How do we negotiate the logistics of creating a virtual workplace? Can your design firm work remotely permanently? Are the cost savings worth it? Do you even want to go back to working in an office setting? If any of these questions are swirling around in your head, Chad James joins Darla and Natalie to dissect the topic. Don’t miss this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast! 
Chad James has been in the design industry for 23+ years. He leads a talented team of trusted designers in creating a uniquely tailored experience to each client they serve—centered on a meticulous approach to quality and design. They work to create custom residential and commercial construction including boutique hotels, refined restaurants, and beautiful homes. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:33] Natalie’s Birthday present just happens to be...
[4:59] Chad James shares the pros and cons of going virtual 
[7:01] Focus on creating some sense of normalcy
[9:04] Using Microsoft Teams to ease the transition
[15:34] Moving back into the office full-time
[16:56] The pros and cons of each option
[21:09] How to get a hold of samples in a virtual workplace
[23:32] Operating virtually and managing a team
[29:06] Should designers move to a virtual workplace? 
[31:35] Something that surprised Chad when working virtually
[34:11] The importance of establishing personal connections with your team
[37:08] The What Up Wingnut Round! 
[40:44] How to connect with the Chad James Group
[44:41] Can’t-miss blooper reel!

Connect with Chad James
Chad James Website
Chad James Group on Instagram
Chad James Group on Facebook

Resources & People Mentioned
Textbook: Professional Practice for Interior Designers
Microsoft Teams

How Microsoft Teams eased the transition into a Virtual Workplace
Nashville had a large influx of cases early on in the Coronavirus pandemic. This led Chad and his team to decide to shift to a virtual workplace. But how did they do it? How did they move their office home and make it a smooth transition? Chad notes that Microsoft Teams was the platform his team brought to the table. Chad was hesitant to use it—because he’s a loyal Apple guy—but they ended up loving it. 
Plus, it opened up a new realm of possibility for his clients. He’s able to share drawings, proposals, and screenshots while still being able to see their reactions over video. Chad admits that he’s an old dog when it comes to technology and he doesn’t like to learn new tricks but Microsoft Teams is user-friendly and easy to maneuver. 
Since his team has moved back to the office they’ve continued to use the platform for inner-office communication as well as client communication. What started as something that would ease the transition into a virtual workplace become a staple for their office. 
Weigh the move to a virtual workplace carefully
Chad learned early on in his career that he needed separation of work and home life. Not only that, but he prefers to be in an office interacting with people and building on the relationships he’s formed. If you’re contemplating completely moving your team to a virtual workplace he notes that you have to decide what’s most important for your creativity and business mindset. 
For his business, that means moving back into the workplace, while embracing a few of the things that made the virtual workplace manageable for them, such as Microsoft Teams. But you have to consider what’s best for the functionality of your team. Chad notes that the Chad James Group is “About the relationship and the feeling and the experience more than just the day-to-day design.” 
Managing and operating a virtual workplace
Operating and managing a virtual workplace can be an easy shift—depending on how much you trust your team. Chad points out that he has a director of operations that is the glue that holds everything together. He knows Chad’s schedule better than he does. As a creative, Chad can get a bit overwhelmed if he looks too far into the future. Having