Relationships Are the Key to Our Signature VIP Experience

When you see photographs of beautiful spaces in Architectural Digest and Elle Decor, you might not realize what it takes to create that moment. While the design is the star of the show, nothing happens without the execution of that design. The execution of fine design cannot occur without deep trust from our clients, a highly detailed project management system, and meaningful collaborative relationships.

Nothing is more important to us than the complete satisfaction of our clients. We believe in the human connection and celebrating the successes of others, in kindness and cooperation, in creating joyful, inviting, and livable homes. We understand the value of our clients’ time. We know efficiency is essential to having a smooth and enjoyable experience. We recognize the importance of confidentiality and operating with the utmost discretion to ensure privacy.

The VIP Experience captures the essence of our philosophy and turns it into workable steps towards a beautiful and functional space that checks all the boxes of our clients’ vision. While each project outcome is highly customized and tailored to the client, our project development and management are the same every time.  How can we be efficient and effective time after time? The secret sauce is our relationships.

Hanging out with clients in their redesigned work-from-home space (previously a nursery off next to the primary bedroom). Photo by Joyelle West

RELATIONSHIPS AND COLLABORATION

Our team has forged wonderful connections with quality architects, builders, tradespeople, vendors, photographers, publications, and colleagues. Some designers hide their resources, though we prefer a more generous approach and share the best-kept secrets in Boston and Washington, D.C. Again, trust is such an important and powerful part of our profession. We appreciate being surrounded by colleagues who are willing to share their knowledge and experience.

We are a team of collaborators at heart. From the custom-painted Venetian plaster walls, mill-work, and lighting, to the bespoke furniture, custom rug, artwork, and draperies, a single room such as this one can only come together as a harmonious whole with careful planning and a deep understanding of the clients’ vision.

Trade Day is an efficient, organized, heavy lifting day—one that moves a project from the dream phase to the actual work phase. A well-organized Trade day provides our design professional with the information required to successfully resolve a client's wish list. A well-orchestrated Trade Day allows us time in our schedule with as many tradespeople needed to walk-through a property to discuss ideas and details as a team.

We don't often think of taking a photo of this big day, but here I am with design associate, Caitlin, and a handful of our trade partners at the start of a redesign in an Arts & Crafts style home.

From L to R: Lisa (window treatment workroom), Caitlin (design associate), Dane (principal designer), Pauline (faux finish artist), John (fine painting) on-site during Trade Day.

IMPECCABLE SERVICE AND PRAISE FROM CLIENTS

Our clients are occupied with business and family matters, so they entrust the management of their project to our team. One of the distinct pleasures of working in this business is getting to know our clients well. Once we understand the client and the way they live in their home, their taste, and expectations, we can execute on a highly personalized design. Discerning clients expect a high level of customer service and attention, and we strive to meet or exceed their expectations. It is not uncommon for us to communicate with private family offices and home concierges to schedule appointments and to move the project forward. 

"I really appreciate that Dane spends time thinking about the finer details. His dedication is remarkable, and I cannot wait to get into my new home," one client shared. 

Another said, "Working with Dane and his team was a wonderful experience. My favorite part of the collaboration was realizing that Dane not only really understood the feeling I wanted to experience in my home but that he had the skill and expertise to translate that into a vision and then execute on that vision. That trust enabled me to let Dane make some decisions that made me hesitate at first (the bedroom carpet, the kitchen wallpaper). The feeling of letting him do what he does best, and trusting that the outcome will be better than I can imagine -- that was the best part."

Finally, "Dane is a consummate professional. He brought 'my vision' to life with great ease and made the project enjoyable. I highly recommend hiring Dane Austin Design!"

Whatever your vision or the project you have in mind, we are here to empower you to live joyfully in your home.