Client Presentations

When communicating with the clients, it's important to show our designs in pictures, whether that's 2D floor plans, or 3D modelling by hand or computer drawn.

Moodboards set the scene to ensure the client and the designer are aligned to the same concept. I like to get the story right from the beginning. What is the story of the room, or the house? What is the functionality of the space on an ideal day? What are the assets i.e. natural light, ventilation? What is the flow of the space? This should all be ascertained by the site visit and in initial meetings with the client.

By the time of the client presentation these questions will have an answer. Is there enough room to move around furniture? How are accessibility and pathways being catered to? Can elements breathe in the space? Do objects talk to one another across rooms? Is there harmony between colours and concept? Here then, the taste of the client merging with the designer comes into play. The presentation also confirms to the designer that the furniture, decor and finishes will be accepted by the client before any ordering can occur. Is the agreed upon style being upheld? Does it meet the stakeholder's expectations? The client will see that they have been heard and their concerns for the space has tangible solutions. It's the opportunity to affirm that the design is cohesive with the space, the client and the narrative of the space.

It's a good idea to make tweeks at this stage, to swap in and out an element of the design if need be. This is all before the design process progresses, so changes at this stage won't cost the client or the designer in terms of stress or large financial outlay and will highlight any gaps between the concept of the design, usability, comfort expectations, style and ultimately execution of the plan. This is when the client and the designer are on the same page and both can visualise the end result. It's a very exciting time for everyone involved, moving them one step closer to the realisation of beauty in formation. Arcing towards the completion of the design and the cohesive collaboration between client, designer and builder leaving the client with a tangible outcome to be enjoyed for years to come. As a designer I love this interplay between all the elements to achieve a spectacular result.