Every successful project starts with many questions – How does the design process work? What do I need to consider? Who is involved? How much will it cost? How long will it take? And often – why do I feel so overwhelmed?
Every project, no matter the subject matter, size, or complexity, starts with 3 main steps:
- ASSEMBLE YOUR KIT – the collection of information that sets the expectations and drives the project to success
- FIND YOUR PARTNER(S) – determine who else, if anyone, you need to complete your project
- TAKE THE LEAP! – put one foot in front of the other and simply get started!
While this list is overly simplistic, it truly is a great place to start in developing your project! Keep scrolling to explore more about each step…
ASSEMBLE YOUR KIT
Getting organized means assembling your project kit – the smattering of information and ideas that will guide you from start to finish in bringing your vision to reality. Below is an overview guideline on items to consider for your kit:
FIRST – AN IDEA(S)!
What is your vision/idea? What do you want to accomplish? Are you solving a problem? Are you improving upon something? Who will you impact?
LIST THE PARAMETERS
Gather your puzzle pieces – the components that will be included in your project. Outline your needs and wants, the data and constraints, and your project priorities. These parameters will become the building blocks for your unique solution.
THINK ABOUT STAKEHOLDERS
People are important! Who are you impacting? Who needs to be involved in the project? Who needs to weigh in on the concepts?
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
The financial side is not easy to consider, but very much necessary. Do you have a set budget to work within? Is there a financial goal after project completion? Is the project money available, or does it need to be acquired? Develop a financial game plan.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT TIME
Time is definite – 24 hours in a day, 365 days in a year. Do you have a required deadline for completion? Any time constraints to plan for within the project implementation? Any significant events to plan around?
The list above is not an exhaustive list, nor is it set in stone – this kit will evolve with the project, and the list above is meant to get you started on your journey. You might consider only some or all of the above, and you may have other items to consider in your kit – if so, make sure to include them!
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything figured out right away – you’ll get there, one step at a time.
FIND YOUR PARTNER(S)
Well done! Now that you are armed with a vision that will guide you to project success, you might realize you need a partner. Depending on the project, you may need any number of people to help you along the way:
- DESIGNERS – do you need help with the conceptual portions of your project?
- MANAGERS – people who keep the project on task, on budget, and well organized
- REGULATORY PROFESSIONALS – you might need help with government regulation or jurisdictional requirements
- LAWYERS – are you creating something that needs a patent, for example?
- ENGINEERS – people that create systems, processes, and other technical items going into your project
- and other possible partners
You may not many of the people above, or you may need others not listed. Or, better yet, you may partner with someone that wears multiple hats. For example, as an Architect, I can provide a variety of services for building projects, from design to documentation to regulatory approvals.
I welcome the opportunity to partner with you on your next project – explore the list of MY SERVICES to see how we might be able to work together to make your project a success!
TAKE THE LEAP!
As with any challenge in life, the most important step is getting started. So, what are you waiting for? Get started assembling your kit, reaching out to partners, and driving your project toward its eventual success!
rmb CREATIVE SOLUTIONS 