We See What You're Saying™
The Designed Office 3/4
O B S E R V A T I O N S : The Wagon Wheel
In the 1540s, in England, the “Company of Barbers” and the “Fellowship of Surgeons” joined together to form the “Company of Barber-Surgeons”. Surely they joined because they both needed access to sharp tools and bandages.
Eventually surgeons became general practitioners (GPs) treating the whole patient. GPs gave way to specialists, addressing every individual body part. Specialists joined together forming medical or group practices sharing office space, technical and support staff, equipment as well as supplies, accounting and marketing services. The Wagon Wheel structured design office represents this same group practice idea.
The Wagon Wheel structured offices (individual spokes/disciplines, supporting the hub and rim/facilities and expenses) generally, but not always, consist of graphic designers, industrial designers, interior designers, architectural designers and related services. Each would work independent of one another, yet occasionally, collaborating.
The opportunity for collaboration between design groups works best for strategically sophisticated clients that recognize the importance of an integrated communication initiative. The caveat here is for the client that insists on assuming the role of wagon master. They may not fully appreciate the difference between a wagon wheel and a wagon and a wagon train.
The Wagon Wheel structured design office requires balancing and nurturing of relationships between group leaders and the individuals within each group. These are talented and extensively experienced professionals with egos and agendas. Creative and diligent leadership is mandatory for any long-term/generational success.
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line. However, if the destination isn’t shared by those on the journey, it doesn’t help to get there quickly.
In the 1540s, in England, the “Company of Barbers” and the “Fellowship of Surgeons” joined together to form the “Company of Barber-Surgeons”. Surely they joined because they both needed access to sharp tools and bandages.
Eventually surgeons became general practitioners (GPs) treating the whole patient. GPs gave way to specialists, addressing every individual body part. Specialists joined together forming medical or group practices sharing office space, technical and support staff, equipment as well as supplies, accounting and marketing services. The Wagon Wheel structured design office represents this same group practice idea.
The Wagon Wheel structured offices (individual spokes/disciplines, supporting the hub and rim/facilities and expenses) generally, but not always, consist of graphic designers, industrial designers, interior designers, architectural designers and related services. Each would work independent of one another, yet occasionally, collaborating.
The opportunity for collaboration between design groups works best for strategically sophisticated clients that recognize the importance of an integrated communication initiative. The caveat here is for the client that insists on assuming the role of wagon master. They may not fully appreciate the difference between a wagon wheel and a wagon and a wagon train.
The Wagon Wheel structured design office requires balancing and nurturing of relationships between group leaders and the individuals within each group. These are talented and extensively experienced professionals with egos and agendas. Creative and diligent leadership is mandatory for any long-term/generational success.
The shortest distance between two points may be a straight line. However, if the destination isn’t shared by those on the journey, it doesn’t help to get there quickly.
