When you hire a designer, what answers are you looking for?
What results do you want that you can’t get on your own?
Interior design work is magical. Designers are dream makers, creative seekers, and guardians of the beautiful.
We are also servants, psychologists, executors, fund managers, and problem solvers.
Beyond that, we are fathers, mothers, siblings, and caretakers.
We are human.
Just like you.
With that spirit in mind, I thought I would attempt a post that brings client and designer together to a better understanding. While television glamorizes, social media shows the best-of, and I truly love what I do, my work is not all sunshine and roses.
After all, when we signed the contract to work together I agreed to take your stress and make it my own for the next 3 months to two years.
I’m ok with that.
And I really, really, really want to make you happy.
To make this go well (knowing we WILL hit bumps in the road), there are a few things that would help me and my colleagues out tremendously. A few have joined me today!
Be decisive.
We know you are coming to us because you don’t know. There’s a pain point you can’t fix on your own, and that’s why we’re here. We’ll figure it out. The question is, will you accept our answer?
Be honest.
Honestly saves every relationship, or at least lets it end with dignity and resolution. Honesty requires a great amount of vulnerability, but this is where projects can thrive.
Trust.
I would say this is the BIGGEST thing we need as creatives. When we see you release your problem without looking back, it gives us oxygen. We will move heaven and earth for clients who have faith in our work.
Pay promptly.
The world moves on, regardless. The fabric you wanted may only have 15 yards left, our bills come in like clockwork, and our kids are hungry three times a day. If you pay promptly we can quickly secure the fabric, relax because our power bill is paid, and keep everything else running too. Thank you for paying on time! It alleviates SO. MUCH. STRESS.
Be thankful.
You know what’s (almost) better than money? A word of thanks. A great review. A compliment. It’s not often heard in ANY work environment. These help us get through the hard days. And while you’re at it, make sure to compliment your waitress as well.
Seth Godin says that our job is to connect to people and interact with them in a way that leaves them better than we found them.
There’s a chance for us, both client and designer, to enrich each other’s lives.
When I first started my business I thought about it being a way to express my creativity and to increase the beauty around me. After almost a decade in, I realize that this business isn’t a creative business. It’s a service business. (New designers take note). Service businesses aren’t easy. There are a lot of emotions and stresses at play.
It helps a lot to remember that we are human.
Together, flaws and all, we can create something amazing.
I hope this list guides us all to a better place.
Ingrid Porter says
You always have such a great way with words and this is no exception. This post is packed with a ton of nuggets that will help serve the designer and the client. Thanks for sharing!
Chris says
Really good post, we need to trust the designers and their innovative vision more.