Collaborate, as defined by Merriam-Websters Dictionary, means “to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor.” The idea is to have a group of professionals working together with the shared goal of a successful design solution. Everyone brings to the table various opinions which may differ, but each also bring specific specialized knowledge as it relates to the project.
Collaboration is extremely important in designing a renovation project. A homeowner benefits greatly from these relationships. With the popularity of do-it-yourself TV shows and blogs, we have all gotten much more daring with the work we take on ourselves when it comes to home improvement. Don’t underestimate the value of a team working with and for you on your home renovation or new construction.
[Read: You Bought a Fixer-Upper. Now What?]
There are various individuals you should consider bringing onto your “team.” When it comes time to redesign your home, here are the three people you’ll want to include.
The architect. With technical skill and training, the architect can provide specialized help regarding the physical structure of your project as well as devise creative use of space and flow within your home.
In addition, the architect can effectively communicate the ideas onto paper, which acts as instruction for your contractor. Architects can assist you throughout the construction process making sure the plans you have agreed upon are being translated properly into your finished structure.
The interior designer. The interior designer also plays a vital role. A designer is not just there to make the space look pretty. Often, the designer works closely with the architect in developing tile layouts, lighting plans and space planning. This process works best when the designer and architect communicate openly and freely.
The landscape designer. Another design professional that can prove to be invaluable is a landscape designer. If you are working on a large-scale project, landscaping may be the last thing on your mind. Getting a landscape professional involved in the early stages of a project can make a tremendous difference in your outcome. Why not take advantage of three design professionals weighing in at once?
[See: 8 Ways to Transform Unused Space in Your Home.]
Working with multiple minds to form a cohesive vision is just as good for the professionals you bring onto the team as it is for you, the homeowner. “Collaborations come in many varieties,” says Jason Zrodlowski, project manager for Red Cedar Inc., a landscaping company in Wappingers Falls, New York.
He adds, “The most common is when people have complementary skills. Other collaborations can happen on a more human level.”
By incorporating another individual, group or company into the design process and its execution, it can often lead to a more unique outcome.
“Sometimes people seize the opportunity to explore new things while working alongside someone more proficient in a certain field,” Zrodlowski says. “There are other times when people just need an injection of fresh energy to revitalize their work. No matter what the circumstances, collaborations can spark creative collisions that produce amazing results.”
If you are unsure of how to build your team, start with any design professional — architect, interior designer or landscape designer — that produces the quality of work you admire. Choose someone who you can communicate easily with.
Be honest about your eventual intentions for your home. Many design professionals are aware that budgetary constraints or scheduling conflicts may require a project to be done in phases.
[See: Current Design Trends That Will Date Your Home.]
You may not be able to have the entire project done at once, but it is invaluable to have the whole-house plan in place before any work begins. Not only is it the best course of action for a cohesive design throughout the property, but it makes it more likely you’ll stick to your budget throughout the project.
Many design professionals will recommend others for collaboration with whom they’ve worked in the past — while you’re free to bring on any designers and architects you feel will do the best work, a history of a successful working relationship can be key to getting the outcome you want for your house. A unified team will have your best interests in mind and will be motivated to provide you with the most successful results.
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The 3 Design Pros You Want on Your Team When You Update Your Home originally appeared on usnews.com
