How Originals Interiors manages long-distance interior design
The best interior designers thrive on creativity, knowledge and innovation. There is also another aspect of all projects that is of paramount importance, this is clear and constant communication with the client. Regular conversations, consultations and updates are crucial to an interior designer’s ability to deliver a successful result.
Fortunately, today more than ever, it is possible to manage interior design projects from afar. Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom are commonplace, particularly post-pandemic, so it doesn’t really matter whether you are next door or on the other side of the world.
Yet, there is so much more to managing interior design schemes remotely, than you may think. Here are some of the challenges and solutions encountered when working on long-distance design projects:
Connecting globally
Technology and social media have opened the door to global business opportunities by providing reach seems of communication, networking and research. The ability to source materials, contractors, project managers, products and logistics, save time when visiting the client or on site.
Client communication
We touched upon this earlier. For any relationship to be successful, it’s crucial to be able to contact and communicate with clients on a regular basis, in person or online. The frequency of the calls will depend upon which stage we have reached in the project. Obviously, it can be tricky sometimes to factor in time zones as its paramount to fit in with our clients’ demanding schedules. We are happy to accommodate long-distance clients out of regular working hours, often early mornings, evenings and weekends.
We encourage our clients to be involved in the design process from the very first meet and at every stage of the project thereon. This is achieved by scheduling regular updates and planning meetings, by phone, emails, chat and online. These meetings also allow us to present ideas using CGI, so clients can see the exact proportions of each element in a design scheme.
Similarly, it also important to keep in close contact with collaborators and contractors to ensure there are no issues, oversights, delays or overspend on the horizon.
Computer Generated Images (CGI)
Interior design covers many disciplines, it must be visually appealing, fulfil the desired functionality and comfort. There are many elements that must be discussed, from size and scale, to colours, textures and lighting.
To help clients visualise interior design ideas it is usual to use CGI. This means that the proposed interior design schemes can be seen in 3D renders, showing the size and colour and the special relationship between each element. For example, it is possible to present a revised floorplan as a 3D render including all of the suggested pieces of furniture, accessories and colour palette to provide a realistic render of what the finished design will look like.
To support the CGI, we can also send physical samples of smaller items such as paints, materials, tiles, fabrics and wallpapers, to allow clients to make an informed decision when seeing the concept as a whole. Larger elements such as worktops, wooden flooring etc, could possibly be sourced in a local collaborator’s showroom and a client visit could be arranged.
Visiting the site and client
As with any project, whether long-distance or local, it is always advisable to schedule in some personal visits, both to the site and to meet the client and contractors in person. Keeping a close eye on the project will help to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings or complications, and the finishes can be viewed first-hand. This is also great opportunity to check samples in situ, so you can make a final decision on which option will work best in the space.
Collaborators
Finally, an invaluable asset in every interior design project is forging relationships with trusted collaborators, both at home and away. Reliable project managers, tradesmen and suppliers are crucial to the successful completion of the project, allowing us to bring our interior design vision to life and deliver the high-quality finishes and materials that our clients expect.
It is also worth considering sourcing local materials where possible can offer substantial cost savings with regards to logistics and prices, and can also allow the client to see the products in person before they are ordered.
If you would like to discuss an interior design project or would like advice about an interior design idea, get in touch at originals@originalsinteriors.com.
