​There are three very basic “elements” that form the “cohesion” for any Interior Design project:  The Client’s Vision; The Design’s Integrity and The End-User’s Satisfaction.
 
When a prospective client makes their decision to materialize an Interior design project Vision, they begin a process with very specifically delineated disciplines.  Their very first challenge is that of refining that Vision clearly enough to be able to translate it and communicate it accurately to an Interior design professional.  
 
Some prospective clients have very, very specific ideas (and their details) in mind, and may have been considering their prospective project for some time.  Others, not so specific, have a “vision,” but it is often a bit vague, is comprised of fragments from various sources and will depend heavily on an expert who can pull those fragments together!  Still others may have had previous experiences with previous projects and want to modify or completely revise what already exists.

It doesn’t seem to be the details themselves that bothers us; it’s how they are managed in a given situation.  When you place your design project in the hands of your design team, you buy into that team’s overall ”style,” and that of each of your project specialists.
 
Let’s face it.   Some styles can be annoying – particularly when they require accountability that may not line up with our own personal patterns.   Keeping all the balls in the air is very important.  There are many ways to manage the myriad details in projects of all sizes.  Flexibility and an open mind concerning perceived differences in how to handle the details is a benefit – not a handicap.

The simple, clean lines of a finished project do not reveal the hundreds of details that brought it all together.
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​That’s when your design team may be flattered, but at the same time, knows that part of the job will be helping the client to develop their own vision.  There are situations where a prospect makes it clear that they want a great environment, but don’t have a specific theme in mind, seem to have no materials preferences, color focus or the faintest idea where to begin!
 
Almost everyone has preferences!  Often the assertion:  “I really don’t care – I trust your judgment!” actually has to do with transposition.   For instance, you may know exactly what you want when you choose your clothing or select an automobile make, model and color, and a range of other situations where you make selections based on clear preferences.  But, envisioning how to pull a complex commercial or residential environment into balance and harmony seems monumental and unfocused.
 
It can be difficult to envision a favorite color, for instance, on the full expanse of a wall – though you love it in a necktie or sweater.  Picturing patterns on upholstery, paneling or flooring for a space sixty feet by eighty, for instance, is very different than for a vehicle.

​Where’s the middle ground?  How does your design expert make the selections for you to choose from?  One thing is certain, it is not from guesswork!
 
From initial contact, through documentation and all the subsequent steps and stages that lead to project completion, your professional design team is getting to know you.  That important process is one that continues – not one that is addressed and then at some point, is considered complete!
 
Your design vision may start with definite and specific form, but – like many art forms -- it continues to evolve.  As the project develops and becomes real, the subtleties and nuances of the original vision mature and shift.  Within the desired concept, the vision grows as each new choice is made, and as circumstances may influence

​Sometimes it’s a hard sell, because putting the whole team together at the front end of your project may seem premature and cumbersome.  Some professionals may agree with that caution.  However, bringing all aspects into focus in the initial planning process has many advantages that outweigh the resistance to do so. 
 
Envisioning the full scope of a design project as early as possible can eliminate both misconceptions and serious conflicts further down the line.
 
Organizing your team leadership participators in brainstorming and troubleshooting eliminates unrealistic perceptions that may exist concerning factors of cost, feasibility and possibility!
 
If you are an old hand at design projects involving all modes from completely new build-outs to remodeling and refreshing, you will probably see the wisdom in addressing as much as possible, up front.  On the other hand, if you are new at the game, it is worth your while to take a breath and slow down a bit.   Jumping right in with a chosen first priority, then winging it as you move along -- continually searching for the next-needed expert – is a recipe for trouble.

​Be it a cottage, a nest, a classic or a mansion, one’s home is a personal and intimate place.  Homes are reflections and projections of their owners and occupants.  Most homes are desired havens from the external contrasts where individuals work, visit and take care of life’s other necessities.
 
When the interior design of someone’s home is entrusted to a professional team, it is an extraordinary privilege.  In order to achieve and deliver the personal vision of a residential client, design professionals must actually intrude upon that client’s tastes, dreams and comfort-zones.  Your designer must learn not only what you want for your home, but also how you feel about that environment.

​Commercial Interior Design has many disciplines to consider!  That’s one big reason why preliminary brainstorming and conferencing with a business client is very important.  Once the paper work is wrapped up, the planning process begins and needs to be thorough.
 
There are several aspects to any small business operation.  There are, of course, the central and primary services or products that the business offers to its community market.  Those entail appropriate space planning and development as well as coordination of all the finishes, equipment, furnishings, etc., necessary for the specific circumstances.  And, because Interior business space integrity is an essential part of the business marketing plan (or should be), the Interior design must comprehensively synchronize with the desired business image.

​Isn’t it interesting how we often describe colors and lighting in terms of our sense of touch?  Lights are soft; that color feels cold, and so on.  It’s because the concepts of color and light are deeply integrated with texture, particularly in design considerations.
 
