In conversation with Aryium’s CEO, Sarah about Aryium’s Design Guardian service…
In a recent conversation with Sarah Borg Bonnici, we delved into the unique and multifaceted role of Aryium’s Design Guardian service. Sarah, with her wealth of experience and passion for her work, provided insightful details on how this service functions and the significant value it brings to clients, particularly in the pharmaceutical, smart manufacturing, and data centre industries.
What is the Design Guardian service?
Sarah explains that the Design Guardian service is tailored to the specific needs of a client, depending on where they are in their project lifecycle. This service is especially beneficial in the initial stages of building or expanding into new territories, where in-house resources may be stretched thin.
The Design Guardian’s role varies: it could involve building the business case from the ground up or ensuring the continuity of an existing business case’s values through the project.
A crucial aspect of the Design Guardian’s role is to ensure that the project not only meets design and commercial criteria but also satisfies the client's overall requirements. Sarah illustrated this with an example from the pharmaceutical industry, where a decision between a single high-capacity production line and multiple lower-capacity lines involves not just a cost analysis but also considerations of resiliency and operational continuity.
“The purpose of the Design Guardian is dependent on where you are in the process. It might be to help build the business case and then carry the view of that business case through. It might be to pick up an existing business case and carry the values of that through the process.” – Sarah Borg Bonnici
A multifaceted approach
The Design Guardian service goes beyond technical excellence. As Sarah points out, while technical prowess is a given, the real value lies in understanding and integrating the client's end goals and sometimes even unspoken ideals into the project. This might include creating environments that attract and retain a diverse workforce, addressing psychological aspects of the workspace, and ensuring the project aligns with broader organisational values.
“This is also understanding how this fits in with what the client's end goals and ideals are, and sometimes even the tacit ones, you know, the ones that aren't expressed on a piece of paper.” – Sarah Borg Bonnici
Sarah emphasises the multidisciplinary nature of their work, likening the role to one of protection or a knight in shining armour. It’s about finding solutions that protect and enhance the core values of the project, blending both protective and collaborative approaches.
“A lot of this is just good domestic thinking... it is thinking about how you solve a problem and then guarding that, almost like guarding that hearth at home.” – Sarah Borg Bonnici
Collaboration and flexibility
When it comes to working with clients, flexibility is key. Sarah highlights that their approach is highly adaptable to the client's preferred methods of working. Whether it’s conducting technical reviews, managing projects, or coaching designers, the Design Guardian team integrates seamlessly into the client’s processes.
The earlier the Design Guardian is involved in a project, the more value they can provide. Early involvement allows for a deeper understanding of the project’s goals and challenges, enabling the team to make informed decisions and provide comprehensive support. However, Sarah is candid about the importance of honesty in their engagements. If they believe they cannot meet a client’s needs, they will communicate that upfront and may even suggest alternative solutions or partners.
“If we do not think we can fulfil what you need us to do, we will tell you. I have absolutely no problem saying no, because there is no point in us engaging with you or with any partner if we can't deliver what we say we're going to do.” – Sarah Borg Bonnici
A passionate commitment
Underlying the Design Guardian service is a deep-seated passion for ensuring client success. Aryium’s team is dedicated to delivering high-quality service, driven by a genuine interest in their work and a commitment to making clients happy. This passion is evident in Sarah’s reflections on the occasional need to say no when a project poses risks that conflict with their values or ethical standards.
“There is a lot of care and understanding that goes into it. But in doing that, there is also a huge amount of investment into ensuring that our clients can fulfil their dreams.” – Sarah Borg Bonnici
Sarah’s insights into the Design Guardian service reveal a commitment to excellence, flexibility, and ethical integrity. The service is not just about meeting technical specifications but about understanding and fulfilling the broader aspirations of their clients. With a combination of technical skill, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a passion for making a positive impact, the Design Guardian service stands out as a vital asset for any project.
By engaging with Aryium’s Design Guardian service, clients can expect a dedicated partner committed to navigating the complexities of their projects and ensuring success at every stage.