From Conception to Completion a successful design requires the skills and cooperation of designers, craftsmen, trade contractors, and suppliers of goods and services.

Having a strong concept is essential to get through the myriad of decisions required in a large interior project. Whether it is historical precedent, ethnic style, an image from nature, or even a favorite piece of furniture; a firm handle on the design helps move the project through its many phases.

 An organized and experienced project manager can greatly enhance the process. Landscapers, carpenters, roofers, plumbers, electricians, masons, flooring contractors, and on some jobs, computer and A/V engineers, are some of the specialists that make up the team of trades required to build a modern house. A good general contractor or builder has good relationships with all the trades does what has to be done to coordinate everyone’s schedules.

When it comes to the details of a kitchen, the finish carpenter is indispensable. In carpentry there is a hierarchy of skills. Along the continuum lie framers, door & window mechanics, trim carpenters, stair builders, and woodworkers. A competent cabinet installer must have the skills of a woodworker, but on wheels. Without a dedicated shop a cabinet installer has to rely on his knowledge of tools, materials, time tested procedures, and ad hoc imagination to implement the designers details while being intimately connected to the real world.

Even the best craftsman can’t do his best work without good materials. Some cabinet makers are just plain dedicated to offering a superior product, and it’s from this competition that excellence is born.  As a designer it can be intimidating to get across the idea of a design so that what is delivered fits together and looks good. It’s truly inspiring, and the mark of an excellent maker when the execution actually surpasses the expectations.

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Osterville, MA

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