In my practice of interior design and architectural planning, I distinguish between two methods of working with clients. You inquire about them before starting work.
You ask: how do we work? What does the design process look like?
There are two approaches to reaching the goal, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. And depending on the client, each may be preferred.
The beginning of both approaches is similar. We start with an interview with the client, where we learn about their needs and try to get to know each other. We have useful tools for this purpose in the form of previously prepared tables to fill out, which facilitate the work. Later, the initial sketches are created, reference boards are prepared, so-called mood boards, and arrangements with functional plans are approved.
At this stage, we prepare so-called material boxes, which serve as inspiration for further actions and set the color direction. After approving the basic direction, we can proceed further. And at this point, there are two possibilities for work. Presenting the client with a comprehensive proposal in the form of ready-made visualizations, which are then changed based on client feedback – this is the authoritarian method, where the client has a plan imposed by us, sees it, does not have to imagine it, and it can be gradually changed. The second method is working on plans, wall views, sketches, step by step solving individual issues and active participation of the client in the design process under our guidance. Finally, the resulting visualization is created, which is an exact reflection of our joint work on the subject.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the design processes?
Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on individual preferences, client needs, and the specifics of the project. Here’s a brief discussion of both approaches:
Prepared original concept in the form of visualizations, changed according to the client: method no. 1
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Step-by-step work with the client, creating the interior, and finally visualizations: method no. 2
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
At the beginning of collaboration, it is worth establishing how we work; I have encountered situations where everything was agreed upon with the collaborative method, and then after creating the visualizations, it turned out that the client did not envision it that way. The number of changes significantly affected the project’s economy.
Unfortunately, changes cannot be excluded, but they can be attempted to be organized in such a way that they are not painful and do not turn the project upside down.
It is not uncommon for clients to expect ready-made, completely original proposals, executed professionally, and they are not willing or have time to delve into details. Additional questions and sessions are cumbersome for them, and they perceive it as unprofessionalism. In this case, I am inclined to consider that such projects should be rewarded with a bonus in the form of a price discount.
Agnieszka Szultk