I would hope that’s not truly the case, though at times it may certainly feel that way. While “struggle” may not fully capture the nuance, it does point to an industry tension that people often joke about—comments like, “See, this is why the guys dislike Designers.” And as we all know, there’s usually a hint of truth behind every joke.

Designers typically approach a project with a layered plan and strong attention to detail, which naturally raises the standard of the work. Their trained eye also makes them quick to spot oversights, inconsistencies, and quality issues.

A Designer’s entire career is focused on optimizing the final outcome, which often places them squarely between the client and the trades—the classic “middle management” role.

I’ve heard trades say that Designers make things more complicated, and honestly, I understand that perspective. From a Trade’s viewpoint, that can feel accurate. They are focused on completing their portion of the project efficiently and moving on, so additional design details can sometimes feel like obstacles.

But I believe this friction reflects something deeper: a difference in how each group thinks.

Designers think creatively and in layers. They consider both the details and the big picture. Individual trades, on the other hand, are responsible for their specific scope of work and aim to execute it as efficiently as possible. Sometimes that efficiency leans toward the path of least resistance, and detailed design requirements can interrupt that flow. This is not to generalize, of course—many tradespeople are highly collaborative and welcome design input.

So what’s the solution?

Collaboration + Communication.

There’s a certain magic that happens on successful projects when everyone works together in harmony. Strong teams make it look effortless, but the truth is, it takes thoughtful planning, open communication, flexibility, and a positive rapport. Yes, there will always be a natural push and pull between vision and practical execution—but the more Designers can understand a Trade’s perspective, and vice versa, the smoother the process becomes.

In my own practice, the more I embrace this collaborative approach, the more I hear things like, “You’re not like other designers—you actually understand what I’m saying.” That positive dynamic not only makes day-to-day interactions easier, it leads to a better, more refined final result for the client—one that benefits from the strengths and insights of every professional involved.

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