There is a certain vulnerability inherent in this job. When my work is out there, I am really putting myself out there, too. So every time the phone rings, for a split second, I have to wonder, is there a problem? While the phone is ringing, my mind begins instinctively running through all the changes made on a project. Was there a change made on one drawing that was not shown on another?
Sometimes changes are made midstream in a project for one reason or another. Perhaps the client has made a different design choice, or we have an opportunity for cost savings. One “small” change necessitates many changes in the drawings, which launches a scavenger hunt to find all the places a change must be shown. When the phone rings, I wonder if I missed one.
Today when I answered the phone, it was the contractor, just calling to clarify a question. I welcome those calls. I enjoy working as part of a team with the contractor, plumbers, electricians and masons. Here on the North Fork, people are friendly and laid back. We develop relationships working together on projects over and over again. It’s a small community. When the phone rings, after that moment of anxiety where I anticipate what might be wrong, it is good to hear a friendly voice on the other end of the line.
