Someone just said that to me. And he also said designers that run and manage a design/construction business never do well because they are…
✘ Too emotional
✘ They are not good with numbers.
✅ Well, I proved that wrong many times over.
I have also seen senior management hiring non-designers to run design houses, often thinking that non-designers have better business acumen.
Where this all this come from?
I have also had designers come to me over the years questioning the same theory.
I don’t know why we buy into this. I have successfully run a series of design and build companies over the years using the same skills that make me a great designer.
Great designers can also be great business(wo)men because they are trained…
🎈 To listen to their clients, which increases winning ratios.
🎈 To lead their teams with creativity, which can help identify and solve problems related to operations, strategy, and customer service.
🎈 To pay attention to detail, which can help create a strong brand image.
🎈 To surround themselves with creative “do-ers” by inspiring others.
🎈 To never take “no” so easily, so constantly coming up with alternative solutions.
🎈 To be adaptable, which can help in quickly responding to market changes, customer needs, and business strategies.
🎈 To be great communicators who can effectively represent the company in negotiations.
So architects and designers out there, don’t buy into this nonsense. Go out there and design AND run your business!
Amazing blog post!!