Month: April 2011

How to Manage the Project

The pool and spa are an example of how Cannon Frank managed all the vendors related to a project. I worked with the tile company, stone masons, pool fabricators (I had to talk them into building a two-level pool), landscapers, and also designed the custom railing and fence. Good communication between all parties resulted in this pool winning a national award and a very happy client.
Almost every project is different from all the other experiences a client or designer has been through before, but many of the problems will still occur. Whether or not the project is small and simple, or large and extensive, there needs to be a certain amount of “overlap” to ensure everyone is on the same page and that mistakes don’t happen.

Clients often want to handle all of the various communications with all of their vendors because they think this is what they need to do to ensure they save costs on a designer’s fees. Usually this is a big mistake and will certainly be more expensive in the long run. Most clients don’t know what needs to be done to ensure a flawless project and they don’t let the designer know everything so mistakes are bound to happen. I currently am involved with a long range project and I cannot get information out of the architect or builder without going through the client (who is an extremely busy man) or his assistant (who has never done anything like this before). So when I question the electrical locations or the HVAC vents I am told this is not my expertise and to not get involved with these issues. Then I need to let them know that the lighting in our millwork will not work, the TVs won’t likely fit in the custom cabinets and they won’t have any A/C in their living room if they don’t move the vent from behind the cabinet I am supplying. And please let me know what stone you have bought on a whim and what the pattern is so I know what fabrics to select! Whew, my head is spinning just at the thought of what the implications can be if the communication is not there on either part!

For the Client

It is always best to allow the designer to be a part of all conversations so he/she knows what is happening with all aspects of the project. Everything is important — from how a door swings, to the locations of the electrical, to the windows, to the appliances and the audio/video. Designers choose to govern all aspects of a custom home and keep the client informed so they know what is happening and ask that they participate in the meeting so we all know what is happening on a regular basis. Weekly meetings are a perfect method of getting all parties to communicate well with each other.

For the Designer

As for the designer’s responsibility, you have been hired by the client — not the architect, nor the builder, so remember your loyalties are with the client and you need to be a facilitator to make certain the client knows everything which is being proposed. If a vendor is not up to your standards, you need to make the client aware of your feelings and see what you can do to ensure the vendor will do their very best. Also, only recommend the best vendors you are aware of…if there is a limitation to a certain vendor, explain why and allow your client to make the decision whether or not to use that vendor, but be aware of all that transpires so you can be of service to your client.

I had worked with an audio/video company for years and they were pretty good until they got too big and no longer provided adequate services. At that time, I had several projects they had ruined and I had to find another source for my clients to work with to rectify the faulty work done. We did this at no charge to my clients and saw this through to a successful conclusion.

For the Designer and the Client

Communication is never a waste of time…it can only save costs, so please make certain everyone is aware of all aspects of the project and keep all of your relationships on a friendly, respectful and businesslike level so you can successfully recommend them again.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories

The Jacques-Emile Ruhlmann cabinet by Frank Pollaro with amboyna burled wood veneer showcases a stunning glass collection with pieces by Louis Marjorelle, Daum Nancy, Emile Galle, Sabino and Linossier.
All too often, a client will hire a designer and not allow them to either finish the project with art and accessories or the client believes the designer should not be involved in something so personal. This is really a “Death Nell” to the designer and possibly the project as well. Some clients have extensive art collections and will always keep updating their collections and this is usually a welcome aspect to the designer; however those who do not are wrong if they think this is not part of a designer’s overall responsibility. Most designers would prefer to carry out the “look” to the end and complete the original concepts.

For the Designer

Always, always let your client know if you want to work with them on their art collection, discuss your knowledge with them and whenever possible, show them art and artifacts as part of the shopping experience and always make room for this in the budget. If you are not comfortable in doing this, there are plenty of consultants with the expertise to help you bring this to a wonderful conclusion. Understand that art can be the most important portion of the project and can also be the most costly. Most clients won’t want you to help them do this, but you will need to learn what their intentions are about the inevitable results of having either bad or no art in their homes. Also, “Decorative Art” is usually terrible, so look for galleries who specialize in original paintings, antique pieces, artifact collections and learn what galleries are reputable and those which are not.

If you don’t do anything with the artwork, you may have your entire project slide down the drain when they hang those velvet paintings of Elvis…be forewarned.

For The Client

It is understandable you feel your art is personal…all of us do, however your designer can be a resource for you so discuss how you wish to handle this at the beginning of your interview in order for your designer to understand where you stand on this issue. If the designer wants to help you an you don’t want to have to pay for this time billing, ask if you can do the shopping and pass your ideas on to them for their review. While this may work for you, the designer has no idea of what you will want to hang and I have seen many homes be rejected by editors because of the art collections and unless you really know what you are doing and have invested yourselves in learning about art, your concepts of good art are not necessarily up to the standards of most gallery owners. It would be most wise to visit a lot of galleries and discuss their art with the curators and gallery owners to understand why these pieces are considered “good” art. Most of what you see will not interest you, but you will learn a lot and quite possibly become a fan.

Also, conventional wisdom prevails…if your designer has been in the field for a while, they have seen good and bad art and most likely will be able to guide you or at least point you in the right direction of a few great galleries which will work with what you and your designer are doing.

For the Designer and Client

Usually I would not buy a lot of art at the local art fairs, but Art Chicago or Artropolis at the Merchandise Mart has such a broad spectrum of galleries and artists, you can find new and emerging artists to well established artists as well as vintage works and a wide array of pieces ranging from paintings, tapestries, sculptures, artifacts and even new and interactive pieces to help broaden your viewpoint….It’s all good for you and your designer, so ask him/her to go with you so you both can discuss what would be great in your space…remember, your designer knows scale, color and has a style for which you hired them.

Currently Cannon Frank is working with several clients who have large and established art collections and since we have broadened their viewpoints with regards to antiques and high-end furnishings, they have also found their taste in collecting art has also taken an up-swing on the “learning curve”. They know the simple fact that there is so much art to see and to enjoy, and we are proud to have had this influence on them and while they still love to collect for themselves, we are consulted on most of the pieces as well as the placement and if something doesn’t work, they now are willing to “trade up” to items which will work best with their décor.

Art is part of the décor whether the art comes first, is a wonderful existing collection or is something you will endeavor for many years to come…just include your designer for a better overall look.