Architecture and interior design is all about teamwork – on the one hand, you have the designers; people who dream up the concepts, think up the aesthetics and create a vision. And on the other hand, you have the home builders – people who execute these visions and bring them to reality. In order to get the best results, it’s important for these two teams to collaborate seamlessly.
Any practicing builder or designer will tell you things can get messy during any long or even short-term project. There are always unexpected bumps on the road that can derail the entire project. This is where the synergy between home builders and the designers is most crucial. So let’s take a look at how this collaboration looks in practice.
Executing the ‘Big Idea’
Most designers begin with what we’ll call the ‘Big Idea’, a concept or theme that guides the entire project and acts as their true north when looking for inspiration or communicating their vision. This extends into everything, from the colours to the materials; everything is part of the Big Idea.
Once designers have finalised the Big Idea, it’s then up to the builders to bring this vision to life and to do it in the most cost effective and efficient way possible. Whilst designers are looking to create a unique and exciting space and deliver something the client will love, builders look for the best ways to ensure the finalised project is as close to the designer’s vision as possible.
Checks and Balances
As we’ve touched on, designers and builders bring different sets of considerations to a project and the two unique sets of priorities are equally important. Not only do builders ensure a designer’s vision is brought to life efficiently, they can sometimes have an impact on the final look of the project itself.
Whilst designers will always have drafted plans, engineers’ estimates, and BOQs – all typically submitted during the initial bid – builders have a big say in what parts of a project can work logistically and which will either blow out the budget or even not be possible to execute given the circumstances of a particular project. In this way, designers and builders work together to ensure the vision for the project is something that really can be brought to life.
Keeping the Client at the Centre
Ultimately, any project should have the client at the centre. Designers may want to execute a vision they’ve had for a while and bring artistic flourishes to a project and builders may want to add a big project to their portfolio, but at the end of the day they’re both working to deliver satisfaction and value to a client.
Therefore, it’s crucial the owner-client-builder triangle is established from the very beginning. It’s important to have a synergy between all three parties and open lines of communication, should the client’s needs or even budget change or a logistical issue arises during construction.
Coordinating Design and Construction
Builders have the ability and resources to turn a simple drawing into an actual room or building without compromising the aesthetic. If a designer says they want to use a rare window covering, it’s up to the builder to devise a strategy for how it’s going to get delivered and installed. Designers are there to ensure the project is aesthetically pleasing and represents what the client wants.
Whilst it’s important to keep the client at the center of any project, successful delivery will rely on a particularly tight synergy between the design team and the construction team. The designers need to understand the constraints and considerations of the builders and the builders need to have a solid grasp of what the designer is trying to achieve and the particular aesthetic they’re shooting for.
Due Diligence
The tight synergy between designers and builders relies on a great deal of due diligence. We’ve already touched on elements, such as plans, engineers’ estimates, and BOQs, but there are other, more subtle elements like constant communication and reliable scheduling. Both parties need to have a solid understanding of each other’s considerations and priorities, as well as each other’s liabilities.
Construction and design are interdependent fields, and there is always a high level of trust required between them in order to deliver a successful project. This was just a small, tidbit of how the synergy between the designers and builders can result in a successful project with a great client satisfaction rate.
If you are struggling to find a custom builder to assist in your new home process, or are looking to build with a volume builder, make sure you speak to the team at iBuildNew to gain clarity and direction in your project. You can call us 7 days a week on 1800 184 284 or book a call online.
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Ryan Lewis
Ryan Lewis is a director at Lovelight. He has a keen eye for detail, is passionate about quality and is also a huge lover of bikes. He is married to Naomi and he is proud father of two.
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