As designers, our work often requires us to distill the essence of exceptional design. It necessitates that we pinpoint the two or three elements that consistently ensure greatness, time and time again. However, the reality is far from straightforward; while these foundational elements may be present at the project’s outset, the design process is non-linear—it’s a journey that often loops back on itself. Through collaboration, work and revision, the design incorporates the diverse goals of many. As new considerations emerge, it becomes the responsibility of any great designer to evolve, deciding what to adapt and what to discard. In this issue of EXPAND, we pull back the curtain to explore how process and partnership unveil the essential elements that create exceptional, thriving environments.