How to avoid design mistakes in your next project.

A total transformation needs good upfront planning and
regular project management.

There are many moving parts to a design project. From developing the concept, designing or selecting the products that go into that concept, and then overseeing construction and installation. There is ample opportunity for something to go wrong in any project, but larger ones tend to have more issues than small ones. 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.  Professional interior designers always want the best results, with no delays, on time and on budget. Despite delays, you are still left with the best of everything. Errors can be corrected so allow an opportunity for that, if they occur.   With good planning and communication, an understanding of the process, both designer and client can obtain that desired end result despite mishaps that may happen along the way. Here are some tips for designers and clients to avoid mistakes at the planning stage.

1) Look carefully at what has been developed. Does it meet the criteria for correct dimension, functionality and appearance?
 

2) Photos make concepts clear.  Sometimes a modified photograph - even with hand drawn detail - is better than a 2-D drawing. 

3) To avoid dimensional errors be certain that the measurements of a raw space are accurate. Know who took them?  Double 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.