Creative block? Try changing rooms. Literally.

// Introduction

I know, I know - I haven't banged on about it for ages and you've probably not heard it on Linkedin but we moved offices (alright, I know, I've banged on about it for ages and it was all over Linkedin) but this was a big deal for the team - we've moved into a space which is three times the size of the space we used to occupy and it's changed me/us.

When we first saw the new offices, it was just like any other 'second hand' office - the carpets were tired, the building had a tired, well used feel about it - you could see the crows feet forming around it's eyes.. it was nice but meh, it wasn't exactly setting the world alight.

That was partly down to how the previous occupants laid it out and it was partly down to the condition but with a fresh coat of paint (a bit more than that, it was plastered, walls rebuilt, new windows, new carpets etc..) it feels completely different.

We moved in last Monday and by Tuesday of last week, something felt different.

I have to say - your environment, where you work and how you use that space - it matters more than you think.

// The Buzz

I now solely use my skateboard to get to work - it's a 10-15 skate to the new office from home and there is one point on my journey, at Constitution Hill in Poole, which makes the journey worth it. I was skating home last night and the sun was setting, I was gliding around the viewpoint at Constitution Hill and the amber glow over Poole from the sun was glorious - I tried to capture the moment on my iPhone but those moments, that feeling - it can't be bottled or recorded.

Why am I telling you this?

Well, as I was skating, I was listening to music in my headphones and a new song from Professor Green came on - it's called '45' and one of the opening lines says ' It's the monster, with the remedy, Mr energy, energy, energy...' and whilst he's describing himself (he goes on to talk about all the other songs he's done) - the line 'energy, energy, energy' is where I'm at with the new office.

It's given us a buzz.

I can't speak for other people but it's made me feel more productive, sharper and definitely more energised.

Our (Rich and I) office has high ceilings - it's a space which has actual grey painted ceiling rafters and large high white walls (except the one green wall but I'll let him off) and there is something about this large space which gives us more air to breathe. It's weird though because our desks are actually smaller than they were in the old office yet, I feel like we have more space - I'm not working in the confines of just one desk area.

I am someone who likes to spread out - you'll never see me with a clean desk - there is always something happening and I've always got something on my desk.

The small moments - taking a call, working on a proposal or simply having a small meeting - everything feels different and improved already.

// Cathedral Theory

There’s this idea I came across called Cathedral Theory. And once you hear it, it just makes complete sense (and I've been wanting to write about this theory for ages)

In short: big spaces make us think bigger. Literally.

The theory goes that when you're in a space with high ceilings or open layouts - like a cathedral, a museum, or even a loft-style office - your brain shifts into a more open, creative mode. You're not just physically looking up - you're mentally doing it too. There's more room to think, to imagine, to connect dots that wouldn’t usually land together in a tighter, more constrained space.

When you think about it, the old cathedrals weren’t just built to look impressive. They were designed to make you feel something. Small person, big world, big thoughts. Awe does something to the brain. It pulls you out of your routine headspace.

And it’s not just spiritual buildings. Libraries, art galleries, those echoey university halls - they all have that same effect. The environment kind of whispers to your brain: “Take your time. Think deeply. You’re allowed to explore.”

The same happens when you go for a walk outside - how creative do you become when you go for a walk, when you step outside to walk the dogs with your headphones on? The world seems larger and your brain is allowed to wander.

When you're stuck at the same desk, in the same small room - constrained to a small desk then your world feels small and you can't elevate your thoughts beyond that - I've forgotten the times that I've heard the advice to talk a walk when things get too much.

The core of Cathedral Theory, the idea that space shapes thought - when you think about it, you start seeing it everywhere.

// It matters to us.

It matters for people like us - when you and I need to be creative, when we need the ideas or the creativity to flow - we need a space to allow us to do that. When you're given a space which allows you to have creative thoughts - it's a secret level up.

In my working life, I tend to work better with managers or leaders who don't micro-manage (yep, you too probably) but I take it to the next level, I like managers who offer a little guidance but just let me get on with what I need to do in the way that I like to do it - you should think of your physical space as your silent co-founder.

Think of the space that you're in as the partner in your business - do you want that person to be all around you, tightly consuming your air and closing in on the space as a oppressive force - they'd be shaping the way you work in a negative way. Or, do you fancy having that manager, the one I just mentioned - the one who gives you space to be you, allowing you to shape yourself without noticing them.

The way the space around you can influence the way you work is mental - even small changes can make a difference.

Your office layout, a fresh lick of (lighter) paint, more light or even, as I said before, those regular breaks away from that tiny desk to gain more freedom of thought.

When you need to tell your story, to build your brand or have strategic meetings around creativity - larger, more expansive spaces are they way to go.

You don't need a big budget, you don't need to hire a cathedral - you just need space to think.

// Big Thinking

Look, I’m not saying your entire business will explode just because you’ve rearranged your furniture or moved to a room with a higher ceiling… but I’m also not saying it won’t.

Because what this move has reminded me is that environment isn’t just a backdrop - it’s a key part of the story. It sets the tone, the pace, the energy. It’s like music in a film - you don’t always notice it when it’s working, but you definitely feel it when it’s off.

Since we moved, everything’s felt a bit clearer. I feel sharper. I’ve had better ideas. I’ve had more conversations where the answer flows out quicker, more confidently, like it was always there - just waiting for a bit of space to stretch its legs. Even things like doing proposals or taking calls feel… lighter.

And I don’t think that’s just because I’ve got a new wall colour behind me.

The Cathedral Theory really nails it. Big spaces = big thoughts. But even if you’re not in a big space right now, I think the lesson is this: your space matters. How it makes you feel, how it supports your work, how it either gives you breathing room or boxes you in.

So if you’re feeling stuck or low energy or just a bit off - before you tear up the to-do list or blame yourself for not being ‘on it’ enough - maybe look around. Literally. Could be that your environment is part of the problem. Or even better - part of the solution.

You don’t need to hire out a cathedral. You don’t need to knock down a wall (unless you fancy it). Sometimes it’s just about a window open, a walk round the block, a small layout shift or a mental reset.

Your environment shapes your thinking.

So give yourself the kind of space that lets you think bigger.

And if you can, look up — there’s probably more room than you thought.