No one should feel mowed over when creating their dream space.

Something I sadly hear too often is a new client recounting feeling dismissed having worked in the past with a Designer who ‘wouldn’t let them’ do something on their own project.  

I do think there’s a very real concern that in working with a Designer one is giving up their own say.  So let’s break that down.  

‘ What if all my ideas get steamrolled? ‘

No one wants to feel unheard.  But more importantly no one wants to begin a journey feeling that it has the potential to spin out of their control.  The relationship between a Client and Designer is really key to a successful project.    

I’ve always thought of the client as similar to a person looking to book a Holiday - and the Designer as similar toa Travel Planner / Tour Guide.    

It’s the client’s Holiday - but what kind of Holiday?  What kind of things do they want to do and see?  It’s part of a Designer’s job to help act as a Guide through the adventure.

Sounds simple enough - but I hear these industry stories which paint a picture of Designers being these controlling, opinionated, haughty, immoveable Divas.   It’s their “vision” and anything but - isn’t going to fly.  

While personality and attitude could be contributing elements, there’s also a possible deeper layer of what that Designer’s overarching goals are.  Are they working towards a very specific look for their portfolio of projects, or are they worried about attaching their name to something that isn’t exactly what they had in mind?

While I understand how much as designers we want to see our creative vision come to life - I’ve always felt it’s so important to make sure that vision is also inline with the clients’ vision.  It’s their space after all- who could be more important to consider than how they will feel with in it?  

And no, that doesn’t mean just going along with whatever the consensus is - but thoughtfully pointing out the benefit or detriment of a decision and the rationale behind it.  If something isn’t feeling quite right - then how can it be adjusted to better suit what the client is looking for?

Don’t be afraid to speak up - your designer should want to hear your input!  And if you’re still finding you’re not feeling heard - then it’s definitely time to find a designer who is actively wanting to collaborate with you.