As an interior designer, you are the expert—it’s your education, experience, and creative talent that clients rely on to transform their spaces. However, too often, designers find themselves following the lead of their clients rather than taking charge. The reality is, your clients aren’t qualified to make the design decisions they’re hiring you for, and it’s up to you to guide them to the best possible outcomes. Let’s discuss why it’s crucial to assert your expertise in leading interior design projects effectively.
Stop Following, Start Leading
Your clients come to you because they need your expertise. Whether they’re high-powered executives or well-traveled art collectors, they don’t have the knowledge or skills to execute the design visions they dream of—that’s your job. Yet, many designers fall into the trap of letting clients dictate the process.
This approach not only diminishes your role as the expert but can also lead to less successful projects. Taking charge and leading interior design projects ensures that your expertise shines through.
Define the Scope: Clients may have ideas about what they want, but they often don’t know what’s possible. It’s your job to guide them through the discovery process, helping them understand the scope of the work needed to achieve their desired outcomes.
Set Clear Expectations: When it comes to contracts and proposals, clients might try to negotiate terms or adjust your process to suit their needs. It’s essential to stand your ground and maintain control. Your terms and conditions are there for a reason—to protect both your business and the integrity of the project.
Educate Your Clients
Clients often don’t understand the value of the work you do, particularly when it comes to the technical aspects like floor plans, CAD drawings, and renderings. These elements are foundational to a successful design project, yet clients may not appreciate their importance unless you educate them.
Explain the Value: Don’t assume clients understand why certain tasks are critical or why they take time. Detail the process for them, emphasizing how each step contributes to the final outcome.
Set Firm Boundaries: It’s easy to fall into the habit of giving away too much, especially when tasks seem quick or simple to you. However, just because something is easy for you doesn’t mean it lacks value. Ensure that your fees reflect the expertise and effort required, even for tasks that seem straightforward.
Lead the Design Journey
Your clients have hired you to take them on a design journey that ends with a space they love but couldn’t have imagined on their own. To do this successfully, you need to lead every step of the way, from selections to procurement and installation.
Limit Options: Offering too many choices can overwhelm clients and lead to decision fatigue. Curate a selection of the best options that align with the project’s goals, and guide your clients confidently through the decision-making process.
Control the Process: From handling procurement to managing installations, ensure that you maintain control over the process. Clients aren’t equipped to manage these aspects effectively, and allowing them too much input can derail the project.
The Power of the Reveal
One of the most magical moments in any design project is the big reveal—the moment when the client sees their transformed space for the first time. Protecting this moment is crucial, which is why it’s often best to keep clients away during the installation process. This final step in leading interior design projects ensures that the outcome is as impactful as possible.
Create the Experience: The reveal is your opportunity to showcase the full impact of your work. By managing the installation and reveal process carefully, you can ensure that clients experience the “wow” factor that leads to their ultimate satisfaction.
Key Takeaways in Leading Interior Design Projects
Your clients hired you for your expertise, not to be a follower. By stepping into your role as a leader, educating your clients, and maintaining control over the process, you can deliver exceptional results that exceed their expectations.
Remember, your clients aren’t qualified to lead the design process—that’s your job. Take the reins, and guide them to a successful outcome. Leading interior design projects with confidence will ensure that you and your clients enjoy the process and the final results.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design business profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of design and the business of home.
