Designing to Fit the Vision is a copyrighted series of articles about Interior Design. - Business Design Services

When The Game Changes!

12/12/2018

The client is always “in charge!” That’s why the game sometimes changes without warning from their side of the table.

Your design team manages a large pool of resources – all of which have operational scenarios of their own. That’s why the game sometimes changes without warning from their side of the table!

Your professional design team is familiar with these negative possibilities. It can be disruptive, but circumstances do sometimes unexpectedly alter cases.

There is, of course, the very human menu of reasons: illness, unexpected financial reversals, a rift among principals, legal and compliance changes and similar situations. But, sometimes the reason seems to turn on a whim or a communication glitch. Suddenly there is a significant change in the project’s complex; it can shake the project’s foundation as well as the relationships.

Management of a game change requires a commitment to solutions from all concerned. Clear communication, revised documentation and sincere efforts toward understanding cause and effects are vital for re-stabilizing the project.

A “game change” might be only about scope, such as eliminating large dining, and limiting to an intimate tasting room -- or simply developing increments over time instead of the full vision all at once.

Extra Value of Early Team Integration

11/17/2018

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.

Assembling your full team, planning and projecting -- in advance of need -- can be the most critical aspect of your project.

A Wrench in the Gears!

3/31/2018

When your design project vision is clear and you have selected the professional team that you will be working with, the last thing you want is for third parties to throw a wrench in the works.

The next-to-last thing you want is to be paying your design team for damage control, after the fact, because of trouble directly caused by neither you nor your team.

But, it does happen. Because there are myriad details and many participants, sometimes trouble can develop in aspects of the project path where you or your team cannot have seen it coming.

The small stuff (it can feel big in the moment!) may be annoying, but can usually be resolved quickly. Larger “wrenches’ that shut down the whole machine are quite a different matter.

There is no lack of examples – some that could curl your hair – and most of them could have been prevented. Many of the mistakes, oversights, miscommunications or accidents can be traced directly back to poor quality controls.

For every detail there’s a process. For every process there’s an opportunity for good quality control – or big mistakes. No one wants problems!

Indecision, Procrastination and Timing!

3/6/2018

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.

Each design project has multiple paths to completion! The balanced, harmonious finished product is no accident – but rather the result of several converging strategies.

Consultation Only?

2/18/2018

Sometimes it seems as though the easiest and most economical way to approach your design project would be to purchase some consultation time from an expert, then move right into action on your own; no problem!

Well... It would be great if it were that simple, and if steaming ahead on consultation input alone would cover the bases. But, “consultation alone” has some pitfalls – and some disciplines.

Most of us have either observed or experienced the difference between knowing how and actually knowing how! The former is intellectual; the latter is about implementation.

Talking about an idea and making it happen are different parts of a complex process. Look before you leap, and get help where you need it!

Cross-Cultural Communicating

1/21/2018

When English is the client’s second language, communication can run into snags, and misunderstandings can innocently develop.

Many of us speak more than one language. As our developing world has expanded and transportation has shortened the distances among differing cultures, our communities have become more diverse – and more interesting.

While there are many advantages in being able to speak more than one language, and understand translation of its words, we think in our original and first language. Literal translation, unfortunately, does not deliver all the goods!

There are simple expressions typical of each language, there is “slang,” there are variations in the usage of the same word and many other subtleties that provide the perfect set of circumstances for misunderstanding. Add in the factor of accents and pronunciation, and the odds increase for simple comprehension problems.

While contemporary in function, these clients wanted their hotel lobby to reflect the traditional colors and warmth of their East Indian heritage.

Changing Decisions Impacts Timing!

12/10/2017

For those familiar with flow charts and critical path planning in their everyday work, the meaning will jump right out!

However, not everyone is involved with very close and precisely timed junctures in their ordinary work patterns.

Achieving your desired project completion date hinges on a series of activities, availabilities, choices, decisions and actions that must converge appropriately. They are the functional elements that exist within each phase and aspect of your project, and are strategized by your design team at the front end of the project. Also built into the plan are allowances for flexibility in situations not entirely predictable at the start.

The floor is connected to the wall that’s connected to the ceiling, then the lighting then the furnishings, and the colors! Changing your mind causes ripples!

Worthwhile Concerns!

11/27/2017

They come up in both perspectives of your design project: Client and Contractor. Large or small (real or imagined!) all are important because they have an effect on your project path.

Again, good communication tools and comfortable, open, comfortable relationships are the key to managing your concerns. There is no concern too small to bring to the attention of your professional design team. And, likewise, your designer will not hesitate to bring clarifications, questions and “mysteries” to your attention.

Large concerns are usually obvious to all the players and probably will quickly bring cooperative attention to bear for solutions. Very small concerns (questions or momentary mysteries) might just be handled as they arise, where they occur, and not even cause a blip.

