The aim of technology (most of the time) is to improve some aspects of our well-being, hopefully with no or minimal downsides. One undeniable aspect (it’s up to you if you label it positively or otherwise) is replacement of roles and jobs, or at least part of it.
At first it was CAD (computer aided design), then 3D modelling softwares, iPad, and now AI.
Interior designers and architects are into exempt from this, coupled with changes in market forces. An example would be how architects used to sit at the head of the meeting tables, orchestrating the project. In the last 8 years or so, property developers (being the usual major project owner and paymaster) started employing in-house or resident architects, on top of the architectural consultants that they need to bring into any given major projects.
There is no doubt that technology has a role to play in this. How so?
Information can now be obtained with a few clicks of the nearest gadget you own. So long are the days of searching them up in the library. Of course, not all information are accurate, true, or applicable. There are more out there than we can care to consume.
Architects and interior designers are not holding the key to unlock information any more. Sure, that does not take away the legibility of any professional accreditations, but we are not the gatekeepers to knowledge anymore, as we were, say, 20 years or so ago.
Instead of being defensive and bring stingy with your knowledge and information, I feel that by sharing them, we will get more in return. Not just among peers, but clients as well.
Perhaps, essential skills now are curating information and arranging them in consumable form and format, given that our attention span is decreasing. Having this healthier mentality may help us be more open in understanding and receiving information from whoever our clients are, rather than clinging on to old believes (that we should be the only expert on the table).
Similar to point above, architects and interior designers used to be synonymous with creative geniuses (or at least that’s what we trained students to be) that can solve problems with a sketch. Not that we’re becoming less creative, but the clients are bringing an amount of creative inputs and ideas to the project. Apart from just being nice because they’re the financier of the project, sometimes they may actually have good thoughts or solutions if our ego can be turned off for a while.
Not saying all ideas are good or we should always incorporate them, being a curator of ideas may help the overall working relationship between clients and creative, and in turn may help improve the final product. Everyone is influenced by the “Ikea effect” where a product or outcome is seen to be of higher value when someone has sweat equity or contribution towards them.
There’s nothing wrong for clients to be or to feel more involved. When was the last time you (speaking to you creatives! ) engaged a creative service and allow them the full autonomy? (Your hair cuts, company logo or website design, your tailor).
Someone one said “all companies need 2 things to survive; sales and customer service”. Both not taught during our time in school, as design education takes precedent. Perhaps those with no aspirations to be a business owner may feel that they’re exempted from it.
I feel this topic is a natural sequel to the earlier point of being customer or client-centric, which again runs counter intuitive with the idea of a creative genius. I guess it’s fine if you’re a fine artist, but when you’re operating in the commercial space, there is no way to avoid it. It doesn’t always mean a “customer is always right” mentality and it doesn’t always have to go to the extreme.
I’ve always seen the role of architects and interior designers as the custodian of the client’s property before we ultimately had it back to them, and I’ve always treated our role and responsibilities as the guide, rather than the know-it-all guru. Sure, some clients (who are more hands-off) see us that way and they prefer minimal input. Sure, it may even seem as the easier client with deal with. But over the last 14 years in this field, those clients has always been an exception than the norm, so I’m not constantly holding my breathe trying to hope for one.
We’re professionals. It’s our job to show up (as taught by Seth Godin) everyday, rain or shine. For all clients that you’ve decided to take on.
We still need specialists in our work, no doubt. But trends seem to be moving towards turn-key solutions (perhaps relatively smaller scale and less technical works) instead of having many separate entities.
From a consumer and clients’ point of view, it makes not just financial sense, but overall ease of communication. If we can work backwards starting with the needs of the client first, then we can structure the project structure to facilitate this. Sometimes the client or situation does not require exact or accurate explanation there and then. But having a clear understanding of the overall picture, layer and structure of a project and its components may facilitate the situation.
Again, it’s not a blanket statement for all projects, but an architect or interior designers who can relate their endeavours with costing, construction method, and even timeline is definitely a win in my (or client’s) eye.
Change is never easy, but that is the only way forward. That doesn’t mean we should go to the extreme and jump at every single shiny object. Having a clear understanding of the market (i.e. clients needs) is never a bad thing, which may enable us to anticipate and embrace change better.
