There are many lessons to be learned by all when developing a concept, designing the products that go into that concept, and the overseeing construction and installation. With many 'moving parts', a design solution has ample opportunity for something to go wrong. No professional in the design industry deliberately sabotages a project. Blame for delays and problems - that generally are out of the designer's control - are of little value. Some tips for designers and clients:
1) Look carefully at what has been developed. Does it meet the criteria for correct dimension, functionality and appearance.
2) Sometimes a modified photograph - even with hand drawn detail - is better than a 2-D drawing.
3) Are the measurements of a raw space accurate? Who took them? Double check and triple check. If you can, mark the floors with tape, butcher paper, or other method to show placement and scale of what will go into that space.
4) Is the time frame realistic? We all want to get results quickly. A gorgeous window covering, new kitchen, and a remodeled home are all hard to wait for. What are the limiting factors? Can delays be incorporated so disappointment is minimized?
5) Suppliers, fabricators and installers should be top-notch and reliable as a designer's reputation - albeit very unfairly - can be made or broken by what they do.
Professional interior designers always want the best results, with no delays, on time and on budget. With delays, you are still left with the best of everything. Errors can be corrected so allow that to happen. With good communication, an understanding of the process, both designer and client can obtain that desired end result despite mishaps that may happen along the way. :)