"Exploring how successful projects navigate the delicate dance between innovation and practicality"Summary

In this episode, hosts Megan Kacvinsky and Vardhan Mehta talk with Steven Johns, Technical Director at Kieran Timberlake, about bridging the gap between architectural vision and practical reality. With 28 years at the firm, Steven shares invaluable insights into product evaluation, innovation partnerships, and the critical role of technical knowledge in specification success.

Key Insights

• Technical expertise and correct terminology are crucial - architects and manufacturers often use different vocabulary for the same concepts
• Installation documentation provides critical insights beyond marketing materials
• Successful specification requires balancing innovation with client requirements for durability, maintenance, and budget
• Product evaluation needs both objective performance data and subjective feedback from past project experiences
• The AIA 2030 Challenge is driving increased focus on sustainable and healthy materials

Practical Takeaways for Manufacturers

1. Don't assume architects know industry-specific terminology - help educate on proper product categories and terms
2. Provide comprehensive installation documentation as it's heavily used in evaluation
3. Be prepared to provide larger physical samples (2'x1' vs 3"x3") for testing
4. Maintain support even if not selected for a specific project - long-term relationships matter
5. Focus on developing healthier, more sustainable products to meet 2030 Challenge goals
6. Consider partnering with architects for product innovation
7. Make product comparison data easily accessible and visual

About the Guest

Steven Johns serves as Technical Director at Kieran Timberlake, where he leads quality assurance and quality control processes. With 28 years at the firm, he has worked on groundbreaking projects including the Cellophane House for MoMA's "Home Delivery" exhibition. His passion for technical excellence stems from early exposure to both design and manufacturing through his tool and die-maker father.

Quotable Moments

"We don't find manufacturers, product manufacturers, installers, contractors - we never feel to be at odds with them... Anything that we ask is really for our own education." - Steven Johns

"Installation instructions have a wealth of knowledge and information that talks about whether this product is right for the application." - Steven Johns

"We're going to really want to partner with those manufacturers and product fabricators who are committed to [sustainability] as well. Or at least trying to push the boundary on their own." - Steven Johns

Next Steps for Manufacturers

The episode emphasizes the importance of being true educational partners with architects, providing comprehensive technical information, and thinking long-term about relationships. Consider how your organization can better support architects' evaluation processes through improved documentation, samples, and sustainability initiatives.