If an app could introduce you to new clients, what profiles would make you swipe right? This week, we asked eight designers—Bridgette Caporaso, Brieanna Cunningham, Ali Henrie, DuVäl Reynolds, Emma Sherlock, Ryan Street, Andrew Suvalsky and Elizabeth Valkovics—to share the traits that make for a dream client.
Personal Style
“Our ideal client is someone who isn’t overly focused on trends, but instead draws inspiration from their travels, life experiences, and the way they truly live day to day. We love working with clients who want their home to feel personal and layered—spaces that reflect their story rather than what happens to be popular at the moment. While an unlimited budget or massive project scope can certainly be exciting, what matters most to us is a client who genuinely values thoughtful design. We especially love working with people who aren’t afraid to incorporate character, warmth and even a bit of color into their homes. The result is always a space that feels more collected, timeless and uniquely theirs.” —Ali Henrie, Ali Henrie Design, Provo, Utah
Law and Order
“Our ideal clients tend to be lawyers. We enjoy working with them because they’re usually very decisive, and are often extremely busy running their practices, so they’re not looking to be deeply involved in every step of a project. Instead, they trust our systems and processes and allow our team to take the lead, which helps us work more efficiently and deliver better results. They also understand professional services well—things like time-based billing—and they tend to be respectful of our time and quick to pay, which makes the working relationship smooth. Many attorneys aren’t trying to direct the creative side of things. They’re open to our ideas and trust us to bring solutions to the table that they may not have thought of before. That dynamic works really well for us because it allows us to step in as expert advisors and consultants.” —DuVäl Reynolds, DuVäl Design, Fairfax, Virginia
Risk and Reward
“If they have done a big building project in the past, or ideally if we have worked together before, that always helps—they understand the process and they already trust us creatively. Clients who are willing to take a risk are always great, as you have a chance to create something truly unique for them.” —Emma Sherlock, Emma Sherlock Ltd., Hampshire, England
Globe-Trotters
“My ideal client is a busy, accomplished professional who values a thoughtful partnership with an expert to create a home that is ultrapersonal, globally inspired and wellness-focused. Rather than simply handing over Pinterest images to replicate, they want to enjoy the journey we take them on. Because they are typically well-traveled, they appreciate elevated experiences and timeless craftsmanship. My ideal client is decisive, a clear communicator, and has a good sense of humor. It seems like a strange qualifier, but if I feel like I could hang out with them, I think we’ll be a good fit.” —Elizabeth Valkovics, Batten Court Design, Pinehurst, North Carolina
Value the Craft
“Our ideal client is someone who values design as an essential part of how they live. They understand that creating a beautiful home is a collaborative process and trust our studio to guide that journey. At the end of the day, the best projects happen when there is mutual trust, confidence and enthusiasm. When a client allows us the creative freedom to do our best work, the result is always a home that feels deeply personal and timeless.” —Bridgette Caporaso, Sketch. A Design Studio, Boca Raton, Florida
Mutual Motivation
“My ideal client is open-minded, aspirational, and respectful of the design process, and has a clear point of view. My best work, both creatively and practically, emerges from a process where I am empowered to bring my very best ideas to the table and not play it safe. This doesn’t lead to anything radical; rather, it forges a clear direction that starts with my clients’ expressed desires. Their openness and appetite for something truly unique create a wide-open pathway for me to serve that goal.” —Andrew Suvalsky, Andrew Suvalsky Designs, New York
Extended Team Members
“We appreciate homeowners who want to be as much a part of the process as our team does—someone who values collaboration. The best projects stem from those who have a clear vision of their ideal home, but can also appreciate design and quality craftsmanship; and those who like to learn from our systems, but also trust the construction team to guide them.” —Brieanna Cunningham, C&C Partners, Redondo Beach, California
Expedition Party
“We’re drawn to clients who are curious, engaged and willing to explore ideas together, because the most meaningful work emerges when the architecture reflects the people who will live there. Ultimately, the goal is always to create spaces that feel authentic, enduring and deeply connected to their place.” —Ryan Street, Ryan Street Architects, Austin
