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"Good design
begins with honesty, asks questions, comes from collaboration
and trusting your intuition."
-
Freeman Thomas
I don’t always have the pleasure of meeting
my clients face to face. We speak to each other electronically
via email, phone and fax. Many times, however, I do get to
“meet the boat”. I am located in a state that has a long
history of boat building, and may I say with some pride, many
beautiful yachts come from here. Being so close to the builders
offers me the ability to go to the source and actually watch the
progress of the boat I am decorating. I become the eyes for my
client and an integrated team member as decisions are needed.
Each new project begins with a conversation
and follows a course:
 Initial
conversations
These revolve around the scope of the
work with which potential client wishes me to assist. I
begin to gather the information about the desired fabric,
finishes, and colors. I also will question how the space
will be used. Is it for pleasure or business or both? Who
are the people who use it? I especially focus on the manner
in which people want their home on the sea to complement
their lifestyle, as well as bring them joy when being on it.
If I am working with a boat dealer, I
ask questions about their clientele, and how they wish the
boat to reflect their business.
Time frames are always a critical piece
to be discussed at this point.
Partnering
Once this initial information has been
gathered I will send a written document that outlines what
has been discussed. All details can be checked and items
may be added or deleted at this time.
It is my job to estimate the amount of
time your project will take me to accomplish, as my work is
quoted based on an hourly rate.
If all meets with your approval, a
retainer is requested and we move forward to create your
vision.
The
Creating Process
I have several approaches which may be
taken to accomplish this stage.
Some decor packages have been seen at
shows or on my web site, and may be duplicated. I respond
by sending out swatches of fabrics for confirmation and the
pricing of the package for the custom items being made.
A personalized design would entail the
creation of color boards. Simply put, these are 15” x 20”
light weight boards to which fabrics, finishes, hand-drawn
designs and pictures are mounted. This allows the client to
better visualize all that I am proposing to create. At
times, I create two boards representing different looks and
color schemes if the client is unsure of the direction in
which they wish to head. This format has a set cost and
takes approximately 10-14 days to accomplish. The boards
may be mailed or presented in person. Once the boards are
received, final selections are made. A 50% deposit is
required before fabrics and trims are ordered. Once payment
is received, all orders are placed and shipped directly to
the manufacturer.
Manufacturing
I make every effort to meet the time
frames on which we have agreed. We move through this stage
in conjunction with that date in mind. Once all items have
been received by the warehouse, and I have personally
reviewed them, completion of manufacturing takes
approximately 2-3 weeks.
Delivery
of items
Items can be shipped and the cost to do
so is generally estimated but can not be confirmed until
just prior to their leaving Maine. If they are going onto a
boat being built in Maine, they can be delivered and travel
along with it.
Payments
As stated, payments are required
throughout the process. They can be paid either by check or
credit card (Visa or Master Card). Should the design and
project management phase be longer than one month, invoicing
will be generated at the end of each month.
Final payment, which will include the
remaining amount due for manufactured decor items, will be
invoiced and sent to client the day the product leaves the
warehouse. Payment is then required within 10 days.
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