Robb Andrade brings over twenty years of construction industry expertise, offering valuable insights and guidance on systems, services, and cutting-edge building technologies. His experience spans both the vendor side of HVAC systems and previous roles at building technology firms, providing him with a unique perspective that merges the needs of various users of innovative systems. This broad viewpoint enables Overcast Innovations to understand and address the needs of a diverse clientele.

Robb has answered 7 questions on the importance of respecting architectural design when creating products:

What was the motivation behind having a configurable design with Overcast assemblies?

The core motivation behind implementing a configurable design with Overcast assemblies is to offer unparalleled flexibility and adaptability to design teams. This approach is driven by the understanding that design needs are diverse and constantly evolving to fit the needs of clients and occupants. We offer a ton of configurations because we’re all about giving design teams total freedom. The more options we have, the smoother it is to say, “Yes, we can totally fit Overcast products into our design!” This strategy not only broadens the applicability of Overcast products across different projects but also positions the brand as a versatile and indispensable partner in the architectural and design communities.

Why is it so important to have products that respect architectural design elements?

Recognizing and respecting architectural design elements in product creation is crucial because it aligns with the trust and expectations placed in architects by their clients. Architects are tasked with materializing a client’s vision into a tangible reality, which encompasses aesthetical, functional, and experiential dimensions. Products that are designed to complement and enhance architectural designs contribute positively to the realization of these visions. Overcast Clouds become extensions of the architect’s toolkit, enabling them to achieve design objectives without compromise, and affirming the architect’s role as a custodian of space transformation.

How does the Overcast team collaborate with architects to make sure that their design is respected?

The Overcast team ensures respect for architectural design by actively engaging with the architectural vision of each project from start to finish. This involves careful analysis of the project’s design ethos and identifying how Overcast products can align with and enhance this vision. The process is deeply collaborative, involving regular feedback loops with architects—which we refer to as the “Voice of the Customer.” This feedback is not merely collected but acted upon, leading to adaptations or complete redesigns of Overcast products to meet specific architectural needs. Such a collaborative approach ensures that the final installations resonate with the intended design narrative and reinforce the architect’s vision.

What options are implemented in Overcast products specifically to allow them to fit a design?

To align with diverse architectural designs, Overcast products are imbued with significant flexibility and product agnosticism. This means that the products are designed to be versatile and adaptable, capable of fitting into a broad spectrum of design aesthetics without dictating or limiting the design direction. This flexibility is a cornerstone of Overcast’s product strategy, ensuring that our offerings can be tailored to specific project needs, whether that involves subtle integration into historical renovations or bold statements in modern constructions.

What are some possible issues that can occur when products aren’t created to work with various architectural designs?

When products cannot adapt to various architectural designs it leads to exclusion from projects, as design teams may find the products incompatible with their vision or aesthetic requirements. Such exclusions not only limit the visibility and applicability of the products but also prevent property owners from benefiting from the unique operational and maintenance advantages that Overcast systems offer. The inability to adapt can, therefore, result in missed opportunities for both Overcast and the projects they aim to serve.

Are configurable products normal for the built environment? If not, should they be?

Within the built environment, the concept of configurable products is gaining momentum but is not yet the standard practice. The shift from custom to configurable solutions is recognized for its potential to enhance quality while reducing costs, attributed to the efficiencies of repeatability. Despite this growing recognition, there is still significant progress to be made for configurability to become the default approach in construction and architectural design. Embracing this change can lead to more dynamic, responsive, and sustainable built environments.

What final thought or message would you like to leave with readers regarding respecting architectural design when creating and choosing products for their spaces?

Let’s engage.  Just because we don’t produce something specific that you would like to see at the moment doesn’t mean that we can’t.  Though we test and re-test thoroughly, we iterate quickly.  Let’s talk about what you have in mind that may not already be in our catalog.