In today’s business operations, designers and architects need to have more connection and collaboration with contractors. The lack of that connection is a fundamental problem in the industry.
While designers are deeply responsible for their budgets, many do not ultimately understand the cost implications of the designs they create. A project won’t get bid until a design is complete, meaning the designer has to go back to the drawing board if it comes in over budget.
Ongoing supply chain issues and the overwhelming amount of content to which the client has access are added challenges and stressors. Both make it increasingly harder to be efficient and finalize project details.
Important Tools
There are tools that designers and architects can use to address the challenges they face. Here we will examine three of those key options.
Skipp
This is a service that uses AI and 3D scanning technology to provide customized kitchen renovation services at a more affordable price. Skipp takes an accurate 3D scan of a home, providing designers, architects and end consumers access to current conditions, plans, takeoffs, materials schedules, construction documents and fabrication files. These resources allow them to consider construction and design simultaneously and accurately.
I am currently working with Skipp on a project of my own. From the home scan (which took about 30 minutes) to the communication with the design team to the construction documents and the renderings, the process is simplified and easy. With the highly detailed renderings provided, I have been able to see how my designs will translate into my space before it’s finished. As I made edits and added customizations, I could see how this translated to the final design and, in real-time, how the costs would be impacted. Their access to a broad network of material suppliers and installers enables them to provide an accurate estimate of the project up front and throughout any changes made.
Photo: Nick Glimenakis
Material Bank
This vast material marketplace makes it easy for designers and architects to source, order and return samples. The company overnights samples for just about anything you’d need to source directly from its website.
Time is our biggest asset in this industry, and the company’s mission to overnight ship and deliver samples the next day is a game-changer.
Asana
At Fireclay Tile, we manage all of our work through Asana. From marketing campaigns to product development to our factory expansion, this tool helps us keep organized and meet our deadlines.
Asana is invaluable to architects and designers because it introduces efficiencies through customizable workflows. It gets teams out of email and makes them more efficient and collaborative across teams and purviews.
Renovations are becoming more complicated, especially given rising home prices, supply chain delays and homeowners having more access to “design inspo” on Tik Tok, Pinterest and Instagram. Designers and architects need to keep up with these demands by staying in the loop regarding emerging resources in their field, allowing them to do what they love: present creative design ideas rather than deal with project hiccups. ▪
Jamie Chappell is currently v.p. of Brand and Marketing at Fireclay Tile, a manufacturer and retailer specializing in sustainable ceramic, handpainted, brick and glass tile. Chappell joined the firm as creative director in 2013 and, prior to working with Fireclay Tile, she sold the company’s products in boutique retail shops throughout the U.S. In the past, she has worked for sustainably minded start-ups in Seattle, San Francisco and Austin, TX. Her passion for bold art and clean design with a healthy dose of restraint drive most creative decisions in her life and at Fireclay Tile.