As a commercial interior designer, you know how important it is to satisfy your clients' needs and preferences. But what if they have different tastes than yours, or even among themselves? How can you manage conflicts and deliver a design that meets everyone's expectations? Here are some tips to help you handle these situations.
Before you start any design project, you need to understand the client's vision, goals, and requirements. Ask them to share their inspirations, preferences, and expectations. Listen to their feedback and ask questions to clarify their needs. You can also use mood boards, sketches, or samples to visualize their ideas and avoid misunderstandings.
Interior design is a very personal agenda. Mostly clients who come to us have done their fair share of research. Even if it is simply browsing Pinterest. Sometimes they come with unrealistic designs not meant for their surroundings. We respect that. > We sit down with them patiently - we make them understand their design in accordance to their budget. > We suggest alternatives as much as we can. > We help them visualise their space with a mix of their ideas and ours. > We stay loyal to our words and designs We do not let the situation come to a conflict - we aim for a win win as soon as the client steps inside.
Its very interesting topic, usually we try to find a common ground where I can try to use their taste in a good design perspective.
Communication is key to avoid and resolve conflicts with your clients. You need to keep them updated on the progress, challenges, and changes of the project. You also need to explain your design decisions and rationale, and how they align with the client's vision and goals. Be respectful, honest, and professional in your communication, and avoid jargon or technical terms that might confuse them.
Sometimes, you might encounter clients who have different tastes than yours, or who disagree among themselves. In these cases, you need to compromise and negotiate to find a solution that works for everyone. You can try to balance the different styles, colors, or elements that each party prefers, or suggest alternatives that might suit them better. You can also emphasize the benefits and drawbacks of each option, and how they affect the project's budget, timeline, and quality.
One of the most common sources of conflict with clients is unrealistic or unclear expectations. You need to manage their expectations from the start, and throughout the project. You can do this by setting clear and realistic goals, scope, and deliverables. You can also use contracts, proposals, or agreements to document the terms and conditions of the project, and avoid surprises or disputes later on.
Another way to prevent and manage conflicts with clients is to seek their feedback and approval at every stage of the project. You can use presentations, meetings, or reviews to show them your work and get their input. You can also ask them to sign off on the final design before you proceed to the next phase. This way, you can ensure that they are happy with the outcome, and avoid revisions or complaints later on.
Finally, you can learn from your experience of dealing with conflicts with clients, and improve your skills and processes. You can evaluate what worked well and what didn't, and identify the causes and solutions of the conflicts. You can also ask for feedback from your clients, and use it to enhance your customer service and satisfaction. You can also update your portfolio, testimonials, or referrals to showcase your successful projects and attract more clients.