Sometimes, it is a good idea to talk about problems that can arise with Interior design projects. Some are simply unforeseen and out of our hands, some we create for ourselves, unintentionally; some are absolutely preventable!
I personally prefer to write only about the bright sides, the upsides and smooth sailing from beginning of an Interior design project (commercial or residential) right through to installation! But the facts are that problems can and do arise, and some can be costly and impact the project budgeting.
Problems can take on a life of their own – if we let them. And they can arise from several places. Some involve communication disciplines. Some relate to the specific Interior design market economy. Relationships can be complex, and sometimes will bog down a project’s progress while issues resolve. Leadership and the chain of command and authority can get dicey.
Simple impatience concerning deadlines, deliveries, availability of product, pricing issues, etc., can create process interruptions. And, we all know that time is money. Your Interior design project team does not want problems that create unwanted time loss and cost impactions.
It goes without saying, that while the understandings and agreements between Client and Interior designer are clear, fair and provisional, sometimes projects have a way of developing unforeseen issues anyway.
So, let’s look at some examples of how an Interior design project can find itself confronted with a problem that robs time, efficiency and dollars. The tough ones to deal with are often the ones that arise externally, and over which we have little or no control. They can involve market issues, pricing, labor availability, horrible weather incidents, accident, equipment failure and the like. In such situations, our challenge – you and me –is not to add to the problem with unreasonability! If it is something that couldn’t be helped, the best help is probably patience, understanding and pause.
Other problems can involve indecision, or too many cooks in the kitchen! Business principals in conflict on a commercial Interior design project, or battling spouses or family members on a residential Interior design project, are absolute set-ups for unwanted problems, spelled: delay! And delay is one of those expensive ripple effects mentioned above.
Severe weather and unpredictable weather patterns are having more and more impact on all construction projects, including Interior design. Interior design follows structural design; when the latter is delayed, the former waits patiently; sometimes expensively. Critical path planning is more crucial than ever as we face some new gifts of nature.
Illness, personal emergencies and second or third job tier emergencies can slam a project onto hold at a moment’s notice. It is only wise to plan to the best degree for emergency management of unavoidable possible stoppage. Can’t predict the future, bur we can be realistic about possibilities. Consider good rules and on-the-job protocols for safety.
Delays or miscalculations concerning cash flow and budgeting can impact your Interior design project commitments, element choice availability, pricing advantages and labor sufficiency.
A stark look at some negatives is not an invitation to abandon an Interior design project you may have in mind! But, it is an invitation to plan wisely and carefully with your Interior design specialist. We know how to plan realistically, and how to efficiently and economically handle most typical problems – mostly, how to prevent them!
So, dream that dream –help is on the way!
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years. Boccabella provides Designing to Fit the Vision© in collaboration with [email protected]. To contact him call 707-263-7073; email him at [email protected] or visit www.BusinessDesignServices.com or on Face Book at Business Design Services.