The modern age is truly miraculous. I mean, you can live thousands of miles away from me and I can still design your house? What?! That’s crazy. But amazing, and a huge part of what makes modern interior design such a wonderful industry. Luxurious design can be sent across states, countries, and continents all through the high speed web that connects us all. So, if Your Design Partner (a.k.a. YDP) were to leave Cincinnati (not a hypothetical, actually happening, learn more here), how would all our neighbors still work with us? And for that matter, if you live just an hour away, how would you work with us? Great questions, I’m happy to answer. Here’s how you can work with YDP remotely.
Working Remotely
Technology, along with a pandemic, have taught us all how to work remotely. And while it’s not ideal for everything, it is a great way to utilize services and purchase products from specialists and vendors who aren’t right next door. If there’s a designer you love, you can still work with them!
Now, remote isn’t my first choice as a hands-on, collaborative creative, but I love that I’ll still be able to work with the Cincinnati community no matter where I live. So, how will this all work? Let’s consider the options.
E-Design (Also Known As Virtual Design)
E-Design, also referred to as Virtual Design, is the key to keeping in touch and still being a part of your home projects. Luckily, there are a few ways this can manifest, and I’m hoping to integrate the methods that work best for my clientele. E-Design, by its nature, falls a little more on the DIY side of the interior design services spectrum. Over the next year, I will be honing my E-Design and virtual offerings to make the experience everything it’s meant to be and more! Now, I realize many of our clients hire full-service designers because they are too busy to be hands-on. Please don’t fret as we still have great contractor connections who will be there to help you bring your design plans to life.
The Remote E-Design Options
E-Design plus hands-on, quarterly visits to the area would allow me to still handle a lot of the leg work and details, while doing the heavy lifting from afar. I would have your items either shipped directly to you or have them stored at my storage facility until it was time to schedule delivery and set up your offerings. If you prefer that I am there on install day, we can certainly arrange for travel.
A simpler version of the above is E-Design with measuring and install assistance from YDP-recommended local contractors. A little more DIY, this option would offer help for the more technical aspects of design (like measuring and logistics) with the homeowner executing the plan provided to them with the help of recommended contractors.
Our third option, is purely virtual, E-Design. The traditional way means you send me room dimensions, ideas, inspo, and more. After we chat, I take all our ideas and info and transform it into mood boards, layouts, and other forms of design options for you to choose from. Once you pick your favorite, you can get to work executing the plan. You won’t completely be on your own, but the majority of the install and execution work falls to the client, making it more DIY with interspersed help from contractors where needed.
For some in the Cincinnati area, it might come down to “It’s too complicated, let’s part friends.” Which, while unfortunate, I will totally understand. Working remotely is not for everyone, and large-scale projects, with E-Design help or not, can still be incredibly intimidating.
P.S. If we have already spoken about working together in the coming year, let’s have a conversation as there are a number of ways to make this work. Many of you already know about, or have taken advantage of, our E-Design services. Of course, this option is still available and will still provide all the details and curated design elements unique to you, your home, and your family. Each and every design concept begins with E-Design, so we can still be of service. I will also still have contractor connections here in Cincy to assist as needed. All in all, while this change is in the works, we want to continue to be a collaborative partner for you!
All in all, while this change is in the works, we want to continue to be a collaborative partner for you!
Feel free to reach out with questions by commenting below or sending me an email (ricci@yourdesignpartner.com). I have met amazing people and built great relationships with so many of you and I genuinely appreciate you all!
Your partner in design,
