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.