Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

1 5 0 V IEWPOINT Conquering Covid-19 challenges Tomas Tillberg Design has used technology and innovative new processes to empower it to overcome the difficulties of the pandemic and successfully deliver passenger ship projects T here is no doubt that most industries and professions have been impacted by the pandemic in one way or another. Design firms have faced many unique challenges, most of which have taught us many lessons and ways to adapt how we work. For many businesses, the biggest challenge was the move to remote working. Fortunately, Tomas Tillberg Design already had some team members working remotely from different locations prior to the pandemic so we did not have to fully transition everyone when the pandemic began. However, we did have to find new ways to keep the design team connected and ensure we could balance our personal and professional lives while working from home. To do this, we organised weekly meetings to share updates and make sure that everyone remained on task and met individual deadlines. Video calls and virtual meetings became the main method for the team to collaborate and share ideas. In addition, we began to use renderings as a key part of our design process, rather than just as a way to showcase finalised designs like we have in the past. These renderings have allowed both our design team and our clients to understand the design direction throughout the timeline of a project. Shifting to virtual communication has been challenging, particularly because we have largely been unable to touch, see and feel materials in person, or meet with clients face to face. Instead, we have used technology to create visual presentations to communicate the necessary information to clients. Project management and site visits have also changed because project inspections have not been able to take place. Generally, we have had to inspect custom-built furniture and millwork virtually or via images, which is difficult. Despite the challenges, our team has adapted to the changes and been able to accomplish everything remotely while remaining resilient, ingenious, and inventive. Supported by our vendors and design friends, we have continued growing and developing innovative designs throughout the pandemic. Now, with the world changing by the day, we will continue to take the lessons we have learned and turn them into valuable assets that will enhance the way our team works to ensure we meet every deadline, exceed client expectations and stay at the forefront of the industry. CFR Tomas Tillberg is managing partner at Tomas Tillberg Design By Tomas Tillberg, Tomas Tillberg Design Tomas Tillberg Design’s team has created the interiors for the top-deck restaurant on Aurora Expeditions’ new cruise ship Sylvia Earle