Importance of a good brief

At Jamie Hempsall Ltd we know clients come to us because they want innovative solutions that are practical for everyday living and working. A good client brief is essential to guarantee an end result everyone is happy with. However, it can be difficult for a client to write one on their own as they often have little experience.

We find the best way to develop the brief is a collaborative process involving face to face meetings during which we guide the client with a range of questions, resulting in a document they review and amend where necessary.

We start by getting clients to find images in books and magazines that appeal to them. Not specific items, but general views or colours that they “just like”. This gives great incite into their subconscious loves.

We then establish the real use the room will have, both immediately and over the next few years; discussing the make-up of the household, who visits, who will use the room and the sort of things that will go on there. This avoids ending up with a beautiful room that the client dare not let anyone near! It also guides us through choices of finish – young families need attractive, but bomb proof fabrics, whilst more mature households can consider delicate options.

A lot of clients initially want to avoid discussing budget, but being open really helps. A firm budget avoids wasted effort on all fronts. We discuss the overall amount, but also where it should be concentrated. You can still get a great result without everything having to cost a fortune, you just have to be careful how you achieve it and not loose the integrity of the design.

A final signed brief, agreed by all, avoids nasty surprises and, in our fourteen years experience, always guarantees a successful conclusion.

Jamie Hempsall, BIDA
Jamie Hempsall Ltd
[www.jamiehempsall.com; (t) 01777 248463;(e) studio@jamiehempsall.com]

The company undertakes domestic and commercial interior design projects throughout the UK. Recent contracts have included the complete redevelopment & refurbishment of a 27-room Victorian home in Oldham, the development of a 20 room Aparthotel in Chesterfield, the design of a new bar in Wickersley and various domestic developments throughout London and the local region.

The company is proud to support Macmillan Cancer Support, the Terrence Higgins Trust and the Bluebell Wood Hospice.