I had so much fun chatting it up with Caroline Mcdonald and the Ballard girls. The daily design dish includes things like how to mix metals, how to glam up a kitchen and luxe kid friendly fabric.But most of all I love what I do because of the relationships I build with my team and my clients. 

 I think design is best when done collaboratively. I truly love what I do and and I love sharing my vision. In a nutshell design it’s about coordination and teamwork. I’d say the top four reasons why it’s so imperative to get a designer in early would be:

• Spark more creativity. Different perspectives coming from different points of view and areas of expertise lead to better results.
• Give everyone a chance to be a part of creating the brand story/messaging for the community. This creates buy-in and allows everyone to be on the same page.
• Inspire coordination and flow of design ideas between all parties involved.
• Save time and money. The earlier the collaboration the more efficient the entire process.

The sharing of ideas, the energy, and excitement about each of the different projects is palpable. 

An experienced designer understands that strong relationships create phenomenal designs and is the key. 

 Having all of the design team at the table…ensures that the client’s wants, needs and vision can be met; each discipline can offer valuable information focused on design, constructability, and budget; ideas build upon one another creating a well-integrated project that exceeds a client’s expectations (and sometimes even exceeds the design team’s vision).

Designers are not mind readers. We need feedback and direction. Clients CAN hire interior designers that take over a project, carrying out their OWN vision. That may work for SOME people. But the best designers work WITH clients to develop the CLIENT’S vision. Likewise, clients are not designers. They need guidance and expertise. When  a client and designer work together, the best designs result.