When presenting your interior design client with your designs, should you offer more than one design?
As an interior designer, one of the key decisions you'll face is whether to present your clients with multiple design options or to focus on a single, well-developed concept. Each approach has its benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice often depends on the specific project and client.
However, my short answer and rule of thumb is: No. And here's why:
1. Cost and time
When I present my client with a design, I have spent hours collecting products that are in their budget, will ship in time for their end date, and fit the style the client prefers. This. Takes. Time. Making multiple designs will literally cost the client double or triple the cost of one design.
Creating multiple design options for a client undoubtedly showcases your creativity and flexibility. However, it's crucial to consider the significant time and effort involved in this approach.
Presenting multiple design options can extend the overall project timeline as well. Each phase, from initial concept development to client feedback and revisions, can take longer when multiple options are in play. Clients may need more time to review and compare options, and multiple rounds of feedback and revisions can further extend timelines.
So Keep the client informed about the time implications of reviewing and deciding on multiple options. Encourage clients to consolidate feedback to minimize the number of revision rounds and make them aware of why- It is to respect their budget.
2. Clients don't need to be burdened with choosing from multiple designs. Too many choices can overwhelm clients, leading to decision fatigue and confusion.
Remember: They have hired you for your expertise, and your decision making is part of that. If you offer too many options, you will appear to lack confidence in what is best for your client.
Not to mention, when clients are bombarded with too many options, it can lead to stress and anxiety. This emotional response can negatively impact their overall experience and perception of your services.
So use your expertise to guide clients toward the best options based on their needs and preferences. Be decisive, present your client with your best design, and if needed, make edits.
3. When I create a design, I am choosing what I believe to be the very best for my client. Any other designs I put together will be second to the best. Presenting several design options can sometimes dilute the strength and clarity of your design vision. A single, well-developed concept can be more impactful and persuasive.
Now *sometimes* I will offer a more budget-friendly secondary option, but again, it will not be the better design option. Why offer a subpar design to your client when you want them to have the very best?
Now what about the exceptions? Sure, there are times when I've made a mood board to present to my client and there was an item the client wasn't in love with that needed to be changed. Often times that means you have to make adjustments to the entire design, and that's totally ok and part of the process.
But the difference in making multiple designs verses editing a primary design is that when you make edits, you're perfecting, but when you make multiple designs, you're hesitating.
You need to be confident that your design instincts are spot on for the client's needs. Your client will sense that and be grateful for it.
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