Are You a Good Client?
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Port Melbourne Project”
Forget about finding the right designer. We’re focused on finding the right clients.
It might sound a little unexpected (and perhaps a touch bold) but after more than twenty-five years in design, one thing has become very clear: the most successful projects are never just about great ideas, impeccable finishes or clever details. They’re about the relationship between client and designer; the trust, respect and shared vision that allow the process to flow with ease.
There’s no shortage of articles out there encouraging clients to carefully consider their options when engaging a designer. And that’s fair, given that there’s a lot at stake when you sign up with a design professional. You’ll potentially be working with them for a long time, possibly years.
However, this important relationship isn’t a one-sided transaction. It is a collaboration; a shared journey where both sides contribute to the outcome. Like any healthy relationship, both parties need to bring something special to the table, or it’s not going to work.
When the fit is right, the process is smoother, the results are richer, and the experience itself becomes part of the reward.
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Port Melbourne Project”
In a way, it’s a lot like dating. There’s always that awkward first meeting where both sides are secretly working the other out, whilst desperately trying to put their best foot forward, wanting to be perceived as interesting, amenable and aligned (and not too crazy). You generally know by the end of the first date if you’re keen for a second.
Over the years, I’ve “dated” all sorts of clients. Many of them are still important parts of my life to this very day. Some relationships were less successful , but rather than making me cynical, I like to think that these experiences have taught me a lot about who makes a “good client” and who should be politely side-stepped.
Our Port Melbourne clients had a good idea of what they liked, but they gave us space and freedom to express ourselves creatively, also possessing an achievable budget and timeframe, making their brief so much more attainable.
So, what makes someone the kind of client we truly love to work with? It’s less about having the latest design vocabulary, or a carefully curated Pinterest board, and more about certain qualities and attitudes that makes for a match made in heaven.
Imagine if there was a “rule book” for dating? How much easier would that be? Well, we’ve thought long and hard about the attributes we look for in a “good client” to make the process of “dating” easier!
Whether you work with us or another design professional, we think this list of attributes is a good place to start when considering how you want to show up for the relationship with your design team.
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Port Melbourne Project”
Attribute #1: Trusting in our creative talents
It’s not easy doing what we do. Take our Port Melbourne kitchen, featured above. Not only does this design cleverly integrate high-end appliances and functionality, we’ve combined finishes, textures and details in a way that most people would question on paper. But it works beautifully.
When you choose us, you are choosing the creativity and experience that we bring to every project. The clients who enjoy the best results are those who allow us the freedom to explore ideas that move beyond the obvious; to push the boundaries in a way that feels right for you and for your space. Trusting us to interpret your needs, sometimes in ways you might not have imagined, often leads to the most memorable results.
Trusting in us also means resisting the temptation to seek opinions from others: family members, friends, or (as we’ve sometimes experienced) “Joe”, the random tradesman who happens to be on site when a particular decision is being made. Whilst our clients might have a strong relationship with one of these advisors, they most likely haven’t been privy to the detailed briefing we’ve shared, and they’re rarely educated in how to balance a budget with desires.
Attribute #2: Trusting in the process
Our nine-stage design process exists for a reason. It removes overwhelm, provides structure and ensures that decisions are made at the right time (and for the right reasons). When you place your trust in this process, you avoid the scattergun approach that can drain energy, budget and momentum. Instead, the project moves forward in a way that feels considered, deliberate and ultimately seamless.
To learn more about our process, you can visit the Services and Process page on our website, and read our Editorial Article “Behind The Process: A Closer Look At How We Work”.
Attribute #3: Valuing the investment
We see our design fees as an investment, and we hope that you do too. They represent not just our time and expertise but also the peace of mind that comes from knowing your project is being guided with care and precision. This investment helps you avoid costly mistakes, unnecessary delays and disappointing compromises. It ensures that the outcome will serve you beautifully for many years to come.
To understand why we stand by our fees, read our Editorial Article “Design Fees: Expense or Investment?”
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Port Melbourne Project”
Attribute #4: Having a realistic budget
A well-defined budget is not a limitation; it is a foundation. When we know the parameters from the start, we can make decisions that balance creativity with practicality. It allows us to source the right materials, engage the right makers and achieve the right balance of quality and value. Without a realistic budget, projects can quickly lose focus; with one, we can channel energy into making every dollar work hard for you.
Attribute #5: Having a realistic timeframe
Great design is rarely rushed. Allowing sufficient time for ideas to develop, for craftsmanship to take place, and for the inevitable (but manageable) challenges to be addressed, results in a calmer and more rewarding experience. Building in a little contingency time means that, when the unexpected happens, we can respond without compromising the integrity of the design.
Attribute #6: Being curious
We’re curious about you and are committed to finding out everything about you. We hope you’re equally curious about us: our design philosophy, our values, our process, and even our personal life.
When we start working together, we’re entering a relationship. Good relationships work both ways. We want to be enriched by the experience as much as we aim to enrich you.
Are you fascinated by design, materials and lighting? That stuff excites us, and we hope that it excites you too, otherwise, what are we doing?
MR. MITCHELL Interiors “Port Melbourne Project”
Attribute #7: Being good at letting go
If you’ve chosen us, we take that as a sign of trust. The clients who enjoy the process most are those who hand over the reins, allowing us to manage the details so they can focus on the bigger picture. We always make sure our clients are involved in key decisions, of course, but spared the thousands of small ones that can cause fatigue and second-guessing. This is where our experience really comes into play; filtering the noise so that every choice serves the vision.
Attribute #8: Being on the same page
When a project involves a couple, alignment from the outset is essential. Diverging visions can create unnecessary tension (and extend both timelines and budgets). We encourage honest conversations early, so that everyone involved feels heard and understood. This shared clarity not only makes for a smoother process but also ensures that the finished space reflects both perspectives in a harmonious way.
Attribute #9: Being respectful
More than anything else, both parties need to always treat one another as equals. Renovating or building will be one of the most stressful things you ever do in your life (apparently it ranks higher on the stress levels than dealing with death!), so there will always be moments of frustration and/or disappointment. That’s unavoidable.
How we deal with those emotions is a different story. The clients we love to work with are good communicators (like us) and they remember that we’re on the same team, working towards common goals. Not rivals who need to “win” at all costs.
So, are WE A GOOD MATCH?
We’re aware that the way we’ve framed this article may be a little tongue in cheek, but the message is simple: the best outcomes come when we start from a place of mutual curiosity, and remain respectful to one another, all the way through the project.
When these qualities are present, the process unfolds with ease. Our collaboration feels as rewarding as the outcome itself; ideas flow, challenges are met with perspective, and the final result feels instinctive, deeply personal, and enduring.
For us, design is never just about the end point. It’s about the relationships we build along the way. When we meet the right clients (those who trust, engage, and connect with us) everyone wins.
