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September 2015 | KitchenBathDesign.com | 39 tects I work with will have me tweak a kitchen layout to refect how a cli- ent will realistically use the space… to perfect the kitchen and get rid of useless areas, improve the fow and create a space that refects the client. "A truly great project is one that brings clients' dreams to life. They may not know how to articulate what they want, but if you spend enough time with them, you will know what their dreams are. I recently worked on a project in Boothbay Harbor where I designed the pool house entirely and the interiors for the main house and guest house. I worked with a talented landscape designer and an amazing contractor. The project came out great because we had a great team, includ- ing the client. In the end, it was a true refection of her because we all spent time getting to know her and chan- neling what she would want." Tips for successful collaborations: "Remember that a great idea can come from anywhere. Sometimes the most extraordinary things start when someone says, 'This might sound crazy, but…' That thought can be the start of many amazing projects, and it can be the trigger for unique features that make a space special. "The other thing is something my parents told me when I was growing up…it's amazing what you can ac- complish if you don't care who gets the credit. Be willing to give credit to the whole team. Any great idea a team member comes up with can be shared by all and can become a wonderful success for everyone." Barbie Bond INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN BELLEVUE, WA Most frequent collaborative partners: "I would estimate about 40% of my projects have been in collaboration with architects, a few of which I've consistently worked with for the past 10 years. Typically, they will bring clients to me for remodeling projects." Benefts of collaboration: "The ar- chitect usually provides the overall Photos: Kristina O'Brien Photography Photo: Dale Tu, Dale Tu Photography Sarah Steinberg collaborated with Mainetainers (contractor), Wright-Ryan Millwork (cabinets), Shad's Custom Countertops, Central Furniture & Appliances and Distinctive Tile & Design for this kitchen, where she designed the space, served as project manager and made product selections. "Collaboration with this particular project was benefcial in several areas. The kitchen had very tall ceilings, so we spent a lot of time coming up with just the right layout. And, because there is so much natural daylight fowing in, we needed a color that would give the space a warm feeling, so we chose natural wood. Additionally, the island countertop is very long – over 12 feet. At that length, there are limitations in materials that can be used, so I worked with the countertop fabricator to choose a material – which ended up being Witch Hazel Corian – that would also meet the clients' needs. I really enjoy collaborating about tile and coming up with great combinations that provide the fnishing touch. In this kitchen, the tile – which is from Porcelanosa – pulls everything together. This house is set on the oceanfront and the color of the water is the same blue/green as the mosaic tile. When you are standing in the room, you have the sensation of the indoor and the outdoor becoming one." Architect Milton Lam asked Barbie Bond to collaborate with him on this Seattle home that he was transforming with an extensive remodel in order to fip it. "I've worked on quite a few houses with him. It's fun to collaborate with another designer because they bring another perspective to the table. In the case of this home, he wanted it to look great, with quality materials, but he had a tight budget. He looked to me to help him tweak the layout for optimum efciency as well as select cabinet lines, door styles and countertop materials that would ft his budget. In the end, we chose quartz for the countertops and two diferent cabinet lines…a more economical line for the uppers and a more expensive line for the lowers. I also suggested using adjustable shelving instead of drawers to help save some money. I actually love designing on a budget, and I think it's fun to have limitations because it's a challenge. I believe everyone can have wonderful design that doesn't have to cost a lot."