Just returned from Ghana, Africa
Here is a photograph of me in Ghana last week doing an installation for a client. Cary and I worked very hard for the entire week, but were able to enjoy one afternoon soaking in the sun and basking in the 88 degree weather. I’ve learned a lot about working with tradesmen in other countries – a great learning experience for me.
How Well Do You Work With Architects?
I will always do my best to work within the parameters given to me by my client and will work with any architect they decide to work with. However, with that said, please allow me to give you names of several architects with whom I work well and who will be able to give you what I know you want. If that is not an option, one of the first things necessary will be to give a clear determination of what the architect’s duties are versus my duties. Most clients are not aware of what designers can do and therefore sometimes rely too much on the architect and not enough on the designer to get what they want. Teamwork is the best method of getting everything you want. I am often given the drawings after they are completed so it is very difficult to have the client and architect now entertain concepts contrary to the finished drawings…it can be a waste of time and money, so make sure your designer is on board from the beginning. I have always found it best to start with the architect and the designer from the very beginning. While architects are best at engineering a building, sometimes it takes an interior designer to understand what the client is looking for with regards to how they intend to live in the home, the glamour requirements and definitely the furnishing layouts and much of the function in the home.
For the Designer
Always try to work within the confines of the project, and don’t try to change the overall décor of a room just to suite your tastes, yet you must be true to what the client has asked you to do. The millwork, staircase, moldings and the flooring should always follow the architecture even though you want to create a diverse interior…find a way to do so, but don’t bastardize the architecture in doing so…it makes the home trendy and will be hard to re-sell. Also, it is imperative that you discuss with the client and the architect what your role is in the overall project…do you design all or some of the millwork, are you able to give your opinions on such things as kitchens, baths, closets, staircases, etc.? Some architects won’t want you involved, but always look at the plans and discuss anything you don’t think works for your client…remember, you have a client who comes first.
Find out what the overall vision is, discuss with the client how you want to bring their interiors into play, then specify all of the architectural details such as millwork, tile, lighting and anything that will complete the architectural portion first, then you can concentrate on the interiors. Make sure your floor plans are accurate so the architect can work with you on lighting and any lamps and outlets located to suit your layouts. Always take your own physical measures to make certain the house is actually being built according to the scaled plans you have…if it doesn’t fit, don’t blame the architect.
For Both
There will need to be an overlap of work between the designer and the architect, but don’t worry, they most likely aren’t double billing you. Just because the architect laid out the kitchen does not mean the designer won’t lay it out again, with more detail and more information. Then the architect may add those drawings onto his set for the purpose of electrical, HVAC, etc., but this is what makes a kitchen, or any room for that matter, a great room. You may also bring in a kitchen specialist to assist in adding details and possible custom cabinets, gadgets or specialty items but the cabinets do not make a kitchen alone…the designer needs to ensure the tile, stone and appliances all create the final outcome to best give you what you want. The same goes for any room in your home. Also, the client and the designer need to discuss so many aspects of the home — it will take a lot of devotion and a lot of time…plan ahead for this…it cannot be done in a matter of a few appointments.
Currently we are working on a very large formal home in the western suburbs of Chicago, and there have been so many changes and additions, so many discussions, without complete and accurate drawings, there will be mistakes made, so up-to-date plans are imperative and they must be given to all parties because there will be information needed by all trades, especially on changes.
In the end of the project you will understand why all of the sharing of duties and information was necessary, but up front, you won’t understand what is needed unless you have done this before…if your designer suggests you do a whole house lighting system, he/she is doing this for you benefit, not just because it is the “new†thing to do…so many homes are so complex and so large, you need to do lighting systems so you can ensure the lighting is correct, functioning properly and so it won’t take you 20 minutes to light your home, or more importantly, to be able to turn the whole house off with the flip of one switch. It’s all good.
Why Designers Should Pay Attention to the Smallest Details
For the Client
Even though your designer is not doing the HVAC and that component has been designed by the HVAC tradesperson, the controls for these systems cannot be where the custom bookcase is going, and air vents cannot go under draperies, etc. so the designer needs to be a part of almost every conversation because they will be the one to provide the answers (along with the architect) and this information is then given to the builder and the various trades people.
