Page 57 - enLIGHTenment Magazine - April 2017

InterIor DesIgn Focus

Reducing HeadacHes

sTep 1. procurinG
a list of what’s not included, such as bringing in
“When I interview couples [as a client] I have them audio-visual people. And if they want you to meet

pull photos and visuals of design that they like indi- with them a er this point, it’s at an hourly rate.”
vidually,” Grubb cautioned. “If they do it together Grubb advised covering photography in the

[instead of separate], you run the risk that one agreement. “We explain that we’re allowed to take
person might not like something the other person photographs and will go over how the clients want

picked, but not know why they didn’t like it.”
to be mentioned in the publicity, or whether they

Taking good notes is crucial. “One of the most want a non-disclosure,” he noted.
“We’re
important parts in the process is that the client

feels heard,” Grubb said. “Show them Before & Af- sTep 3: parTnersHip
essentially
ter photos. You can do this on an iPad, of course, Ask early on how much they want to participate

but I nd something beautiful in using an Old in the project. “We’ve had clients who want to creating a

School portfolio to give a more tactile experience. play designer and go buy furniture on the week- language
As I show them the Before & A ers, I print out end without guidance,” he revealed. “I also talk

what might work for them.”
about ‘Like’ and ‘Love.’ The clients need to Love of design
Just as a client does their own research on a what we’re picking. We also have to explain that

designer, Grubb recommended doing the same. not everything has to scream, ‘Look at me!’ We’re [between the

“Google your client to gain some information essentially creating a language of design [between
about them that you can weave into the conversa- the client and designer].”
client and

tion. For example, maybe they do volunteer work When clients have asked Grubb whether “it’s
with a certain charity,” he added. “When I am in worth” spending XYZ on a particular item [that designer].”

the Procuring process, I talk about repurposing, if they love but might be just a touch out of their

there is something they already have that could budget], he o ered this approach. “Don’t sacri ce
— Christopher Grubb
work, but I really want to get them excited to get

rid of all their furniture. When clients ask me what
my style is, I invite them to my house to see.”

During the Procuring phase, Grubb explained

that he will do a tour of the house, taking a lot of
notes. “I’m not just giving away the information,”

he stated. Acknowledging that sometimes clients
will try to take advantage of a free consultation by

asking for speci c color recommendations, Grubb

de ects the question, saying either, “I’d need to
play with the [design] for a bit rst” or “I need to

be more involved in the project.”

sTep 2. planninG

“When construction gives you a quote on how
long a project will take, always add more time in,”

Grubb commented. “It’s be er that the clients get
mad up front than when they’re calling you three-

quarters of the way through and are upset that it’s

running late. Don’t be a people-pleaser in that way
or you will do yourself in.”

It’s important to thoroughly explain the design
fees. “This is always a fun conversation,” Grubb

quipped. “I try to discourage interior designers

from doing a at fee, although during the recent
Recession, I ended up doing it [on a temporary

basis]. You have to walk your client through the
process very clearly,” he explained. “Give them

april 2017 | enLIGHTenment Magazine 55