated their tools with care because those tools reflected their standards. The way we name files, build decks, even structure layers, these are quiet acts of self-respect. Clean tools make clear minds.

2. Systems Create Freedom
   In the kitchen, clean tools and a tidy station mean chefs can improvise, experiment, and scale without chaos. In design work, a good file structure, clean templates, and organized assets create that same freedom.

3. Small things shape the final result
   In the kitchen, great meals start with careful prep. In our work, the small things, organized layers, well-set type, thoughtful research, build the foundation.

Details aren’t extra; they’re the difference.

4. Clean systems make teamwork easier
   In a kitchen, order keeps things moving. In our design work, clean files and clear systems help us stay in sync, reduce friction, and work better together.

5. Clean as you cook
   Don’t wait for the mess to pile up. Tidying as you go keeps the work flowing and prevents slowdowns later.

My time observing the kitchen taught me that great work isn’t just about talent, it’s also about care, consistency, and the systems we build. When we treat our tools, our time, and each other with respect, everything runs smoother.