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http://ths.gardenweb.com/forum...611033530907.html?33

Good read that came about by a client not understanding fees that were charged by designer. Vague hiring language and no understanding as to what is what...

someone put a thread together about dialog for understanding the designer and client relationship and how things can get misunderstood. Good read with contributions done by many posters on the Garden Web board. You cannot comment if you are not a member but you can read the thread and posts.

An excellent discussion and so civil too. I am bookmarking it for future reference because the topic often comes up at work. Many folks don't see the value of a designer because they think they will be overcharged or forced to buy something they dislike. While that does happen far too often, most of us try our best to get projects done on time and under budget. Most importantly, a good designer will give the customer a home they are comfortable in that reflects their own personal taste and family lifestyle. Thanks for sharing it was very enjoyable to read.

You are so right! Thanks for comments Cavin!
And books on the subject are so 'dry' to read and so 'instructional' I think just plain dialog is good. What a reality show that would be! lol REAL stuff...

Thanks for the link M.R. To be fair to the clients out there over the years I have met and worked with many extremely talented designers who were absolutely lousy at forecasting, and business planning.It's a major pitfall,since you're dealing with that left brain/right brain dicotomy. Also, I don't remember anything in the way of business dialogue as a part of my art school training. It is something I developed on my own.

The funniest thing I found with the posters comments was that "design" and "inspiration photos" were always spoken of before budget, time line, or room function.

Mary Ruth, this was one of the most compelling reads about the designer-client relationship I have ever seen: alternately practical, insightful and hilarious. TFS

I have not yet had the pleasure of being the client of a professional designer, except when we needed landscape and hardscape design. That is one area where I have no clue. I know what I like, but it is very difficult for me to articulate my wants and needs when it comes to the great outdoors. So, we worked with a credentialed and experienced landscape designer, and we have kept up the relationship over 8 years and two different homes. Rapport is a big deal to me, and that makes the difference in how well the project goes.

Bottomline: not only did I get a high-quality outcome, but it was much more cost efficient than doing it myself (as a clueless person) and making a hash of things -- and having to replace and rework the property. I see too much of that mishmash stuff out here, and I know I did not want to make the same mistake.

When I saw the length of that thread I was about to pass it by, since I have never and probably never will (unless I win the lottery) used a professional decorator. However reading a little made me realize that this would be very informative, while not exactly applicable to my life.

I think I felt sorry for both designer and clients! The merlot story cracked me up, but really how hard would it be to work with someone like that? Or the client whose decorator paid no attention to her needs or desires?

This thread would make a very informative and instructive conversation for both decorators and potential clients of decorators/designers.

I've read half so far...very amusing!!! Me thinks this type work would be as exasperating as being a Realtor

NOW you understand what 'hand holding' really means! Honestly sometimes you wonder how the world functions at all! Every field has this issue, of clearly understanding something, that is why McDonald's did so well when it opened as a chain, few choices, everything spelled out AND had pictures of the food, 'point and say #1' and you got a food order! Someone says what you owe, you pay, you wait you get your stuff! Now, the more complicated things get, the more 'dialog' has to happen!