Building trusting relationships is a big part of being a designer. Maintaining them is another. This week, we asked seven designers—Elizabeth Bennett, Enda Donagher, Michelle LaVictor, Mallory Robins, Venetia Rudebeck, Megan Runsat and Krista Watterworth Alterman—to share their advice on how to keep the conversation going long after a project is completed.
Friendly Gatherings
“We try to do something intimate and special with old clients at least a couple of times a year. Because we know their tastes so well, we like to invite them to an exclusive art preview, exhibition opening night or an event we know they’ll genuinely enjoy. My business partner, Romanos [Brihi], and I are both keen entertainers and often host parties at home—connecting like-minded people brings us huge joy. We are also fortunate to count many former clients as friends and stay in touch with them in the same way we would with close friends. We are both quite old-fashioned and strongly believe in picking up the phone and having a proper chat rather than relying solely on emails or messages.” —Venetia Rudebeck, Studio Vero, London
E-Blast Away
“In several ways, including occasional get-togethers, social media and our annual holiday card. However, the email blast is probably my favorite way to connect with past clients. Whenever we have news to share—an award, a magazine feature or a milestone—we send a brief email directly from my own inbox to our entire contact list, including past and current clients and longtime collaborators. Former clients, in particular, really enjoy this and almost always reach out to connect. Sharing these moments helps reinforce a sense of continuity and gratitude, allowing people who were part of our earlier work to see how the practice has evolved, and to feel connected to its ongoing success.” —Enda Donagher, Enda Donagher Architect, New York
Top of Mind
“‘Once a client, always a client’ is a motto we truly live by. While on shopping trips to High Point, Chicago and New York, you’ll often find us calling or texting a past client about something we’ve spotted that instantly made us think of them, whether it’s a piece of art, a furniture detail or even a beautifully designed cocktail napkin. We love finding meaningful ways to stay in touch long after a project is complete, including sending gourmet chocolates every year at the holidays.” —Michelle LaVictor and Megan Runsat, Young & Young Interiors, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
True Connection
“I don’t ‘follow up’ with old clients—I stay in their orbit. If we’ve worked together, you’re kind of stuck with me (in the best way). I’ll text you when I see a chair you’d love, send a note when your kid graduates, or DM you a house I know you’d buy. It’s less customer relationship management, more genuine relationship. They get my emails, see the studio evolve, and feel connected without pressure. No awkward check-ins, no sales energy—just a shared history and mutual trust. The best part? When years go by and I get the call that starts with, ‘So … we’re moving.’ That’s when you know you did it right.” —Krista Watterworth Alterman, Krista + Home, Palm Beach Gardens
The Real Thing
“We keep in touch by genuinely staying in touch. We often spend years with our clients and their families, so by the end we truly feel like friends. Many of our client relationships extend well beyond a single project; it’s not uncommon for us to continue working together on another home or an additional space over time. We also love finding small, thoughtful ways to stay connected, whether that’s checking in or including past clients on our holiday gift list. Those ongoing relationships are one of the most meaningful parts of our work.” —Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett, Kobel + Co, Kansas City, Missouri
