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One Trend That Outlasts The Others: Good Design Is About Good Design Process.

1/5/2013

2 Comments

 
Picture
Design is not about trends. It is about defining a design process to get to successful conclusions.
With more than three decades of practice, I have come to a couple of conclusions about life in the desert valley.  But it doesn't matter where one is in the world, the design and the design process impacts the human experience on many levels.

So here's what I've been thinking about that.

Everyone in the design profession looks at design trends and interior designers. Clients are no different.  But if there is one trend that is classic and enduring it that good design process is good design.  No matter how you might slice it, design that functions as intended, that complements the client and provides them a higher quality of life will always been "in vogue."  And if it increased the value of the real estate in some way, even better.

It's not the colour du jour nor what the furniture designers create that makes the difference when it comes to trends.  It's about sitting down with a client, nose to nose, getting them to share their desires, goals and objectives... no matter whether the style is contemporary or classic. But how do you start such endeavors?

It starts with a through conversation about what clients hope and desire in the design of their spaces.  And as an experience designer, I can dig that information out and offer it back as credible design solutions.  So my first question asked during an initial client interview is this:  "How Did You Come To Realize That You Might Need The Services Of An Interior Designer?"  

With that open ended question and with many to follow, I can begin to visualize what I will need to do to match the client's expectations.  And being in alignment with the client makes all the difference in a successful client relationship.  During the course of that first meeting, it will be important to understand who all will be involved, what special needs that require attention and what the time frame is.  Designers also like to know if there are any requirements such as working with a preferred set of trades, incorporating any existing furnishings inventory and who will make all the final decisions.  

That's the design process that every client should expect no matter the designer, architect, builder and contractor.  It helps to define the scope of work so that there are no misunderstandings about who will be responsible and for what.   That's the design trend, trust and transparency that will further define the outcomes, something that should be the goal when a client interviews the designer and when the designer interviews the client.  



2 Comments
Sandy Wilson
8/15/2011 10:37:41 am

So once the client and designer meet for the first time, what should be happening? What are the next steps?

Reply
Michael A. Thomas, FASID link
8/15/2011 10:41:29 am

Thanks for your question, Sandy. After the initial meeting, the designer should assess the conversation so that a scope of work can be defined and presented to the client. This assessment might actually call for more questions to help clarify specific issues that might impact the design work. This can be handled with a call or an email but of course, nothing is better than a face to face meet. But once all the criteria is known, the client should expect an outline of the design process and with a letter of agreement that specifies the projected costs involved. I hope that helps.

Reply



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    Michael A. Thomas, FASID interior designer in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
    ................................................. • Michael A. Thomas, CAPS, FASID is a passionate interior designer that constantly examines the impact design has on the human experience.
    Michael is an award winning interior designer based in Palm Desert, CA. He is a  Professional Member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a member of the ASID College of Fellows.  

    As a Certified Aging In Place Specialist, he creates smart looking spaces that are safe and secure and create homes for a lifetime.

    And with thirty plus years in the profession, he has honed his humor, elevated his passion for design and sharpened his wit to not take anything too seriously except his design work. 
    View my profile on LinkedIn

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  • Welcome Home
  • Who .
    • Contact Us.
  • In My Humble Opinion
  • What .
  • When .
  • Where .
  • Why .
  • How .
  • Portfolio .
    • Living Spaces
    • Kitchen Spaces
    • Bedroom Spaces
    • Bathroom Spaces
    • Club Design
    • Office Design
    • Other Spaces
    • Recents Spaces
  • Get This Guide
  • Providence Project
  • Condo Project
  • Monte Sereno Project
  • La Quinta Project
  • Rancho Mirage Project
  • An Artful Home Project
  • Testimonials + Awards
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  • mitchscott
  • Project Portfolio
  • thompsonhardesty
  • Alta Residence
  • Phillips
  • Bella Cara Way Residence
  • SilverSands
  • johnstevecabana
  • DunnCapitalFinal
  • NickbargCashen
  • 3D Renderings
  • Makie Residence
  • Sun City Palm Desert
  • 67 Canejo Circle Residence
  • Citrus Renovation
  • WardGade
  • M Bathroom @ Citrus Country Club
  • TrilogyCMCDesignConcepts
  • PCA-Interior Finishes
  • Ledesma Residence