Managing Design

CHAPTER 8Collaborators: Performative Design (Better Together)

INTERVIEW

Marc L'Italien, FAIA

Principal, Associate Vice President, HGA

28th July 2017

Marc L'Italien, FAIA, is Principal/Associate Vice President with HGA, San Francisco. His work focuses on museums, science centers, aquariums and zoos, and higher-education learning environments, civic buildings, and community engagement projects. His innovative approach to planning, design, and sustainability has had a lasting impact on many communities. As a key leader of HGA's nationally recognized Arts, Community, and Education (ACE) Practice Group, Marc provides strategic planning, project leadership, and design expertise to further strengthen the firm's growing West Coast presence. His firm's practice is built on a collaborative culture.

On Collaboration or “We're Better Together”

Let's talk about flaws in our industry's process: Projects are over budget; we have cultural differences; and owners don't seem to manage their teams anymore. What issues do you see around process and are you doing anything different to cope?

“Re: over budget: We've had success with contractors on board as our partner from the beginning … At the end of the day we all have to think like we're on the same team.”

L'Italien: Process ...