The Art Of Collaboration

At its best, collaboration between architects, kitchen designers and contractors can be a process where the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts where synergies can produce results that would have been impossible with individual effort.

At its worst well, why do you think so many companies like the control of design/build? Sayings like "too many cooks spoil the soup" can only hint at the discord, conflict and disappointing results of a badly executed collaboration.

So, how do you ensure that your own collaboration ends up as a win-win situation for everyone? This was the topic of a Designers and Dealers Breakfast meeting held at the recent Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and sponsored by Häfele America Co. Design professionals at the breakfast presented case studies of successful partnerships that resulted in the creation of both city homes and country estates and shared insights derived from these experiences to a packed crowd.
Participants included moderator Ellen Cheever, CMKBD, ASID, of Ellen Cheever & Associates, Karen Williams and Robert Schwartz of St. Charles of New York, Alethea Cheng of STUDIOS Architecture, Alan Asarnow, CMKBD, CR, of Ulrich, Inc., William J. Martin, R.A. AIA, of P.P. WJM Architect, Kelly L. Stewart, CMKBD, of Kitchens by Deane, and Pietro Giorgi, Sr., CMKBD, of Giorgi Kitchens & Designs.

Cheever also presented some comments from participants in an earlier presentation in New York City at Häfele America 's showroom, including Gordan Rafajac, TECNY Landmark Corp., Ken Lange of Kenneth Lange, AIA Architect, and Debra Lysy, of Lysy Interior Design.

Pros and Cons
According to Cheever, the very best reason to collaborate is simple: "We understand we can expand our business with collaboration," she said. But, she warned, these relationships are not easy to develop and maintain."

A successful collaboration, she noted, is an organic link between architect, interior designer, kitchen designer and contractor a seamless vision between people that involves a shared chemistry, respect for each other's ability and willingness to look beyond one's own ideas with the goal of creating something better.

To successfully collaborate, Cheever stated that one of the first requirements is that "everyone needs to realize that diplomacy is the key."

Cheever emphasized that collaborating is not for everyone. Those who want complete control won't be happy with a group opinion. And, many prefer the primary relationship in a project to be the one they have with their client. But those who can get to a point where they share a project vision with a partner can achieve a "synergy that produces pioneering results," she stated.

Williams emphasized that a fully certified kitchen designer can bring much to a project beyond that of the architect's alternative, a custom cabinetry millwork house. "We bring more expertise," she said. "They just do cabinets."

She added that she welcomes clients who come in for their appointment with an architect because this is a pre-qualified client with a direction. And, a successful project will mean repeat business for the kitchen designer, because the architect will come back with other clients, and provide referrals.

Giorgi echoed that this is also the case with a kitchen designer and interior designer working together. If an interior designer brings in a client, and the result is a happy one, that client and designer team will often have the opportunity to return for other projects, such as a second home, home office or guest house.

So, how do all these professionals work effectively side by side, even when creative visions clash? Who makes what decisions and when? Schwartz cited "specifying influence" as the key to establishing the decision-making hierarchy, explaining that if the architect or designer has brought the client to him, he defers to his or her decisions.

Participants noted that all parties have to accept specific responsibilities for the project. For instance, the designer must present clear, detailed plans. The contractor needs to build to spec exactly. There needs to be a clearly defined, set schedule.