Spending quality time in the design phase of a project helps keeps production moving and avoids potential problems along the way. When I meet with a client for the first time, gaining their trust is on top of my priority list. This helps me to understand their goals for the project, make ideal selections, and also pays off in so many ways in the later stages of a project in case we run into roadblocks. I also find drawing up a good set of detailed plans ensures everyone is on the same page and helps to avoid surprises in the end. For example during this fireplace remodel the clients were particular about how the mantel pieces fit together. Once we decided on a design I was able to meet with the cabinet maker to review the client’s wishes and to make sure that what we had drawn could be built.
PLANNING
I enjoy getting to know and building good relationships with project managers, subcontractors, carpenters, engineers, and architects to help get the job done right. My role in production is to help in any way possible, whether that is reviewing plans, checking materials, working though an unforeseen problem or just staying out of the way. I have a good sense of when I can be useful and when to step away.
During the fireplace remodel the tile layout was basically a large jigsaw puzzle. I went in ahead of time to arrange all of the pieces and met with the tile installer to make sure each piece was installed in the right place. We intentionally took time to work through this together and the end result was well worth it. Being that it was an expensive tile with a long lead time, we didn’t have a lot of wiggle room for mistakes.
PRODUCTION
project completion
Although this fireplace project presented challenges during the design phase, at completion, the clients were overjoyed with the end result. Every project is unique, and every client is different, and sometimes things are not perfect along the way. No matter the situation I always try to stay positive, point out the good things, and most importantly learn from my mistakes. I remind my clients all the time to dig deep, never give up and not to let fatigue overwhelm. These are sayings I live by to get my clients to the end of their remodel happy, pleased and proud of their new space.
