Our Team Shares Their Expertise at Focus 2024, London’s Esteemed Design Event

This month, Focus 2024 returns to London’s acclaimed design scene, bringing together the best of the best in the world of interiors – from skilled makers and leading brands to renowned interior designers.

As part of this prestigious lineup, Charmaine White, our Associate Director of Interior Design, was invited to speak on a panel hosted by the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), where the topic was How to Work with Clients.

Chelsea Design Centre

While predominantly a trade event, both industry professionals and the general public are invited to Focus 24 hosted at the eminent Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in the heart of London’s design quartier, to preview exciting new collections, participate in events, and join thought-provoking panel discussions.

Panel Discussion Highlights

Charmaine joined leading interior designers to share top tips and best practices for managing client relationships, from setting clear boundaries to ensuring project success. The discussion delved into how to leverage your skills to shape project objectives, build credibility, and guide clients confidently—all while maintaining a strong professional reputation.

Focus/24: The Longer View (23 September – 11 October 2024)

This offers an extended opportunity to revisit the creativity and innovation from the main show. It invites professional designers and DESIGN enthusiasts to return for fresh perspectives, with more House Guests sharing their insights. Find out more https://www.dcch.co.uk/focus/

We Spoke to Charmaine for Her Top Tips on Maximising Your Next Project

Q: How do you like to start a commission and begin to get to know your clients and their objectives?

I find that starting with a warm cup of tea creates a relaxed atmosphere. More importantly, every project begins with a home visit, allowing me to understand my clients in a space where they feel most comfortable. We utilise a carefully designed questionnaire featuring core questions that help uncover their likes, dislikes, and aspirations.

Q: What are the key questions you ask your clients to understand their aspirations and begin to develop the brief?

I prioritise understanding my clients’ personal narratives and preferences through attentive listening. I ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to their space. Creating a safe and open environment for conversation enables me to gather the insights necessary to shape design solutions that genuinely reflect their vision.

Q: How do you create trust between your clients and you as a designer?

Trust is often established at the outset when clients approach me after seeing my work on my website or social media. Their existing appreciation for my design philosophy fosters initial confidence, which I strive to enhance through open communication and consistent engagement throughout the project.

Q: How do you develop the brief, and how do you present it back to your clients?

Developing the brief becomes a seamless process when I’ve actively listened from the very first meeting. In the initial concept presentation, I showcase a curated selection of fabrics and finishes, noting which elements resonate with the clients. I also like to introduce a ‘wild card’ palette to gauge their reactions, ensuring that the brief truly reflects their preferences.

Q: How do you like to collaborate with your clients in the early design stages?

Effective communication is essential. I foster a collaborative environment by involving all key decision-makers from the start, ensuring that clients enjoy the design process.

Book Your One-to-One Session with Charmaine

For a bespoke online design service tailored to your needs, book your one-to-one session with Charmaine today. Visit HollandGreen’s Virtual Interior Design Services for more details.

What’s Next?

Get inspired by our Interior Design Projects and Instagram page.

Whether you’re looking to transform your space or design an imaginative new build home or extension, we can work with you to create a space that is unique to your property and lifestyle.

As a Studio of architects, interior designers & landscape designers, we bring award-winning projects to life while taking a seamless and holistic approach to each design.