How I Work: Jeffrey Ibañez, Founder, Impact Acoustic
Jeffrey Ibañez is old school at heart but a technology enthusiast. Design by Barbara Cadorna.
To Jeffrey Ibañez, work clothes are more than just a uniform — they symbolize a collective purpose. (Hence, a jumpsuit.) From 5 a.m. wake up calls to finishing each day by preparing a list of tasks for the following day, Ibañez makes the most of work time.
As co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Impact Acoustic in Switzerland, Ibañez leads the creative team that turns thousands of plastic bottles into stunning, practical room acoustic furniture. These include wall panels, room dividers, and even the Chatpod, a room-in-room designed for offices and made from recycled cardboard, sawdust, rubber, and those recycled bottles. Below, Ibañez walks us through how he works — in a jumpsuit, no doubt.
Jeffrey Ibañez (right) in his office at Impact Acoustic. Images c/o Jeffrey Ibañez.
Rise and Shine
The alarm jolts me awake at 5 a.m., signaling the start of a new day. My first priority is to make my bed and attend to my loyal companion, feeding my dog Sonic. Afterward, I indulge in an invigorating hour at the gym, relishing some personal time. Finally, at 7 a.m., I'm ready to kickstart my day at the office.
Work Uniform
To me, the uniform represents more than just clothing; it symbolizes a collective purpose. It fosters a sense of pride, instills confidence, and facilitates peak performance. Hence, a jumpsuit seems like the perfect choice — a distinctive ensemble that combines comfort and style, empowering individuals to excel.
How I Structure My Day
I embrace the spontaneity of living in the moment, yet find solace in my daily routines. I refrain from making rigid week-long plans; instead, each workday begins with me perusing the carefully-curated list of tasks I prepared the day before. This ritual allows me to dive into the day’s priorities seamlessly. As the day draws to a close, I conclude by preparing a fresh list of tasks for the following day, ensuring a smooth transition and a clear path forward.
Playlist Favorites
Music has been an integral part of my life for as long as my memory serves. Growing up, I was immersed in the melodies curated by my father, a man with an impeccable taste in music despite not being a musician himself. Rather than having specific favorites, I find that my musical preferences are heavily influenced by my surroundings. They evolve on a daily basis, reflecting the diverse environments that shape my musical journey.
Ibañez and his team designed Chatpod, a room-in-room for offices made of recycled materials.
Tools of the Trade
I am old school at heart but a technology enthusiast. Remarkable 2 is my daily go-to tool.
Dream Studio
I take immense pride in the accomplishment of bringing my dream studio to life. Together with my business partner, we have successfully realized our vision for Impact Acoustic. This state-of-the-art facility encompasses everything we had envisioned from the inception of our company. However, our aspirations do not end there. We are now embarking on an exciting new chapter with the establishment of Impact Lab, our cutting-edge R&D studio. Here, we channel our passion to develop innovative acoustic technologies and materials, utilizing natural resources and recycled materials, pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
One Unique Thing About My Work Process
My work process goes beyond mere data and facts, encompassing the profound element of emotion. By integrating emotion into the equation, I infuse a sense of humanity into what would otherwise be a strictly defined design process. This combination of rationality and sentiment allows for a more holistic and meaningful approach to my work.
Mantra
If you believe, you achieve. If you doubt, you're out.
Ibañez framed his mantra in neon letters.
My Bright Idea that Never Saw the Light of Day
I developed a self-sustaining, deconstructed communal housing system with a great focus on well-being. The facilities like entertainment, relaxation, sports, etc., are the center of the development. However, I would not say that it will not see the light of day. It might be just waiting for the right time.
To-Do List Item That Keeps Me Up At Night
Grocery items, dog food, invoices, and birthdays.
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