(Photo | Courtesy of Neal Huston & Associates Architects)
Throughout our 30 plus years of practice, we at Neal Huston & Associates Architects have been keenly aware that the primary ingredient of a successful design / construction project is the teamwork achieved by the client and the professionals involved. If we assume the professional members possess the talent and expertise required for the project at hand, and the client exhibits confidence in the chosen professionals, then introducing the elements of teamwork completes the equation. Star elements of teamwork include but are not limited to the following:
• Constantly keeping the eye on the end zone — successful realization of the client’s goals and expectations
• Respect among team members
• Clear, thorough and thoughtful communication
• Supporting and acknowledging the strengths and talents of others
• Clearly defining team members’ roles
• Establishing protocols
• Holding creativity in esteem
• Meeting deadlines
• Moving the ego to the sidelines
Unfortunately, there can be instances where the clients themselves may unintentionally cloud the process. Such clouds can be due to the client not clearly understanding their own responsibilities in the process, not fully considering sound professional advice offered in their best interest, not precisely communicating their goals and expectations and so forth. Thankfully we have found such scenarios to be anomalies rather than the mean.
In party conversation I have heard individuals liken their particular design / construction experience to a “nightmare.” Drawing out details of their process, nine times out of ten it is clear that the failure of teamwork was the Achilles heel.
Life is too short…let’s all embrace teamwork!
Neal Huston, AIA, LEED AP, ASID, IIDA, founded Neal Huston Architects in 1988, embracing green design before it was even a buzzword. He continues to champion the cause through LEED projects and, along with his team, is responsible for many of the beautiful, iconic homes and high-profile commercial buildings and businesses throughout Central Oregon.
nealhuston.com • 541-389-0991
