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Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/140694
Portfolio: Collaboration Kitchen/bath designer: Jackie Smith, senior designer Dream Kitchens, Nashua, NH Collaborative partner: Village Homes, Windham, NH Photos: Scott Sherman Project specifcs: This kitchen was part of a whole-house remodel that included three bathrooms and previously unused attic space that was turned into an ofce. "This was such a big project, with many moving pieces and parts, so collaboration with other people was exceptionally important," says Smith. Benefts of collaboration: "Designers can create a lot of fantastic designs, but they can't necessarily all be built," she says. "Sometimes we need someone to tell us what we can and can't do, especially structurally. "I am also not an expert in everything. I know a lot about a lot, but I don't know everything about everything. For example, I collaborate with my tile supplier and installer because I don't know everything about the world of tile. I do my own designs, but I rely on my supplier to take my thoughts and turn them into products, from which I'll make fnal selections. "I consider myself the 'keeper of the vision.' It's my job to understand my clients' style and to determine the direction they want to take their projects, making sure the pieces and parts fall into place so the end result is what they want. From there, I can convey that message to others I've brought into the job, other professionals who I trust and have a good relationship with to help carry out the design." Project collaboration: Preliminary observations indicated that removal of an arched walkway was possible. However, after demolition began, it was determined that the wall contained a structural post, which meant at least a portion of it would have to remain. "We had an emergency collaboration meeting onsite," Smith recalls. "We discussed the options, made some concessions, purchased a couple of new cabinets and fnished the project. There was a lot of back and forth, and without great collaboration, there's no way this kitchen would have ever been installed. We would have had to go back to square one to redesign it, rather than making a few tweaks and adjustments. It turned out to be a fantastic kitchen!" Kitchen/bath designer: Kelly Thayer, designer Kitchens & Baths Unlimited, Inc., Glenview, IL Collaborative partner: Banner Plumbing Supply, Bufalo Grove and Chicago, IL Project specifcs: The previous bathroom was monochromatic and full of mirrors with a dated, 1980s feel. The client had a specifc vision that included contrast and warmer materials with a Zen-like atmosphere. 30 | Kitchen & Bath Design News July 2013 Project collaboration: The location of the plumbing fxtures, etc. was not changed. "It wasn't about reinventing the wheel," she says. "It was more about updating the space by selecting new materials." Thayer collaborated with Banner Plumbing Supply to select sleek, stream-lined fxtures that complement other materials chosen for the bathroom. Benefts of collaboration: "We are a kitchen/bath designer and serve as the general contractor for our projects," says Thayer. "We do the design work and provide the labor. We have a nice showroom with about 25 displays, but they're focused more on cabinetry. We can't show all of the plumbing options available, nor do we want to. "Instead, by collaborating with a plumbing specialist, such as Banner Plumbing Supply, our clients can test diferent options. They can turn on a faucet and fush a toilet. Once our clients have made their selections, we work with Banner Plumbing to make sure the fxtures they have chosen will work with the designs we've created. "It's a great collaboration because they have the knowledge about the functionality of the parts and pieces our clients are interested in. They can also be a tremendous help when budget plays a role. Some of the selections they suggest really help make a bathroom feel more luxurious and high-end, without necessarily being high dollar. Working with Banner Plumbing is a dovetail experience for us. "Plumbing fxtures can be the jewelry of the space and really add to the project, helping to set of all of the elements we've worked so hard to make special. Oftentimes it's the small attention to details that can really help to set a project apart."