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March 2020 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 17 don’t understand the process. No one process is correct, therefore by thoroughly explaining each option, we are able to collaborate to reach possible design solutions. In do- ing so, you avoid comments like, “I don’t like it” and instead get useful feedback to why an idea is or is not consistent with the ideals of the group. Understand the end game – dig deeper. I always refer back to the story of the two children and an orange when consulting with the public. In short, the story is about two children arguing over who gets the last orange in the fruit bowl. Their mother intervenes by asking why each child wants the orange. The first says she wants to drink the juice. The second says he needs the peel for orange zest in his cake. As soon as they both realize they can share the orange, the argument is over. Understanding the root of a problem can make a solution more apparent. Fall in love with the problem – not the solution. If you approach public input with the intent to confirm rather than formulate the solution, you waste the time of the participants and risk alienating your client. Allowing others to participate in problem solving, guided by your professional knowledge and expertise, helps build con- sensus. The goal with a DAG is to inspire and gain feedback. It is important to actively listen, evaluate all options and understand the root of each design challenge. In a world that is increasingly dominated by virtual rather than hu- man contact, our job of connecting to our clients in a per- sonal way is increasingly important. Design is about the joy of creating and the dynamism of collaborating with diverse groups. So, as we shed light on the wonders of ar- chitecture with our clients, why not shed a little light in our wardrobes as well. \\ Design Forward Design is about the joy of creating. WE SPECIALIZE IN: Permit Management Project Submittal Oversight Electronic Submittal Pre-Construction Consulting Commercial Construction Permitting Ground-up/Phased Construction Submittal Strategy Residential Construction Permitting Zoning Resolution Complete Building Permit Management and Consulting Services LET USMANAGETHE PERMITTING PROCESS SOYOU CAN FOCUS ONYOUR PROJECT! 888.755.2469 info@s1permits.com