Your Design Budget? It’s How You Use It!

Focusing only on the size of your available project fund is usually the reason some projects do not go forward.   Looking at funding professional design services from more creative perspectives is a much better idea.

We tend to sometimes imprison our project possibilities by thinking of funding as a finite phenomenon we call a budget, rather than a fluid process called budgeting.   That’s not doubletalk!   There is a difference.

Your designer looks at project scope incrementally when helping you find workable ways to contract the help you need.  You may not be able to financially execute your entire project vision in one complete effort in one specific timeframe.  That is not a reason to abandon the project you want.  It simply poses the challenge to prioritize a developmental path that appropriately sequences that vision in coordination with your graduated funding potential.

Over a longer time period, your project’s professional services need can take a modest place in your overall, ongoing budgeting process.   That “finite” number (that is not possible to acquire or commit to as an immediately accessible fund) becomes a gradual funding discipline, over time, in keeping with your revenue flow – rather than your present financing or loan limitations.

One reason to seek professional guidance -- in advance of giving up on your project -- is to learn about solutions and possibilities that you may not have considered.  Many projects that are perceived too big to accomplish with current available funding projections are scrapped on that rationale alone, with no consideration of alternate strategies that your professional designer may suggest.

Over-extension is an avoidable risk.  Nothing can dampen your enthusiasm about your interior design installation more than emerging from it with too much residual financial burden.  By considering a gradual, incremental approach to the design vision you really want, you can comfortably enjoy a manageable project path.

There are many ways to accomplish the financial aspect concerning design assistance for your project vision.  You may have explored several, and you may have come up discouraged.  Whatever that status, consider talking with your design professional about the options available.  Try viewing your project rhythms and expectations differently.

Some solutions lie in analyzing the scope.  Others may be found by considering sequencing strategies or increments.  Still others may be available through creative contract payment structures directly with your designer.

Just as you want the financial side of your project obligations to be manageable and reasonable, your design team wants to do their aspect of your project to your satisfaction, and then conclude business with you -- without a collection crisis as the anticlimax.  It is only logical to look for workable solutions that serve the client, the designer and the project path.

With many, many details come many decisions – and many opportunities for conflicting opinions.  Your designer will help with acceptable solutions.

Collaboration & Writing: Ms. Zoe Tummillo
WritingService@earthlink.net