Do you prefer a designer with a signature style or one that enhances the style of the client?
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I am a designer that likes to make the clients style the focus and not just put my branded look on every project. I may not want to live in some of the spaces I create but a happy client is the reward for me. We have a very good history of repeat clients so I guess it is working so far. Below are a sample of different styles both residential and comercial.
corporate office boardroom
Corporate office
23 answers
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We work much the same way - our goal is to create a stunning space that makes our clients happy. We use our design knowledge to help them attain this goal, not to put our personal spin on their space. Most of our clients result from referrals so maybe we're both on to something?! Your images are stunning - beautiful portfolio of work. We love that the TV in the luxurious, high end bathroom is showing cartoons! Now we know who really uses that bath!! =)
AK Complete Home Renovations
on Feb 01, 2012
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That and the cartoons are vivid and show up better in the photograph especially with the tv behind two way mirror.
Pedini of Atlanta, LLC
on Feb 01, 2012
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always client first...
Solutions Electric, Inc.
on Feb 01, 2012
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Agree with putting the client first. There are many times that I have painted his or that in some body's home and thought "Man, I would NEVER pick this color. Wow is it ugly." But hey, that's what the customer wanted so that is what I do.
Dan's of Central Florida, Inc.
on Feb 01, 2012
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What you've mentioned is the definition of a successful designer! Not everyone may be happy with the end result, but if the client is thrilled, it is job done well.
Designs by BSB
on Feb 01, 2012
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We are in a different area of design, but we have developed a style unique to us that can be customized to a degree, but has to stay within our style parameters. For us it's a matter of branding and not branching out in too many directions.
Historic Shed
on Feb 01, 2012
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Exceptional in all categories! Regarding the commercial photos: I'd think of leaving retirement and going back to work. You've got me pegged many times over ~~~ the kitchen WOW!! I truly would work on my gourmet cooking skills. I so enjoyed viewing such wonderous design and details. Thanks for sharing.
Bonnie B
on Feb 01, 2012
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Interesting concept. I would suspect that in residential area that a designer must enhance the desires of the client appropriately. However in commercial development, a designer may be able to reflect their own signature style. I personally love a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright and would welcome some in my home but not sure I want his complete style. Elise de Wolfe would never have been a designer I would want personally no matter what her signature style. Perhaps it is that while I am temporarily in a commercial space and can be intrigued by the style and in some cases inspired by the company culture and design, my own home is to be for my comfort.
Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of
on Feb 01, 2012
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If the customer likes it, we love it. But, sometimes they know what they want and sometimes they ask for direction. Each job is a little different blend of inputs of who has the most direction. I enjoyed looking at the world class work. CP
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Feb 01, 2012
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We live in an imperfect world. We design for our clients, not our ego. Sometimes we agree with our clients taste, sometimes we don't. There are a few of us who can pass on clients that don't agree with our taste. There are the most of us who please our clients, and show off the projects we are proud of and move on from the rest after pleasing the homeowner.
Tri-Lite Builders ~ Homework Remodels
on Feb 01, 2012
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Pedini, you are a wonderful addition to HomeTalk. Another classy professional with ethics. That said, I personally agree, I listen to the client and get in on their vision, needs, and color that they can thrive in. However, I do appreciate signature styles, Susanne Kassler for instance, I love her signature look and it has brought her great success & made her clients happy. I think the world of design has room for all types, that is why I never feel threatened, there is room for us all.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Feb 02, 2012
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I think that folks looking at the higher level of design are seeking out the designer based on their prior work that they have viewed. So the 'signature' is what the client is actually looking for. Maybe so they can name drop :).'I have a Pedini design darhing". And usually what you are known for is what YOU DO best, your comfort zone.
360 Sod (Donna Dixson)
on Feb 02, 2012
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Very well said Lee Anne and Four Season! Love the diverse perspectives here!
Designs by BSB
on Feb 02, 2012
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Well it definitely looks like your clients are not afraid to throw some money at these projects...after all is it not the rule that whom ever writes the checks...makes the rules?
KMS Woodworks
on Feb 02, 2012
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With residential, you need to work with a client's personal style. . . after all, it is THEIR home. But, contract design goes a step beyond. A designer needs to understand their whole corporate image and come up with creative designs that are consistent with their branding.
WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson
on Feb 02, 2012
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Oh my gosh my only answer is the style of the client with the help of the designer who can improve the client's ideas. I have a very modern home & wanted to completely change one large area - floors, walls, etc. The designer would only discuss very busy window treatments. She was from a big box company who quickly quit the designing business. Room still has not been done. It is still on my list to do.
Sherrie S
on Feb 02, 2012
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I CHOOSE YOU! There is no doubt you can bring anyones vision to reality! I'm very creative and know what I like, but it helps to have someone take me to the next level, as I only have innate skills and not trained in the field. There are so many things I'm quite sure I haven't seen, but as a designer you have seen, created and dreamed up!
Faidra at CA Global Inc
on Feb 02, 2012
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Well Faidra give me a call.
Pedini of Atlanta, LLC
on Feb 02, 2012
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Her cooking's good enough to work for =O/o
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Feb 02, 2012
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I have his and her sinks in master Bath with 2 huge mirrors wall mounted over the basin. They are just plain mirrors. I want to "dress them the up" I thought about doing a tile frame around them or gluing flat backed stones( the kind you use in floral containers) but I am afraid that the weight would be too much- Any ideas out there ? Thanks-
Paticia G
on Feb 03, 2012
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I would check out a local frame shop and pick out a decorative picture frame that can be cut to fit your mirrors. you may need a small molding or trim inside the frame to cover the space where the art would normally be recessed but this is easy to do and cost effective but will really dress up the plain mirrors.
Pedini of Atlanta, LLC
on Feb 03, 2012
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Thanks, Pedini That was one thing I thought of as well so keep those ideas coming. I also thought of some decorative molding those hit plastic strips you see in the hardware big box stores, bit I am still open to any suggestions
Paticia G
on Feb 04, 2012
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I selected inexpensive molding in 8 foot goods from Home Depot for my client and we had the handy man miter the corners and he trimmed & painted it on top of the old mirror. It totally updated the bath and covered the edge of the mirror that had no silver from years of water.
Culpepper Carpets and Interiors, Inc.
on Feb 04, 2012
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