How to Make Your Clients Feel Connected & in Love with Your Design?

You want to personalize your design so that your clients feel special.

The thing is, that you might not be able to show your good deed in a convincing way.

No matter how you say that you care.

If your design doesn't communicate what is in their heads and touch their heart, you will end up seeing the project posted on social media for the same client with a different design, and you’ll end up saying: I can do better, shitty client.?

Making your client feel "this design is for me" is actually easy:

1. Listen & repeat their language, not yours:

When you listen to your client talking, make sure you actually repeat verbally what they said. This helps you remember the keywords to create an identity for your client.

In the meeting, repeat these exact keywords again when you present your design. Don't say minimal when your client said simple. Don't explain atrium when your client said open-air space.

Your goal is not to show that you know better than them, but rather to show that you understand them.

2. Include a personal item:

Look for items in their recent homes that express their identity and repeat it in your design presentation.?

If they have a family picture on the stove, keep a place for it and show them where it is in the demo visual. If you design a restaurant, make sure you have the right angle to show the logo in the center of your design.

A personal item doesn't have to be something attached to their face or brand. It could be a cup of matcha they love to drink every morning or a book of The Alchemist lying on their bedtable.?

Small details show the client that you actually care and understand how they like to live in the space afterward.

3. Offer a piece of customizing:

The best way of adding a personal touch to your design is to avoid the typical setup. You can breathe personality into custom elements like built-in shelves or vertical gardens.

Because it is only for your client, they get involved more in the design development.

Don't think of it as a downturn since they will feel more connected to your work ever since.

4. Create a personal scenario:

This is a tip my client told me: You can imagine what a design looks like all year round. But when pitching your idea, think about one scenario and portray your design with it.

Why??

Because lighting can make a big impact on a space, and you can use it to create the right mood for your client.

For example:

• Task lighting can make a workspace feel functional.?
• Ambient lighting can make a room feel cozy and inviting.?
• Dusk hours remind people of family dinners, while daylight indicates activities.

To select the right scenario, you can think about:

• How does your client use the space
• The local settings
• What is the visual for (develop the concept, design approval, or marketing...)

Through a sketch or a visual, you can present the scenario to your client in an easy way that sparks emotion. Make sure you or your team have a good understanding of the scene and lighting setup, and you will be fine.

Interior design has come a long way, and so do you.

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter spaces. Now the options for a good personalized design are endless.?

But there is a medium to convey that to your client, and we are the best people to help you in that, stand out, and succeed.

Which tips would you use in your next design?

See you next time,

Selena Tran

Co-founder, Studio head at TWG Studio