Name: Matthew Brenner
City: Seattle
State: WA
Country: USA
Comment:
Just curious as to how you deal with a client that insists on completing a project in stages not because of budget restraints but to see how choices “look”….I try to explain that the room will never feel quite right until it is completed and to judge the room when it only has the upholstery is to judge a meal based only on the appetizer…..any thoughts??
Vicente Responds:
I agree with you 100%. If they had vision to see a partially completed room, they’d be doing it themselves. Somebody who says that doesn’t trust, and if they can’t trust you, maybe you would not be the right designer for them. (And that’s a line that sometimes works!) You’re leading yourself into what could be a problematic relationship.
#1 by Linda Merrill on August 4, 2009 - 7:39 pm
So totally agree! The trust issue is very important and without it, the work will never be right – for the client or designer.
#2 by Grant K. Gibson on August 4, 2009 - 7:49 pm
Don’t we maybe think that maybe we are not talking about TRUST here- but rather someone who might really want to do this project with him- but can’t afford to do it all at one time.
If they get an appetizer and like it- they should then order the main course and then the after dinner drink!
I agree as well with Vicente- that if they had the vision they would do it themselves.
How about work this project in phase one- two and three.
This is your grand picture. First you are going to get this and this and then phase two is this and this and the the final is to pull it all together with the cherry on top?
I have worked this way with clients before and it has worked very well.
Back to trust issues- starting with one room or area of a house is also a good way to start working with someone.
You might end up hating working with them and want off the job. They might take forever to make choices. Personalities are so important and meshing them together in the right way.
They can go SO the wrong way too. You might think that a project is going to be great and the client is SO nice-and then it all goes down hill. For the most part- people are good and they know what they are getting into- but you get a bad egg here and there.
#3 by laura waldrip on August 5, 2009 - 10:50 am
Vicente, As an owner of a continental and English antiques shop I interact daily with many designers. I am recommending your blog to those that I feel have “it” but do not get the “business part”. I think you are brilliant and have even recommended your site to a friend with a fabulous shop in Atlanta who just can not seem to collect her money. Keep on, keeping on, keeping us straight. Such a great resource for us………….