How to Help Clients Visualize Their Finished Project
Some clients find it hard to imagine what the result of a project will look like, but there are easy ways you can help
It can be frustrating and time-consuming to try to explain a proposed design to clients, particularly if they are not visually inclined. Fortunately, with the latest technology, it’s no longer something you need to struggle with. We chatted with four design professionals on Houzz to learn how they help their clients imagine the result of a project, to ensure that everyone is on the same page right from the start.
Agate Architecture
“We provide detailed documentation of all product selections for each project with actual samples of tiles, stone and fabrics so clients can touch and feel them,” Yates says.
“If we feel that a client is still struggling to fully comprehend the finished look and feel, we will then do renders of the space, which provide a more realistic visual. But this is often at an added cost as it is quite time-consuming and therefore not our standard offering. On large projects, however, I would factor this cost into our design documentation and fee proposal,” Yates says.
“I leave a full set of printed plans and 3D renders with the client so they can digest the design over time and ‘see’ their finished space,” she says.
“We provide detailed documentation of all product selections for each project with actual samples of tiles, stone and fabrics so clients can touch and feel them,” Yates says.
“If we feel that a client is still struggling to fully comprehend the finished look and feel, we will then do renders of the space, which provide a more realistic visual. But this is often at an added cost as it is quite time-consuming and therefore not our standard offering. On large projects, however, I would factor this cost into our design documentation and fee proposal,” Yates says.
“I leave a full set of printed plans and 3D renders with the client so they can digest the design over time and ‘see’ their finished space,” she says.
Laura Brophy Interiors
Lisa Wilkinson, interior designer
Concepts Unlimited Design
“Some clients find it hard to visualize spaces in 3D, especially if they don’t come from a creative background,” Lisa Wilkinson says. “Often they will have been collating images of spaces they love for a while before coming to see us, but struggle to see how the inspiration images will translate to their property,” Lisa Wilkinson says.
“Some find it hard to visualize all the materials working together. For most of our clients, they will only build or renovate once in their lifetime and they may find the number of choices they need to make overwhelming,” she says.
For Wilkinson, Houzz Pro Mood Boards, a tool that allows you to easily share products, colors and inspiration photos with your clients via a shared Houzz Pro dashboard, has been a game-changer.
“Houzz Pro Mood Boards help my clients see all the materials and selections per room and how the overall scheme will come together. Seeing physical samples is still key to signing off on the selections, however, the use of the Houzz Pro dashboard speeds up the selections process dramatically. It also allows us to update prices and quantities quickly,” she says.
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Lisa Wilkinson, interior designer
Concepts Unlimited Design
“Some clients find it hard to visualize spaces in 3D, especially if they don’t come from a creative background,” Lisa Wilkinson says. “Often they will have been collating images of spaces they love for a while before coming to see us, but struggle to see how the inspiration images will translate to their property,” Lisa Wilkinson says.
“Some find it hard to visualize all the materials working together. For most of our clients, they will only build or renovate once in their lifetime and they may find the number of choices they need to make overwhelming,” she says.
For Wilkinson, Houzz Pro Mood Boards, a tool that allows you to easily share products, colors and inspiration photos with your clients via a shared Houzz Pro dashboard, has been a game-changer.
“Houzz Pro Mood Boards help my clients see all the materials and selections per room and how the overall scheme will come together. Seeing physical samples is still key to signing off on the selections, however, the use of the Houzz Pro dashboard speeds up the selections process dramatically. It also allows us to update prices and quantities quickly,” she says.
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Mohment
“It’s an essential way that we communicate the design scheme to our clients. It allows us to load multiple selections for each item, and the client can then narrow down their preferences and we can communicate through the Comment function within the product listing,” Wilkinson says.
“Sharing the Houzz Pro dashboard with clients is a pivotal moment for us making progress on a project. The clients also feel like they are more involved in the process rather than merely observing,” she says
The Houzz Pro Clipper Tool is another feature Wilkinson relies on. “It is an excellent tool to load products into our library so we can quickly populate a Mood Board within a project, Wilkinson says.
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“It’s an essential way that we communicate the design scheme to our clients. It allows us to load multiple selections for each item, and the client can then narrow down their preferences and we can communicate through the Comment function within the product listing,” Wilkinson says.
