In this episode of But Why? A Design Podcast, Eugene and Stirling are joined by Justin Millar, Director of Property Solve, to explore the relationship between design and project management, and ask: Why Manage Design?

Justin brings an interesting perspective to the conversation. Trained as an industrial designer, his career has taken him from superyachts and high-end interiors to workplace design, construction and ultimately client-side project management. It means he understands both the creative process and the practical realities of getting a project delivered.

Our conversation explores the tension between creativity and constraint, and whether managing design limits creativity or actually creates the conditions for better outcomes. We discuss the role of time, budget and function, the difference between cost and value, and why sometimes the most valuable contribution to a design is simply asking……what is the point?

This episode touches on:

* The relationship between design and project management, and whether management has always been an inherent part of designing.

* Why design needs a clear outcome, and what happens when the creative process is allowed to continue without boundaries.

* How constraints around time, budget and function can improve rather than compromise a design outcome.

* The importance of project managers needing to understand the competing interests of clients, designers, contractors and other stakeholders without automatically favouring one.

* The difference between cutting cost and genuinely engineering value.

* The importance in giving consultants the opportunity to explain and justify their thinking rather than defaulting to the cheapest option.

* The value of independence in design review, particularly when designers become emotionally connected to their own work.

* Why managing design ultimately isn't about controlling creativity, but helping turn an idea into an outcome.

We hope you enjoy.

Keep questioning, keep exploring, and most importantly… keep asking, But Why?

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Show Links

* Justin Millar LinkedIn

* Property Solve

* Woods Bagot

Produced by us.

Music by Jessica Hooks.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.butwhyadesignpodcast.com