Before we jump into chatting design in the midst of a global pandemic, let’s acknowledge the stress, anxiety and uncertainty we are all living in. I truly hope reading this journal brings you a moment of inspiration, or at the very least, distraction. Know that while our team is happy to be designing, we hold space for the challenges we are all facing.
Buut…if you’ve gotta be stuck at home, might as well make it real pretty :). Honestly, we’ve been able to tweak and adapt almost all of our usual work practices to be Covid-friendly. Here are some highlights of our new ways of working:
Masks for the win - we don’t do any on sites or meetings without a mask and while it has taken some time to adjust, it’s second nature now. We have engaged a lot of new clients since Covid changed things, and while it’s a little awkward to meet someone new in a mask, we have had lots of funny moments stepping outside and de-masking to smile at each other.
For a new construction project, we were able to meet our clients at the stone yard to review samples and discuss their home - outside and 6 feet apart.
While we are still working mostly from home (gotta keep that remote learning on track), we did rearrange our desks at the studio to be 6-plus feet apart and we’ve developed a fluid schedule that allows one or two of us to be there at a time.
Like everyone, we’re leveraging Zoom and project management software like never before. In some ways, the situation has increased efficiency - meetings that aren’t absolutely necessary don’t happen and we’re all better about using our in-house database for projects because you can’t just turn around ask someone for x, y or z.
A zoom collaboration takes a design up a notch while maintaining distance.
Perhaps most importantly, how has the Covid working situation impacted creativity? In some ways, it’s been a gift. When I have the studio to myself I can get into a creative groove and really “see” the potential in a space we are planning. My design process can get a little messy so it’s nice to not worry about how that impacts others on the team. But, at the same time, collaboration is at the heart of our studio and at some point I crave the feedback of the team. We’ve all gotten good at working independently, and then rallying the troops (either digitally or in-person) to help us fill in the gaps, make tweaks and bring new ideas to the table.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve also finished a large house renovation. It’s amazing how quickly folks can adapt to the new normal. We installed a kitchen and master bath, decorated and did a full photo shoot all while masked and social distanced.
Wearing masks at a photo shoot and the images are just as striking.
Photoshoot supplies now include masks and hand sanitizer.
We also designed and installed a retro-themed bar in the Northwoods of Wisconsin without ever stepping foot in the space! Our E-Design offerings have been popular as well and have really pushed us to develop new ways of working.
E-design zoom presentations have shown us a different way to share ideas with clients.
What I miss the most, personally, are the little rhythms between home and work. Walking into the office after the kids are off to school and making a cup of coffee seems like such a long lost luxury these days. We’ll get there again, I know, and hopefully with more appreciation.