On Ask Us Anything, BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen taps former Trade Tales guests to answer real, confidential designer questions, offering a safe space to discuss business challenges. Have a question of your own to ask? Send an email to start the conversation.
This week, Philadelphia-based interior designer Lucy O’Brien of Tartan & Toile answers a question from a designer who recently had to compromise their creative vision after coming up against an order minimum. This isn’t the first time this designer has run up against an order minimum they couldn’t meet. In fact, they’re finding it increasingly common in the industry, especially from bespoke brands. Now they’re in the market for some creative work-arounds.
O’Brien jumps in with advice on finding a second life for extra material, the value in troubleshooting with sales reps, and how to be transparent with clients about unexpected fees during the procurement process.
Crucial insight: Before buying excess material, O’Brien recommends a first line of defense—checking in with the brand’s sales rep. While they may not be able to offer a free pass around order minimums, she explains that they might know another firm that’s also looking for a fellow designer to help shoulder the load for a great textile. “They’re involved in that process so much more than we are,” says O’Brien of her reps. “We’re on the outskirts, but they’re really in it, so it’s [ about] having those references and being able to be like, ‘Hey, do you know anyone wanting this fabric or wallpaper? Can we split it?’”
Key quote: “The type of work we do is out of the box and difficult … and when you’re going to take those risks and be a really strong creative director, you have to be ready for the challenges—whether it’s order minimums or vendors pushing back or artists not understanding your vision,” says O’Brien. “It’s one thing to be able to create this in your head and have these great ideas, but I really think the hard part of design is getting it to reality.”
This episode was sponsored by Four Hands. Listen to the show below. If you like what you hear, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