“Sharing the Houzz Pro dashboard with clients is a pivotal moment for us making progress on a project. The clients also feel like they are more involved in the process rather than merely observing,” she says
The Houzz Pro Clipper Tool is another feature Wilkinson relies on. “It is an excellent tool to load products into our library so we can quickly populate a Mood Board within a project, Wilkinson says.
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Terri Sears, Kitchen and Bath Designer
Jane Thomson, principal designer
Jane Thomson Interior Design
When it comes to the importance of visuals for helping clients imagine a finished space, Jane Thomson agrees with Wilkinson. “Many of our clients just aren’t capable of visualizing what their proposed new space will look like without some visual assistance,” she says.
“Providing mood boards, renders and floor plans helps them feel more comfortable, not only during the design process, but when installation starts. It alleviates any stress for them and allows us to provide an excellent one-on-one service.”
“I’ll often find that one half of a couple struggles to understand how the design will come together. This is when our visual aids, a good walk-through of the space and meetings to walk them through a render or digital mood board help them visualize the finished space. Fabric and finishes samples are also absolutely vital,” Thomson says.
Jane Thomson, principal designer
Jane Thomson Interior Design
When it comes to the importance of visuals for helping clients imagine a finished space, Jane Thomson agrees with Wilkinson. “Many of our clients just aren’t capable of visualizing what their proposed new space will look like without some visual assistance,” she says.
“Providing mood boards, renders and floor plans helps them feel more comfortable, not only during the design process, but when installation starts. It alleviates any stress for them and allows us to provide an excellent one-on-one service.”
“I’ll often find that one half of a couple struggles to understand how the design will come together. This is when our visual aids, a good walk-through of the space and meetings to walk them through a render or digital mood board help them visualize the finished space. Fabric and finishes samples are also absolutely vital,” Thomson says.
Quatrefoil
“Digital mood boards and/or renders are a must for clients who are struggling to understand the result. I generally provide digital mood boards, plus plans and elevations,” Thomson says.
Thomson supplies clients with well-keyed floor plans, plus a keyed specifications list with images to give clients a full picture of the finished project. “A redesign is a lot for them to take in. Keying the floor plans and specifications list makes it easy for clients to identify all the items within the schedule,” she says.
Thomson also accompanies digital mood boards, renderings, floor plans and a specifications list with a flat-lay of the finishes, colors and hardware.
“With a flat-lay, clients are able to physically handle and experience the textures that are showcased on their plans, schedules and mood boards. This combination [of visuals and physical samples] delivers a holistic, professional and cohesive project to the client,” Thomson says.
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“Digital mood boards and/or renders are a must for clients who are struggling to understand the result. I generally provide digital mood boards, plus plans and elevations,” Thomson says.
Thomson supplies clients with well-keyed floor plans, plus a keyed specifications list with images to give clients a full picture of the finished project. “A redesign is a lot for them to take in. Keying the floor plans and specifications list makes it easy for clients to identify all the items within the schedule,” she says.
Thomson also accompanies digital mood boards, renderings, floor plans and a specifications list with a flat-lay of the finishes, colors and hardware.
“With a flat-lay, clients are able to physically handle and experience the textures that are showcased on their plans, schedules and mood boards. This combination [of visuals and physical samples] delivers a holistic, professional and cohesive project to the client,” Thomson says.
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Interior Particulier
Russell Henderson, interior designer
SmarterBathrooms+
For Russell Henderson, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of visuals is crucial. “The client is entering into a building contract so they need to be fully across the process and the expected outcomes. It is a large investment and we want to ensure that they love the outcome.
“Different clients have different [visual] abilities. Some can read and understand floor plans, while others need elevations or perspectives to get a complete view,” he says.
“Floor plans, elevations and 3D perspective drawings are all really helpful for letting the client understand the spatial layout of a space, especially if the renovation involves moving elements in the room around,” Henderson says.
“Photorealistic renders will show more ‘life-like’ views of the room, which can help the client understand what a color scheme will look like and where certain finishes will appear. Virtual or augmented reality walk-throughs take this to the next level where the client actually feels like they are in the room, but may not be suitable for a small room such as a bathroom.”
