The Architecture of Consideration

In creative work—especially the kind that blends collaboration, storytelling, and community—consideration is everything. It’s not just about being polite or communicative; it’s about building with presence, intention, and care.

I often think about how we work on projects and partnerships. We usually assume that everyone is aware and will check in, create space, and reflect before taking action. However, this is rarely the case. I have learned that consideration is not something everyone instinctively does. Instead, it is a value we need to practice, develop, and choose consciously over and over again.

When we talk about strong creative direction or leadership, we often highlight vision, decisiveness, and strategy. Rarely do we talk about how someone made the people around them feel. But the truth is, the way we make people feel is the undercurrent of every successful collaboration.

Consideration is what builds trust, sustains momentum, and makes space for feedback and nuance.

As someone who frequently blends professional and personal relationships in my work, whether hosting a gathering or leading a project, I have realized that soft skills are just as essential as technical skills. Being thoughtful, aware, and responsive isn’t just a bonus; it’s a crucial foundation for success. This approach helps create meaningful experiences and fosters lasting relationships.

This doesn’t mean I always get it right, none of us do. But I’ve learned that being intentional about how I communicate, share space, and navigate tension or change defines the tone of everything else. And when I work with people who don’t consider those things, it shows.

So, I’ve started asking different questions: How do I want to lead? How do I want to collaborate? How do I want to make people feel when building something together? Because in a world that often moves fast and prizes efficiency, there’s something quietly radical about slowing down and choosing to consider. Not just what we’re creating but who we’re building it with and how we show up in the process.

What would it look like to treat consideration not as an afterthought, but as a design principle?