Never the Decision-Maker

September 8, 2009 by Taylor Studios in General

Today I read a very insightful entry from Lisa Brochu on the NAI blog called “Contractors, Cover Your Ears.” () The blog discussed the relationships between contractors and clients — the frustrations both sides can feel and the respect both sides deserve. As someone with experience only on the contractor’s side, this touched on feelings that come up a lot during the design process.

When designing exhibits for a client, we try to get as much input from them as possible to help bring their vision to life. We rely on them to tell us why their resource is so great and to bring their passion and experience to the project. We craft interpretive themes together at the onsite kickoff. We brainstorm exhibit concepts together at the design development workshop. We continually post thumbnails on our client websites to get feedback on different ideas. Every deliverable goes through edit after edit to make sure the client feels happy and involved.

When the client makes a request which we feel may not be the best route, such as creating an exhibit which diverges from established interpretive themes, we are not shy about voicing our opinions and providing guidance. However, in the end we know that the client is in charge and they make the final decision. This is their money, their site, their exhibits that will last for many years, and their resource that they love and want to share with the public.

However, it can be frustrating never to be the decision-maker. The client may hate something that we really love. And since they hold the power, some of our favorite exhibit concepts will never be built. I often think how great it would be to be on the other side, in the client’s shoes. I dream of winning the lottery and building an elaborate exhibit in my basement. But we understand that many clients may only find the funding to go through the design process once every few decades, so of course they are very driven to make these exhibits exactly what they want, not some funky new design for our portfolio. My consolation is that I am privileged to be a part of so many creative projects every year. I get to learn about amazing desert plants one week and aircraft carriers as tall as the Seattle Space Needle the next. So though we are never the decision-makers on any one project, we get to be collaborators on many.

Posted by: Katie