Why a Design Professional is WORTH THE INVESTMENT!

Architects and Design Professionals are one of the original Professions from the very origins of Doctors, Lawyers, and yes, even Prostitution. Many people do not realize this and in today’s world have thought of Architects and other Design Professionals as a luxury and not a necessity when it comes to their lives when taking on either a new and or remodeling project. Of course,two out of three of the other professions would not come into this arena unless one got hurt on the job site or something went wrong. Overall, statistically the Architect and other Design Professionals are the lowest paid out of the four in the group because of the mindset that they are an extra expense and tend to get value engineered right out of the project.

Well folks, I am here today to set the record straight. Yes a Lawyer and Doctor are very important people and are worth the investment, usually realized during the times when one is seriously injured; however, an Architect or Design Professional is equally important just in a different context and less transparent. Think about this, our Environment, the Buildings, and Homes that we live, work, shop, play, and socialize in were all created by an Architect and other Design Professionals. Yes this is an obvious statement, but one taken for granted along with the Education, Experience, and Time spent in the creation of these spaces. Architecture and Design are not merely beautiful accessories to our lives, they are required necessities even more so than not only the original professions, but when you think about it, more so than any and all professions.

The Designed and Built Environment actually “Shapes” our lives and has a hidden “Control” of our lives each and every day. Through design, good or bad will either make your life easier, harder, enjoyable, or simply a not so nice experience. The way one passes through on a daily basis down a grocery store aisle or gets to and from their day to day tasks all is influenced by Architects and Design professionals. Think about this the next time you get up in the morning, experience your day, then go to bed at night. Wouldn’t it be nice if…? If my kitchen were only….? I wish there was more room in…? Boy this chair is uncomfortable…? Can you see it now? Investment in Architecture and Design would resolve these questions along with the many others you ask out loud or keep quietly tucked away but are still there.

So I ask you now, is an Investment in an Architect and or Design Professional WORTH THE INVESTMENT in your life?

Clean and Linear are the “In Design” for 2012

Even though I still like and appreciate traditional design and the beauty of the carved moldings, the warmth and charm of the Olde World style, and the richness of the projects that have been designed in the past, Clean and Linear is the “In Design” for 2012.   There are two major reasons for this trend, first as years pass the influence of European influence in design begins to take over little by little and second our lifestyles become more of a Linear function throughout the day, thus our living environments become more linear also.

Long are the days when we have time to sit down and complete one task at a time.  Ever since the introduction of the Computer, we have become a linear and “programmed society” just as they (the Computers) have programmed us to be.  We tend to need to get from point A to B faster and in a more direct path as opposed to taking time to take the winding more interesting way and as they say…”Form follows function” and so do our environments.  Even in the older generations, my clients no matter the generation want simple, clean and linear in their designs not only from a design style but also from an everyday cleaning perspective.

So the next time you think about what is on your “to-do list” for the day, take a few moments to slow down and take a look to see how you function.  I think you will see just how much Clean and Linear environments are not only becoming a trend, but more importantly how they will better fit “In Design” of your world.  Don’t worry, clean and linear are not substitutes for Cold and Sterile, by selecting a great material, texture, pattern, or color will not only make all the difference in the world, but make Clean and Linear your personal statement.

The Lowest Price is not always the Right Choice!

In today’s economy, everyone including myself is looking at areas to save money, and I don’t blame you.  When it comes to purchasing products for your next remodeling project, this too is an area which people are sharpening their pencils even more now days.  This trend started in the purchasing of Appliances and after a while, the manufacturers had enough of the “price wars” and established an industry wide policy called Universal Manufacturers Retail Price otherwise known as UMRP.  By taking this step, not only did it help eliminate the price wars but more importantly put the focus of the consumer back on the actual Product and its Features and Benefits that best suited their needs vs focusing solely on the price.

