Building Creativity: One Cardboard City at a Time
When you walk into a Monday Morning Meeting at Bernardo Wills, you never quite know what to expect—but you can always count on creativity taking center stage.
This week, our Director of Design, Ryan Zane, brought something a little unexpected to the table—literally. With cardboard, tape, and a handful of prompts, he challenged our team to think like designers in their most playful form.
The rules were simple:
Each team of four would “claim” a plot of land along a mock cityscape inspired by Spokane’s Convention Center area. Every team had to design a cardboard structure that reflected one of two themes—river or forest—a nod to Spokane’s historic downtown and its natural surroundings. Oh, and one more thing: each structure had to include a “Lego Person” mascot as its star resident.
The Design Challenge Begins
Once the timer started, the room came alive with collaboration. Architects, landscape architects, and designers huddled together, sketching, cutting, folding, and debating structural integrity (yes, even when the material was cardboard).
Some teams leaned into organic shapes and layered textures to echo the flowing Spokane River, while others created forest-inspired towers with peaks and pathways. There was even a debate about whether Lego people prefer river views or forest retreats—because, of course, design is all about understanding your user.
As the hour wrapped up, nine mini masterpieces stood proudly on the table—each representing a unique interpretation of the theme and a whole lot of personality.
A Showcase of Creativity
When all the structures were placed together, the result was a spectacle of imagination and teamwork. Some creations featured bold geometry and surprising balance; others were whimsical and full of character. What they all shared was the unmistakable energy of designers having fun.
Ryan’s challenge wasn’t just about building with cardboard—it was about building connection. It reminded us that creativity flourishes when we collaborate, experiment, and let go of perfection for a moment of pure design play.
Why It Matters
At Bernardo Wills, we believe great design starts with curiosity and collaboration. Whether we’re shaping a community park, a workplace, or—in this case—a cardboard cityscape, the process always begins with an idea shared and built upon together.
This exercise may not have resulted in a new downtown development, but it sparked conversations, laughter, and a renewed sense of the creative spirit that fuels our work every day.
And in the end, that’s what great design culture is all about—bringing people together to imagine what’s possible.
