COVID-19 Interior Design Disciplines Now -- Then Cautiously Forward

​Forward.  That word has a nice ring to it!  Whether we are ready to move forward with an exciting Interior Design project, or looking forward to this terrible Pandemic finally receding, forward thinking is where we should focus our positivity!
 
We are all on the same page when it comes to revising the way we are doing business (for the duration), and many of us are finding that some of our Pandemic related innovations might just stay in our strategies when it’s all over.  (Nothing wrong with looking for some benefits out of all the hassle!)
 
Communication innovation is in the forefront!   For one thing, it has presented the interesting twist of speaking with clients, friends and family from the relaxed environments of homes!  “Good Morning!  Just got back from walking the dog! Your timing is perfect.... about that purchase order...” 

Find a place that works for you; then, think through new ways to turn chaos into productivity! You might be surprised at your own flexibility

Some of us are realizing that we are more flexible, more adaptable and more innovative than we might have doubted we could be -- when this challenge landed on us like a ton of bricks!  I have discovered that there are some Interior design ideas I have just not had “extra time” to explore; I am doing that now!   Converting investments like travel time into ideas exploration is working well!  My contemplative time takes place on my rear deck, overlooking the chaparral and mountains vista!   Amazing what a quiet environment and beautiful scenery can do for our creative side...
 
Our Lake County Health department, Sheriff and Police departments are doing a superb job of reducing our risks to bare minimums!  Despite limitations, our vital and essential services and resources are still there for us, thanks to employees adapting to new ways to function.  My clients and I have moved right along – hardly missing a beat.   The good news is that, just among my client base, there are so far no cases of COVID19.  Keeping our fingers crossed.
 
In service and creative venues such as Interior Designers, Architects and some related sub-services, the isolation factor presents some opportunities.  It is a good time to revisit our Business Plans.   Might want to re-visit our operations function and take a look at modifications and improvements.  What about the new challenges that are not accounted for in our Marketing Plan?
 
Interior Design is (or should be) an integral part of your marketing plan.  Presentation of our capabilities – services or goods – will face very new issues and problems when one considers the possible duration of the COVID19 challenges.  How we project our strengths will come right up against how we deal with any weaknesses this situation may have created, regarding how we can deliver our venue to the market community.   Remember, our consumers already have had to modify how they use our services and procure our goods!    
 
How professionals – like Interior designers – serve our client bases has already been modified, and, most of it is good news!  Interior design involves personal connections between the Interior designer and the client.     Those connections develop and evolve because a very large part of the work of Interior design is the interpretation of a personal “Vision,” that is held by the client.  In an interesting twist-within-a-disaster, gaining that kind of necessary, personal insight has (by default) actually acquired another interesting dimension. 
 
There is something about knowing the other party is also working from home, is probably more casually dressed in (RED) sweats... and may take a break to putter in their yard, that smacks of friendly camaraderie!   It can almost feel like fun – once you get past the challenges of moving equipment, files, resources, etc. etc., from the real office, and build your new set-up!  In fact, feel free to call and I will share some of the clever ways I am using my Moms cedar chest!
 
 There is nothing in all of this that says you can’t find some upside.  In fact, it really is important to try.  I don’t enjoy (any more than anyone else) making periodic trips to my real office to pull samples and grab resource elements!  But, continuity is important, and there are far more than just one way to proceed and deliver our goods and services to our markets.
 
I try to practice what I preach to my clients:  Stretch your imagination, focus on positive change and be creative with your Interior design Vision!