Design and Remodeling Pros Share Their 2022 Goals
After a busy and chaotic year, professionals on Houzz are planning for the future
Becky Harris
January 1, 2022
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
After asking design pros about their proudest achievements in 2021, we asked what their goals were for 2022. The responses included strengthening teams and leadership skills, expanding empires and managing increases in business without sacrificing a well-balanced life. Here are the 2022 goals for a dozen Houzz architects, interior designers, general contractors, design-build firm owners and landscape designers.
Many professionals were grateful for all the work 2021 brought, but it also had them reassessing how much they should handle. “My goal in 2022 is to slow down a bit and enjoy the individual projects more,” says Richard Ryder, owner of design-build firm Clearcut Construction.
“My professional goal for 2022 is to turn down more projects and only keep those that both stimulate and challenge my creative muse,” landscape designer Jay Sifford says. “I have so many ideas in my head that I’ve never been able to use. I want to find the right fit with potential clients and turn down the more mundane, pedestrian projects. If I can do this, I think I’ll become a great designer.”
“I want to focus more on ebooks and creating virtual courses on kitchen design,” kitchen and bath designer Sarah Robertson of Studio Dearborn says. “And generally, I’d like to focus more on high-level kitchen design and spend a little less time in the trenches next year!”
“One of my goals for 2022 is to take on larger projects and fewer smaller projects,” interior designer Joni Spear says. “As an independent designer, I don’t like to spread myself too thin. When I take on too many projects, I can’t give my clients the personal attention they need. My greatest strength is the ability to space-plan. When tackling a whole-house project, I can focus from start to finish, memorizing every quirky corner and knowing that there are solutions to every problem.”
Learn how Houzz Pro software can help you manage projects and communicate with clients
Learn how Houzz Pro software can help you manage projects and communicate with clients
For 2022, architect Nils Finne has three major goals: “Not to get too stressed about deadlines. To ensure every project has the very highest level of attention and quality of work. And to work toward carbon-neutral performance of every project,” he says.
Interior designer Theresa Dorlini and her husband, architect John Dorlini, have enjoyed the design-build process as their firm, Circle Design Studio, has grown. “Our goal for 2022 is to continue getting projects where we have complete control over the design and building process,” Theresa says. “And to continue to find great construction partners to collaborate with,”
After seeing his team successfully scale to meet increased demand in 2021, Justin Bride, owner of Ascent Contracting, gets pangs of guilt wishing for more. “I feel like it’s almost too greedy to shoot for loftier goals in 2022 when we’ve been so fortunate in 2021,” he says. “But if we have a goal for the coming year … it is for us to develop deeper relationships with the architects, engineers and trade professionals we work with. And to develop new relationships with those that we’d like to get to know.”
Sean Sullivan, owner of Living Stone Design + Build in North Carolina, has set three top goals for 2022 to expand the design empire that he and his wife, interior designer Laura Sullivan, have built together. “One, renovate and move our building and design offices into our new central Asheville location,” he says. “Two, get our new Cashiers store location running and healthy, as well as improve our Asheville location’s logistics. We also may potentially begin e-commerce, but that is yet to be determined. Three, continue to invest in our leadership and build stronger teams.”
Interior designer Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs also has three major goals for the coming year. “I’d like to expand the number of projects we have nationwide. I want to expand our team of 10 — to 12 to 14 — and I’d like to focus on brand partnerships,” she says.
“My goal for 2022 is to stay positive and enjoy the craft of architecture and design,” architect John Lum says. “In 2021, we landed a slew of new homes. The pressure as principal to get the design right has ramped up, and I have to remember that this is fun among all the daily pressures. So I hope to balance creative energy with practical solutions to meet tight deadlines. In addition to designing residential homes, I’d like to land more public benefit work. And I’d like to have more Negronis and pasta on the deck! Gotta take the time when you can find it!”
“A goal we set for 2022 is to get back to our smooth procurement process and huge single deliveries,” interior designer Shannon Ggem says. “Multiple small deliveries are tough on clients — I am going to provide them with that complete big-reveal moment again, without lingering items. We can do it now that we’ve ‘discovered the secrets of the fire swamp’ — a little Princess Bride for ya! Happy New Year!”
Your Turn: Design pros, what are your professional goals for the coming year? Please share in the Comments.
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Your Turn: Design pros, what are your professional goals for the coming year? Please share in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in the Pro-to-Pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
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I love to set goals and see what happens, and this article provided the opportunity. Thank you for pulling this together!