When I was a teen-ager, I wanted to be an architect. My father, unusual for his generation, assured both his daughters they could have a career in whatever field they desired. Of course, to him – literally a rocket scientist for NASA – that meant a science-based career, and in high school I was the only female in my architectural drawing class, and one of only three in my physics class. By the time I was applying to colleges, I had decided on pharmacy as my career, but I never lost my love of good design.
Which is why I spent Saturday happily touring 17 demo homes in the Solar Decathlon (there were 19, but my husband started whining after 5, and I could only park him at the food court for so long…). Not familiar with the Solar Decathlon? It is an extraordinary event that occurs every two years, and challenges collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive. The winner of the competition is the team that best blends affordability, consumer appeal, and design excellence with optimal energy production and maximum efficiency.
One of the fun parts of the Decathlon is the way the teams are judged. Of course they are judged on architecture, market appeal, and energy balance, but they also need to host two dinner parties and one movie night for neighboring teams, who award the host team points based on the quality of the meal, ambiance, and overall experience. The point is that the homes have to be livable, which is one measure of good design.
Which brings us to your business. Does it feel livable to you, or are you working 24/7? Do you flow through your days with ease, or are you constantly encountering obstacles (especially the same obstacles over and over again…)? How often do you mutter “There has got to be a better way”?
Whether or not you have a formal business plan, your business must also be designed to be livable. The good news is that the problems can be fixed — by implementing the principles of good design. In a business, this starts by analyzing where the problems are, why the problems occur, and then designing the solutions. It may not be your area of expertise, but it is mine, and together, we can transform your business. I have several options of how we can work together; call me and we can discuss what would be the best fit for you.
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