Things We've Learned
We not I.
There’s always a solution.
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up.
Simplicity is the gable end of a rural farm building.
We’re the middle children of the process.
Action leads to more action.
The conversation stops at ‘No.’ Say ‘yes.’
Learn together.
Be helpful.
Start by listening.
Every problem and project is unique.
If it’s not built, improve the design.
Poor quality lasts longer than a low price.
“There’s never enough time to do it right, but there’s always enough time to do it over.”
Require detailed shop drawings.
On a job site, ask yourself: "What’s wrong?"
10% of your projects can take up 90% of your time. Prune the tree.
Everything for a reason.
The world is small.
The blend is more interesting than the singular.
Build networks and friendships.
Look for opportunities and design for future projects.
A rendering is a means toward an end. Renderings should not be our focus.
It’s okay to say, "I don’t know."
Be positive and inspire clients.
Don’t assume you can read minds.
Ask “silly” questions.
Set expectations often during a project.
Don’t place the concrete mixer by the seismograph.
Be strong when necessary with clients and builders.
Be available, assume nothing.
Saying "No" is hard, but sometimes necessary. Take on work that inspires you.
Work with builders who care about the work, not just the paycheck.
Resolve with what exists before adding.
Design is about managing processes and people.
Pay attention to gut feelings.
Compromise when needed.
We see better from the bottom up.
Learn from what you build and how to improve it.
Delegate and hold people accountable, including clients.
Think ahead—years, months, weeks, days.
Ignore distractions—focus.
Fill the voids in process.
Be observant—notice details.
Draw accurately.
Simplicity is hard.
People sense good things.
Be patient.