Last month’s article, “What You Learn on the Floor,” talks about the benefits of having design staff spend some time in the shop. There’s a lot to learn there—and gaining a real appreciation for what the production team does can be eye-opening for designers, whether they’re just starting out or have been around a while.
This month, let’s take that idea a step further: getting your design staff out to job sites and client meetings.
Now, I get it—many designers work remotely, sometimes from hundreds (or thousands) of miles away. That makes site visits tricky. But for those who are in the office or nearby, this can be a fantastic opportunity to grow their skills and perspective.
If you’re planning a visit, try to start with a “friendly” site—somewhere you know the crew is approachable and the work is being done right. We all know some framers and builders can be a bit... crusty. You don’t want to scare off your new people on day one. And ideally, you want them to see a clean, well-run site—not one where corners are being cut left and right.
For new designers, one of the biggest challenges is visualizing how a house—or any building—actually comes together. Sure, 3D software is amazing these days, but it’s still no substitute for walking through a real job site. Seeing trusses supported by girders, built-up studs transferring loads, or how a site-framed valley set differs from a factory-built one—that’s the kind of hands-on understanding that sticks.
And here’s a bonus: most good framers are more than happy to share ideas on how the component shop could make their lives easier. These suggestions often cost little to implement but can save serious time in the field.
There’s also another reason to get designers on-site: when something goes wrong.
If a designer makes a mistake, there’s real value in hearing directly from the people affected. Maybe new trusses need to be built, delaying the project. Or maybe a few overhangs were detailed incorrectly and now need on-site repairs. These might seem like small issues on paper, but they can throw off a whole schedule.
When a designer hears firsthand how their error impacted someone’s day, it becomes real. And while those conversations might be a little uncomfortable, they often lead to lessons that stick for a lifetime.
A Few Words of Caution
Of course, you don’t want to just toss a junior designer onto a job site and hope for the best. They should always be accompanied by someone more experienced—maybe the salesperson who manages the client, or a senior designer or design manager.
Also, don’t blindside the site crew. Let them know you’re coming and that you’re bringing someone along for training. If it’s not a problem-related visit, ask for permission first. Job sites are busy places, and the last thing they need is extra people getting in the way.
And don’t forget safety. Make sure your team is properly equipped with PPE—at a minimum, that should include safety boots, a hard hat, hi-vis vest, and safety glasses. Know the site’s requirements ahead of time and make sure your people meet or exceed them.
What About You?
Have you brought your design team out to a job site? How did it go? I’d love to hear your stories—drop me a line and share your experience.