What You Will Learn
Design does not end when construction begins – it evolves through collaboration. This webinar explores how designers and builders can work together throughout the project lifecycle to improve communication, align budgets, anticipate construction challenges, and create a more seamless experience for clients. Through real-world examples from custom residential projects, participants will gain practical insight into the construction process from a builder’s perspective. Topics include construction sequencing, budget alignment, early coordination, and strategies for identifying potential challenges before they become costly issues in the field.
The course also examines the value of strong relationships between designers, builders, and homeowners. Participants will learn how proactive communication, mutual trust, and collaborative problem-solving contribute to smoother projects, fewer surprises, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Whether working on a renovation, addition, or custom home, designers will leave with practical tools to strengthen contractor relationships, support more efficient project execution, and help guide clients confidently from concept through completion.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify key opportunities for collaboration between designers and builders throughout the project lifecycle. Attendees will learn how early communication and coordinated decision-making contribute to smoother construction and improved project outcomes.
- Recognize how construction sequencing, budget alignment, and constructability influence design decisions. Attendees will gain practical insight into anticipating field conditions and reducing costly revisions during construction.
- Apply strategies for building productive relationships with contractors and homeowners through effective communication, trust, and collaborative problem-solving. Attendees will leave with tools to support a more seamless project experience from concept through completion.
Featured Presenters
Craig Russell + Jen Fiorenza
The English Contractor + Mind the Build Consulting
Craig Russell and Jen Fiorenza lead The English Contractor & Remodeling Services, a Cincinnati-based custom residential construction firm specializing in complex full interior renovations, large-scale additions, and new custom homes. Together, they also co-founded Mind the Build Consulting, an education, consulting, and advocacy practice focused on bridging the gap between design and construction for a better build experience.
Originally from England, Craig received his residential construction training and began his career there before relocating to Cincinnati where he founded The English Contractor. With more than 30 years of construction experience, he brings a deeply practical understanding of craftsmanship, constructability, skilled trade integration, and the realities of bringing complex designs to life. Craig also served in the British Army and continues to serve his community as a volunteer firefighter, EMT, swift water tech, and recovery diver.
Jen is Chief Operating Officer of The English Contractor, where she leads preconstruction strategy, operations, and client experience. She holds an MS in Executive Management for Design and Construction from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and is NKBA-accredited in kitchen and bath design (AKBD). She previously served as Communications and President of the NKBA Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter.
Through Mind the Build Consulting, Craig and Jen educate, consult, and advocate across the residential design and construction industry. They speak nationally with NKBA chapters and industry organizations on design-construction collaboration, skilled trades, project planning, construction sequencing, budgets, and constructability. They also consult with organizations, firms, and individual project teams, drawing on experience that spans the project lifecycle from early concept and preconstruction through skilled trade execution and project completion.
Craig and Jen are passionate advocates for stronger relationships between design professionals and skilled trades and actively support NKBA’s NextUp initiative and the next generation of construction professionals.
CEU Requirements
To earn a CEU for watching this webinar on-demand, complete the quiz below and notify our CEU department for credit: [Link]
Disclaimer: This quiz will be available after the webinar airs. We only offer two opportunities to take the quiz for CEU credit.
