A.R. Lucas Construction
Cross-industry analysis of the product design process
What started as branding and identity work for a new construction company took an interesting turn into the world of highly customized architectural design for cabinetry and millwork. Read how my cross-industry experience has been helpful in growing my understanding of the design process and working with stakeholders.
Role
Millworks Designer
Client
A.R. Lucas Construction
Platform
Sketchup 3D/CNC Mfg
Skills
Product Mgmt & Design
Problem
The thing to know about high-end custom homes is that many of the unique features are truly novel. I like to say we are building prototypes. These new ideas are often drawn conceptually by architects and designers—possibly even described with a quick note on the blueprints. Architects sometimes give incomplete input, causing carpenters to have to make in the moment decisions that may not align with the intended outcome. Without a clear vision and communication about what exactly is being built and how, results may vary… and they do.
Solution
Realizing there was an issue, Adam (the owner), pulled me in to help. I had been DIY’ing a remodel on my personal home, and with my design background I had developed my own systems to create clarity in my designs. It was intuitive to me to draw out every detail prior to starting to build anything. As I researched software solutions for Adam, I found a great fit in Sketchup 3D plus a powerful plugin called CabinetSense. This combo allows me to work out all functional issues and convey the finalized design to stakeholders. You can see every part, joint, bore, and even interactively operate doors and drawers. I can spot potential conflicts and issues before the carpenters pick up a stick of lumber, and the 3D model gives the install teams a rock solid guide. In addition to those benefits, I utilize the softwares ability to output CNC ready files, so we can have all the parts manufactured by robots, thus increasing accuracy and relieving the in-house team of an immense amount of labor, allowing them to concentrate on the trickier parts of the job. All those benefits are great, but the biggest advantage my design system has is communicating exactly what the finished product will look like, how it will function, and the planned way it will be constructed. Getting all stakeholders on the same page has greatly reduced frustrations of both the client and the build team.
The Triad
The triad of digital product design joins a Product Manager, Experience Designer, and Software Developer together, each bringing their specific expertise. In working together they can build high quality products, in a shorter amount of time, with less back and forth.
My construction process also utilizes the triad. In this case the players are an Architect, the Millwork Designer (me), and the Build Team. Similar to digital product design, we create prototypes (3D model), get feedback and input from the build team to zero in on the best construction methods, and are in constant communication with the architect and client to verify our engineered design meets their vision.
See the process
Step 1
Architectural Vision
Architectural input is generally light. It might show where cabinetry will go, with some detailed notes on unique functionality. Often there is a second layer of detail provided by an interior designer, who offers notes on final finishes and integrations with final appliance specifications.
Step 2
Digital Prototype
To create a digital prototype of the product, I meet with all stakeholders: client, architect, and building team. By getting input from all parties, I craft solutions that balance usability, buildability and servicability. I check in often, receive feedback, and refine the digital prototype (3D model) until all issues are resolved.
See Approval Set (PDF)
Step 3
End Product
With an approved prototype I move forward with production, ordering from several vendors. The whole puzzle is brought together on-site where the expert build team uses my 3D model as their guide to assemble and install the end product.
This project was for Este Restaurant in Austin TX. I helped design, engineer, and produce the banquette seating and cabinetry throughout this restaurant.