While the terminology “concerns” may seem vague or obtuse, most of us could quickly come up with examples! In the course of a project there is often sudden concern for something all assumed was handled – usually by someone else! And assumption is a concern in itself!

Worthwhile concerns, expressed in a timely manner, helped to insure the beauty, serenity and utility of this unique space.

Holiday Environments!

11/21/2017

It can be a real challenge to meet the holiday seasons with good taste that enhances – not harms --your year-round environment. Whether you are planning for residential or business celebrations, take the time to think it through-- for good presentation and good use of funds.

Regarding Holiday Decorations, you will want to put enthusiasm and holiday spirit into all your efforts, but not compromise your basic decor, color scheming or furnishings. Many of the things available for holiday ambiance come with some risk. Some even present subtle forms of wear and tear to existing finishes and flooring.

The barrel room for this Equestrian Ranch & Event Center is magically transformed for their holiday outreach to associates, friends and family.

Things That Waste Time and Money!

11/3/2017

Some can drive your design team stark raving nutz!

The serious side of this problem is no laughing matter, and nutz or not, time is money and that invoice in the mail is the bottom line clincher. It is vital to know all the facts about how it got to that number.

We all like to think we are efficient – and prudent. But, too often, little stuff adds up and disputes that assumption.

How efficient is it, for instance, to take four five- minute phone calls with your designer waiting each time (on the clock) to continue your meeting? Do you think your professional should “give you” that quarter hour? Or, when your designer arrives on time for your appointment and you keep them waiting thirty minutes – do you think they should clock off? (You would not want your designer taking phone calls or texting while you were paying them to be focused on you!)

Make the time and money count by keeping diversion and distraction to a minimum!

Moving Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

8/6/2017

It happens. Sometimes a client will essentially decide to switch horses in the middle of the stream, and want to take their Interior Design project in an entirely different direction! That could mean anything from a thematic shift, all the way to a change to an entirely different business venue or residence style!

As long as everyone involved understands the financial and timeline criticality of radically changing course, well, it can be worked through! But many other basic factors come into play! If you have hired an Interior design team that is limited to a very specialized design focus, you may be facing radical changes in the team composition.

When you feel that things are slipping out of the functional “comfort zone,” and you don’t know why, it’s time to go back to the drawing board and find the cause!

First, Let’s Look the Dragon in the Face

5/31/2017

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.

Elegant drama welcomes their corporate associates and transfers a message of warmth and accomplishment; just what the client wanted to convey for this reception environment.

Using Professional Interior Design Services: Beginning

4/7/2017

When a commercial or residential project begins to take shape in your mind, and your vision of the finished environment seems clear, inevitable questions come up: How to begin? How much will it cost?

Of course, those are not the only questions, but they are pivotal, interdependent and paramount to realizing your vision. If you can get the foundation of a desired project off on the right foot, the process that follows can move smoothly, affordably and efficiently.

To help a good beginning get better, first do your homework. Spend some time thinking about your likes and dislikes in very specific ways. Are there styles and features you have seen or read about that have appealed to you? Are there environments where you have felt comfortable or perhaps where the colors and lighting were especially appealing?

This image illustrates the designer’s interpretation for a client who wanted a calming and beautiful place for relaxation and renewal.

Interviewing Your Prospective Expert

2/13/2017

How do you know which perfect stranger is the expert you want to bring into your Interior Design vision and ideas, receive your fees, help you sort through hundreds of choices, guide you in serious decisions and learn your idiosyncrasies up close and personal? Well...you don’t.

That’s why it is very important to get the facts about getting the facts. You need to know how to interview prospective Interior design professionals, what to ask about what you need to know, how to research references and how to evaluate the relevancy of any prospective Interior designer to your particular project profile.

Referrals are very, very valuable. A recommendation that comes from someone who had a good experience and is very pleased with the finished project is worth its weight. However, it’s a good idea not to stop there. With a solid referral in mind, you are surely headed in a good direction, and can confidently move forward (with that referral) to the next important factors to consider.

Sit down, pull the facts together and do your front-end homework! Creating the right associative mix is worth the time it takes.

It Takes More Than Just A Good Design!

10/26/2016

A whole lot more. Your Interior Design team is good at what they do – or you would not have chosen them to help you realize your interior environment design vision. But, having the credentials, training, experience and expertise only goes as far as it goes! On the other side of the coin, your team may be intrigued by your proposed project, but over and above that, you need mutual respect, and you need to want to work together!

To make your Interior Design project successful in all aspect and for all concerned there must be compatibility and comfortable, balanced relationships throughout. The ability to work comfortably with your talented team makes all the difference! The process of first understanding the design concept - the vision - and then, interpreting it into the site in question requires good communication, compatible perceptions and a commitment to positive clarification.

If relationships get touchy, it’s better to sit on the hot seat and clear the air, than risk contaminating your Interior Design project that’s underway!