Last updated on Aug 19, 2024

You're facing conflicting feedback from a client and architect. How do you navigate this design dilemma?

Navigating the choppy waters of commercial interior design can be challenging, especially when you're caught between conflicting feedback from a client and an architect. Both parties play pivotal roles in the design process, yet their visions may not always align. As a professional, your job is to bridge the gap, ensuring the space is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and representative of the client's brand. It's about finding a harmonious balance that satisfies both the practical and the visionary, without compromising on quality or design integrity.

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1 Understand Needs

When you're faced with differing opinions, the first step is to thoroughly understand the needs and wants of both your client and the architect. Listen actively to what each party is saying, and identify the non-negotiables versus the areas where there might be room for compromise. By understanding the underlying reasons behind their feedback, you can begin to develop solutions that address both sets of concerns. This empathetic approach forms the foundation for collaborative problem-solving and can turn potential conflict into a creative catalyst.

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Ivana Luján Colla 👷🏼♀️💻🏘

Diseñadora de espacios empresariales y corporativos | Cofundadora en Branin Estudio | Dibujante y Renderista | Maestra Mayor de obras
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Si no escuchamos, no sabemos bien qué necesidades debemos solucionar. Comprender junto al cliente cuales son sus reales inquietudes y problemáticas, para que las soluciones sean las más productivas. Si se identifica alguna opinión "caprichosa" que no es práctica ni funcional al proyecto, se lo debe observar y dar lugar a la reflexión y búsqueda conjunta de otra opción.

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Milin Shah

Director at SAROM FAB PRIVATE LIMITED
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> Facilitate a collaborative discussion between the client and architect to understand the root of the conflict and find common ground. > Clearly define project objectives and identify which aspects are most critical to both parties. > Explore alternative solutions that balance client preferences and architectural integrity, potentially involving trade-offs or innovative approaches.

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2 Assess Options

Once you've grasped the core issues, it's time to assess your options. This involves evaluating the feasibility of each suggestion, considering factors such as cost, structural limitations, and design coherence. It's crucial to remain objective during this stage, weighing the pros and cons without bias. By presenting an analytical perspective, you can facilitate a more informed discussion among all parties involved and guide them towards a mutually agreeable solution.

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Ivana Luján Colla 👷🏼♀️💻🏘

Diseñadora de espacios empresariales y corporativos | Cofundadora en Branin Estudio | Dibujante y Renderista | Maestra Mayor de obras
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Otro factor determinante de las opciones a evaluar es el tiempo de ejecución. Analizar ventajas y desventajas de cada alternativa, para jerarquizar sus intereses.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the linchpin of successful conflict resolution. When presenting your findings and suggestions, be articulate and concise. Use visual aids like sketches or 3D models to help both the client and the architect visualize the proposed compromises. Ensuring that everyone has a clear understanding of the potential outcomes will make it easier to navigate through the feedback and reach a consensus.

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Ivana Luján Colla 👷🏼♀️💻🏘

Diseñadora de espacios empresariales y corporativos | Cofundadora en Branin Estudio | Dibujante y Renderista | Maestra Mayor de obras
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Justificar cada toma de decisión según l charlado anteriormente, haciendo énfasis en las necesidades planteadas que se están solucionando.

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4 Propose Solutions

With a clear understanding of the situation and possible options on the table, it's time to propose solutions. Craft potential design revisions that honor the architect's vision while meeting the client's needs. Your role is to be the mediator, presenting ideas that bridge the gap between aesthetics and functionality. A proposed solution should be a blend of both parties' feedback, transformed into a cohesive design that resonates with the client's brand identity.

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Ivana Luján Colla 👷🏼♀️💻🏘

Diseñadora de espacios empresariales y corporativos | Cofundadora en Branin Estudio | Dibujante y Renderista | Maestra Mayor de obras
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De igual modo, ser autocrítico y empático con el cliente que en definitiva es el que finaliza la toma de decisiones. Respetar su ideología si al analizar todas las propuestas, ventajas y desventajas juntos, termina decidiendo según su consciencia.

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5 Facilitate Compromise

Facilitating compromise is often about finding the middle ground. Encourage both your client and the architect to prioritize their requirements. This may involve some give-and-take, but it's important to keep the project's overall goals in focus. By highlighting the benefits of each compromise, you can help both parties see the value in each other's perspectives and work towards a design that satisfies everyone's primary objectives.

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6 Implement Decisions

After reaching an agreement, it's crucial to implement the decisions promptly and efficiently. Keep all lines of communication open to ensure that any adjustments are made according to the agreed-upon plan. Monitoring the implementation closely allows you to address any issues immediately, ensuring that the final design remains true to the collaborative vision that was crafted through negotiation and mutual understanding.

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You're facing conflicting feedback from a client and architect. How do you navigate this design dilemma?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Assess Options

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Propose Solutions

5 Facilitate Compromise

6 Implement Decisions

Commercial Interiors

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You're facing conflicting feedback from a client and architect. How do you navigate this design dilemma?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Understand Needs

2 Assess Options

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Propose Solutions

5 Facilitate Compromise

6 Implement Decisions

Commercial Interiors

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