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No beating around the bush
As is the case inmost of life, the more we say what we truly mean with clear communications, the better the outcome. It is no different in any type of professional engagement, be it medical care, legal consultation, or interior design. Author and journalist Germany Kent says, “If you don’t knowwhat it is you’re looking for, you’re NEVER going to find it. You have to be clear on what it is you’re seeking.”
We often believe that we are being clear in our intent and conveyance of what it is we expect and need out of a transaction or a professional relationship, but there are key factors that are the hallmarks of making that so: clarity of expectation, self-awareness as to boundaries and preferences, and asking key questions to ensure understanding.
One of the key contributors to success and harmony in any relationship, interior design included, lies in expectations met and unmet. The more we are able to identify and voice our expectations, the more likely they are to be met, and vice versa. Client and designer are equally responsible for ensuring that objectives are identified, resulting outcomes are quantified and communicated, and communication is kept on track along the process.
An infinite number of details unfold and are necessarily applied to any interiors project. An interior designer navigates these details daily, and assumes much responsibility for them. Some details require more client guidance, while others can be worked out behind the scenes based on expertise. Knowing the level of oversight that a client would like to have, or need not be bothered with, is a crucial issue to be established early on. Interior designers perform due diligence in the programming phase to net-out the overarching and intricate nuances about a client, informing the design and subsequent selections. Key issues not revealed up front only to surface later result in wasted resources. That goes for representing the influential biases of all stakeholders, whether a spouse, partner, or other decision influencer. The more all voices are represented up front, the lower the chance of multiple design iterations, saving both time and money.
We all have our limits as to who and whatwe allow into our domain and a threshold for change or certain variables. It is incumbent upon the client to be forthright about what those are, rather than hoping for the best and inviting the possibility of discord later. Do not be ashamed about your opinion, connotations, or parameters. The more an interior designer understands about your makeup, likes and dislikes, and hot buttons, the more efficient and successful the process and the outcome.
We often note that the most successful projects are those where the client clearly portrays the vision and priorities, and is decisive. The larger picture of a home or commercial project has a lot at stake. Matters of reputation, emotion, and money, and the looming question “Will I love it?” can all cause much trepidation. If an interior designer has been well vetted, the confidence in her or him to shepherd the project with the client’s best interest in mind will hopefully be proven. And as decisions need to bemade, unless there are strong, clear directives to the contrary, the interior designer’s best professional recommendations will be heeded.
The careful selection of an interior designer that will align with your project, timetable, expectations, and communication style is of high importance. This enables a relationship based on trust, respect and optimal outcome for expectations to be met and surpassed.
Heather Van Luchene, ASID, and Steffany Hollingsworth, ASID, are partners in HVL Interiors, LLC, an interior-design firm offering professional residential and hospitality design services. Both areNew Mexico-licensed interior designers. They can be reached at (505) 983-3601 or info@ hvlinteriors.com.