Kitchen & Bath Design News is the industry's leading business, design and product resource for the kitchen and bath trade.
Issue link: http://kitchenbathdesign.epubxp.com/i/572251
38 | Kitchen & Bath Design News | September 2015 I f you consider homeowners to be collaborative partners in a new or remodeled kitchen or bath, then all projects will have some degree of collaboration. But there are times when designers want to expand the team even further…to invite, or be invited by, other industry pros – in- cluding architects, builders, interior designers, lighting experts, landscape architects and more – to gain insight and ideas into areas that may be be- yond their expertise. This month, KBDN asked several designers to share their thoughts about collaborating with industry pro- fessionals, including with whom they collaborate and the benefts it brings to projects. And, since asking more people to be involved in a project can create a greater opportunity for com- plications, they also shared tips for ensuring successful collaborations. Sarah Steinberg PRINCIPAL/OWNER STEINBERG CUSTOM DESIGNS CUMBERLAND, ME Most frequent collaborative partners: "I have had great success with archi- tects, landscape designers, developers and contractors, as well as stone ma- sons, tile setters and cabinet makers. Sometimes I'm the frst person on the project, other times people bring me in. If I'm the frst one on a job, I make an evaluation and suggest who else should be involved. For example, if it's a major addition, an architect might be required. It's important to know when you need help, and to seek it out. "I typically work with the same groups of people. We know each other and it's fun to work with people I have a history with. We also know how to work together and we know what the expectations are." Benefits of collaboration: "I love to work in teams because everyone brings a lot to the table…as long as everyone remembers that the goal is for the project to turn out well and for it to be easy on the client. "While I work predominately on the inside of the house with the lay- out, fnishes, etc., that doesn't mean I don't look to the outside and think about how it would be great if, for ex- ample, a screened porch opened up to a garden. If I am working with a land- scape architect, we can talk about it. "Also, I've found that architects are wonderful house designers in the sense of structure, placement, siting, etc. However, their forte is not always in the home's interior layout and use. Often, contractors and archi- Sometimes the greatest magic happens when kitchen and bath designers collaborate with other industry professionals to bring out the best in their clients' projects. Proftable Partnerships By Kim Berndtson