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www.theconnectionsnj.com
ood design is to create warm,
comfortable and inviting spaces
through the interpretation
of a client’s unique lifestyle and
desires, while allowing for an
element of the unexpected.
D e s i g n C o n s u l t a n t s
Residential & Corporate Interiors
262 Route 202 North • Bedminster, NJ 07921
[GPS: 262 Somerville Road]
Tel: 908-781-2092 • Fax: 908-781-2410
www.designconsultantsnj.com
ASID
The word “relationship” is used quite
often in the banking world. As I
recently went through the process of
refinancing my mortgage, it struck
me how often that word came up.
And it also struck me that I don’t
think they “get” what a relationship
really is. It is being there consistently
and managing the project. But in the
banking world, they seem to be there
one minute and gone the next.
All this started me thinking about
what the word “relationship” means
to me. As an interior designer, busi-
ness relationships are so important
and enduring. It’s being there for any
issue or coordination, i.e. the long
haul. The respectful relationship
between the client and the interior
designer carries throughout the
process of design and if it is good, it
lasts for many years and through
many projects.
When to Bring in the Designer
So, if there’s a project on your hori-
zon, at what point should you estab-
lish a relationship with an interior
designer? My experience has taught
me that there are many misconcep-
tions about this. People don’t really
know what the first steps should be
when they decide to build a house or
expand an existing structure.
Typically, the architect will be hired
and then, when the sheet rock is
going up, they say, “Oh my, we need
an interior designer.” In my humble
opinion, the designer should be hired
in the beginning either prior to or the
same time as the architect.
The Benefits of Early Intervention
Why do I recommend this? It’s
because the designer is usually more
in touch with the family’s needs in
terms of their lifestyle and how the
flow of the interior will work best for
them. Hiring the two professionals
simultaneously allows the client to
have the best of both practices, right
at the beginning of the project. The
client has a wonderful team and col-
laborative effort. This will help avoid
making modifications later on which,
in turn, avoids change orders and
delays and frustration and expense to
the homeowner. Electrical and light-
ing plans, when implemented with
the interior designer at the beginning
of the project, will relate to the space
plans. Otherwise, you may either
have to settle when there is a better
solution or you will have to pay for
changes.
Personally I love interpreting the
client and coming up with the “why
not” concept with a little of the
unexpected. Manipulating space and
using every inch is very exciting as
well as the wonderful fabrics we
have that are functional and practi-
cal. Building and expanding should
be a pleasure and fun. Then there is
the wonderful “aha” moment when
it all comes together with the talent
of the professionals.
Gail Whiting, ASID, CID is the owner of
Design Consultants in Bedminster, N.J. She
values her clients and works closely with
them while paying attention to detail, cre-
ating a warm and inviting environment
with sophistication and a touch of the
unexpected.
A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DESIGNER
Submitted By: Design Consultants
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