What do different designers bring to the table? Some do one look. Some are experts in antiques, some prefer to do themes. Me, I am about color, pattern and texture. That's the decorating part. I also work hard on the business side of it.
In the business these days there is a lot of talk about the economy, the housing market and its effect our work with clients. There's some nervousness in the air. I have talked to many people who have been in the business for a long time and they mention that some designers come and go. But the lasting ones have good business skills.
I write a lot about fixing the problems because it is such a big part of the job.
A lot my clients have had a problem with products for their home in the past and couldn’t get someone to fix it. For example, if you buy your blinds from a big box store, it’s very difficult to get help if something goes wrong: a blind is too narrow or it comes in the wrong color. Try just getting someone on the phone!
Part of the value of working with a designer is that if there are problems with products or other aspects of a project, I make the phone call to take care of the problem. Recently my contractor told me that the wrong sink was delivered and the toilet shipped without screws for the tank. Apparently the distributor loaded the wrong sink on the truck. We're not sure what happened with the toilet but it doesn't matter much...My guess is someone opened the box looking for parts...All it took was one call and they will be available next day. So no delay to the schedule.