I have sat in so many meetings where windows were discussed and they had to be changed to allow room for the window treatments, or the AV was discussed and no one knew where to place all of the components for all of the various systems such as AV, lighting, intel, security, and phones…it is usually the designer who has to deal with much of these decisions that need to be made.
Whenever your designer is left out of the decision making process there will most likely be problems later with custom cabinets fitting, custom area rugs fitting and whether or not those rugs have to be cut to allow a cord to fit into a plug and whether or not that plug is flat under the rug or if the rug has a monstrous bulge beneath it. There are so many issues which a designer needs to be made aware of that having them a part of the decision process will allow them to make sure all the details are discussed and this will circumvent almost every problem to make the overall experience as good as it can be.
Recently we installed an antique Lalique fixture in an elevator hall and while every fixture was discussed with the builder and the architect, no one knew the ceiling mounted box in the existing concrete ceiling of the elevator foyer was an oversized box which could not be changed…at the last minute we had to have a custom mounting plate made in polished gold to hang the chandelier….it got done, but it was an oversight none of us caught until the last minute. However many, many other issues were avoided through constant communications and discussions of all details.
For the Designer
As the designer, you will want to know everything possible…if you are not part of the decision making process which affects your custom cabinets, your flooring, your tile patterns, your lighting plans, etc. you may have a lot of problems later. If you are doing a project such as a remodel, you may have more control, but most architects will want to take the lead…let them, but make it known to all parties that you need to be a part of this process. They may convince the client that they know everything, but you can prove them wrong. They don’t know what you are designing or what the client has asked you to do, so let them know your needs about lighting, HVAC, floor finishes, etc. as soon as you can so they learn to communicate with you or your staff about certain issues.
I cannot tell you how many times I have had to tell a builder or an engineer or architect not to put floor vents closer than 12†from any window or door which is to have window treatments….the movement of air causes the draperies to blow and they will not keep their pleats or the shade will be blown around and the blinds will “clack†and the client will blame the designer for not knowing about this issue rather than looking to the builder who put the vents there.
Another headache is when the new TV does not fit within the custom millwork that was fabricated….somehow we forgot to tell the AV person not to sell the client a new TV after the millwork had been designed and installed. Details are extremely important to not only the client, but to your SATISFIED client base. If you don’t know about some aspect of working with an architect, let them know, but you want to be kept in the loop so you can learn. Some architects are wonderful and cooperative and some are not, but you need to stay in the loop so you can help your client get the details they want through every aspect of their project — no matter what your relationship is with the architect or builder — so the client can rely upon your expertise.
Recently after a three-year battle with a developer and builder, a client is about to move into a custom apartment which we designed and had to fight for each and every detail we wanted. At this point, the battles are all won and behind us, the client is thrilled and this builder and developer are now using many of our details as their new standard and are showing off the apartment to prospective buyers as a standard of their craftsmanship. Flattery comes in many different forms, but our satisfied clients have been with us for many years and we have now completed our eighth project with them and that speaks for itself.
Great party and great philanthropy, too!
My partner, Cary Frank, and I recently attended the opening of the new Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams 10,000 square foot store in Lincoln Park. It is quite beautiful. Forty designers were entertained with a wonderful, first-class evening with special guest Tipper Gore. Tipper, who looks great by the way, shows her beautiful photography in all of their stores. The event was catered by the Entertaining Company, with their corporate chef flown in to oversee the event. I was also told they have a five star child care center at their factory. Impressive! Some of the designers in attendance were Janet McCann, James Dolenc, Thomas Riker, M Grace Sielaff and Tom Segal. ALthough the party was lovely, what I really like about Mitchell and Bob is that they are very philanthropic. They do great work!
How to Avoid Problems with Draperies
For the Designer
As the designer, you first need to make certain your client understands EXACTLY what is being designed and how it will operate. You need to find out what the client’s complaints are all about. It may be the color, it may be they hang too long, or maybe too short, or cover too much of the glass…all of these are adjustments; however, the mistakes must be taken care of quickly.
