Five Takeaways from ISG's Study Abroad Experience

Some of the most meaningful design inspirations aren’t found in a studio. Inspiration is discovered by exploring new places, asking thoughtful questions, and learning alongside others.

That's the idea behind ISG's Study Abroad(ish). It allows employee owners to experience design trends and innovations across industries and geographies and participate in continuous learning opportunities. The experiences gained through this program help us bring new perspectives to our projects, strengthen relationships within the design industry, and ultimately deliver greater value to our clients and communities.

In May, I joined Study Abroad participants and traveled to Milwaukee to connect with educators, students, peer firms, and project teams. While the destination was memorable, the most valuable lessons came from engaging conversations that continue to inspire participants to innovate shared problem-solving exercises and challenge us to think differently about how design decisions are made.

1. Great Design Begins Before the First Sketch

Strong design is shaped long before any ideas are drawn. Leading with curiosity and an open mind, our group had unexpected conversations with students and educators at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that reinforced the importance of understanding context, asking better questions, and defining problems before moving into solutions. The students and educators emphasized that the quality of design is often determined by exploring new perspectives and staying open to learning.

Fellow ISG architect, Jeremy Wiesen reflected, "We're not doing this because we're lacking. We're doing it because we know we can always become better."

Key takeaway: Curiosity fuels better design and opens the door to fresh perspective and continuous growth.

2. Creative Design Is a Muscle That Must Be Exercised

In day-to-day practice, time for open exploration is often perceived as limited. Study Abroad creates space to step outside our daily rhythm and re-engage in unstructured thinking. Throughout the experience, we repeatedly returned to the idea that we had the opportunity to play again. Whether sketching concepts during a design exercise or observing student work, there was freedom to explore ideas without immediately searching for the perfect solution.

This approach was reinforced at MIAD and UW–Milwaukee, where iteration, experimentation, and failing fast are embedded in the learning process. Ideas evolve through experimentation, reflection, and refinement rather than striving for perfection from the start.

Key takeaway: Project schedules and budgets are realities of professional practice. Creativity requires time and intention.

3. Great Design is Shaped by Every Perspective

One of my biggest takeaways from the week was seeing how the strongest design outcomes emerge when multiple perspectives contribute creatively and are not just limited to execution.

In a museum we visited, structural systems, architectural intent, construction strategy, and owner vision worked together to create an experience where the structure itself is part of the story. Elements such as suspended gallery spaces and exposed structures are more than just technical solutions. Conversations with peer groups reinforced that today's design challenges are best solved with interconnected solutions that bring diverse perspectives together early in the process, rather than working in silos.

Key takeaway: The strongest design outcomes emerge when multiple disciplines shape the vision from the beginning.

4. Intentional Design Lives in the Details

Projects throughout Milwaukee demonstrate that exceptional design is rarely the result of one bold idea. Instead, it is shaped through a series of intentional decisions made consistently throughout a project. According to ISG senior architect, Anne Krogstad, “the Study Abroad experience reinforced how intentional details collectively define the experience of a place.”

The Milwaukee Art Museum demonstrates that simplicity and repetition create clarity and impact without complexity. Thoughtfully repeating design elements and simplifying details where appropriate create a building that feels timeless and intentional. Even Santiago Calatrava's original vision evolved during the project, reinforcing the concept that great design is strengthened through intentional decision-making. Details such as exposed connections, material transitions, and coordinated building systems reinforce the larger design intent and strengthen the overall outcome.

Key takeaway: The most impactful design comes from intentional decisions made consistently at every scale.

5. Learning Doesn't End When the Experience Does

The most valuable part of Study Abroad was not the trip itself. It is what I brought back with me: a fresh perspective and new questions to ask clients.

As a newer employee owner, this experience reinforced what drew me to ISG: a culture that encourages curiosity and professional growth. Having the opportunity to explore inspiring spaces alongside talented colleagues expanded my perspective and equipped me with ideas I will carry into future projects.

Key takeaway: Continuous learning strengthens our perspective and leads to more thoughtful, impactful design.

Study Abroad reflects ISG’s commitment to continuous learning and industry exploration. By exposing employee owners to different perspectives and approaches, these experiences strengthen how we think and how we deliver value through more informed, intentional design. Because when people continue to learn, better design follows.