Collaboration may seem overused, but it is not just a buzzword or an empty cliché. As a design-build firm with four dynamic and distinct parts – architecture, engineering, construction and development – collaboration is essential. Our greatest successes have come about because of our team’s desire to come together and contribute their expertise for the benefit of a shared objective, project or mission.
Given that collaboration is a skill and a cornerstone to our process, we have learned that to have sustained collaboration three critical elements must be present.
Communication. Openness to listen and examine various concepts and ideas with colleagues. Through team kick-off meetings, design charettes, and pull planning, our team taps into each team members knowledge, skills and expertise to evaluate options, talk through obstacles, coordinate schedules and develop solutions ensuring all ideas are listened to and vetted in a collaborative environment.
Respect. Widespread respect for colleagues’ and team members contributions. Our Senior Leadership team fosters a workplace culture that centers around learning and development. Each team member, regardless of background or title, is smart, capable and fully vested, which opens the door for feedback, sharing knowledge, finding out how team members approach their side of the project and gaining a better sense of how they work.
Emotional Intelligence. Sensitivity to how one’s actions may affect both colleagues’ work and the projects outcome. We have learned that when we work together in a collaborative environment it gives us an opportunity to learn from each other and gain an understanding of the other team’s perspective. Taking the time to learn others’ pain points, priorities, and even the way they think, opens the door to successful interactions.
Creating a collaborative workplace takes time and effort, but the payoff is well worth it.
Designing and building from an owners perspective since 1975. As a fully-integrated firm, our team of architects, engineers and builders have been working together, perfecting our design-build craft, to deliver exceptional quality and craftmanship to our clients. Our designers, masons, carpenters, welders and field crews take pride in their work and the legacy they leave behind.
