Why Project Management Is Key To A Successful Interior Design Project
One of the biggest reasons many of our clients hire us is because they simply don’t have the time for the demands of project management for their design project. This is especially true of any renovations and new construction homes, which are full of details to monitor, schedules to juggle, and a whole host of very important players.
Having support from our team eases our clients’ stress, ensures that the project is moving along at the highest standard, and allows them to continue living their active, fulfilling lives.
This is where our project managers come in, and they are the key to setting a rock-solid foundation for each and every project. It’s a skill that should be high on your list of prerequisites when interviewing design firm candidates, as project management is crucial to success!
WHAT DO OUR PROJECT MANAGERS BRING TO THE DESIGN PROCESS?
1. Knowledge and Experience
Managing a home furnishings project, RENOVATION, or NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME is a process filled with important details — all of which need to be maintained and communicated precisely throughout the project’s lifetime. But great project management is more than tracking and communicating.
The best project managers have had training and experience in our industry. They bring relevant knowledge and context to planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing out the design-related tasks on the project. (Your construction team will manage the construction itself.) They converse with the other trades on the project, prevent and/or troubleshoot issues, and direct the project with leadership.
2. Budget Development & Scheduling
Your project’s schedule and budget investment will always be planned in advance, as aligned with your preferences and our initial conversations together. However, we never leave it at that. Keeping your project on-time and in-budget is a project-long endeavor, one meticulously guarded by your project manager.
You can expect them to work closely with both the design and procurement teams to ensure your project deliverables are met. They will also align the team with your project’s priorities, help trouble-shoot potential issues, and coordinate next steps as your project moves successfully from phase to phase. This is a large part of where your peace of mind will come from!
3. On-Site Project Monitoring
Our project managers assist in making everything more efficient. From coordinating team members in the studio to making site visits to oversee progress, they are always in the right place at the right time. Their presence at site visits allows them to recognize potential issues as they arise in real time, providing an opportunity for a prompt, time-saving intervention if needed.
4. Direct, Up-to-Date Communication with You
Our clients place a great deal of trust in us to bring their dreams to life and we take that responsibility seriously. We stay in close communication, continue to build that trust, and deliver on the high level of customer service that we’re known for.
They are responsible for day-to-day communication with you, advising you on progress, and promptly notifying you of potential delays or changes. Remember, too, that you are an essential teammate of your project, and while we will do all the heavy lifting, we also want to feel informed and included.
5. Facilitated Communication with Project Partners
Not only is the project manager responsible for keeping you up-to-date on your project, but they are an important point of contact for other partners on your larger team as well, such as the builder, architect, electrician, plumber, etc.
Giving your extended team a designated point of contact in our office ensures ease and continuity throughout your project. Then, as construction and installation come to a close, our project managers play a big role in wrapping up your project. They take charge completing punch list items, answering final questions, and ensuring your finished home meets the high standards you and we expect.
STREAMLINING YOUR PROJECT
It’s no secret — professional project management is essential to any large-scale reno or new build, and to your peace of mind. Not only will the burden of responsibility be lifted from your shoulders, but you will also rest assured that your project will run smoothly and efficiently. And if you ever have questions or need additional support along the way, your project manager, and the rest of our team, is there for you.