When I work with a client, I interview them thoroughly and have them do a lot of homework themselves before we get started purchasing or selecting finishes. They may start out thinking they don't have any preferences, but when we are done, they certainly know their likes and dislikes. And this is my goal, to give them an environment that speaks to them.
LF+DG: Do you use a presentation board with your clients?
Marcie Harris: I rarely do, except for commercial jobs. In residential design, a lot of the approach is educating the client as to what is available to them. This involves many field trips. Once the client and I have a contract, I immediately render furniture and cabinet plans so they can get a real sense of what I am trying to achieve with the design. I am big on hand drafting and rendering - being the dinosaur that I am.
LF+DG: How do you charge for your services?
Marcie Harris: I charge by the hour - and this is my primary compensation. My fee starts from the time I leave my office to the time I leave the client. On custom orders I charge cost plus a small mark-up. I may not make a lot reselling furniture to clients, but I find they trust me with all their decisions, and there is no problem if they decide to purchase something retail. I feel this industry is becoming very SERVICE oriented. Much of what I do is not just about picking out great stuff. But getting it implemented in a well organized manner is often just as important to my clients.
LF+DG: We find that designers with whom we work have all sorts of other creative outlets. What other creative things do you do?
Marcie Harris: My work is my creative outlet. Give me a pencil and ruler and I'm happy. I relieve stress by gardening and painting and entertaining family and friends. I try to travel somewhere interesting at least once a year. My daughters are dancers, and their performances generally keep my social calendar full.
Mike: It fascinates me how women can do this dance. This dance of balancing wife, mother and career woman. How do you manage?
Marcie Harris: My career as an independant interior designer has enabled me to schedule my appointments around my children and still work a full week. I was setting up model homes with newborn babies; and my sister, a design student that works for me, has done the same with her three kids. My work with individual clients has grown as I have had my schedule open up once my girls got their drivers licenses! Although sometimes I work 7 days a week - doing my books on Sunday afternoon - I never feel put out. I have a very understanding husband and that helps, too. Plus, he's great at loading a sofa once in awhile!
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