Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2024 - 35

NICK VANDERHOVEL, DESIGN GALLERIA KITCHEN AND BATH STUDIO,
NASHVILLE
Learning to delegate was the best lesson I have learned this year. I spent time working with a young
engineering assistant to increase her understanding and confidence in the work she was producing
and allowed myself to delegate high-dollar tasks without micromanaging. For the next six months, my
team set our sights on improving how we approach each part of the design process. We implemented
task management software, improved our drawing sets, created material schedules and digitized
everything. I have reduced my hours, and as we improve, I won't just be able to free up more time for
myself but will be able to take on more projects without wondering how I will find the time.
Photo credit: Martin Vecchio Photography
MOLLY ERIN MCCABE, AKBD, CLIPP, CGP, MCCABE BY DESIGN LLC,
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASH.
As I transitioned in 2023 from operating a residential design-build firm to a design-only firm, I was
reminded how valuable construction knowledge and experience is to a successful design practice. I
encourage designers to take advantage of opportunities to spend time on job sites to get an intimate
understanding of construction practices. If onsite learning is not an option, dust off your certification
exam textbooks and give yourself a valuable refresher on framing, ducting, wiring, plumbing, etc., or
sign up for classes. If you are new to the design industry, seek out positions with design-build firms.
Never stop learning; there is always room for something new in your toolbox.
Photo credit: 220 Madison LLC
MICHAEL KAESTNER, KAESTNER DESIGNS, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
I was recently in a predicament where I needed to step up my involvement in a project. I kept finding
mistakes being made on the job, communication was lacking from the contractor, and my requests
for updates were not being met. As I close this project, I have learned that to help eliminate most of
the problems I have endured in any future ones, I will need to limit any assumptions of cooperation,
communication and understanding of my design and be more diligent in the pre-construction phase.
Moving forward, I have a new agenda I'm developing to incorporate more transparency and understanding
among my company, the contractor and the client. Photo credit: Rebecca McAlpin
SHARON SHERMAN, CKD, CID, THYME AND PLACE DESIGN, WYCKOFF, N.J.
We need to take a good look at what is important to our businesses when it comes to hiring. I feel
there is a disconnect between what job seekers believe is their right to expect and what the reality of
working for and supporting the success of a business truly is. I have found those wanting quality positions
have overlooked what it means to run a successful business and how to become a team member.
I also think this is what has given rise the proliferation of virtual assistants. If you communicate your
design intent and expectations, you can have a great outcome. Photo credit: Alyssa Peek
JASON MILLER, CEDAR & FIG INTERIORS, CHANDLER, ARIZ.
Launching a business and establishing a brand on social media proved to be a challenging task. Synchronizing
with the ever-changing social media landscape necessitated continual innovation and an
unwavering commitment to relevance. One effective strategy for growth and engagement involved
visiting local showrooms and collaborating with other brands, sharing " live video from... " or tagging
them. This approach encouraged resharing, engaged their followers and built connections, proving
highly advantageous for reaching new audiences and cultivating partnerships with vendors.
Photo credit: Kary Ann Hoopes, Hoopes Creative Photography
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Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2024