Band-Aids Stick
Over the course of the last year and a half we’ve learned just how adaptable the design industry can be. From collaborating with coworkers, to ordering samples, to virtual meetings with clients, we now have an even greater appreciation for the technology that has allowed us to do so from the comfort of our homes. Here is a list of a few of the amazing resources and ways we’ve adapted to this unprecedented (can’t wait to never hear that word again) time:
Microsoft Teams and Zoom
These two programs were what made the transition to working from home THAT much smoother. Microsoft Teams allows for easy collaboration between team members with its call and message features and document sharing tools. We had our bi-weekly office meetings (another we way all stayed connected) and many client meetings over Zoom.
We continue to use Teams and Zoom to connect with coworkers working remotely or clients living on the other side of the country. It has become clear that our productivity and collaboration can carry on outside of the office, allowing staff to have more flexible work environments.
MaterialBank
Free FedEx overnight shipping, hundreds of brands, user-friendly platform, AND sustainable values: a designer’s dream. MaterialBank has been a great tool to order samples to any location that a designer or architect may be working from. There is no return date so you can either keep the samples or send them back when done (the reusable box they were shipped in!). The convenience of clicking a few buttons and having samples show up next day just can’t be beat!
Our local reps are equally as valuable, and moving forward we will use both MaterialBank and the abundance of knowledge our reps have to help us source the best materials for our clients.
Matterport
NewStudio purchased a Matterport and it has been such a great asset! This 3D camera and virtual software platform allows us to digitize a building or space. The Matterport has come in handy with the use of virtual tours and exhibits of our NewStudio Gallery. You don’t even need to step out of your home to admire and purchase beautiful works of art!
The Matterport is also used on projects so our team can virtually walk through a site without needing to be there. It’s become a great tool for architects and designers to reference when designing the space.
InDesign Material Templates
Since we had to put a pause on traveling to meet with clients, we needed a way to send samples to clients and have them be able to easily identify where materials would be located and how they were to be applied. We designed a paper template with labeled outlines for the clients to place the samples on to create the material palettes for each room.
We’ve adapted to the work-from-home environment but, with that, we’ve also learned that we need in-person connection. We are looking forward to getting back to a new normal and traveling again to visit clients, contractors, coworkers, and others with these new tools to help keep us designing innovatively and sustainably.