10/27/2026
I’ve never understood why a designer needing input from a builder is treated like some kind of weakness.
Of course I need a great builder. I need a carpenter who knows their craft, an electrician who can flag an issue before it becomes one, a plumber who sees what I can’t see behind a wall, and engineers, cabinetmakers, fabricators, installers and trades who are exceptional at what they do.
That expertise matters.
My role is to hold the full vision of the project - the layout, the function, the materials, the details, the client’s priorities, and the hundreds of decisions that all need to work together - then communicate that clearly and protect it as the project moves through construction.
And when someone on the team says, “Taylor, this detail may not work the way it’s drawn,” I want that conversation.
Show me the issue. I’ll explain what we’re trying to achieve. Then we work through a solution that respects the design and can be executed properly.
That back-and-forth is part of a well-run project.
The builder brings construction expertise. The designer brings design expertise. The trades bring theirs. The architect and engineer bring theirs. And the client remains at the centre of every decision.
Nobody needs to walk into the room trying to prove they know more than everyone else.
What matters is having a team that respects each other enough to ask questions, challenge ideas when needed, and solve problems together.
If you’re planning a renovation or new build, pay attention to the people you’re hiring - and how they work with the rest of the team.
That will tell you a lot about how your project is going to feel from start to finish.
