How can you accommodate a client's design preferences that don't align with your own aesthetic?

"Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for any successful designer. One of the challenges we face is when a client's design preferences don't align with our own aesthetic. However, as professionals, it is our responsibility to listen, understand, and accommodate their vision. By approaching each project with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate, we find creative solutions that incorporate their preferences while keeping a high standard of design. It's striking a balance between their desires and our expertise. Embracing this challenge not only fosters strong client relationships but also expands our own creative horizons. Together, we can create spaces that exceed expectations and bring our clients' visions to life."

I agree I found. With today, there are so much information out there, where people can access ideas. If they show you their likes and dislikes. It gives you a great idea of their style...and is helpful ..

La base d'un projet abouti est la collaboration. Le travail de l'architecte d'intérieur n'est pas d'imposer à son client ses idées et son esthétique, mais de lui apporter son expertise pour construire avec lui un projet cohérent qui lui corresponde. L'écoute est le ciment d'une belle collaboration.

When giving examples, draw from past client and project experience to offer the client an informed perspective on tangible results. Whilst we are in a position to empower clients through knowledge, forming an emotional association to design rationale is also important. If the client can connect with how the design makes them feel, how it improves their environment through functionality and culture, they will be more open to investing in understanding the technical information you have on hand to support your design intent. Shared values such as cradle to cradle health of a product, design authenticity, or product features should be prioritised in conversation once you know what the client finds most important.

This is true. We designers not only need them to agree with us but at least let them also understand why their suggestion will not work out. Suggest a solution that help them think what is best for them. Never say “this will not work”, but instead tell them “why don’t we do this instead of this ”, then provide them visuals that supports your idea. I think a respectful way of contradicting your client’s bad solutions will let them agree with your good proposal. It will help them see the light, why we designers are here. 😉😊

Approaching a design solution should balance knowledge with a willingness to collaborate. As the ultimate end user, what problems is the client facing? What factors influence their preferences? Understanding the client's motivations allows you to find common ground and establish a shared goal in working toward an agreeable design solution. Ultimately, you'll never be able to fully separate yourself from your own aesthetic, and nor should you. You will already have filtered many options to narrow the design or procurement using your own lens. From here, the client can be guided on how to give their input in milestone decisions that allow their voice and requirements to be respected, under the influence of your expertise.

One can also consider referring this person to a colleague or competitor. I have found that building a network among other professionals to be helpful. Although we are competitors, sharing resources, even customers can help all of us grow as a community. There is a camaraderie formed among those you can bond with and sometimes there are opportunities for very large projects to collaborate which otherwise would be missed. I have teamed up with others to take on contracts that would have been too big to handle alone.

In my opinion, it's always essential to start with a real checklist with the client. This means listening and understanding, and sometimes playing the role of a psychologist, trying also to guess what are the needs and desires of the person in front of you. So, from the start you'll realize if there are synergies or not. If things change, I take the command as I'm the Guide and the Expert and I'll explain stepbystep all the reasons behind my choices and why is the only way to reach results.