Living part-time in Italy, you have to be careful not to let the extraordinary becomes the everyday. Waking up to breathtaking vistas of the mediterranean sea that stretch out to the horizon, even in wintertime flowering Bougainvilles and other beautiful subtropical plants. Not to speak of the cuisine that's the envy of the world, and strolling through streets that buzz with life. Italy is a feast for the senses, a place where beauty and leisure weave through the fabric of daily life.
But there's a flip side to this idyllic setting: a loveable chaos that permeates everything from public transport to daily errands. It's a place where schedules and plans seem more like suggestions, where the unexpected becomes the expected. This charming disorder, while endearing, can also be a source of frustration, especially when you're counting on a smooth journey. It keeps me on my edge, worried that I may have to take control because the person that should be in control is too distracted or unconcerned to do the task he was given. Even though his job is his expertise and not mine.
Then came my travels to Thailand, a country I anticipated would outdo Italy in unpredictability. Boarding a ferry from Phuket to Krabi, I braced for chaos. Instead, I encountered a revelation.
Embracing Simplicity, Achieving Clarity
Thailand's answer to chaos was disarmingly simple: a sticker system. A small, unassuming sticker on your shirt transformed into a beacon of organization, guiding passengers and crew through the potential disorder.
Luggage sorted with a logic that seemed to defy the complexity of the task, and passengers directed with ease, each step flowing into the next.
What seemed like it should be a lesson in confusion became a masterclass in streamlined efficiency.
Four Reasons why Processes are Your Secret Interior Design Weapon
- Expectation Management: Clear processes set boundaries and expectations, eliminating guesswork and creating a smoother experience for everyone involved. Clients will be relaxed and ask less of you, send less e-mails, don't check on your progress because they see you're in control.
- Efficiency: Like the stickers that guided me effortlessly to my destination, a well-defined interior design process will streamline your work, saving time and reducing frustration.
- Focus: With processes taking care of the logistics, you're free to concentrate on what you love, enhancing your creativity and joy.
- Client Satisfaction: Just as we stepped off the ferry, relaxed and worry-free, your interior design clients will appreciate the smooth sailing that comes with knowing they're in capable hands.
From Italy to Your Interior Design business
Drawing inspiration from these experiences, it's clear that whether in the charming chaos of Italy or the organized simplicity of Thailand, the underlying principle remains the same: well-defined processes are crucial. They're the backbone of anything you do, ensuring that even in the most unpredictable environments, there's a sense of order and reliability. Even in a creative world.
As an interior design firm, embracing processes means not just happier clients but a more focused, creative, and efficient you as well. Let your interior design studio be a place where chaos finds its master, where clients leave their worries at the door, knowing they're in the hands of professionals who've turned organization into an art form. While leaving enough creative freedom for you to create your best work ever.
If you're curious about creating smoother processes for your interior design studio, or if you’re interested in how we managed to blend creative work with living abroad, feel free to grab our Blueprint. It’s complimentary and might just give you some ideas on how to bring a bit more freedom into your work and life.
