2012 AD100: How Do You Know When a Project Is Complete?

TL;DR

Interior design projects are like living organisms that continue to evolve over time, with clients making changes and the designer constantly involved.

Transcript

I was having a conversation with someone and someone said i love the beginning and i was like oh i love the end because the end is when it's finished and it all comes together they're never over people pass away you pay for perpetual care at the cemetery but is it architect you have to give it for life all of us are perfectionist and you just keep ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎨 Interior design projects are never truly finished but continue to evolve with client changes and designer involvement.
• ❓ The relationship between the designer and client deepens and becomes a continuous partnership.
• 🫠 Designers may experience a mix of nostalgia, happiness, and even dread when revisiting completed projects.
• 🎨 The attachment to completed projects stems from a sense of ownership and investment in the design outcome.
• 📽️ The process of letting go of completed projects is challenging for designers, who must constantly prove themselves with each new project.
• 💄 The continuity of the designer-client relationship is crucial for maintaining the project's integrity and making necessary updates.
• 🥹 Each completed project holds memories and emotions for the designer, making them invested in its long-term success.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are interior design projects like a never-ending process?

Interior design projects are a continuous journey because clients often make changes over time, and the designer is always there to update and modify the space as needed. It is a lifelong commitment to creating a space that evolves with the client's needs.

Q: How does the relationship between the designer and client evolve over time?

The relationship starts with convincing the client to undertake the project, but it grows into a partnership where the designer becomes involved in even the smallest decisions, like choosing a wastepaper basket. This ongoing relationship allows for a deeper understanding of the client's taste and needs.

Q: How does the designer feel when clients make changes to the finished project?

The designer may feel a sense of dread or even nightmare when clients make changes to a completed project. They may even feel slightly horrified by additions or accessories that don't align with the original vision. However, they understand that their role is to guide and advise, ultimately respecting the client's choices.

Q: Why is it difficult for designers to let go of completed projects?

Designers find it challenging to let go of completed projects because they see them as their "children." The projects become a part of their memory and identity. Additionally, designers constantly strive to prove themselves and are only as good as their next project, which perpetuates their attachment to previous ones.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Interior design projects are never truly finished, as clients make changes and the designer's involvement continues even after completion.

• The relationship between the designer and client evolves from the initial convincing stage to a continuous partnership.

• The designer's attachment to their projects is likened to a parent-child relationship, always present in their memory.