This article was originally published on LinkedIn via CREW San Diego
In commercial real estate, collaboration is often discussed as a key tactic. For those of us in design, it’s the strategy.
At ID Studios, we’ve had the privilege of shaping environments that help people work, connect, and thrive. Collaboration is embedded in every decision we make. But our partnerships don’t start and stop with our clients. They span industries, disciplines, and perspectives—many of which have been catalyzed through our involvement with CREW San Diego.
CREW SD’s mission of breaking down silos is aspirational and operational. And it mirrors what we’ve found to be true: the most successful, enduring spaces are built on relationships just as much as they are on good design.
The Power of Cross-Sector Synergy
Our team never enters a project alone. We build and rely on key partnerships.
We begin by collaborating with commercial real estate brokers and construction managers to understand not just the site, but the people and purpose behind it. During the design phase, we bring in manufacturing representatives, lighting specialists, landscape architects, and furniture partners to enrich every corner of the user experience. We also align early with engineers—mechanical, structural, electrical, and civil—ensuring the foundational systems will carry the creative intent forward.
The success of a project, we’ve learned, is directly proportional to the respect and communication shared by its team. When everyone can play to their strengths, we deliver impactful and meaningful results.
This approach was pivotal in our recent work with Dempsey Construction for their office. As both client and General Contractor, Dempsey brought to the table a passion that truly enhanced the project’s outcome. Our teams collaborated closely, united by a shared goal and mutual respect, making the process not only rewarding but also enjoyable. The final result is a space that is deeply reflective of Dempsey’s DNA, embodying their people and the values that their success is built upon. Both teams are incredibly proud. Experience the project yourself.
“This is the second time we’ve trusted ID Studios with our office design—and once again, they exceeded all expectations,” shared Wendy Hoier, Senior Director of Market Development, Dempsey Construction, Inc. “Put simply, they just get it. The space not only reflects who we are as a company, but it also energizes our team every day, sparking creativity, collaboration, and pride in where we work.”
Collaboration yields measurable impact. Our projects consistently meet budgets, timelines, and most importantly, leave our clients inspired and proud.
One example: our long-term partnership with SOLV Energy. What began as a modest office suite has grown into a multi-phase, multi-site expansion across the country. That growth isn’t just about design; it’s about trust and deep mutual understanding, and creating an environment that reflects and supports their organization.
Helios Evolved Pilates is a high-end pilates studio in an iconic building in Little Italy, San Diego. The initial phone call was from the CEO of a corporate office tenant improvement project we had completed two years prior. His new venture was a partnership in a wellness studio, and he asked if we would help them make it a reality. This turned into a signature fitness space that seamlessly blends wellness with design. It has been wildly successful and earned us a feature in the San Diego Business Journal. Now we’re planning for future Helios studios in California and beyond.
These projects demonstrate something vital: great design is a ripple effect. It shapes brands, fosters loyalty, and drives business growth—for them and for us.
Why CREW SD Matters
I’m frequently reminded that in CRE, even the smallest connections can yield the most significant returns. Through CREW SD, I’ve met professionals who form the backbone of some of our most successful projects. Beyond networking, CREW SD offers exposure to new perspectives, disciplines, and opportunities.
As designers, our role is to turn vision into reality. But vision without collaboration falls flat. It’s when we align across disciplines and invite in new voices that we create environments that truly resonate and endure. Let’s continue breaking silos. Let’s harness our collective strengths to redefine the future of design and commercial real estate through collaboration.
—
Kelsey Held, is Creative Design Director at ID Studios Inc., where she leads multidisciplinary teams in shaping workplace, wellness, and learning environments that inspire connection and performance. With over 15 years of experience in commercial interior architecture, Kelsey is a passionate advocate for cross-sector collaboration and a proud member of CREW San Diego, as well as a member of the marketing and communications and CREWmates committees.
