Project Update - What happens when things go awry?

Project Update - What happens when things go awry?

So I thought this post would be to give an update about one of our projects we have been working on and where it is currently at. However, we have decided it best to part ways with this one (yes, it does happen) and we wanted to take some time to process that and share more about when we would choose to stop a project and how it can be avoided. We shall dub this post “ 5 ways to avoid getting fired as a client” with the list below!

1) Communicate.

This can mean a variety of things. Most commonly we see it manifest in couples with unhealthy communication patterns and it creates triangular communication with us that makes it difficult to navigate. It can also show up with a lack of communication to our team, the build team, or stakeholders that need answers to keep the project moving. Really, you have to be able to communicate with each other and with your team. We are comfortable navigating if a couple disagrees with their dislikes and preferences, but if you cannot do the homework to reach a consensus, we cannot do our job to move things forward.

2) Trust the process.

We get it. There is a lot to try to understand and navigate on your build journey. But, if you feel like you would get the same level of service from a showroom with free design services, than you do with us, that is just not going to build trust and allow us to do our job efficiently. It will lead to always feeling undermined and like we are continually having to defend what we do.

3) When things go overbudget, the first to go can’t be your design team.

It has also happened that when things go overbudget on the construction side, we are asked to reduce our scope of work or no do detailing. The later stages of services we offer are critical to the completion of the project and help your construction trades people stay on track. If you cut this out, it will stall the progress and probably end up costing you even more.

4) Allow your design team to help navigate reselections.

The most painful experience as a designer is to show the clients what you know they will love, only to have them tell you they are over budget and going to handle reselections themselves. This is the absolute worst thing you can do. Reselecting things piece meal does not consider the whole picture and the implications of making a swap without considering it holistically. Just let the pros do it.

5) Be nice.

Again, we get it. Building is stressful and we get that it is hard to navigate it all. When things are stressful, overbudget, delayed, or something wrong happened on site, just be nice. Kindness goes a long way. Most often the people working on your house couldn’t afford the same luxury. So don’t be that person who’s money and clout erodes the teams respect in you. Ask questions and be direct, but do so with humility and kindness. I promise your team will treat the project with more respect and you will feel that in the end result.

Cheers!