There are significant differences between painting a wall “flat,” and, texturing it first, then painting.  Applied color changes because of the highs and lows of a texture; light will play capriciously as textures vary.
 
Your designer must consider all textures carefully when choosing lighting, and color. That is one of the junctures where all three elements must be simultaneously managed.  It is important to remember that changing one of these factors affects all three.

​It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of timing and the many ways in which other patterns and problems can compromise essential timing rhythms.
 
When a prospective client first speculates about really doing the project they have long been considering, they then want to accomplish it as soon as possible.  Although it may have been months or even years since they first thought seriously about it, once a decision has been made to move ahead, it seems from that point on impatience sets in!

Some impatience is just the very real and congenial excitement and anticipation of actually seeing their vision take substance. On the other hand, some impatience is about not quite understanding the inter-locking, carefully timed moves and actions it takes to bring the project along smoothly to satisfactory completion.

​The simple fact remains:  there is always a first time; and that goes for design concepts as well.
 
When a professional shares experience, a portfolio, a website or a physical site tour, there is a good chance that you may not see an installation “exactly similar” to what you have in mind!   And, while that is kind of an oxymoron, it is a comment made often by prospects:  Well, that’s similar...but not exactly!
 
Probably the reason you don’t see your envisioned project in the designer’s review is because it hasn’t been designed – yet!  When you think about it, you will probably be pleased at that insight; it means that your project will be unique.

​In dreaming then planning for your Interior Design project, almost the main driver of the Vision is Color.   Yes, of course function, site, finances, and other basics are of prime importance!   But that image you have in mind takes shape in one’s imagination and projections, and you definitely see it in living color!
 
The pragmatic disciplines of knowing how color interacts with other colors, light and textures is in the hands of your Interior design expert team.   However, you, the client, know the theme color category you have in mind.   The color category you communicate to your Interior design team starts a consideration chain reaction concerning all the other relevant elements that will be serious players in accurately delivering your Interior design project.

​There are many reasons why a large project might have to be approached incrementally.   The most obvious, of course, may be funding.  However, while arranging the financing for a design project can be time-consuming, frustrating and require many compromises, other considerations also contribute to the wisdom of dividing a project into two or three manageable phases with breathing space between.
 
Your designer will help you assess the complexities of the design vision you have in mind.  Often a client feels they must abandon the vision they want or make undesirable compromises, because they cannot afford the time or money to do it all at once.   Accomplishing that vision in reasonably spaced phases is one solution.
 
While some rationales are similar for both residential and commercial projects, each has very specific challenges that are characteristic of their category.
 
There is the important consideration of whether or not a home or business will be occupied while the design project is taking place.  For financial pacing as well as periods of relief from disruption, timed phases are a smart consideration.

​You are excited about your project and you are ready to get started!  All the important decisions have been made and you have decided to work with a Professional Designer.
 
It’s now time to focus on that relationship, clarify your financial intentions, define the scope, translate those understandings into the appropriate paper work, get it under signature, and begin.
 
What is the “appropriate paper work” for a design project?  What does the operational package look like that will help your project move efficiently, stay on track, adhere to budgeting projections, guard against misunderstandings, avoid mistakes, and insure a good working relationship?
 
To begin, it is necessary to avoid verbal commitments, directives, and decisions.  In the brainstorming function, anything goes!  Talk about possibilities, pros and cons, and “druthers”; but the serious action plan must be agreed upon in writing.

​Once the decision to hire a professional interior designer is behind you, with the contract signed and in the drawer, it is time to refine and reprioritize your goals, organize your personal resources and just begin.
 
First, let’s look the dragon in the face.  Regardless of our financial means, there never seems to be enough money. It can help reduce stress around funding if we consider “budget” a verb, and keep that budgeting in mind every step and decision of the way.  Remember that some of the elements that can negatively impact the budgeting process are “hurry-up,” untested short cuts, bargains that aren’t a bargain in the long run, and the wrong kind of help – no matter how well meaning it is.  So, take a deep breath and decide that your adventure will be great.

​You are putting your Interior Design team together, and are ready to begin your Interior design project.   Perhaps it’s a long-anticipated residential remodel or the build-out for a new home on that beautiful lot you purchased!   Or, your project may be commercial space for a new retail business, professional services facility or a corporate complex.  
 
Whatever your project, think of it as a series of layered accomplishments!  Anyone knows how a new construction happens – kids like to line up and watch everything from the sub-excavation right up to the roofing.  From foundation to rooftop Solar panels, layer-by-layer, it happens!
 
When it comes to the Interior design aspect, there is more in the strategies than might immediately be apparent.  Your Interior designer works with a very specialized team – each player is key to the integrity of a specific layer of application.   Remember the school days jingle about the head bone being connected to the neck bone, and down the whole skeleton?  Same principle here!