As an expert Seattle interior designer, I follow leading blogs thus staying in touch with my industry and the voices of the same. According to Steve Nobel, “We all know that interior design is not just about ‘taste’ or ‘an eye.’ It’s education, experience, imagination and skill that creates harmony in a client’s life.” In a clever post, he noted the characteristics necessary for an aspiring interior designer to make it in the ‘new’ economy. Whether aspiring or seasoned these traits seem critical to me.

clairvoyant: a “fresh set of eyes” to know what clients want before they know it.

conjurer: to make dream believers out of clients, so when they say, “I never would have thought of that,” you say, “I did.”

couturier: like ‘made to measure’ apparel, everything a designer does is custom fitted to a client.

confidant: to listen well, really well, for the revealing cues to do what’s right for clients.

counselor: a neutral 3rd party between romantic partners to take some of the pressure off decision-making.

advocate: for a client’s cause throughout the entire process; they have probably made mistakes before, which can be discouraging and expensive!

navigator: to chart the course for successful results, in spite of misgivings clients carry with them, or have not been able to resolve on their own.

co-creator: leader of a team that brings the best ideas to the top of the list.

curator: honest and experienced editor; you know what belongs and can make the tough choices about what does not belong.

systems engineer: staying the course in strict phases; managing the subcontractors, making site visits in boots while balancing budgets and timelines.

techie: able to incorporate a myriad of technology for entertaining, healthy living, and all the new ways of living well.

concierge: the ‘go-to’ person for just about everything (florists, caterers, clubs, schools, etc.), including special access to special things in special places.

Wishing you had a friend in the design business right now? We’re here to help, and fast.