Once you have decided it’s time to grow your team and have found the right candidate, the next step is making sure the new hire is up to speed with the way your firm works. This week, we asked four designers—Brittany Cooper, Dina Marciano, Jennifer Morris and Michelle Murphy—what steps they take to bring on a new employee.
Steps for Success
“A strong employee onboarding process sets the tone for success and integration into the company culture. New hires begin with an in-depth introduction to the firm’s design philosophy. We generally do this over a team lunch where we discuss project workflow and client expectations. They are then paired with a senior team member for mentorship, ensuring they quickly adapt to processes and standards. Hands-on training includes site visits, vendor meetings and software tutorials to familiarize them with daily operations. Regular check-ins during the first few months help assess progress, provide feedback and ensure a seamless transition into the team.” —Michelle Murphy, Demi Ryan, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Spread the Joy
“When building our team, our goal is to start by sharing the excitement and joy that we carry with us through our work and to the client. We begin with a welcome email detailing the start date and time and the first-day agenda. We share necessary paperwork before we meet, like employment contracts, tax and direct-deposit forms, NDAs, or policy agreements. The first day and week are dedicated to providing access to company systems and creating an email address. We use several operational programs that we have carefully outlined with [training] details and give an overview of everything from our full design process to the install-day checklist. The SOP also clearly details our brand guidelines and the follow-up we do with finished clients to stay in touch. Having a computer that is set up beforehand is important. But even more important is ensuring the new employee knows exactly what their role is and where to find the tools and information they need. We find it really helpful to assign an onboarding buddy or mentor. We also build in regular and frequent check-ins to ensure a smooth transition.” —Jennifer Morris, JMorris Design, Brooklyn
Collaborative Spirit
“[As a solopreneur], when working with freelancers, my onboarding process focuses on creating a collaborative and inspiring environment. I start by clearly communicating our design philosophy and project goals. I ensure freelancers have access to all necessary resources and tools, and I encourage open communication to foster a strong working relationship. By valuing their expertise and encouraging their input, we create a dynamic partnership that enhances every project.” —Dina Marciano, Dina Marciano Design, Laguna Beach, California
Meaningful Spaces
“Our onboarding process is intentionally crafted to set new team members up for success from day one. We start by introducing them to who we are, not just what we do. That means immersing them in our studio culture, walking through our project workflow, and sharing the design philosophy that guides every decision we make. From there, we dive into the tools, systems and client experience standards that keep our projects running smoothly. But more than anything, we emphasize our values: collaboration, creativity, integrity and care. These aren’t just words on a wall—they shape how we treat one another, how we show up for our clients, and how we approach every project, big or small. Whether someone joins us as a designer or in an administrative role, our goal is for them to feel inspired, supported and grounded in the purpose behind our work. We believe in building meaningful spaces and meaningful relationships, and that starts with our team. I’m a big believer in making sure every team member feels seen and valued, regardless of their level of experience. You can have all the experience in the world, but passion and a strong work ethic can’t be taught, and to me those traits are priceless. I live by this every day, and I lead with that belief in every interaction with my team.” —Brittany Cooper, Rathell Designs, Cary, North Carolina
