Designers - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Flying Colours · 11-16-2005, 12:41 PM

anybody ever drop a portfolio off to designers. i have heard that designers can be a pretty good source of leads if you get in with the right one and they like using your company.
what is your opinions/ experiences.

copusbuilder · 11-16-2005, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Colours

anybody ever drop a portfolio off to designers. i have heard that designers can be a pretty good source of leads if you get in with the right one and they like using your company.
what is your opinions/ experiences.

How well can you kiss ass

IMHO

phinsher · 11-16-2005, 03:27 PM

They can be a great source of leads, but as stated by copusbuilder there is a major butt kissing factor that needs to be addressed. My advice is let them come to you, don't go to them asking for work, otherwise they have a tendency to expect way too much. Also they can be really really picky, to the point of being unrealistic. Oh yeah, get ready because now you have to please the designer and the homeowner and often times deal with all the MIS-communications between those two and you. If you think you have one that will be fair and realistic and is organized then go for it! Good Luck!

**Teetorbilt** · 11-16-2005, 07:40 PM

I have worked for designers from the onset. Do NOT confuse them with decorators! This will put you in harms way real fast.

They are picky and if you can not work to perfectionist levels, stay away. On the other hand, most of them are commanding $200-250 per hr. You will never be engaged in low-end work which means that you can charge top rates once that you prove yourself. The ones that I work for pay all of the bills and then some, anything else that I pick up is gravy.

Exroadog · 11-16-2005, 08:15 PM

What Teetorbilt said! Works for us. Very high end and good money.

George Z · 11-16-2005, 09:04 PM

Designers are great to work with.
Great source of high end work.
Make sure you are not interfered with, be professional
and add a 10% D.O.K. charge (Designer Only Knows).
What would you give to take all the colour hustles and
the colour schedule out of your hands and stick to painting?

noreast05 · 11-16-2005, 09:40 PM

I have had a tough time in this area. They think they know constuction. They want you to cut corners, ignore the bearing wall that needs to be removed without putting the proper header in place. Never have a plan. Lots of change orders, Which is why there is more money. They know all, you know nothing. Is it worth it. Money may be good, if you like to cut corners. Sacrifice your quality so they can please thier client, when in the end everything is all wrong will the client be happy. Who gets the rap for shotty work the designer who made friends with the client. Or the poor Joe that did the hard work?

noreast05 · 11-16-2005, 09:45 PM

Sorry this is what I have run into as far as designers. They charge alot but want you to do crap work. We only do high quality work with a professional manner.

mdshunk · 11-16-2005, 09:53 PM

From my perspective, designers (lighting designers) are great to work with. "Design" is a matter of personal preference and taste. I can install any design, just don't ask me to get involved in the design process. That takes me out of the loop when the blame comes marching down the pike.

Tom R · 11-16-2005, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdshunk

From my perspective, designers (lighting designers) are great to work with. "Design" is a matter of personal preference and taste. I can install any design, just don't ask me to get involved in the design process. That takes me out of the loop when the blame comes marching down the pike.

Md, - - lookin' at your avatar, - - what a difference with your hair brushed-out!!

copusbuilder · 11-16-2005, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teetorbilt

I have worked for designers from the onset. Do NOT confuse them with decorators! This will put you in harms way real fast.

They are picky and if you can not work to perfectionist levels, stay away. On the other hand, most of them are commanding $200-250 per hr. You will never be engaged in low-end work which means that you can charge top rates once that you prove yourself. The ones that I work for pay all of the bills and then some, anything else that I pick up is gravy.

Working to someone elses "perfectionist levels" is never my idea of going to work and making a living

You are merely the whipping post when the shyte hits the fan......whether it is you or not!