The simple fact remains: there is always a first time; and that goes for design concepts as well.
When a professional shares experience, a portfolio, a website or a physical site tour, there is a good chance that you may not see an installation “exactly similar” to what you have in mind! And, while that is kind of an oxymoron, it is a comment made often by prospects: Well, that’s similar…but not exactly!
Probably the reason you don’t see your envisioned project in the designer’s review is because it hasn’t been designed — yet! When you think about it, you will probably be pleased at that insight; it means that your project will be unique.
What you will want to look for and relate with are the techniques, innovations and design “style” of the professional you are interviewing. You will want to take special notice of how specific challenges were addressed, the creative use of lighting, the treatment of possible architectural anomalies, interesting materials application and other characteristics of that designer’s skill and talent.
The professional designer will be listening and noticing the specific elements that seem to interest you; it’s the right time to speak up and be opinionated! Don’t worry about making positive or negative comments about what you see! Your prospective designer needs and wants to know your preferences. It is important to be open about the impressions you have of the installations you are viewing.
Once in a while a prospective client sees something that really connects for them. When that happens, it can give a very clear and important signal to the design team.
They may see elements, color schemes and furnishings that fit with what they have in mind. It’s up to the designer to pull it together!
Some prospective clients really have no idea what design approach they want. With no pre-conceived concept in mind, the door is wide open for a careful exploration of the possibilities. On the other hand, the client who knows exactly what they want must convey it as precisely as possible to their team to get everyone on the same page!
The extremes are equally challenging, and are welcomed by creative teams. That process is what makes each project interesting and unique.
Achieving the interior design that is right for your environment is not about seeing exactly what you are looking for, already in completed, and installed form in a professional’s portfolio! It is very much about finding the design direction and style that makes sense for you — and a design team with whom you can communicate satisfactorily.
The design concept process is one of discovery and creative thought, paired with technical skill and venue know-how.
Try not to limit your decision rationales to exactly and only the previously designed and installed environments you know or are being shown.
What you see is not all you can get!
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with writingservice@earthlink.net. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at rb@BusinessDesignServices.com or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.
