Boring Things A Designer Does PART 1

1. Returns

Just because a designer has a better chance of selecting a suitable product for a given project doesn’t mean that mistakes or issues don’t happen. Sometimes, we buy more than we need, select from the candidates, and then return the unwanted items. Returns are certainly part of the job, no matter what a designer’s niche is.

We personally need to pack up the unused items, transport them to the designated shipping office, and ensure that the money is refunded. This is probably my least favorite part of the job, but it’s essential for delivering professional results to my clients. Perfectionists engage in trial and error. Sometimes the wrong item gets shipped. Occasionally, an item will get damaged in transit and needs to be disposed of.

My team takes care of all of these nitty tasks, the driving around, the waiting in line, the calls to customer service, claims processes etc, all in the interest of preserving a high quality and luxury level client experience.

2. Transportation

It’s a bit hilarious how often I have served as a one-woman logistical team. On time-sensitive projects, options can be so limited that I need to personally transport fixtures from suppliers to fabricators, contractors, or installers.

For instance, if a mirror that was backordered arrives damaged on install day, I might need to scout all over the Bay Area to find a suitable replacement. Then, I personally transport it from a showroom to the job site to avoid delays. And yes, I deal with disposing of the damaged product too. Even when I outsource transportation, it takes time to coordinate pickups and drop-offs, whether from a showroom to a job site or from the job site to the local dump (glamorous, huh?).

The finished product doesn’t happen without these headaches. But that’s what my clients pay me for—to take away not only the decision fatigue but also the logistical headaches.

3. Demo & Haul Away

While I don’t personally perform demolition or haul away, I am the project manager who schedules and oversees it. When the demolition crew arrives, they need to understand everything about what is staying and what is going. Even on smaller projects where no demo is involved, there are furnishings, fixtures, bedding, etc., that need to be unwrapped, and the packaging discarded.

Clients often have junk or unwanted items to clear out that need to be donated, recycled, or simply hauled away. I have regular teams that I call to handle these tasks. It may be boring, but it’s essential for achieving the transformations I deliver to my clients.

Understanding the Value of Full-Service Design

Many folks skip hiring a designer because they don’t want to pay to hand off the most enjoyable part of their home improvement project. However, when it comes to “full service” design or concierge-level design services like what my company offers, the fun part is truly a small fraction of what I handle daily.

To understand the value of investing in a full-service interior designer, it helps to recognize some of the nitty-gritty tasks we perform so you don’t have to.

If you’re considering a home renovation or refurnishing project, work full-time, and reside in the Bay Area, check out our list of services.

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