Once the project is underway, Hannan says that it is important to continue meeting face-to-face and with everyone present. Avoid e-mail and telephone exchanges. It’s easy when communicating one-on-one for a homeowner or designer to avoid owning up to a decision. Even if not intentionally evasive, Hannan says, “People tend to say what they think you want to hear. Also, in a meeting you can read body language, facial expressions, comfort levels. You can’t do that with e-mail.”
And, Hannan says, keep the budget in the forefront of every conversation, especially when dealing with interior designers and decorators, who are inclined to push their ideas without bringing up the cost.
“We try to emphasize the effect that every decision has on the schedule and the budget,” he says. “That puts pressure on them to work within the scope.”
David Zuckerman is a freelance writer based in New York.