Collaboration is a fundamental factor in the practice of architecture. The design process is predicated on a creative exchange, a dialogue of ideas, and constant communication within project teams. So, how does design move forward in the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic? Well, the answer is simply this: creative minds find a way. As designers and problem solvers, our technology has evolved and our team has adapted to the influx of change we’ve experienced. Design Staff Jessie Vargo describes the approach to the transition much like that of any other design challenge, “At first it was ‘Ok, how are we going to do this?’ We dug into our toolset to maximize communication but also understood that flexibility and humility needed to be part of that toolset too. I think that we are inspired to be creative when we support one another and have a collective mission.”
For Carleton Hart, that collective mission is bringing new affordable housing projects on-line in the local Portland community and throughout the Northwest. That commitment to developing healthy, safe, and affordable homes is our lodestar, but keeping teams connected virtually was the initial challenge when we all started working from home. We found that frequent and regular project team meetings are critical, as well as impromptu check-ins, to help the team feel connected and prioritize quality. Visual components like screen share, chat, and video conferencing are invaluable. Another perhaps counterintuitive, but key ingredient to maintaining momentum is actually taking time to pause. “It’s been inspiring to use this time to self-reflect on my personal values and goals” Jessie explains, “It might sound generic but I challenge everyone to write down their guiding principles for goal setting and decision making. Instead of staring into the void – I am trying to fill it with what I want to improve on.”
A huge concern during this time is the isolation or burnout that staff could experience during this time. Some staff live alone, while others are juggling work, family, and homeschooling kids. It’s important to recognize that all these experiences are equally challenging. “Everyone’s struggle is valid and we’re trying to keep everyone connected and focus on the wellbeing of our staff” Brian Carleton shared. One technique that’s become standard in many meetings is to start conference calls off with a general check-in to ask how people are coping. Interior Designer Kim Stanley suggests “sharing with each other, both highlights and challenges that we experience through this period of isolation from each other. Acknowledging this difficult time and sympathizing with each other is important. Equally as important is celebrating successes and achievements.” She explains that this style of communication unites us on common ground during this turbulent time. Marketing Director Robin Moodie echoes this, “It’s transforming when we share experiences and allow ourselves to be vulnerable with one another. It helps us to build trust in our project teams. If we feel more comfortable confiding in each other, people are going to feel more free to share their ideas and that’s when great design happens.”