Summer is here, and that means plenty of OOO notifications are on the horizon. This week, we asked eight designers—Nancy Davilman, Kim Gettenberg, Chris Goddard, Erin Sander, Hillary Taylor, Alex Thies, Philip Thomas Vanderford and Joe Waroquier—how they manage projects while on vacation.
Communication Is Key
“I always let my clients know where I’ll be, how long I’ll be away, and exactly when they’ll have access to me. Setting clear expectations creates trust and gives everyone peace of mind. While I make it a priority to fully enjoy my vacation and recharge, I also dedicate time each day, typically early in the morning and again later in the evening, to check in on projects, respond to important emails, and ensure everything is moving forward as planned. This allows me to stay connected without taking away from the purpose of being away. I’m also fortunate to have an incredible team. Before I leave, we review every active project so everyone is informed about timelines, priorities and potential questions that may arise. Clients know they have knowledgeable people who can step in immediately and keep the project moving seamlessly. I believe clients value honesty and transparency above all else. They appreciate knowing what to expect, and they trust that their project is in good hands.” —Kim Gettenberg, Redefine Home, Atlanta
Clients Get It
“I actually think my clients are happy to hear when I’m on vacation! I have an hourly fee, which gives me flexibility, and I have an incredible team that can handle anything urgent that arises. Gratefully, we aren’t saving lives! I am merely creating a great backdrop for a lot of happy memories in the place that matters most: home.” —Hillary Taylor, Hillary W Taylor Interiors, Salt Lake City
Like You’re Still There
“The key is making sure clients never feel the impact of my absence. That starts well before I leave. We carefully plan project schedules, communicate expectations, and make as many important decisions as possible in advance so work continues without interruption. We’ve also built a team and a process that clients can rely on. While I remain available for important decisions if needed, our clients know they have an experienced team moving every project forward. That consistency is incredibly important in luxury residential design. Ironically, taking time to travel also makes me a better resource for my clients. Visiting extraordinary homes, hotels and cultural institutions around the world continually expands my perspective and fuels new ideas. I return more inspired, more creative, and better equipped to deliver the thoughtful, highly personalized work our clients expect.” —Philip Thomas Vanderford, Studio Thomas James, Dallas
Team Spirit
“One of the things I value most about our team is the way we show up for one another. There’s an unspoken understanding that when someone steps away, the rest of us step in. It means our clients are always cared for, while our team members have the freedom to truly disconnect and be present wherever they are. We believe that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s an essential part of doing our best work. By encouraging each other to recharge, we come back more inspired, more creative and more energized for the people who trust us with their stories. That kind of support is rare, and it’s what makes our team so special.” —Erin Sander, Erin Sander Design, Dallas
Prepare the Ground
“I think it is all about setting clear expectations and transparency. If a vacation is planned in advance, I work ahead as much as possible to make sure that the project can continue to run smoothly in my absence. I also lean heavily on my team during those times. Of course, I do take a little bit of time in the mornings to catch up on emails and make sure nothing urgent needs to be addressed, but otherwise I do my best to disconnect and be present with my family.” —Alex Thies, Adelyn Charles Interiors, Bonita Springs, Florida
Maintain Boundaries
“When I started my firm 38 years ago, clients wouldn’t call after 5 or on weekends, and that quickly changed with technology where we can be reached 24-7 via phone or social media. Setting boundaries is hard because we always want to be available, and I am as guilty as the next person for responding after hours or on vacation. I get inundated with texts saying, ‘I know you are on vacation, but …’ And at the end of the day we are in the service industry. I defer to my team when possible, but my name is on the door, and I signed up for a business where the customer is always right—or at least I make them think they are. To ensure my sanity and enjoy a bit of downtime, I send a short response letting them know I will get back to them when I return and that my team will handle any emergency.” —Chris Goddard, Goddard Design Group, Springdale, Arkansas
At My Discretion
“Endless emails and ringing cell phones are part of work today, especially for the owner of a growing small business. Today I pick and choose whom I speak with and when, for clients and vendors alike. Honestly, my top client will always get me; but I cannot be that available for everyone. I also work in advance with my team to manage communication and project coverage in my absence so clients know who to go to when I’m not available.” —Joe Waroquier, Joe Waroquier Home, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
Limited Availability
“The first way I attempt to keep my clients happy is through clear and prompt communication. I let them know my plans as soon as they are set so that there are no unwelcome surprises. I hate to admit this, but I usually work while I am away. I couldn’t imagine coming home to hundreds of emails—that would wipe my vacation away immediately! What has worked for me is telling my clients that I will most likely work a little bit every morning so that they focus on getting me info early in the day. This also helps manage their expectations for how quickly I will reply. I do keep a tight rein on how much I work because I don’t want it to take over my vacation, but at this point it hasn’t bothered me.” —Nancy Davilman, ND Interiors, Stamford, Connecticut