In the past year or so, the consumer has become more involved in price shopping and has moved from the appliances to the Plumbing products arena.  The power of the internet with E-tailers popping up faster than one can blink, offer the same product or something very similar at a lower price than even I can purchase it from my local Plumbing supplier.  In addition, even some Plumbing suppliers are starting to become unethical by quoting and selling to the Consumer at Builder/Trade pricing.  This now, just like in the Appliance arena, puts the focus on the price vs. the actual product.  A lot of times when this happens, the consumer is now solely focused on price and the Quality is a lesser concern.  The other day I was at a local establishment here in Dallas called Gazebo Burger and a sign behind the register said “Without Quality, there is no Value”.  If a place that sells; and I must say, a very good hamburger, “Gets It”, the general consumer should also.

Yes, the Consumer now has several options in securing the items they need for their project; however, here are some very important factors that should be considered before doing so.   First and most important is CUSTOMER SERVICE!  Whether it is the Designer, Contractor, or Supplier Representative including the FREE use of their showrooms and also their TIME (Most if not all Supplier Reps work on Commission based on Sales, not on Quotes), shopping On-Line or going on your own to secure your products at lower pricing, the Consumer now is either Abusing the persons involved by wasting their time then going elsewhere or they LOSE the Before, During, and After Customer Service they would receive by paying a few dollars more for their products. Also, depending on the product, if the consumer purchases the product, the Contractor will not include these items in their warranty for the project and if anything goes wrong, the Consumer not the Contractor, Designer, or Supply Showroom Representative is fully responsible.  In the end, it will COST you MORE than if one simply purchased that item through the normal channels.

Of course I am biased in this area because I too have fallen victim to either Consumers who buy outside of my “circles” and or buy from Suppliers who under-cut me by selling to my clients at and or below my pricing just to make a sale.  Now, there are situations which do come up where a Consumer can provide an item or product for their project in which it is simply easier or more convenient for them to make the purchase direct, and that is all good.  For the most part, let the professionals you hired provide you what is needed for your project.

Please don’t take me wrong, I am all about saving money when I can no matter the state of the economy; however, I factor in ALL aspects of the purchase before I decide how I am going to buy what I want.  For instance, if I know that I am going to buy something on Ebay, I do ALL my research On-Line as opposed to taking advantage of a “brick and mortar” store, their employees, overhead costs, etc.  This way, it is 100% fair to everyone and the only person and time involved in the purchase is MINE!

I ask you not only as a Design Professional, but as a Human Being, please think about this before you make your next purchase.  Thank you!

The Power of Technology in the Design Process

Last night I attended my local National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) Chapter meeting, we had a wonderful presenter Mr. John Morgan.  John is not only a good friend of mine, but also President Elect for the National organization.  In his presentation; even though he dated himself, he mentioned that he has been like most of us, involved with technology in his business since the fax machine.  Wow, look at how far we have advanced since then….and in a very short period of time.

In regards to the Kitchen, Bath, and Interior Design professions, technology has also made great advances.  No longer are the days of sweating over a drafting table for long hours wadding up trace paper with blood sweat and tears poured onto the pages.  Today, yes we still spend hours in the design process; however, it is in front of a monitor and involves a mouse.  Inspiration and changes are simply made with a click of a mouse and take only minutes compared to sometimes hours.  Along with the passing of time, Specification books and architectural libraries filled with age old history of architecture and design are slowly being archived and replaced with Applications easily downloaded onto the virtual library shelves on our computers, laptops, phones, or tablets.

Products whether tangible ones or the specifications for are also being replaced by manufacturer’s websites, links, and photographic images that all can be assembled neatly together to provide a fantastic presentation along with the CAD drawings and three-dimensional rendered images, again all neatly held and shared on the multiple technological devises we all have.  What once were “neat technological toys” that oohed and awed our clients, today it is the Clients that are expecting this form of presentation from their design professional.  Like John said, if you or your design professional doesn’t have and or use technology like this, either their client and even worse, their competition will!

So, as I am typing this blog on my desktop computer and getting ready to hit a single button to send it out literally “around the world” to the millions of other computers, laptops, phones, and tablets.  Can you imagine where technology will be and how it will continue to change the Design process in a very short period of time to come?

Remember one important thing from all of this… there still is always the human element and the need to meet “face to face”, but again, we can always meet on Skype!

Hot Tips and Trends for the New Year!

Well, it is already a new year and we are all getting back into the swing of things after hopefully …

Continue reading »