I love custom draperies and I have been doing them for 40 years, but some clients don’t like draperies and when you get them to invest a lot of money in them, they may not understand what the finished look or effect will be. It is your duty to make them understand what they are getting even if you have to do a mock-up using muslin to educate them as to what they are getting or if drawings will suffice, then show them a drawing or elevation or free-hand sketch…just something so they understand it.
If your drapery house made a mistake, did faulty installation, or the electronics don’t work properly, make certain to call the fabricator/installer and get them back right away so the bad taste in your client’s mouth is gone quickly. If your client simply hates the treatments, calmly find out what it is they don’t like and find out what would satisfy them.
A few years ago I did a casement treatment between a lower level media room and an exercise room and when the casements went in they would not hold a pleat no matter how hard we steamed them. When I complained to the fabric house, they told me it was my duty to know what fabrics would or would not hold a pleat. When I reminded them that it was a full width of fabric hanging on a 7’-0†high panel under the heading of Draperies in their showroom, I let them know I assumed there was not difficulty in pleating them because they were pleated in the showroom and there was no warning on the tags that said they should not be used for draperies.
They refused to do anything so I had to spend $9,000 to replace the draperies for my client and I have not stepped into that showroom again. They should have stood behind their product, but you have to be strong and be a business person…your clients need to know they have you to lean upon. My client was sorry I had to do this, but they are still wonderful clients and I have done a lot of work for them since this problem arose.
For the Client
From the client’s perspective, draperies represent a foreign language and most designers know that, so please let your designer know when you don’t understand something and don’t just trust your designer to know what you want. First, you need to be clear about whether or not you want draperies at all, and if you do, are they purely for decoration or do you want privacy, blackout, drama, no glass covered, or what is the function of a window treatment. There are many forms of draperies and you might want to find photos of something you like or let your designer know what you like/dislike about draperies.
Draperies usually soften a room and can create a major difference in the look of a room simply by being there, and if they achieve what the desired affect is, you will still need to get used to having them there since you are not used to them. Just recently after many discussions with a client who said he wanted no draperies is asking why his windows seem so bare…now he wants the draperies and the plaster crown moldings won’t allow for us to do that, unless we do major remodeling.
Also remember, draperies will cost more than blinds or solar control shades…there is a lot of money in labor and a lot of fabric will cost some additional money depending on how important the treatments are, how decorative the fabric is and the size of the windows…but the overall look can make a room truly wonderful.
When Clients are Afraid of Color
This is not as uncommon as you may think. My general rule is to do what my clients want; however, there may be a reasonable solution.
For the Client
Your designer needs to understand what it is that makes you not want color…whether you have “been there, done that,” or if it reminds you of your parents’ lifestyle and is not your style at all. You may hate bright colors, but would like muted softer tones, or you may hate pastels and only want earth tones…this needs to be conveyed to your designer from the very beginning. However, if you are in a rut and you have asked your designer not to allow you to make the same mistakes you have always made, then it’s time to trust your designer and allow him or her to fulfill your innermost desires with color.
If you hired your designer, there must have been a reason…so let them understand your issues with color and ask them to give you examples of various forms of color intensity as well as something with little or no color — just a lot of contrasts in textures, finishes and a lot of excitement to replace what colors do for a room.
Usually those who do not like color have never found the right color so you think beige is easy…not true. When you go for a very subtle tone on tone effect, the dyelots are much more important and then the hues of those colors create harmony or chaos. A one-color décor has no depth or contrast, so at least provide your designer with something they can work with. While the old adage “the client is always right” is true, you can cause your own project to fall flat without allowing the designer to broaden your horizons with subtlety and contrast and the proper balance.
