BUILDING UNITY INTO DESIGN: THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS

What is Unity in Design? Unity for us is a result of an organized, transparent collaboration of moving parts working together with a shared objective. Creating elements that support each other to serve a common goal. True collaboration comes when all independent parties (from the designer to the installer, the specialist, and the consultant) work together, with roles clearly defined from the first meeting through project completion. The concept rings true especially in kitchen and bath design and build. It’s critical to the project success to understand who and how their roles affect the decisions made. For collaboration to work, the lead project manager must create an inclusive project environment, while maintaining balance and authority and it is critical to include the experts; the product manufacturers; the specialists; the installers; and contractors…every step of the way.

The KBtribechat questions:

Q1. What does unity and collaboration in design mean to you?

Q2. How has collaboration shifted your process now that the internet makes costs and comparisons so transparent?

Q3. How do you retain your mystique as a designer while working in full collaboration and transparency?

Q4. What are some of the benefits that you can share as a result of collaboration?

Q5. How do you balance full inclusive collaboration while maintaining authority as the designer/project manager?

Q6. What trends have you seen lately that are influencing collaboration in the design industry, that weren’t happening 10 years ago? Share pics.

Q7. When building a successful team, communication and collaboration is vital. What are some tips for communicating with numerous team members?

Q8. How important is your relationship with your suppliers and manufacturers and how do you optimize communication and collaboration?

Q9. What are some top brand collaborations today, and why is it so important to the design industry?

Q10. As designers, what’s the most important thing about your relationship with your manufacturers/suppliers and vice versa?

Q11. When it comes to kitchen and bath design, what are some top tips to creating a unified cohesive space? Share pics.

Q12. Is social media an important element in collaborating with your favorite manufacturers?

Q13. Has social media helped you build your brand’s relationships with product manufacturers? Why is this relationship so important?

Join this Twitter conversation

on Wednesday, February 21

from 2 to 3pm eastern 

by adding #KBtribechat to your tweets.

Here’s a link to read the transcript.