Vision To Reality Can Be Daunting

​Let’s say you have a clear vision in mind concerning a commercial or residential design project. It could be completely new construction, a remodel, an addition or simply the refreshment of an existing environment with which you are satisfied.  You have consulted several trusted associates about feasibility and practicality, and are excited to get going.
 
You have speculated about how to move ahead, you have looked at financing, and you have even debated the degree of outside help you actually want, could afford, or need.  Could you manage it alone?  How would you start?  Do you know where to begin?

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Learning exactly what is involved in becoming your own project coordinator is a very important consideration at this juncture.  The process of turning a dream into reality can be daunting; realizing in the middle of a project that you are in over your head can have serious ramifications.
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It would be wise to carefully look not only at the demands of the new project, but how you would meet those demands while also keeping your status quo in balance – job or career, family, etc. Each decision you make affects the next one, like baking a cake.
 
It is important to know your limitations, and to recognize when it is prudent and economically sensible to get the right help you need at the right time.
 
Appropriate professional design services bring important elements to the project: experience in the specialized field, knowledge of and access to essential resources, vital information regarding compliances, appropriate sub-contracting connections, skill and expertise.  Those components mean efficiency; and that means sound budget disciplines.
 
There are many levels of help available to every design project. Depending upon your personal level of experience, knowledge of the project components, and financial readiness, your project may require only informed consultation.
 
 In that case, your consulting design professional will be sure you don’t fall into typical prioritization traps, don’t put the cart before the horse, and don’t make incorrect choices in a sincere effort to save money – choices that might prove unwise and very expensive at a future time.
 
The professional design field can provide a wide range of assistance from consultation through full project coordination, design, planning, purchasing facilitation, installation and all detail management.   The client has the assurance that their professional designer is functioning as advocate in all aspects. 
 
Bringing a project from vision to installation should be an exciting experience.  An important part of the job is making sure that everything works toward preserving and achieving the desired results.   The more limited your relationship is with outside services, the less responsibility and protective professional oversight there will be for the integrity of the project. 
 
Money is a big factor, of course.  But if money is the sole driver of choices and decisions, possibilities will seem limited.  And that is where experience, creativity, familiarity with available resources, and knowledge of materials is vital.  Your designer has your vision in mind – and a myriad of options on how to make it happen within your budget restraints. That is where communication and trust come in.
 
Communication and trust are vital in the relationship.  From the first conversation and throughout your project’s ups and downs (and there will be some!) it is important to be frank about feelings, questions, and surprises including the possibility of unforeseen changes. 
 
Go it alone or seek professional design help?  It’s a big question with big consequences.  The ultimate decider is you on which path to take:  limited consultation or full project assistance.  Either way, valuable advice from a professional designer will help you sleep better at night; and that’s a fact.