I like Vincent's idea of looking at design from the perspective of the End User AND Service Provider. Although there will sometimes be a conflict between the ideals of the two, there is lots to be learned from both groups which will create an successful facility.
This all makes me think of a kitchen my father worked it (he's a chef)...
After spending many thousands of dollars on remodeling/expanding/upgrading their kitchen, the owners hired my father. Although the kitchen was a marvel of modern equipment and looked very nice there were numerous problems for anyone having to actually work there. My dad ended up spending many more thousands of dollars to rework what had been done.
This falls right in line with the OP's topic. The kitchen was designed by those who were thinking of the customer only (the visual appel, the departmentalized structure, etc) when instead they needed to get input from a chef or cook (our humble service provider) to understand what needs come from their end.
I think that NOT taking to an experienced setter would be a critical error in wall design. Whether it's a formal consulting gig or just going out and buying the him/her dinner and couple beers and picking their brain, you will end up with a better product without the risk of having to make costly modifications in the future.