Black or White.

Through the grapevine, I recently learned of a hairy situation unfolding between a homeowner and their chosen building designer.  

I’m unsure how they found one another or what the initial engagement and briefing stages looked like, but the presented design style was misaligned with the client’s vision. The homeowners envisaged a white coastal oasis with a $750k budget.  Meanwhile, the designer presented a moody black façade attracting early ballpark estimates from builders closer to $950k. 

So, where did it go wrong? 

Should the homeowner have…Articulated their vision for the project better? Better determined their brief aligned with their budget?  

Sure. They probably should have. 

Should the designer have…Dug deeper to understand the client’s true intentions? Warned the owners of rising construction costs and estimated the likely cost better?  

Sure. They probably should have.

But whether they should or shouldn’t have doesn’t change their current Mexican stand off. The homeowner refuses to pay for design revisions, and the designer refuses to continue work without payment.  

It’s not a good situation for anyone. Both parties are hurting. It isn’t black or white who is responsible for a clear project brief or determining ballpark construction costs. They are in murky grey territory.  

One thing I know for sure is that vague intentions will lead to vague outcomes.  

Clear intentions will lead to clear outcomes.  

A little more time in the preparation space will lead to fewer Mexican stand-offs and result in more projects presented aligned with their intended creative brief and budget.

P.S.  Preparation for a home build project is FUN!  It is an opportunity to establish your project's game plan and creative direction.  One Home Build Mentoring client referred to her excitement and joy during this exercise as equal to opening a new pack of Derwent pencils as a kid.  To me, this is one of the best compliments ever!