10 Design Lessons Sarah Baeumler’s Learned on Bryan Inc.

When building our own home, Bryan and I had the final say in all decisions, but now that I am working with clients, they have the final yay or nay. My new role will be to guide the client in their design choices and recommend certain directions while having the overall picture in mind. This has been challenging at times, but I have enjoyed the process immensely.

Learn even more about the woman transforming Bryan Inc. with 17 things you didn’t know about Sarah Baeumler.

Budgeting is always an element of the design process, but when you are managing other people’s money the pressure is turned up full. The responsibility of producing a beautifully designed space within the budget limitations is a challenging process, but there is such a rewarding feeling when you land a bargain and find an alternative that works better than the original plan.

Even though the clients have the determining say in the design process, I have to remember to trust my instincts. I have been part of many home builds and have experienced numerous issues that needed rectifying. So I will be confident in what I believe and hopefully the clients will trust my opinions.

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Homes are forever changing, and it is important now to not classify rooms as having one purpose. Sometimes kitchens can be a place to cook but also a place to relax and catch up with the family, so I want to add the concept of flexibility when designing each space.

This follows on from the previous point. It’s going to be important to have design plans that have a sense of flexibility about them. That way if the client wants to change the tone of the hardwood, for example, the rest of the design can easily adapt.

It’s true that the customer is always right, but that doesn’t mean that they know all the possibilities. I see this new role as a chance to challenge the clients’ vision and offer them things they may not have even thought possible. It will be my job to open their minds to all possibilities.

I do not like giving bad news, it’s the one aspect of business that I don’t enjoy. So when there is an issue with the renovation of the clients’ home, I am going to have to tell them. I dread doing this, as I’m sure everyone does, but it’s an important part of my role and I think just being honest about it all will allow the client to make an informed decision.

My new role requires an element of selling, which is something that I haven’t done much before. I now have to hold the initial meeting with prospective clients and sell them on the service we offer. This is quite daunting, but so far I have enjoyed meeting with people and discussing the potential that their homes have.

Now that I am dealing with other people’s homes, I need to keep a closer eye on timelines and deadlines. When you are working on your own home, you can delay the delivery of a piece of furniture if necessary, but that will not look professional when providing a service to the public.

I am an emotional person and I am aware that I may get too attached to a design. I also feel that I will get emotionally involved with the clients’ and can’t wait for them to see the finished product. I can get teary when seeing the joy that people have when a design has been executed to their wishes. I love seeing happy customers, it’s a huge high, and I can’t wait for more.

Working so closely with clients is something I am so excited to continue with. The joy that I can give through my designs is the driving factor of becoming a designer. That’s why I have started my own design service. Watching gleeful reveals is addictive.