Recently we completed a project for a client who wanted soft blue and yellow. We did not give him soft blue or yellow…he already had that in his old home and in his country home. I told him to allow me to do a color palette which would show off his large art collection, so we created a very light interior with a lot of rich golds, bronzes, some rosewoods and Macassar ebonies with accents of ivory and subtle tones of earthy reds, oranges and plum tones in some of the rugs. The overall effect is a neutral color palette of mixed earth tones with his many colorful oil paintings from various 19th and 20th Century periods being the focal point. We did, however, give him a subtle grey-blue and ivory theme in his bedroom with rosewood finishes, a touch of silver leaf and a little charcoal brown to balance out the room to feature his ivory shagreen bed. All over this is a blend of Art Deco, Biedermeier, Contemporary and Mid-Century Modern furnishings in a gallery like setting.
For the Designer
As the designer, you may like color, but you also need to expand your horizons and do something rich and lush without the use of color. Varying the textiles to create a wide variety of textures is imperative when only using one color…leathers, lightweight and heavyweight wovens, patterns on linen and tapestries, cut velvets, gloss and matte finishes, glass, stone, woods…all can be quite exciting if you create enough drama and contrast in your textiles to create a well balanced interior. Some clients equate color with some preconceived notion that reminds them of something they don’t want to be identified with. Often clients don’t remember they have a lot of color in their artwork or in pieces they want to use, so explain to them about color, that it can be intense, bold, soft or delicate and more of a nuance than an actual impact element. Also, give your client options so they can see your point of view, but never force them to have color…it can backfire and if they rebel, you may never get them to trust you again. Remember, color is personal and you don’t live there…you only reside there while you are working and you get to go home to your preferences, so let them have theirs, but don’t forget to shake things up for them so they realize how wonderful a home they have due to your abilities…even if it is a bit colorless for you. We were recently hired to spice up a home a new client bought from one of our older clients…they don’t like how soft the original colors were, so we are bringing in colorful antique Oriental rugs and a few wallcoverings so they don’t have to repaint the entire house since they love much of the house as is, but they can now make it their own by adding some rich colors. Remember there is not ugly color…just bad color matches.
What Can I Skimp On in the Design Process and Where Should I Spend Serious Money?
It is never a good idea to start out by trying to skip anything in the design process because so much is very important in order to figure out what you really want so your design team can best advise you, but there are some short cuts you can do to save money.
For the Client
Depending on the scope of your project, you can save money by doing your homework. If you are only doing furnishings, familiarize yourself with whatever style you like and give your designer photos. If you can determine what pieces you definitely want to use, photograph them and dimension them so your designer won’t have to. If your project is more extensive such as a remodel or construction, again research your plumbing, appliance and cabinet preferences and give your designer some input to get the project moving in the right direction.
Never skimp on planning and discussing your final goal, but if you can do some of the leg work and shop yourself, you can help lessen the costs of your designers’ fees. If you choose to skimp on the details, your result could be problematic. Spending money should be a result of a well prepared budget inclusive of all costs from your designer and your contractor. I would never skimp on the finishes…that said, you usually can find lesser costly alternatives so the overall look won’t suffer. Always try not to give up on your dreams, but maybe you can live with the ceramic floor while keeping the stone countertops. Keeping your electronics simple is a way to save money and less lighting with less complicated switching can also save money. Never skimp on safety but you can possibly live with less costly materials which could be upgraded at a later date if you so choose.
Sometimes while we are shopping with a client, they will see something that is absolutely the most beautiful item they have ever seen and it is fatal to their budget. If this happens to you and you can’t live without it, go ahead and determine what the damage will be to your budget and determine how best to go about incorporating it into your plan. If you have to wait until a later date to do something, maybe that is the solution, or finding less costly items for the balance of the project, but usually that is not the case. Remember, a budget is only that, an estimate of what things could cost…you are in the driver’s seat, so your designer can’t make you over-spend, only embarrass you into doing so! Discuss with your designer what could be done so you can have that wonderful item. Recently we did that with one of our own projects…the client wanted an antique item which was so out of the budget, we determined we could do without a table in the corner of the library and only do a floor lamp instead of a table. We also used some of his existing pieces which helped balance the budget. There are a lot of ways to stay on track, but most likely you will go over the budget, so factor that into your overall cost scenarios and have a contingency plan for just such occasions.
