Amy Devers' Desk Makeover
From teaching at the Rhode Island School of Design to hosting the Clever Podcast, Amy’s life revolves around design. Read what she has to say about how Grovemade gear changed her perspective on her home workspace.
10% Off Discount Code for Clever Listeners:
DC_Clever
10% Off Discount Code for Clever Listeners:
DC_Clever
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=1c452761d83a93c82ede12617d177691 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=8c9657c608bcaa0ab722e75d37726dd6 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a08b6ec2bad1b77c2216d92452cc5ba6 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=7f3001e8b67229f2c4d265f178fbef90 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8e105ca8f47183275aa57dfa2202e98c 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=26b8729e906a56918edca2f6d482ea0d 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=bd60d015eea20b9136274e2ab8d0ed61 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=73cb3607392231c2a6a1848bb2935954 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=332fca5f0cc913cef32e3014330812ce 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f179f18b8bd1ac55871281b3b5c86102 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=c1e730d00b379ba8d79040f247266d23 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=ce8374c35a5becc8b9b32adbbe490243 3000w)
I thought my desk situation was pretty good before, but NOW I realize how much better it can get.
AMY DEVERS
Clever Co-Founder
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=c17b01e211757527ea1df8e9893e00a7 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=58f1967d6c9d8942c8672b25babfc380 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=6e6f4386a0431e2f77e9e679ad915bfa 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=c3dbc6d624aa7ec877d2639237007df6 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=961a209806bda2764ee76aff4e9e20a4 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=c85ea9959f2249b684dfcdea7cef5ebe 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=36f137ff6b48f59cbadabbcd4f48e75b 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=5ce5ce4f90dd082db88b5f431263cb71 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=a2ed05e94fc9b5a351cba9aadaab506d 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=58932d5b360b4b14bcd61146dfb59f2b 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=eee1d5585fe05c8bb90605a29cbe9bb0 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=e96e517554dd02b5523dcc65f9358b19 3000w)
Before and After
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=396d93ef8c5b75b36c5e991757e26a8f 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=c458cb238161b056356b14f003fa4238 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=66c66e5139be12d1196f530bddb80198 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=ad2346511a3e7fe61b91562af779966c 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=44a18954b57fbef31ebbc63b7ee16a5b 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bd48e54e25cefe52462f773219ad925b 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=179f569145f809fedc2583e4a03b0f2e 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=1555f4994e67aa1bedfabed486c1ee99 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=6abbf309c72e5eace2cbd2898f0dfd7f 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=a39c2ead8244bc7c16c5f8d59f074f61 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=9ab6c6df850df0966658eb76c4ec8d3e 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-C1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=1f50ad90dbae3d6b5d0eb42f3a6b3866 3000w)
Before
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=9b990e56e50d241577da046034e306f9 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=78d71773022759b6979199959dc4f440 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=cb38b24863d565851837a02ba3ea9d89 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0718ab5b11116e1727c0889f24d07e98 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=60265692beab2f1dda235f299d810294 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=151173365f4e3eeb8f33833f60406bbd 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=c9eca44fc118752a3b134d79b7489625 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=a801f3a719ecf0cd7d11a518af841603 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=010859662497d09ae9f921252b54fe21 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=17afbd034f4697b11d653aed53b4a352 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=94290f920396edb6f987d31d38f2e83f 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-D1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=0a250aac5de4bdc1c8332b8368a851a1 3000w)
After
The Desk Shelf System
Let’s start with the Desk Shelf. I am a total Desk Shelf convert. (It’s beautiful!) It changes the spatial layout of my desk in a way that improves my workflow, something I didn’t really comprehend until I tried it. Other benefits include raising both my cameras to better heights for Zooming, and I’ve noticed my posture improving as I sit up straighter.
The Merino Wool Desk Pad
I had no idea I needed a felt pad as much as I do—it’s like plush carpeting for my desk. Everything is quieter (important for podcast recording!) It dampens keyboard clacking, pen drops, and just generally feels plush and more comfortable under my arms and elbows than cold melamine.
Stationery Update
I love the pen and notepad—so deluxe! Now everything I write feels smarter and more important. Pretty sure this is where I’ll write my novel and sign $1M checks. Pen snobs, Grovemade has got you. I take notes on calls and always need a scratch pad, this elevates the whole program. The leather mouse pad and coasters—executive-level luxury.
Tying It All Together
As a furniture designer/maker, I am so pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of these products. But also, I am a little shocked at how naive I was about my workspace. With a few well-made, very intentional improvements, my workday has been upgraded x10. It’s definitely not just about productivity, it also makes a big difference in how I feel through the tactile sensations of deluxe materials and the mental clarity that accompanies a clear and organized space.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=1c452761d83a93c82ede12617d177691 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=8c9657c608bcaa0ab722e75d37726dd6 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=a08b6ec2bad1b77c2216d92452cc5ba6 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=7f3001e8b67229f2c4d265f178fbef90 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8e105ca8f47183275aa57dfa2202e98c 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=26b8729e906a56918edca2f6d482ea0d 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=bd60d015eea20b9136274e2ab8d0ed61 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=73cb3607392231c2a6a1848bb2935954 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=332fca5f0cc913cef32e3014330812ce 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f179f18b8bd1ac55871281b3b5c86102 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=c1e730d00b379ba8d79040f247266d23 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-clever-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=ce8374c35a5becc8b9b32adbbe490243 3000w)
This really, really does change the way I feel while working in the best of ways.
AMY DEVERS
Clever Co-Founder