What are the pitfalls of taking on an international project? Top designers share tricks and tips on executing a stress-free job abroad. 

Culture Studies
“Spend time researching the level of formality with which to conduct business. There is a custom when finalizing a deal in China, for example, that includes a very formal dinner banquet and multiple-step signing ceremony, during which seating arrangements are all determined by seniority. Other areas to explore include the pace at which construction occurs, typical vendor fee structures, the implications of that country’s taxing system, historical preservation standards, and differences in architectural vernacular.” —Caleb Anderson, Drake/Anderson