Collaborative Strategy for Better Budget Management

I recently chatted with my friend Maggie, a fellow interior designer, who asked when we typically reach out to builders to start construction.

This got me thinking: In the past, we reach out to builders after designing, which can sometimes lead to a lengthy process of value engineering and revisions. However, on our latest project with a new builder, we took a different approach: we met with them first.

In this case, our clients had yet to choose a builder, so we recommended someone from our trusted network with whom we knew we would enjoy collaborating. They signed on with our referred builder before any designs were put to paper. This early collaboration allowed us to align our designs with the builder’s capabilities, labor costs, and priced out materials from the start, ensuring we didn’t over- or under-design for our clients. As a result, we successfully met our client’s budget expectations.

We were able to have real conversations with our clients about where they wanted to invest and where they wanted to hold back, based on the builder’s rough estimations from the start.

While not all projects run this smoothly—costs can change due to increases in material prices or tariffs—gathering the whole team early is crucial. It enables transparent pricing for furnishings, construction, labor, materials, minimizing surprises and potential headaches.

With any project that you are about to embark on - build your team of designers, architects, builders, landscape architects, or whomever from the start. Get everyone in the same room. It’s never too early and transparent communication is key.

• light candlesticks on your mantel, dining, or coffee table

• purchase a medium sized bouquet - break it up into smaller groups and place vases around your house

• play music in the background by by Ahmad Jamal

• style books on your coffee table - you can stack them, intentionally lay them in different directions - place a vase on top

• use warm toned lightbulbs to create a soft environment

Until next time,

Katie