Poll: What Makes for a Successful Designer?

8/16/2021

Below is a poll we're generating to gather feedback on what makes for a successful designer. Obviously this is subjective and there is no one right answer, but we wanted to ask the industry so that we can better understand and train those who are new to the industry.

If you don't see the poll below, click "view in browser" in this email or click the title above.

You can view the results after submitting your vote. Select all the options you think apply.

9 Comments

Pete

8/16/2021 06:54:23 am

This isn't a multiple choice poll? Alright, I'm going with construction designers not bid/consulting designers.

Alright:

1) Knowledge of codes and standards.
2) Knowledge of local authorities/ordinances/plan submissions.
3) A good field super and field crew.
4) Knowledge and capability to both follow and lead coordination where required.
5) Being able to have a good forum or community (I know this place, facebook/ and afsa all have some decent communities) of peers to discuss the difficult questions, ideally with an archive to see if they've already been discussed.
6) Knowledge of current listed equipment and materials.
7) Being able to use a search function/cad/windows/and all the other useful electronic mediums to get the job done.
8) Being able to hand draft. It's not that useful, but if you have the skill, it's a nice bonus that increases your skillset with plans.

Alex

8/16/2021 07:41:18 am

Hi Pete,

Being able to hand draft/ markup drawings on site is very useful. Knowledge of how to draw pipe components (check, gate, etc) can help on both the construction or bid engineers.

All great points above!
Alex

Joe Meyer

8/16/2021 07:45:07 am

Sorry Alex & Pete! For some reason the poll didn't populate. Refresh and try again. Thanks, love the input!

Alex

8/16/2021 07:18:38 am

Since Pete with construction designers, will go with bid/consulting:

1. Complete understanding of the project scope
a. Type of system (wet, dry, pre-action)
b. If there are any needs for a gas-suppression system
2. Knowledge of all codes and standards
3. Coordination will all trades (MEP) during and throughout the design process
4. Ensure the specification, legend, details, and plan notes are tailored to the specific project. General notes can lead to discrepancies, RFI’s, and an inaccurate bid.
5. Complete understanding of the design for any value engineering (VE)

Love the open ended discussion!
Alex

James B

8/16/2021 08:54:33 am

Field experience. Being able to design the system with the understanding of the installation process.

Manny

8/16/2021 09:03:30 am

Having field experience is plus for all designers etc. Makes the designs much more complete if looking at the actual site conditions instead of old construction plans.

Brian Cockburn

8/16/2021 09:44:29 am

All of them apply but I chose 'being self-motivated' and 'attention to detail', and Other - 'willing to make mistakes'.

1.) Self motivation because fire suppression design isn't taught in school so you need to learn it entirely on the job. Thus you need to teach yourself.

2.) Attention to detail applies to everything, but I it's especially applicable to sprinkler design given how big NFPA 13 and other standards are, not to mention local and provincial/state building codes, special circumstances, and weird stuff that just doesn't fit into any form of standard practice.

3.) I wrote 'Other - willing to make mistakes' because of (1) and (2). You have to get it wrong quite a few times before you can get it right; and you will continue to get it wrong throughout your career. Your goal is to be less wrong every time.

Wes

8/16/2021 09:46:17 am

"is to be less wrong every time." Yes! Agreed. Would be great to be dead on perfect, but less wrong every single time would make for a great designer in no time.

Jessica Lutz

8/18/2021 11:06:11 am

ALL of the previous are fantastic and valuable qualities!!

I'll add to the longevity key list:

- honesty
- appetite for humble pie
- ability to choose arguments wisely
- willingness to share knowledge
- enthusiasm and passion

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Poll: What Makes for a Successful Designer?

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