We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Taryn Zaragoza a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Taryn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Early in your career, how did you think through the decision of whether to start your own firm or join an established firm?

When we founded Operations By Design, it was a journey rooted in recognizing a critical gap in the creative industry – disproportional efforts being funneled into the operational side of their businesses rather than their desired specialty. We understood the immense pressure and the often-overwhelming administrative demands that can stifle creativity. It became evident that many talented architects and designers were bogged down by the logistics, leaving them with less time to do what they truly excel at – creating innovative and inspiring environments.
Our decision to start Operations By Design was born from a blend of personal experience and professional insight. We had spent years in the industry, cultivating a deep understanding of both the creative and business aspects. This dual perspective allowed us to see how a strategic focus on operations could transform a creative business from simply surviving to thriving. We had also built a strong network of creative professionals who trusted us, which was instrumental in launching our firm.
When starting out, our primary focus was to prove that by taking over the operational burdens, we could give architects and designers the freedom to unleash their full creative potential. The feedback from our early clients was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our belief in the importance of our mission. We saw firsthand the transformation in their businesses – from increased productivity and profitability to higher job satisfaction and more innovative projects.
Building Operations By Design was not just about creating a business; it was about making a meaningful impact on the creative community. We wanted to be more than just a service provider; we aspired to be partners in their success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Our team began working in various roles within the creative industry, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the challenges that architects and designers face. What truly sets OBD apart is our deep understanding of both the creative process and business operations. Unique perspectives and shared knowledge allows us to offer tailored solutions that genuinely resonate with our clients. This relinquishment of client’s business responsibilities requires a level of trust, that we appreciate and take very seriously. We offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored specifically for creative professionals. These include:
• Administrative Support: We handle the day-to-day tasks that can drain time and energy from creative pursuits, such as scheduling, correspondence, and documentation.
• Business Strategy Consultation: We provide expert guidance on business growth, financial planning, and operational efficiency to help our clients scale their businesses sustainably.
• Project Management: Our team oversees project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring that every project runs smoothly from inception to completion.
• Information Technology Management: Our team handles all IT related issues and management finding the best solutions to the tools of modern creatives.

We take immense pride in the success stories of our clients. Seeing their businesses flourish and knowing that we played a part in that journey is incredibly rewarding. One particular highlight was helping a small architectural firm expand their operations nationally, significantly increasing their revenue and market presence. These success stories affirm the value of our work and motivate us to continually refine our services.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a strong reputation within the design-build industry has been grown organically with our commitment to excellence and adaptability in the market. This has allowed Operations By Design to stay ahead of industry trends, embrace new technologies, and respond swiftly to the evolving needs of clients. Quality of work will always be the foundation and the depth of knowledge within the team, encompassing both technical expertise and creative vision. This plays a critical role in distinguishing the firm from our competitors.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Recognition and appreciation are central, as acknowledging hard work and celebrating achievements can significantly boost morale and motivation. Our website publishes a regular journal, where we explore essential elements that contribute to the morale and effectiveness of team members. Clear communication is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of keeping everyone informed and reducing misunderstandings to foster a collaborative environment. We regularly discuss team building, trust, collaboration, suggested improvements, and problem solving as a team. Professional development is another key focus, with an emphasis on providing growth opportunities to enhance individual skills and contribute to the team’s overall success. Setting clear goals and conducting regular check-ins are essential to foster employee growth. We stress the necessity of having well-defined objectives to provide direction and purpose, while regular check-ins ensure ongoing feedback, support, and alignment with team goals. By focusing on these themes, our journal aims to provide valuable insights and practical advice for building motivated, effective, and high-performing teams. For office inspiration or some thought-provoking management perspectives browse our journal here:
Journal — Operations by Design (design-operations.com)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.design-operations.com/
• Instagram: @operationsbydesign
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/operations-by-design

Image Credits

Walt Mendez