KBB - February/March 2015 - 20

INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT

The Designer and the Builder
In a panel at the KBIS NeXT stage during KBIS 2015, K+BB Executive
Editor Chelsie Butler moderated a discussion that explored the importance of the relationship between the designer and the builder. Panelists included Amy Ahearn, CKD, CAPS; Christopher Grubb, president/
founder Arch-Interiors Design Group; Toni Sabatino, owner, Toni Sabatino Style; Phil Seaton, president of Seaton Inc.; and Ray Wiese, CMKBD,
founder and principal designer at The Wiese Company. Each of the panelists is a member of the K+BB Editorial Advisory Board.

What Can a Designer Bring to the Table?
Homeowners often shy away from hiring a designer, but in many
situations it is imperative that a designer be involved. A designer not
only can educate the consumer, but they can simplify the process by
helping the customer decide what they are really looking for. Incorporating all of the different options into a design is a big challenge and
coincides with all the layers of planning and scheduling. Because of
the scheduling challenges, it is important to have a good relationship
between the designer and the builder. A designer can have the vision to
see where small changes can make a big difference, while the builder
will work to bring the vision to life physically.

How Can the Designer Alleviate the Contractor's Workload?
"Designers can provide streamlined answers and client communication when surprises are uncovered or changes are desired," said Wiese.
Some of the responsibilities of a redesign, such as the budget and
the scheduling process, fall on the designer. Designers can also pick up
on potential mistakes quickly, keeping the project moving when there is
an issue. They can also serve as a liaison between the contractor and
the consumer.

Debunking the Budget Myth
It is during the pre-planning and drawing the concept that the budget
can be established. Grubb recommended starting with the basic concepts
before going to the next level of design. Each level will increase in value, so
the customers will be able to access where they are in their budget. The
consumer might think they know what they want, but it is the designer's task
to put the options together and know what materials are also available.
Even still, designers are still wrongly looked upon as a costly addition.
They can instead contribute to a contractor's work through their expertise
and help the homeowner avoid mistakes.
"The designer will prevent a mistake from happening from the outset
by explaining to the client the consequences - good and bad - of this
particular item or installation," said Ahearn. "A good designer points out
tactfully that the item may be compromised by the rest of the design. The
designer can also offer a superior solution and explain how it will attain
the same goal for the client without sacrificing anything."

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Involving a Designer Can Actually be a Cost Savings
The designer should above all protect the client; the savings from
avoiding mistakes and giving the electrical and plumbing specs to the
contractor is invaluable. Establishing a budget early on and making it
lower than required leaves room for growth later on, if necessary. The
most important thing is finding out what the client's needs are, and since
designers know the low, medium and high-end range of products, they
can show their clients the best choices available to match their budget.
If there is a problem, the homeowner usually blames the contractor.
However, if the client started without a plan, the fault lies with them. In a
three-tiered relationship, the designer will take the fall for most problems,
not the contractor. A client's plan is better deciphered through a designer's eyes because a designer can make adjustments and guide them
to think through how the space will be used. Those lifestyle questions are
key, and sitting down with the client for the first time always reveals their
current style.

Communication is Key
The only way everyone can ensure tight communication is simply to
actually communicate. Show up to the job for regular check-ins. Although
this will not eliminate every mistake, it can reduce them. A contractor's job
is to keep to the schedule and explain if and why there are changes. Work
around the challenges together and cover for one another - if necessary - while keeping the integrity of the project. Also access how needy
a client is - do they really need to be copied on every email or just on a
need-to-know basis? Having a weekly update call or in-person meeting
will also reduce anxiety among all parties.
"In the event there is some sort of field adjustment required, keep tight
communication and cooperation between design and implementation,"
said Sabatino. "This aids in creating a solution, keeping the job on schedule and budget and managing the client's expectations. The designer
and contractor working as a team really benefits everyone."

Generating Referrals
Teamwork between a contractor and designer will bring more projects into each other's business. Contractors and designers often have
repeat customers, and if they are familiar with one another and work
well together, they will refer each other. The client looks to the first person
he/she hired to recommend experts for other pieces of the project, so
keep in mind that your credibility is at stake with your recommendations.
Still, with the proper methods of communication, designers and builders
can better work in harmony to create the best renovation possible for
a client. n

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KBB - February/March 2015

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