TORONTO—RGD Ontario recently gathered a group of firm principals and partners together to talk about the trends and challenges facing studio heads, including RFP’s, staffing and social media.



The moderator was RGD Ontario president and Toronto-based Context Creative creative director Lionel Gadoury.

When talk turned to how the panelists get work all agreed that word of mouth and referrals are the best ways to get new projects. “The majority of our projects come from word of mouth,” said Toronto-based Overdrive Design principal James Wilson. “90 percent of our projects are referrals.”

As for how the panel maintains a creative work environment and motivates their employees, many said it is all about the attitude of upper management. “Employees are as into the process and company as you are,” said Toronto-based Pylon Design partner Scott Christie. Toronto-based Adams + Associates principal Debbie Adams said that her employees generally stay with the company for six to eight years. “Giving them autonomy helps them want to stay for the long term,” she said.

Most of the panelists work at studios with mainly full-time staff and agree that brining in freelance staff only for special projects is the way to go. “It’s best to keep designers on full-time and use non-designers for freelance work,” said Adams. “I keep in touch with old employees and bring them in when its necessary. We intentionally stay small and principal focused. We stay mean and lean.” Contact: Rgdontario.com