Designing in the Global VillagE
Technology and innovation have shrunk the distance around the world, making it easier to work in the global village. We assist clients relocating from Paris to Washington, D.C., Middle Eastern cities to Boston, and London to Cambridge. Our streamlined process allows us to work efficiently with clients located anywhere!
This should come as no surprise as we live in a global economy. We source products from all over the world, so why wouldn’t we connect with international homeowners who need our services, especially those moving to new places and spaces. In fact, relocation clients are becoming a niche market for us.
USING TECHNOLOGY TO WORK IN THE GLOBAL VILLAGE
Sometimes we meet our clients virtually through Skype, Facetime, or Go To Meeting. These modern platforms allow us to get to know one another from our respective locations. Planning projects can be done totally remotely from our Boston-based interior design firm.
“Dane made working with his team fun and easy,” says a recent client relocating from Paris to Washington, D.C. “We used email, video-conferencing and a few phone calls from start to finish. We could not have been more pleased with the result.”
We schedule and manage all site visits, including initially measuring the space or reviewing new construction documents; meeting subcontractors and tradespeople for installations; and then for the final installation. Technology provides us with platforms for sharing contracts, electronic signatures, invoicing and payments. We send material samples using DHL and conduct presentations via conference video. Weekly email updates and telephone meetings ensure timely communication. Though not necessary, we enjoy meeting with clients in-person on a few occasions, and we look forward to clients’ participating in the big reveal.
Since all of our work is completely custom, no two projects are the same. We flex our creative muscles for each home. Often clients moving internationally are starting with a blank slate - we plan architectural details, select furnishings, fixtures, and finishes. This may be true moving from city to city within the United States, whether designing a primary home or a second home. Sometimes our clients have beloved furnishings or artwork they want to include in their new space. We love the challenge of making that older item feel renewed when we repurpose it. Our pleasure is interpreting our client’s vision and creating spaces where they can “rise and thrive” - our core philosophy.
COLLABORATION IS THE SECRET SAUCE
The only way we can accomplish any of these global village projects is through great collaboration. We are truly blessed to have built relationships with other industry professionals, artisans, vendors and installers who have the same dedication that we do at Dane Austin Design. Their talents and patience, especially when working across time zones and other global realities, are immeasurably appreciated. Our profession shines when we all work together.
