The choices within the marketplace are endless and can be
overwhelming. Trends come and go, rules are made to be broken, and as we mature our tastes
evolve. So, how does one go about beginning a design project? Knowing your clients is the
best beginning. Where they live has a direct influence on what they live with
and it is vital to concentrate on the function of the space. Keep in
mind how the space will be used, identify likes, dislikes and color
preferences to determine the ambiance they hope
to achieve.
There will be certain limitations based on the architecture and budget, but remember there
is no "right" way to design, beyond safety, except to consider what is right for
your client. A designer is there to interpret client wishes, highlight the
attributes and minimize the shortcomings of spaces under consideration,
supply excellent services and products and oversee a project from conception to
completion.
The services of a designer, in today's marketplace, have become more important
than ever. The cost to produce well-made, beautiful, long-lasting furniture has
skyrocketed. Hardwoods are at a premium, elaborate finishing techniques are in demand and
the raw materials and labor to produce these goods have risen.
The investment a client makes to create an outstanding interior is very
expensive. Let's
face it, our grandparents would never understand that it can cost as much to
furnish a room today as it used to cost to purchase a whole house. And many consumers,
especially those who have not purchased goods in some time, may be astounded at current
prices. Coupled with the fact that there are more and more products available, varying
greatly in their quality, the role of a designer as an interpreter has become essential.
It is important to rely on interior designers who know the reputation and
quality of the products they recommend. Stocking dealers afford consumers the luxury of seeing items first-hand,
but this may be an instance where a picture does not always tell the whole story.
Studies show that most of us purchase furniture only two or three times during our
lifetime, but there are many methods available, other than traditional retail. Some products are even available directly to
the end-user, in an attempt to circumvent the retailer or designer and pass savings on to
the consumer. Lower price often equates to a lower level of service.
Often, when consumers concentrates only on price, they may not have considered all the ramifications. Why is there
such a difference in price? Is this discount based on the buying power of a firm or is it
of inferior quality? Will consumers get the service they have come to expect? Are they
really getting the best quality for their money? Have they sacrificed warranties? If
problems arise in shipping, such as damage by a freight line, who will handle this and
replace the damaged goods? How long can they expect their furniture to last? And, most
importantly does the piece achieve the desired results in terms of scale, performance,
durability?
If you have a client who seems only interested in the bottom line, it is your
responsibility to determine if they are, in fact, sacrificing quality. Inform them of
what they may be giving up and how your services are worth the difference in price.
Analyzing clients' needs, preparing a plan that functions well, providing quality
product lines from reputable manufacturers, stocking inventory, handling
storage and delivery
services, supervising installation, enforcing warranties and resolving shipping of damaged
goods that may arise, all come at a price.
A consumer who settles for less now may be settling less the next ten or
twenty years to come. As a Ziggy cartoon once illustrated so well, by
showing an antique dealer talking to a prospective buyer, "You better
love what you buy when it's new, because it won't be 'new' for very
long." When your client purchases well-made items they adore, they will
end up loving them for many years to come, and every time they look at
the the results they will be reminded of how
you helped make their dream a reality.
-
Dezignaré |
|
