A comprehensive plan is essential for any interior design project to be successful.
An established and credible stonemason must be able to partner with you to create the ideal design that will both suit the client’s desires and needs – and also something that matches your project’s budget.
After working with both designers and private clients extensively over the past few years, we have compiled a list of questions that we have found essential to our work process and hope that they will also assist you during your next interior design project.
1. How much are you willing to spend?
Consult with the client and establish just how much they would be willing to spend on their interior design project and to achieve their desired result.
This way you can be sure that the client, interior designer, and stonemason will have a clear direction on how to advance the project without any reservation, and you will have a good idea of the restrictions when drawing up plans and selecting the right materials.
After you have established a strategy for the project, try to present your client with an estimate of both the cost and the amount of time it will take.
2. How much time are they willing to devote?
You need to consider what their personal needs are and if they will be able to work around the necessary construction related to your interior design project.
By consulting with an experienced stonemason you will have an accurate description of how long the project will take – by providing a timeline that you and your client can plan around.
It is always preferable to avoid surprises, so you might also want to discuss how you will handle problems that could arise.
3. What style is your client planning for their interior design project?
Your client will need to provide you with as much information as possible on the results they would like to achieve and will be required to do their own research before meeting with you.
You could help assist your client with design magazines, catalogues, or even Pinterest links to help provide them with some ideas for the style and design elements they might like to implement into their home.
Developing a good idea of what your clients like and dislike is necessary if you want them to be happy with your final designs. What are their likes and dislikes regarding colour and styles?
Make a scrapbook from different magazine clippings, or even collaborate with them on a Pinterest board with images from different websites, along with examples of materials and design elements that would provide them with some inspiration for their home interior.
If they do not already have a Pinterest account then encourage them to create one. Your clients can create boards from different sources of inspiration and all the things they love.
It makes the job of the designer easier when they can access their client’s boards anytime day or night if a creative urge arises.
Be sure to utilise the different online tools available to show your client what your vision is for their new kitchen or bathroom.
4. How do they use their kitchen or bathroom?
You must be prepared with a list of questions that you will need to ask when you first meet with your client.
- Who is the key decision maker for this project?
- What is their timeframe?
- How do they envision the design process taking place?
- How do they intend to use the space?
- Will they be doing lots of entertaining with family and friends?
5. How to prepare for their interior design project?
You will need to prime your client on the disruption that will be caused by your interior design project. Although with the right planning the project will be able to run as smoothly and a efficiently as possible.
You need to make sure that the project area and the living area are separate for both safety reasons and to stay out of the way of the design team and installers. You might have to set up a temporary living space in another room of the house.
Again it is always preferable to avoid surprises, so you might also want to discuss with your client how you will handle issues that could arise.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog post as much as I have enjoyed making it for you.
How would you like for me to help you with your luxury stone interior designs for free?
I have set aside some time to talk to you about finding the best stonemason, getting the best quality stone you possibly can for your next interior design project and I would be delighted to help you come up with a plan for doing that for free.
If you have a question or would like to discuss your requirements then please call Stewkley Stone today on +44 (0) 1525 240 711 or complete our contact form here.