In our profession, as in many, collaboration is essential – both inter-office, and external.  Our clients hire us because we’re good listeners and we’re responsive to their needs. They hire us for our collaborative practice. They don’t hire us because we’re “yes” men (or women); but for our expertise and expert opinion.  If you were to request a polar bear model be added to your salt-water marsh exhibit, we’re going to tell you the hard truth recommend against it. I’ve heard many stories from clients in my time in this industry – many who have worked with great, mediocre, and plain bad designers.

Not-so far fetched scenario I

A client was stuck in a contract with an freelance designer. He wrote what he thought they wanted into their plan.  He drew exhibits that were not fitting to their content.  He did not listen to them early on, nor did he listen to their requests to change the drawings.  They ended up with a master plan that they were unhappy with.  They disliked the drawings so much that they refused to submit the plan for funding.  Now they are back to square one.

Almost entirely nonfictional scenario II

A past client was forced to hire a firm they weren’t comfortable with.  Even though our firm had worked with said client through a large very successful project previously, for whatever reason the purchasing officer chose a different firm, I’ll assume it was price-driven. We heard horror stories about the hired firm’s disorganized approach.  The designer went over budget.  The collaboration was messy.  Install was late and the firm didn’t meet their dates. In the end they were not pleased with what was installed and describe the process as a “nightmare.”  Yet, they were stuck in a contract.

Have you ever experienced a scenario like either of the above?

What is it about collaboration that is so scary?

1. Collaboration takes time.  A collaborative design process takes substantially more time than a non-collaborative project.

2. Collaboration costs money. If you want a customized plan or design that is tailored to your needs, resources, and content, you must be willing pay for collaboration and process.

3. Collaboration can involve conflict and debate.  When multiple individuals are involved, dialogue can be passionate.  This is a good thing.

4. Collaboration requires mutual respect, honesty, understanding, trust, and ability to compromise.

5. Collaboration can be a vulnerable experience when individuals share their ideas and opinions.

Can you put a price on the value of collaboration?  Or on the value of process?  When you sign into a contract with us, you are paying for our time, services, expertise, and products.  Collaboration is the backbone of our relationships with our clients.  We are on board to bring your vision to life.  Process ensures that we stay on time, on budget, and that project documentation and communication is thorough from start to finish.

What lessons have you learned in working with firms or freelancers?