Von Löwen Designs

To better relate to some of the emotions surrounding the client’s decision to use a professional designer, it is always helpful to put yourself into their shoes. Think of the risks that go along with the responsibility of choosing any provider, for what could easily be one of the most invasive and costly endeavors they and their family will go through in their lifetime. How would you like to be the one to blame, if something doesn’t turn out right?

Viewed in this way, it is easy to understand that the client has every right to enter the remodeling process in a high state of anxiety. What’s even worse, is the client’s inevitable apprehension and caution that is reinforced by knowing outside professionals often see details and complications in a project that they may not necessarily see. In fact, it is imperative, and an essential part of the designer’s role to reveal such nuances, problems, barriers and issues of which the homeowner is unaware. On the other hand, if these specifics are not discussed and conveyed with the utmost care and tact, the client could easily believe that rather than relieving fears and being helpful, the designer is creating complications. Talk about walking a razor’s edge.

There are other emotions usually present as well. Imagine having to place a huge portion of all your personal, social and family affairs, into the hands of
a practitioner of what appears to be some sort of convoluted art, who often uses indecipherable jargon and engages in mysterious and unexplained, (and probably expensive) activities. Predictably, the average first time remodeler experiences unwelcome feelings of dependency, loss of control and doubt.

What I have learned is to keep my clients up to date but not overwhelmed, walking that fine line that seems almost instinctual. Client’s seem to desire someone they can count on to keep them acquainted, yet take away their worries and absorb all that day to day hoopla. Although all too often, they encounter professionals who continually just add to their concerns instead. Since clients are often anxious and uncertain, to no fault of their own, they are looking for and deserving of professionals who will calm their fears and provide reassurance, and will continue to inspire confidence throughout the duration of their remodeling project.

No doubt, it does take some time to become mindful of this integral practice, certainly no one ever teaches it to us in our training, in school, or even your typical professional design firm, but I’ve genuinely recognized both the need as well as the benefits of remaining a life long student of character and relationships. For sure, human nature is such that you’re not going to be perfect and connect 100% with every single client, but hopefully through awareness, practice and diligence, I will continue to develop habits that incorporate my learnings into my overall design approach.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.

I remember when I first started in this field I felt a strong need to demonstrate my expertise upon meeting a prospective client, thinking my only role was to provide all the answers to any given query. After all, this is a professional business relationship, not a personal one.

Obviously, answering questions and doing great analysis holds some validity, but with time I’ve learned to relax and enjoy developing client rapport that is broader, concise and more meaningful. To collaborate rather than control. To listen rather than tell. And to provide fresh perspectives to their challenges and concerns.

What I began to realize was enlightening. Out of my simple curiosity and inquisitiveness, while focusing the discussion on the most critical and relevant issues, actually enabled my clients to arrive at their own solutions. Imagine that? It was my inquires and fact finding that allowed our bonding to flourish and mature to the point of knowing my client on a much more intelligible level. This gave me the ability to provide insight, rather than just meaningless information or generic recommendations. The cooperation that evolved by listening to and learning from my client’s experience, knowledge, and desires, combined with my own, established chemistry, trust, and communication to cultivate solutions together. Rather than driving down that one way street and presenting just an ear full of irrelevant facts.

In this age of the information economy, when everything is moving at internet speed and all that you need just seems like a mouse click away, expertise is becoming automated, being reduced to a commodity and simply losing value.

My suggestion: take a deep breath, slow it down and take the time to promote a long lasting purposeful relationship with your client.

Make it a great day!

lars-

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.