How to prepare for a design consultation with a new client (+ Free Download)
If you’re new to working with clients then it can seem daunting to go in to their house and meet with them for the first time.
I always teach the designers in my online courses that the initial design consultation is your (paid!) foot in the door to more work, as well as a chance to get a great testimonial from your clients.
The more prepared you can be for this initial consultation, the better first impression you will make - which of course gives you the best chance of winning more work as well!
In this post I share how I prepare for my interior design consultations including what I take with me and some tips for staying safe when meeting clients in their homes.
I also have today’s guide available in a handy PDF reference if you would find that helpful - you can download that here.
Preparing for an interior design, decoration or styling consultation
Before every consultation with a new client there are five key things that I do to prepare.
1: Research the house/apartment/site
I always do a search for the house via Google.
I look up when the clients bought it, how much they bought it for and look at whatever images might be available. This helps me get a bit of a sense of the layout of the home and the current condition. You can also get a bit of an idea of what sort of budget/level of budget your clients might have by seeing what they've paid for their home. Make a few notes about any initial ideas you have.
2: Download and print off the floor plan
In most instances you'll be able to find a floor plan of the house or apartment via your Google searching.
If one is available I print it off as this helps me when I go there if I need to take any measurements and saves me having to draw up the entire house if I'm in a hurry during the consultation.
Note: I don’t use the consultation to do a full measure of a home (if a client goes on to do more work with me). I normally come back and do this at another time - and especially once the additional work has been confirmed with the client.
Don’t do more work than you have been paid for - it can take up to an hour or more to measure up a house accurately and you don’t want to do this unless it’s been confirmed that the client will be going ahead with a project with you.
But if you just need a few measurements here and there for quoting then the printed floor plan will be helpful for this.
3: Research (i.e. Google stalk!!) the clients
I also do a bit of a Google search of the client(s) :)
In some instances I will know the names of both clients, if they are a couple, otherwise I do a bit of researching on the client who has contacted me. It helps to know what sort of person you are going to be meeting and what they do for a living. It also helps me think through other things like what I might wear to a consultation (e.g. if I’m meeting lawyers I might dress up a little more than normal - given they are usually used to being more ‘formal’ - that sort of thing).
4: Check where you are going
I always check the location and my driving time a few days in advance of the consultation.
I make sure I know how long it will take me (at the time I will be driving - check for driving times during peak hour if this is when you'll be going there as it will inevitably be longer). I put the driving time as an entry in my diary so I know what time I need to leave. I always give myself an additional 10 minutes to make sure I'll be on time.
I’ve also had a few instances over the years where I have been running late and I haven’t had the phone number of the client easily accessible while I’m driving. So I also normally jot this down on the printed floor plan in case I need to call on the way for any reason.
5: Surprise and Delight
I often like to take something to give the clients when I first meet them.
In the early days I used to print off my supplier list (which is a product I used to sell on my website) and give that to them presented in a nice folder with a flyer and business card. I have also given other small gifts over the years, like a candle or small decorative styling item. It's a thoughtful gesture that you clients won't be expecting and will leave a good impression. You can often buy things like candles or decorative items in bulk at wholesale prices, which makes this less expensive for you.
What to take with you
I have a toolkit of supplies that I take with me to every design consultation. This is always packed up and ready to go. In this kit I have:
A print out of the floor plan (if I've been able to find that)
A dot grid note pad (to draw any floor plans or sketches)
Pencil case with pencils/pens/eraser etc.
A notebook
Business cards
Laser measurer
Spare batteries for my laser measurer
A 10m tape measure
A paint colour fan (colours)
A paint colour fan (neutrals)
As mentioned, I often take a small gift of some sort to give to the client as I arrive as well.
Staying safe in the consultation
In most instances you will be going to a strangers house for these consultations. Although it's extremely unlikely you will be in any danger, make sure you take some precautions to ensure you stay safe.
Take pre-payment for the consultation - I normally take comfort from the fact that someone is unlikely to pay to hurt me!! :) But I guess you never know!
Hold your phone as you arrive - if you feel uneasy about anything at all once the client opens the door then you can pretend to take a phone call and leave. Never, ever go inside if you feel uncertain. I have never had to leave a consultation (just to give you some comfort) but you always know this is an option if you need it.
Keep your phone with you throughout the entire consultation, even if you put your bag or belongings down somewhere else.
Always make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be finished. Ideally give them a quick call or text when you are done. If they don't hear from you they can make contact and just check you’re safe.
I have phone tracking turned on so my husband has access to where my phone is at all times. So if there are ever any concerns he knows where my phone is.
I hope these tips have helped you learn how to prepare for a design consultation with a new client.
If you want to grab this guide as a handy PDF resource then click the button below:
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Enjoy the rest of your day!
Clare x