Russell Henderson, interior designer
SmarterBathrooms+
For Russell Henderson, providing clients with a comprehensive suite of visuals is crucial. “The client is entering into a building contract so they need to be fully across the process and the expected outcomes. It is a large investment and we want to ensure that they love the outcome.
“Different clients have different [visual] abilities. Some can read and understand floor plans, while others need elevations or perspectives to get a complete view,” he says.
“Floor plans, elevations and 3D perspective drawings are all really helpful for letting the client understand the spatial layout of a space, especially if the renovation involves moving elements in the room around,” Henderson says.
“Photorealistic renders will show more ‘life-like’ views of the room, which can help the client understand what a color scheme will look like and where certain finishes will appear. Virtual or augmented reality walk-throughs take this to the next level where the client actually feels like they are in the room, but may not be suitable for a small room such as a bathroom.”
Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects
“When the layout of a room is being reconfigured, a before-and-after plan is critical. If there is a lot of detail, say in a wall of kitchen cabinetry, it is usually helpful to have critical elevations prepared as well.” Henderson says.
“3D-perspective drawings can help the client spatially visualize the room better. Most modern drafting programs allow you to rotate and maneuver [the image] to take in different view points of the room,” Henderson says.
“Photo renders of the 3D perspectives help the client understand the theme of finishes and colors. But they take time to get really accurate and do not necessarily highlight textures and grains to their best. When they are done well, these photorealistic images can really assist the client in understanding the finished product. But at the same time they often airbrush the truth and present a perfect version of reality, which is something you often see in real estate development brochures,” he says.
“Textures, colors, patterns and [wood] grains are subjective and renders, no matter how good, are no substitute for having a physical sample,” Henderson says. “Being able to view and touch samples of the materials and finishes is crucial. Putting together a mood board of finishes, colors and items is, I believe, the best way of allowing the client to appreciate the tactile elements of the renovation.”
Your turn: How do you help clients “see” the outcome of a project before it’s done? Tell us in the Comments.
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“When the layout of a room is being reconfigured, a before-and-after plan is critical. If there is a lot of detail, say in a wall of kitchen cabinetry, it is usually helpful to have critical elevations prepared as well.” Henderson says.
“3D-perspective drawings can help the client spatially visualize the room better. Most modern drafting programs allow you to rotate and maneuver [the image] to take in different view points of the room,” Henderson says.
“Photo renders of the 3D perspectives help the client understand the theme of finishes and colors. But they take time to get really accurate and do not necessarily highlight textures and grains to their best. When they are done well, these photorealistic images can really assist the client in understanding the finished product. But at the same time they often airbrush the truth and present a perfect version of reality, which is something you often see in real estate development brochures,” he says.
“Textures, colors, patterns and [wood] grains are subjective and renders, no matter how good, are no substitute for having a physical sample,” Henderson says. “Being able to view and touch samples of the materials and finishes is crucial. Putting together a mood board of finishes, colors and items is, I believe, the best way of allowing the client to appreciate the tactile elements of the renovation.”
Your turn: How do you help clients “see” the outcome of a project before it’s done? Tell us in the Comments.
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Jacque Yates, principal designer
Three Little Pigs Colour & Design
“Clients are more educated and savvy about interiors than ever, given the influx of choice in the market and images and stimulation everywhere from various platforms and TV shows. But they still often feel overwhelmed, confused and struggle to visualize how spaces will come together cohesively,” Jacque Yates says.
“It’s our role as designers to limit the choice to the best solutions, do the homework on the client’s preferred options and provide the best materials for the project to lessen the load of decision-making, hence making the process effortless for the client,” she says.
“We have a set work process that we use and constantly refer back to in order to make the process seamless and help the client” understand what happens at each stage and why,” Yates says.
“After taking a full brief from the client, we always start each project by drawing up the floor plans and elevations in AutoCAD. But often clients can’t see past the black and white of these and struggle to visualize the space, so from here we will do a 3D model, which gives them a good overall view of the space from many different angles, with the application of color and materials as close to the real samples as possible,” she says.
With the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner, pros can create detailed 2D floor plans and 3D models that include kitchen cabinetry, appliances, sinks, faucets and more.