The lessons gained from teachers and peers arm designers with valuable tools to tackle projects with clients. But the client-designer relationship is a whole other realm, which comes with plenty of its own lessons for both parties. And while that first meeting can feel like a nerve-racking audition, it’s also potentially the start of a fruitful, long-term partnership—one that allows designers to take the lead as mentors, instructing on everything from expectations and process to style, price and quality. What’s the best way to educate clients? BOH talked to top designers to find out.
1. MASTER THE FIRST MEETING
Bay Area designer Alison Pickart has a standard approach for each first client meeting that has served her well over the years. “I always try to put people at ease when we’re talking and inject humor [into the conversation],” she says. “When you interview for a project, the last thing anybody wants to do is look at their house like it’s a root canal or a trip to the dentist. The process is going to be long, complicated and expensive. The people leading your team need to be fun and energetic and incredibly knowledgeable, so that’s what I like to portray.” Alabama-based architect Jeffrey Dungan agrees. “I always tell them that the overarching goal is to make this a pleasurable—dare I say fun—ride,” he explains. “I say, ‘We’re going to do the heavy lifting so that you don’t have to. You can sit back and enjoy.’”
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