How can a designer conceptualize a job without having full information? It’s like deciding to marry someone before you meet them. You need to know what the perimeters are, what you are dealing with and only then can you start the creative process. Anything else is a waste of time.
In this office we always meet with the clients at our office first, look at any floorplans they may have and once we’ve agreed to work with each other, we go to the space to study the particular light or quirkinesses that we have to take into consideration, then we measure the space and photograph everything. From this we can start the design process.
Anything else is just building sand castles in the sand. That’s what most clients do, it’s not what a designer is supposed to be doing. A designer is supposed to be prepared, have all their information and work with facts combined with creativity and professionalism.
#1 by Gary Nelling on December 9, 2009 - 8:11 pm
This is one of my favorite photos of your work. The theme and variation of different sizes and shapes of dark wooden shovels in an otherwise white-gray environment, aligned on a ledge as you often do with framed photos, is an arresting image. Combined with the light wood tables, it was a revelation to me how much these items warm a cool environment.
I completely agree with your comments on detailed documentation. I measure and photograph the entire home, commercial or medical client space in plan and elevation even if the project only involves a part of the total space, so that the existing and new spaces are integrated and hopefully seamless. Where additions are involved, I insist on an out-boundary and topographic survey, and strongly encourage locating trees and their caliper sizes. Sun orientation is critical too. I don’t claim to be able to “design on a napkin”. I need information to inform my impressions. Accurate drawings are part of the design process for me too, as your previously posted perspective rendering next to the photo of the finished room showed so effectively.
#2 by Sonya on December 9, 2009 - 8:39 pm
Very well stated! This is another one of your posts which I will print out and put on my bulletin board…your blog always give me courage in the face of those who question my process!
#3 by Karena on December 10, 2009 - 2:13 am
Vicente,
Very eloquent comments! I do wonder, how many interior designers are having their clients budget up front for original art? Sometimes it appears to be an afterthought, and the funds are all spent!
#4 by Lauren on December 10, 2009 - 10:34 am
so true… i find so often that clients want you to tell them what you’d do with the space the first minute you see it… before measuring, ohotographing & digesting it. And so often I get the question “What would you do in here?” or “what color should this room be?” And I have to explain that whatever we plan has to do with THEM as the clients & that if it were my room it would look one way & for them a totally different way.
Great to get us thinking! Thanks!
-Lauren @ Pure Style Home
#5 by m elissa lee on December 10, 2009 - 1:00 pm
Dear Vicente,
I second what Gary said: I love this photo of your work!!!
You know that my mother use to put up items such as antique wash boards on the walls and I thought she was crazy… Now that I look back she was just being creative…
I think one has to set the tone with clients and some how stand in ones power as many of the clients have great wealth and often want to be the one in charge of everything and we become just one of their staff in their minds!!
I myself know both polarities to this dynamic..
It’s a business just like any other and must be respected…
xxoo
Melissa
#6 by Gary Nelling on December 10, 2009 - 1:25 pm
Melissa,
I am still friends with the architect who was my first employer. He collects antique woodworking hand tools, like planes with wood handles and steel or iron blades, and displays them in a linear manner on a single shelf in his living room against the white plaster wall. They are like notes on paper without the staff! Just delightful!
#7 by m elissa lee on December 10, 2009 - 3:07 pm
Gary,
Thanks for the image!!!!!
M
#8 by Beth Beecroft (mygreasetoo on Twitter) on December 16, 2009 - 1:57 pm
At last a design article that addresses the root as being responsible for bringing a fragrant flower to fruition. I have always felt decor and design considerations to be as personal as your taste in undergarments. No one would deny the beauty and graceful form displayed by Victoria Secret models. Would the items they proudly display walking down the catwalk work for everyone ? No…of course not. Some of us are burgundy… while others view the palette of their lives through muted tones…beiges and grays. The perception of “tasteful” and “elegant” in one’s eyes may appear “bold” or “opulent” to another. I applaud the approach that takes into account the originality each of us possess…and the necessity for complimentary blending of taste in the case of a dual personality household. The immensely successful feeling of ownership and the intensely personal touch rendered by inanimate objects can save relationships from being fractured…provide a level of comfort where there was once none… and give purpose to an otherwise bland and meaningless existence. It is why a house is not a home…but with a thoughtful touch here and a tug on the heartstrings there…transforms into an extension of our soul.
#9 by Carlo on May 11, 2010 - 4:42 am
We design tent interiors for off-premise parties and the same “rules” basically apply. Clients, excited about having a party, oftentimes have a million and one ideas. We love it that they’re excited about the process and want them to remain that way. But the reality of it is, our job is one in the same as yours; preparation and creativity with a huge dose of professionalism added in. Great post!