Jessica Meharry, Meaghan Dee

Working with Design Clients (eBook, PDF)

Tools and advice for successful partnerships

• Format: PDF

Produktbeschreibung

The studio is a core strand of design education, and working with real clients is one of the most valuable ways for students to develop their professional design practice skills.

The book is a practical guide to working on real-life briefs in the design studio - how to collaborate with and connect to communities, find and retain clients, and manage real-world design problems. Using tools and frameworks based on years of research and experience, students can develop their professional skills in a supportive environment.

The book is divided into four sections:
- Why (industry connections, experiential learning, personal empowerment)
- What (engaging with communities, client work, structure)
- Who (work roles, client relationships, articulating value)
- How (launching, logistics, planning)

The final section of the book covers information for those expanding into student-led studios, and includes information on strategies, financing and how to plan for the future. Supported by a companion website featuring downloads and resources for both students and instructors.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bloomsbury UK eBooks
• Seitenzahl: 224
• Erscheinungstermin: 5. September 2024
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781350358843
• Artikelnr.: 72235246

Autorenporträt

Jessica Meharry is a designer, researcher, and educator who focuses on justice-oriented design methodologies in professional practice.
Jessica is currently an Associate Professor of Design Management and the Co-Director of Academic Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Columbia College Chicago.

Inhaltsangabe

Introduction Part 1: Why 1. Learning Through Experience This chapter
situates client work in the design classroom within a larger educational
context by addressing learning-through-doing, project outcomes, and a
variety of styles of studio 2. Connecting to Industry Explores the
relationship between client-based experiences and an overall design
education. The chapter connects these experiences to current marketplace
demands and alternative models for design practice, as well as hearing
advice from professionals working in industry 3. Becoming Empowered
(including input from Najla Mouchrek) Studio experiences can provide a
sense of agency and purpose when students take on responsibilities of
guiding real-world clients and community interactions. This chapter covers
empowerment, mentorship, power sharing and collaborations Part 2: What 4.
Engaging with Communities This chapter explores a range of approaches to
ethical community and client engagement through real-world project
experiences. Throughout this chapter we will identify strategies for
"designing with, not for" communities and provide a deep examination of
ethical and value considerations 5. Finding Focus and Targeting Communities
This chapter addresses framing the scope of projects, the types of clients
and partners, and approaches to various contractual arrangements 6.
Achieving Learning Goals There are a vast ranges of approaches to how,
when, and where these experiences happen for students, from single projects
within a class, to capstone-level practicum courses, to independent,
standalone studios. Through a series of surveys and interviews, we show
real- world examples of each model and outline options for how to establish
client relationships and studio experiences based on a program's unique
needs and intentions Part 3: Who 7. Exploring Work Roles This chapter
identifies the responsibilities that students, faculty, and assistants
assume as well as the strategies for dealing with the workload related to
those responsibilities. Real-world clients bring real-world challenges. As
such, this chapter offer strategies for dealing with conflicts, how to
effectively collaborate, and how to structure student teams 8. Working With
Clients This chapter uncovers the nuts and bolts of working with clients.
The best way to build and maintain strong client relationships is to
establish clear communication. Designers must listen to clients and be able
to articulate and confirm expectations. Instructors must align client work
with learning outcomes and student expectations. Students must also develop
knowledge and skills in project management and financial management,
including how to analyze and create contractual documents and creative
briefs 9. Articulating Value In this chapter, readers will be guided
through strategies to articulate the value (both monetarily and
educationally) to stakeholders Part 4: How 10. Launching the Studio This
chapter outlines best practices and strategies for a successful launch (or
re-launch) of a full-fledged, student-run campus design studio 11. Managing
the Money This chapter addresses the operations and logistics of advising
and operating a student-run campus design studio. In this chapter, we share
findings from our interviews and research that outline a range of practices
that have worked for those who are actively guiding these experiences 12.
Planning for the Future This chapter addresses the challenges and best
practices of studio operations when taking over an existing studio and for
when pivoting directions with your current studio. Based on interviews and
case studies, we outline best and worst case scenarios. We include a
discussion of how to handle the hand-off between firms, turning
repositioning into a design project, and collaborating with other firms
within an institution. We conclude by providing tools to help you create a
future vision for your ideal studio Conclusion and Resources