For the Designer
When your client wants to control the spending, let them know this is their option, and let them know you will work with them on this issue…all while attempting to give them the best possible look without overspending. This is really difficult to do because most clients don’t know everything they will encounter while working on this project…you should. Most clients go over their budget, but to start off by doing so will most certainly create negative consequences later. We had a client who told us if they really wanted to purchase something over the budget, they would make that decision…after about eight such decisions, they were complaining about how they were so over budget and that we had to finish their project without any profits…guess how that one came out! Remember to caution your clients about going over the budget and if you are the one suggesting they do, then you need to be prepared for an inevitable argument or have a solution on how to achieve the overall budget with an alternative to bring the budget in line.
For the Designer and Client
Remember, a budget only includes what you have included and if you determine to go over budget, there should be no blame unless you have been deceived, so don’t deceive your client and clients should not try to deceive their designers…it ruins relationships.
Designers’ Guild of Southwest Michigan Garage Sale
This was the first event the Designers’ Guild of Southwest Michigan hosted and we had a little over five months to plan and organize the entire thing. Our committee worked tirelessly to get the job done. The Preview Party on Friday night attracted 300+ people and throughout the weekend more than 1000 people attended and shopped our sale. Thanks to the generosity of everyone, we raised $245,000 for the Boys and Girls Club. Let me say that again…$245,000!
The Boys and Girls Clubs help kids develop positive, life-changing goals through education-based activities, academic support, nutritious meals and a place to learn and grow. This fun, safe environment gives kids and their families a place they can count on – every day. Their mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need it the most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
Thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and support. We’ll see you at our next event!
Can my Interior Designer Really Help with Pool Design, Landscaping, Etc.?
For the Designer
Often, we have to temper a design to actually be simpler than what most landscape architects do. The truly great landscape architects have a lot of answers and are extremely skilled in the technical aspects which are needed, but I never keep my mouth closed when they ask for my comments. I will have spent many hours listening to how my clients live, and what their expectations are, so why would I not know how they wanted to live outdoors as well as indoors? I just told a client not to do the hand laid pavers in his exterior basketball court even though it matched all the other hard surfaces in the landscape because it was not a good surface to play basketball on, so he changed to a better smoother surface without ruining any of the design. I also told him he had too much stone and hardscapes and not enough foliage in the design, which turned out to be his fault, not the landscape architect’s…the client finally listened and now the area will be much more attractive, softer and far more enjoyable.
For the Client
Designers are usually aware of gardens, plantings and overall design, so they are a wonderful source of information, so ask them their thoughts and you may save a great deal of aggravation since they are probably more informed than you are. I just told a client they weren’t watering enough and they asked me how I could tell…I told them the dried leaves on their plants and the wilting look of the gardens told me they were dying of thirst. Many designers have their own gardens as I do and I know my plants, soil conditions, exposure, and whether a garden would look best simple and elegant or if it could be a bit wild and natural. I also know which landscape architects will be best for my clients to work with.
For the Designer
As a designer, you should know who is the best and who is the most affordable landscape architect in your client’s area…this may well lead to additional work for you as well as furnishing an exterior space. Be cognizant of what the natural conditions are of the gardens such as sun, wind and weather exposures and what your client wants out of their landscaping. You don’t want to turn this aspect over to a landscape architect who only sees dollar signs in your client and your client may be dreaming of a concept which they cannot achieve, maintain or afford. Know pool design firms and who these sources are so you can give advice so the project you have nurtured for months does not go down the drain with the rainwater. We had a client who showed me what he was planning to do and both his wife and I though it was absolutely awful and way overdone….he did not listen to us. Once his garden was finished, he ripped the entire garden out — 4 1/2 acres of it — and hired the landscape architect we thought would give him the best product. Then we proceeded to design the pool and the terraces for which there have been several awards given, and used as much of his former plant material as possible and created an incredible landscape vista to rival similar gardens in Tuscany.
For the Designer and Client
As a designer and a client you both have duties to perform and you can achieve much more that you ever dreamed of if everyone is involved and you all get your hands dirty in the process!