recent posts
- Designing in Good Design: Why the Process Matters as Much as the Product
- East Beach: “Design Connection” – Builder & Architect Collaboration
- Celebration Residential Design Process: Educate, Inspire, Collaborate
- The Importance of Designing in Good Design
- Bridging Vision and Execution: What Goes Into a Great Design Brief
about
Category: Design Coaching
-
East Beach in Norfolk, Virginia was a chance to prove that timeless design principles could revive a city’s tradition of great neighborhoods. We adapted lessons from Celebration, brought builders into a shared vision early, and even borrowed a few unconventional tactics to inspire them. The result was a community that feels as authentic as the…
-
Celebration’s success wasn’t an accident. It was the product of a deliberate process built on three steps: Educate, Inspire, and Collaborate. From hand-picking builders willing to take risks, to immersive workshops and precedent tours, to pairing production builders with top architects, this is the story of how those strategies turned a vision into an award-winning…
-
What happens when you start a project assuming good design is the baseline? In my role as Town Architect for Disney’s Celebration, I learned that most of the housing industry doesn’t work that way. This piece introduces the idea of “Designing in Good Design” and why the industry’s typical approach too often leaves neighborhoods feeling…
-
More than 25 years ago, the I’On neighborhood was designed to embody Lowcountry architectural traditions through a supportive design review process. However, after its transition to the Property Owners Association, the approach shifted from collaboration to rigid compliance, leading to declining design quality and resident dissatisfaction. The author calls for reflection on maintaining design integrity…
-
The post discusses the importance of tailored design processes in real estate and community development projects. It emphasizes the need for clear roles, strategic planning, and flexible approaches, using frameworks and classifications to match project types with appropriate design strategies. This ensures effective management and maximizes project impact.
-
I was sitting in my office at Celebration, Florida’s Town Hall, designed by Philip Johnson, reviewing design submittals when I heard Brad, the Community Manager, exclaim from across the hall, “Hey, Joe. I just got one of the strangest phone calls I’ve ever had. By any chance, do the Andersons live in a Victorian house?”…
-
Design review processes frustrate both applicants and reviewers due to miscommunication, leading to delays and resentment. Instead of critiquing designs, a shift towards coaching is suggested, involving clearer goals, stronger team dynamics, and inspiration. By fostering collaboration and building trust, the design phase can become more efficient and productive for all stakeholders.
The Barnes Perspective: Thoughts, Ideas & Lessons Learned from Joseph Barnes 